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Bee Swarm of 10,000 Settles on Bicycle Near Louvre

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A massive swarm of around 10,000 bees gathered under the seat of a parked bicycle near the Louvre Museum in Paris, surprising passersby and transport officials. The unusual घटना occurred outside the Palais Royal–Musée du Louvre metro entrance shortly after the bike had been locked.

Authorities temporarily closed the metro entrance to ensure public safety while a local beekeeper was called to handle the situation. Urban beekeeper Volkan Tanaci explained that the dense cluster likely formed around a queen bee, which naturally attracts thousands of others to gather tightly in one spot.

The bicycle’s owner shared images of the incident on Instagram, noting that the swarm appeared within just 30 minutes of parking. The bees were later safely removed without harm, turning an everyday scene into a rare and fascinating urban wildlife moment.

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Paris Hosts First Modest Fashion Week Celebrating Inclusive Style

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Paris hosted its first-ever Modest Fashion Week, bringing together nearly 30 designers showcasing clothing that blends style with modesty, including long, flowing dresses and headscarves. Held at Hôtel Le Marois near the Champs-Élysées, the event highlighted floral patterns, soft tones, and nature-inspired designs from global creators, reflecting a growing demand for modest fashion.

Designers from across the world presented diverse interpretations of modest wear. From romantic floral gowns by Turkish label Miha to warm-toned collections by Australian brand Asiyam, the runway featured a mix of elegance and cultural identity. Meanwhile, French brands like Soutoura and Nour Turbans leaned into bold, boxy streetwear influenced by Gen Z trends, even pairing berets with headscarves for a distinctive Parisian touch.

The event carried added significance in France, where religious attire such as hijabs has often been at the center of public debate and restrictions. Attendees and designers described the show as a sign of increasing inclusivity, with many expressing hope that modest fashion is gaining broader acceptance. As the global modest fashion market continues to expand rapidly, the Paris showcase underscored its growing cultural and commercial influence.

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WW2 Bomb Detonated After Paris Evacuations

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Thousands of residents were evacuated from a northern suburb of Paris after a World War Two-era bomb was discovered and safely detonated by authorities. The device, found in Colombes during construction work earlier this month, prompted officials to enforce a large evacuation zone, requiring residents within a 450-metre radius to leave their homes early Sunday.

Bomb disposal teams initially attempted to remove the detonator but were unsuccessful, leading to a controlled explosion carried out on-site. Authorities deployed hundreds of police officers to secure the area, while additional safety measures restricted movement in surrounding zones. Residents were directed to temporary reception centres and advised to take precautions before leaving their homes.

The operation was completed successfully by Sunday afternoon, and evacuation orders were lifted shortly after. Officials noted that unexploded World War Two munitions are still regularly discovered across Europe, particularly during construction projects, posing risks in densely populated urban areas.

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French Court Allows Muslim Gathering to Proceed

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A major Muslim gathering in northern Paris will take place as scheduled after a French administrative court overturned a government order to ban it. Authorities had argued that the four-day Annual Encounter of Muslims of France posed a potential security risk, citing concerns that the event could become a target for terrorist attacks. However, organisers from the Muslims of France (MF) association challenged the decision, calling it a violation of fundamental freedoms, and secured a last-minute ruling in their favour just hours before the event’s planned opening.

In its decision, the court stated that the police had not provided sufficient evidence to justify the ban. Judges found no clear indication of threats such as counter-demonstrations or attacks by far-right groups, and they dismissed concerns about excessive strain on security forces. The organisers had already committed to implementing additional safety measures, further weakening the government’s argument. The event, which combines cultural, religious, and commercial activities, has historically attracted large crowds from across Europe but had not been held since 2019.

The controversy comes amid a broader political climate in France marked by heightened tensions and proposed new “anti-separatism” legislation targeting extremist ideologies. Officials argue that such measures are necessary to maintain public order and prevent radicalisation, while critics view them as restrictive and potentially discriminatory. The organisers’ legal team maintained that the attempted ban was unjustified and politically motivated, whereas government representatives insisted it was solely intended to ensure public safety.

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Banks Shift to Remote Work After Foiled Paris Bomb Plot

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Major financial firms, including Goldman Sachs and Citigroup, asked employees in Paris to work remotely after a bomb attack targeting Bank of America’s office was thwarted last weekend. The precautionary move also extended to some Citigroup staff in Frankfurt, reflecting heightened security concerns following the incident.

French authorities have detained four suspects, including three teenagers, in connection with the plot. Investigators said the group allegedly attempted to assemble and deploy a powerful explosive device capable of causing significant damage. While the suspects denied terrorist intent, they are under formal investigation for links to a potential extremist network.

Officials are probing possible connections between the attack and a pro-Iranian group, though no definitive link has been confirmed. The incident has raised concerns about security risks to major financial institutions in Europe, prompting firms to take temporary safety measures while investigations continue.

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Paris Mayoral Race Puts Green Transformation to the Test

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The upcoming mayoral election in Paris is shaping up as a key test of public support for the city’s ambitious green transformation. Over the past decade, outgoing mayor Anne Hidalgo has pushed major changes, including around 1,000 km of cycle lanes, more trees and pedestrian-friendly streets. Supporters say the redesign has encouraged cycling and reduced pollution, while critics argue the changes have disrupted traffic and strained city finances.

