Widespread Flood Warnings Announced in Brittany: News Digest 

Heavy rainfall leads to flooding across Brittany, farmers continue to protest in Toulouse, and the taxe d’aménagement is set to fall for the first time in nine years. MPs in the Assemblée Nationale have voted in favour of banning social media for under-15s, open fireplaces are to be banned by the end of 2026, and President Emmanuel Macron leaves an impression at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Here are the headlines from French newspapers this week. 

Thank you to everyone who attended our French Property Exhibition in London this weekend! If you couldn’t make this one, we have another upcoming French Property Exhibition in Birmingham on 16 – 17 May 2026.

Widespread Flood Warnings Announced in Brittany

Yesterday, a large spell of heavy rain began, increasing the risk of further flooding in Breton. Finistère, Morbihan and Ille-et-Vilaine have been on high flood alert since January 22, due to the high water levels of the Laïta, Vilaine, Oust, Blavet and Aulne rivers. 

After evacuations in several riverside communes last week, today’s heavy rainfall increases the risk of renewed flooding and river overflows. Road conditions remain severely disrupted across Brittany, especially in Finistère and Morbihan, where many roads are closed or partially submerged. Follow all diversion routes to avoid flooded roads.

Farmers Continue to Protest in Toulouse

Today, farmers organised a major demonstration called by the union Coordination Rurale to revitalise momentum in nationwide agricultural protests. The protesters gathered at the Allées Jean-Jaurès before marching toward the prefecture. The action is part of broader anger over issues such as agricultural policy, disease control and trade agreements, and aims to show that frustration in the sector remains high despite recent talks with authorities.

Taxe d’Aménagement to Fall for the First Time in Nine Years

The French tax applied to extensions, sheds, garages, verandas, and other roofed structures over 5m² or 1.8m in height is expected to decrease for the first time in nearly a decade. The one-off tax is payable within 90 days of the structure’s completion, via the Biens immobiliers section of the Espaces Finances publiques tax website.

The fee must normally be paid in one lump sum, but payments can be split when the total is over €1,500. In 2026, rates will be €1,011/m² in Île-de-France and €892/m² in the rest of France, with possible local surcharges. Special constructions, including pools and chalets, are taxed at fixed rates.

Read more about the Taxe d’Aménagement here

MPs Vote in Favour of Bill to Ban Social Media for under-15s

The National Assembly has backed a bill that would prevent teenagers under the age of 15 from accessing social media apps such as Snapchat, Instagram and TikTok. The proposed law, which is supported by President Emmanuel Macron, will go to the Senate for approval. On social media, Macron urged the government to speed up the next steps so the ban can come into effect before the new school year begins on 1 September.

Open Fireplaces to Be Banned by the End of 2026

France is set to ban the use of open fireplaces in homes in approximately 690 communes by the end of 2026 as part of efforts to reduce air pollution and protect public health, with some older wood-burning stoves also affected in certain areas. These bans will vary by location, but many departments and urban areas, including parts of Haute-Savoie, Lyon, Grenoble, Saint-Étienne, Strasbourg and Lille have already imposed or plan to introduce restrictions on open wood fires, which are seen as major contributors to air pollution and climate change. 

Paris and Île-de-France still allow fireplaces for supplemental heating, but using them as a main heat source is restricted. Failing to follow the new rules may result in fines of €450 or more, with penalties reaching €1,500 in certain areas of France. Residents are advised to check with their local mairie (council) to see when the ban will be introduced in their commune. 

Read more about the Role of Mairies in France here.

Emmanuel Macron’s Shaded Speech in Davos

France’s president, Emmanuel Macron, has gone viral online for attending the recent World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, wearing vintage aviator sunglasses. Briefly citing an ongoing medical issue, Macron went on to deliver a forceful speech warning that the world is moving toward “a world without rules.”

He also emphasised that “we prefer respect to bullies” and “rule of law to brutality,” openly rejecting coercive tactics from Donald Trump, such as the heightened tariff threats tied to Europe’s refusal to cede Greenland. Macron has been praised for his speech calling for a more sovereign and cooperative Europe in the face of threats from America, without needing to directly name the president.