General – World Radio Paris

Why Is the French Government Considering A Ban of Social Media for Minors?

5 February 2026 by Tarek Diouri--Adequin

culture, france, paris, social media, technology

Back in December 2025, French president Emmanuel Macron had announced his intention to pass a bill which would restrict the use of social media among young people, an idea that was one of the main points of his party’s program ahead of the June 2024 legislative elections. This year, a bill to do just that was approved by the Assemblée Nationale on January 26 and is expected to be put into effect in September.

The bill stipulates that “access to an online social networking service provided by an online platform is prohibited for minors under the age of 15“, excluding educational resources such as encyclopedias. For the prohibition to work, an age verification system will have to be added to the prohibited websites – the system is currently undergoing a test phase through the France Identité platform.

Obviously, the feasibility of the ban and the effects it would entail are still to be seen, but one might wonder : what are the reasons pushing the French government to ban social media for minors? The world has been using social networking platforms for well over 20 years, so what pushed us to act now?

Would putting a cap on usage make a difference

With everyone having access to a phone and Internet in today’s society, a lot of children already use platforms like TikTok or Snapchat on a regular basis.

A study shared by the Arcom, the French Regulatory Authority for Audiovisual and Digital Communication, estimated that 44% of minors joined social media before being 13 years old. Early last year, the European Statistical Office had also estimated that in France, more than 90% of 16-to-24-year-olds rely on online messaging systems to communicate as well. Social media is, like it or not, inherently part of today’s society.

This overwhelming use comes with its own set of problems. A few weeks ago, a report established by Parliament member Arthur Delaporte and former French people living outside France MP Stéphane Vojetta analyzed some of the negative influence social media can have on its users, both adults and minors.

The report notably pointed out issues related to the so-called influencers and called out invasive practices pushing users to spend large amounts of money for entertainment’s sake, as well as the perverse effect of push notifications on smartphones, some of which are suggestive enough to make people use applications for excessive durations.

Preventing more digital harm

Segments of the report are also dedicated to concrete cases of abuse and crimes tied to social media, including procuring on platforms like OnlyFans, or the live-streamed death of Kick streamer “Jean Pormanove” – real-name Raphaël Graven – for which two other streamers who would abuse him will be tried by a correctional tribunal in July.

While the report focuses on manageable issues, it is worth keeping the future uses of social media in mind as well. Recently, the Center for Countering Digital Hate estimated that the AI tool Grok, available on social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter) had generated more than 3 million photorealistic sexualized images since the implementation of its image generation system in August 2025.

According to data from the CCDH, approximately 23,000 of those images depicted children. The French offices of X were raided on February 3 as part of a probe into sexual deepfakes – as well as alleged political interference, another topic of discussion altogether, but one that also attests to the influence of social media.

The end of last year also saw the rise of the video artificial intelligence app Sora AI, which could essentially push deep fake practices further, or worsen the distribution of disinformation throughout online channels.

In that sense a social media ban could work to limit widespread use of those platforms, which can be useful and informative at times, but do cause harm now, harm that should not be able to reach minors.

But how can it truly be done? And what would be its real effects? To try and answer those questions, Tarek Diouri–Adequin interviewed Jennifer Branch-Allen, president of the Australian Parents Council, to gauge the new normal of Australia, which implemented its own version of the social media ban at the end of 2025.

Want to hear the interview? Check out the latest episode of the High-Tech Intermission on its dedicated page or listen to it on platforms like Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

Scrum on down: Where to enjoy the Rugby Six Nations in Paris

31 January 2026 by Paul McNally

General

An Englishman, a Frenchman, a Scot, a Welshman, an Irishman and an Italian walk into a bar.

It’s not the start of a cheesy joke – it’s the 2026 Rugby Six Nations, which kicks off with Ireland v France at the Stade de France here in Paris this Thursday evening (5 February).

It’s one of two chances to see live rugby action in Paris during this year’s tournament. The other Stade de France match is the closing game, France v England on Super Saturday, 14 March.