Opinion polls suggest the race is mainly between Socialist candidate Emmanuel Grégoire, who supports continuing the environmental agenda, and conservative rival Rachida Dati, who says the city’s traditional character has been harmed by rapid changes. Meanwhile, far-right candidate Sarah Knafo is gaining ground in the polls and could complicate the race if she reaches the second round later this month.

While the green policies have led to more bike use, reduced car traffic and improved air quality, they have also drawn criticism over issues such as rising municipal debt and cleanliness in the city. As voters head to the polls, the election will determine whether Parisians want to continue the push toward a greener, car-free urban model or shift toward a more balanced approach to transportation and city management.

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Americans Flock to France in 2025 Despite Trump-EU Tensions

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Despite strained relations between U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration and the French government, American tourism to France surged in 2025. According to the French tourism ministry, visits from the United States rose 17% compared to the previous year, with more than 5 million Americans travelling to the country. The increase came even as the U.S. dollar weakened by over 10% against the euro, reversing years of favorable exchange rates for American travellers.

France welcomed a record 102 million foreign tourists in 2025, up from 100 million in 2024 when Paris hosted the Olympics. Tourism Minister Serge Papin said visitor spending also climbed 9% to 77.5 billion euros ($91.34 billion), driven by higher demand for premium hotels and experiences. He described France as a destination that continues to inspire global travellers despite geopolitical tensions.

The rise in U.S. visitors suggests many Americans remained undeterred by political friction, including trade disputes with the European Union, disagreements over digital regulation, and tensions surrounding global security issues. However, the European Travel Commission forecasts a potential dip in U.S. travel to Europe in 2026, while expecting growth from Chinese and Indian tourists to offset any slowdown. Early 2026 flight booking data from markets such as Mexico and China has been encouraging, though comparable U.S. data has not yet been released.

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Identical Twin Brothers’ Shared DNA Complicates French Murder Trial

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A murder trial in France has been complicated by the involvement of identical twin brothers whose shared DNA has made it impossible for forensic experts to determine which one pulled the trigger. The 33-year-old twins are among five defendants standing trial near Paris over a double murder and several attempted killings that took place in 2020, according to French media reports.

While investigators believe both brothers conspired to carry out the murders, DNA found on an assault rifle used in a later gunfight could only be linked to one of them — without being able to say which. A police officer told the court in Bobigny that forensic science could not conclusively distinguish between the twins, with one investigator remarking that “only their mother can tell them apart.”

Authorities suspect the brothers exploited their identical appearance by swapping clothes, phones and identification documents to evade detection. With DNA evidence unable to separate them, investigators relied on phone data, surveillance footage and wiretaps to track their movements. Despite these efforts, the key question of who fired the weapon remains unresolved as the trial continues, with a verdict expected in late February.

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Louvre Says Empress Eugénie’s Crown Can Be Restored After Heist Damage

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The Louvre Museum has said the crown of French Empress Eugénie was left badly crushed but largely intact after it was dropped by thieves during a high-profile jewellery raid last October. Although raiders stole jewels worth an estimated €88 million, they abandoned the diamond-studded crown on their escape route. The museum has now released the first images of the damaged crown, confirming it can be fully restored.

According to the Louvre, the 19th-century gold crown was deformed when thieves attempted to pull it through a narrow hole cut into its glass display case. While one of the eight golden eagles adorning the crown is missing, it still holds all 56 emeralds and all but 10 of its 1,354 diamonds. Museum officials said restoration can be carried out without reconstructing the piece, under the supervision of an expert committee led by Louvre president Laurence des Cars.

The raid took place on 19 October, when thieves used a stolen vehicle-mounted lift to access the Galerie d’Apollon from a balcony near the River Seine. After cutting through a window and threatening guards, the gang broke into two jewellery cases and escaped within four minutes on scooters. Four suspects have been arrested, though authorities say the mastermind remains at large and several other stolen royal jewels have yet to be recovered.

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Marine Le Pen’s Appeal on EU Funds Misuse Begins in Paris

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French far-right leader Marine Le Pen has begun a critical appeal in Paris that could determine her eligibility to run in the 2027 presidential election. She was banned from holding public office in March after being convicted, along with eight former National Rally (RN) lawmakers, of misappropriating over €4 million in European Union funds. The case stems from payments made to staff working for the party instead of the European Parliament between 2004 and 2016.

Le Pen maintains that her actions were legitimate and hopes to convince the new panel of judges of her innocence. She also appealed her initial sentence of four years’ imprisonment, with two years suspended and two under home detention, and a €100,000 fine. The appeal hearing, which also involves the RN and ten other co-defendants, is scheduled to conclude on February 12, with a ruling expected before summer.

If the five-year ban is upheld, Le Pen would be barred from contesting the 2027 election. In such a scenario, her protégé, 30-year-old RN party president Jordan Bardella, is expected to lead the party’s presidential bid. The European Parliament is seeking more than €3 million in damages, while the RN must also pay a €2 million fine, half of which has been suspended.

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