In June 2023, France banned direct domestic flights when train travel is 2 ½ hours or shorter. This policy targets reduced greenhouse gas emissions and encourages train travel as a sustainable alternative. Other nations are also exploring similar measures, highlighting a trend towards environmentally friendly transportation options. The effects on short-haul travel are significant. Passengers … Read more
Your visa application is now at the Embassy/Consulate of France. You can track its status with your visa application reference number. You will receive an email notification when your passport is ready for collection. Remember, you need an appointment to visit the French Consulate. If your application is not showing as received, consider the possibility … Read more
Tadej Pogacar won both the Giro d’Italia and Tour de France in 2023. He is the first rider since 1998 to achieve this double. On July 21, Pogacar claimed his third Tour title and won the final stage, bringing his total stage successes in this Tour edition to six. The first cyclist to win the … Read more
You can check your visa status on France-Visas. French Consulates in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, and Washington process the applications. VFS Global handles the return of your passport. You will receive email notifications about your application’s progress. For more details, visit France-Visas.gouv.fr. Consulates typically process applications within a set timeframe. However, processing times can vary based … Read more
Four cyclists have died in the Tour de France: Adolphe Hélière (1910, drowned), Francisco Cepeda (1935, crash), Tom Simpson (1967, heart failure), and Fabio Casartelli (1995, crash). These tragic events highlight the dangers of elite cycling and the risks riders face during the competition. Rider safety remains a crucial concern in the Tour de France. … Read more
Greg LeMond is the only American to win the Tour de France, with victories in 1986, 1989, and 1990. Lance Armstrong also won seven titles from 1999 to 2005, but these were taken away due to doping allegations involving performance-enhancing drugs. LeMond is still recognized as the sole American champion of this prestigious race. Another … Read more
Women first participated in the Tour de France in 1984 with the introduction of the women’s race. A one-off event took place in 1955. The women’s race included 18 stages totaling 670 miles. American cyclist Marianne Martin won this inaugural women’s Tour de France. Women faced challenges such as lack of financial support, limited media … Read more
Air France has suspended flights to Haiti due to ongoing strife in the country. This decision prioritizes passenger safety. Other airlines, such as American Airlines and JetBlue, have also paused their services. Travelers must check travel updates and consider US government charter flights for alternative options. Port-au-Prince, already grappling with economic instability, now faces additional … Read more
When visiting France, remember these etiquette tips: Do greet people with “bonjour.” Don’t eat while walking. Do speak softly. Don’t forget to ask for the check. Do prioritize others during meals. Don’t dress too casually. Do explore areas beyond tourist spots. Don’t expect shops to open on Sundays. On the other hand, don’t arrive late … Read more
Egan Bernal, a Colombian cyclist, won the Tour de France in 2019. He is the first Latin American winner of this prestigious race. At 22 years old, he is also the youngest winner since 1909. Bernal rode for the UCI WorldTeam Ineos Grenadiers during this historic achievement. In 2019, Bernal competed in the Tour de … Read more