-
Stena Line to end popular France-Ireland ferry crossing
Rival operators will continue to serve Cherbourg port as passenger numbers on route increase
-
Red heatwave alerts continue as storms sweep across France
South-west and Brittany are the only areas likely to avoid storms this evening after several temperature records were broken in the south yesterday
-
Air traffic controllers’ strike: Paris and south of France airports to face major disruption
Half of flights in Nice and Corsica, and a quarter in Paris are cancelled on July 3. Disruption is also expected on July 4 just before the French school holidays begin
Tour on avoiding DIY accidents launches in France
The first national “tour” on how to avoid DIY accidents at home is launching today (Friday October 5) across France.

During October, the tour will offer in eight French cities and towns: Paris, Buchelay, Achères, Montigny-lès-Cormeilles (Île-de-France); Bron, Belleville (Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes); Bondues, and Englos (Nord-Pas-de-Calais).
The sessions will include lessons on how to take on DIY ("do it yourself") projects safely, avoid accidents, and protect your home.
They will take place at local DIY and home decor stores, including Leroy Merlin, Mr Bricolage, and Castorama.
A full list of the workshops, dates, and locations, can be found on . Although the sessions are free, reservation is advised.
The project is being spearheaded by Marie Davideau, the founder of renovation training school l’Ecole des Métiers de l’Habitat and DIY class company Lilibricole.
Every year, 300,000 people in France end up in hospital after a DIY accident.
Advice from Ms Davideau on and injuries - both to yourself and to your home - include:
- Wear hard-wearing clothes with close-fitting long sleeves and trousers, without loops or straps that could get caught
- Wear strong boots or protective shoes
- Tie long hair back
- Wear protective gloves and eye masks
- Take off jewellery including watches, rings, bracelets and necklaces
- Unplug tools when not using them
- Prepare your workspace, including laying sheets or tarpaulins on the floor
- Keep children and pets away from the work
- Use tools adapted to the task, e.g. paint rollers with extendable handles for tall spaces
- Ensure that all ladders have the safety catch properly fixed
- Ensure that your first-aid kit is stocked, including with bandages, disinfectant and eye drops
Stay informed:
Sign up to our free weekly e-newsletter
Subscribe to access all our online articles and receive our printed monthly newspaper The Connexion at your home. News analysis, features and practical help for English-speakers in France