Bayeux Tapestry, Senate Elections and Border Checks: News Digest

There is plenty to catch up on from across France this week, so if you’ve been keeping an eye on the latest news, here are some of the stories worth knowing about. France is preparing for its Senate elections later this month, while Marine Le Pen steps up her campaign ahead of the next presidential race. The government is also facing a difficult budget battle as it looks for savings, with workers across the country taking to the streets over pay, working conditions and rising costs. Meanwhile, France is making another attempt to restrict social media use by children under 15, and new rules have clarified how minors can get their own Carte Vitale.

For those of you travelling between France and the UK, the rollout of new biometric border checks continues to be a moving target, with further delays to the full implementation of the system. There is better news for history lovers, the Bayeux Tapestry has crossed the Channel for its first UK exhibition in almost 1,000 years. We also have news for anyone dreaming of owning a home in France, with free tickets now available for the French Property Exhibition in London, while Céline Dion has returned to Paris for a new run of performances.

France and EU countries delay full rollout of biometric border checks

France is among nine European countries that have been given more time to implement the EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES), which will eventually require non EU travellers, including British visitors, to register fingerprints and facial images when entering the Schengen Area. The system was designed to replace passport stamping and improve the tracking of short stay visitors, but technical problems and concerns over queues at busy border crossings have delayed the full rollout. The latest decision means the system will continue to be introduced gradually rather than being fully enforced across France immediately. For British travellers using Eurostar, ferries, the Channel Tunnel or French airports, this means the exact border procedure may continue to vary depending on where they travel.

Workers across France stage protests over pay and rising costs

France is seeing a broad wave of strikes and protests on 15 September 2026, with workers across sectors demanding higher pay, better working conditions and more resources. Energy workers are among those mobilising, alongside police, healthcare, higher-education staff and other public-sector groups. The energy strike has already affected electricity production, with around 6.5 GW of capacity taken offline overnight, including output from seven nuclear reactors. The protests come amid wider political tensions over France’s budget and public spending.

France makes new attempt to ban social media for children under 15

France is making another attempt to restrict social media use by children under 15 after the Constitutional Council rejected the government’s previous proposal in August. President Emmanuel Macron has continued to push for stronger protections for children online and has also called for action at European level. The revised French proposal comes amid growing concerns about children’s exposure to harmful content, excessive screen time and the effects of social media on young people’s wellbeing. The government will now have to navigate the legal objections that led to the first proposal being rejected.

Children in France can now get their own Carte Vitale

New rules have clarified how minors can obtain their own Carte Vitale, making it easier for children to access healthcare in France. Parents can request a Carte Vitale for children from the age of 12, while those aged 16 and over can obtain one with parental consent. The card is linked to the child’s healthcare rights and can simplify reimbursements when they receive medical treatment. The change is particularly useful for families living in France, including those with children who may need to attend appointments or access healthcare independently.

France’s budget battle intensifies as government looks for savings

France’s government is facing a difficult battle over its 2027 budget as it tries to bring down the country’s deficit while avoiding measures that could further anger voters and opposition parties. The government’s finances have come under increasing pressure, with France’s growth forecast for 2026 recently cut and borrowing costs rising. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu’s government is preparing its budget proposals ahead of their presentation to parliament, with difficult decisions expected over public spending, taxation and social benefits. The debate is likely to become increasingly important as France approaches the 2027 presidential election, with purchasing power and the cost of living already major concerns for voters.

French Senate elections: Do you need to vote on September 27?

France will hold its Senate elections on 27 September, with 178 seats across 64 constituencies up for election. That is around half of the seats in the Senate. If you are a French citizen, however, you will not need to head to the polling station unless you are one of the country’s “grand électeurs”, or members of the electoral college. Unlike presidential and National Assembly elections, senators are chosen indirectly. Most of those voting are local elected representatives and delegates from municipal councils.

The election covers roughly half of France’s mainland departments, as well as several overseas territories. Six of the 12 senators representing French citizens living abroad will also be elected. So, for most French residents, there is nothing you need to do on 27 September. The results will nevertheless be worth watching, as the Senate plays an important role in France’s law making process and the election comes as the country heads towards its next major political contests.

Marine Le Pen puts housing at the centre of her presidential campaign

Marine Le Pen has begun setting out her plans for France’s next presidential election, putting housing at the heart of a campaign launch in northern France. The Rassemblement National leader is using the issue to promote her “national priority” policy, which would give French citizens preference in areas including access to housing. She is also returning to familiar RN positions on immigration, crime and environmental policy. Housing is likely to be an important issue in the years ahead, with high property prices in many parts of France and growing concerns about rents and access to affordable homes.

For British people living in France, the wider debate will be worth following too. Questions around immigration, nationality and access to public services are likely to feature heavily as the presidential campaign develops. The election itself is still some way off, 18 April 2027 to be exact, but France’s political parties are already positioning themselves and the issues emerging now could shape the campaign to come.

Bayeux Tapestry is back in the UK for the first time, and on display in almost 1,000 years

One of France’s most famous treasures has crossed the Channel. The Bayeux Tapestry is now on display in the UK for the first time in almost 1,000 years, giving British visitors a rare chance to see the remarkable medieval artwork without travelling to Normandy. The nearly 70 metre long tapestry tells the story of the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, from the events leading up to the invasion to William the Conqueror’s victory over Harold at the Battle of Hastings.

It was created in the years following the conquest and has been kept in Normandy for centuries, making its visit to the UK a particularly significant moment for both French and British history. For FrenchEntrée readers, it is also a lovely reminder of the shared history between Britain and France, and the enduring links between Normandy and England. If you are planning a trip to see it, expect plenty of interest: visitors have already been queuing to get a glimpse of one of the world’s best known pieces of medieval art.

Free tickets now available for the French Property Exhibition

Planning to buy a property in France? Free tickets are now available for our next French Property Exhibition, taking place on 23–24 January 2027 in the Champagne Suite at Novotel London West. Meet French property experts, discover thousands of properties and get advice on everything from buying and finance to tax and moving to France. If you’re serious about buying in France, this is a must-attend event.

Céline Dion returns to the stage with Paris residency

Céline Dion has begun her long awaited Paris residency, performing her first show at the Plenitude Arena on 12 September. The residency marks a major return to live performance for the Canadian singer following her extended absence from the stage. She is scheduled to perform a series of concerts in Paris during September and October, before returning for further shows in May 2027, bringing the residency to 26 performances. The concerts are particularly significant for French audiences following Dion’s emotional performance of Hymne à l’amour at the Eiffel Tower during the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Lead photo credit : A detail of the Bayeux Tapestry