France are the Six Nations holders, led by inspirational captain Antoine Dupont, and Les Bleus are, for many, clear favourites to defend their title and get their 2027 World Cup campaign off to a flying start with 18 months to go.

Last-minute tickets for the Stade de France fixtures are on sale on the official France Rugby Ticketing website.

Better still… for a great Six Nations experience, our friends at Frog Pubs will be screening every game, in each of their eight Paris pubs, live on big screens – but be sure to turn up early to get a table with the best views, as it’ll get busy!

To enjoy the thrill of the Rugby Six Nations at Frog Pubs – with great beers, great food and great times – find your nearest at https://www.frogpubs.com/

All the fixtures in full (all kick-off times are Paris time)

Thursday 5 February 9.10pm – France v Ireland

Saturday 7 February 3.10pm – Italy v Scotland
Saturday 7 February 5.40pm – England v Wales

Saturday 14 February 3.10pm – Ireland v Italy
Saturday 14 February 5.40pm – Scotland v England

Sunday 15 February 4.10pm – Wales v France

Saturday 21 February 3.10pm – England v Ireland
Saturday 21 February 5.40pm – Wales v Scotland

Sunday 22 February 4.10pm – France v Italy

Saturday 6 March 9.10pm – Ireland v Wales

Sunday 7 March 3.10pm – Scotland v France
Sunday 7 March 5.40pm – Italy v England

Saturday 14 March 3.10pm – Ireland v Scotland
Saturday 14 March 5.40pm – Wales v Italy
Saturday 14 March 9.10pm – France v England

American rapper MAVI hosts free show in Paris

27 January 2026 by Parker Songco

General

concerts, culture, mavi, paris

In honor of Paris Fashion Week and the release of his new mixtape, The Pilot, North Carolina rapper MAVI gave his Parisian fans a free show at FGO-Barbara on Jan. 23.

MAVI released The Pilot on Nov. 25, 2025, while on tour with rapper-producer duo Freddie Gibbs and The Alchemist. This performance in Paris marked his first time playing songs from his new mixtape in front of a live audience.

Before his performance, he joined host Parker Songco for an episode of World Radio Paris Presents to discuss everything from his inspiration for creating The Pilot to his anticipation of playing these songs live in front of his fans for the first time.

“I always feel like performing is the last step of producing a song. You get to see how a song really exists in a space, and then in the mind of the listener. So I’m excited to see how people perceive it,” MAVI told WRP.

The people perceived it perfectly. MAVI had FGO-Barbara jumping and waving their hands the whole night, creating the type of environment he said he wanted going into it:

“Especially for my European fans — I’m not out here so often — I wanted a more intimate, relaxed environment. My international tour dates are often closely packed and stressful. I be really tired. So for me to be relaxed and having fun, willing to give more time, and able to give more energy — that’s the goal.”

And that’s exactly what it felt like: relaxed and personal. It didn’t feel like MAVI was just running through songs for the sake of it. He was genuinely enjoying the fact that he got to hear these records breathe in a room for the first time.

One of the best moments of the night came during his performance of “Landgrab,” when he brought a fan on stage to rap Earl Sweatshirt’s verse. FGO-Barbara went crazy.

He even performed a brand new song from his upcoming full-length album, First In Flight, making the night feel like more than a mixtape celebration, but a preview of what’s next.

Listen to the entire World Radio Paris Presents episode on our website, or via Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

The Informed Wardrobe: The horrors of SHEIN.

23 December 2025 by Polly Watton

General

fashion, Fast-fashion, Guerrisol, paris, second-hand, Shein

Hi everyone, and welcome to the informed wardrobe, your weekly show providing updates on the crimes of fast-fashion, and giving alternatives so that you can make better fashion choices, and make your wardrobe more informed.

This show is here to inform people about the dangers of fast fashion, and to bust some myths about slow fashion. Purchasing Slow fashion is most of the time cheaper and better quality, and just needs a bit of extra time and effort to find just as nice, if not better, and always more unique clothing pieces. That is why, every week, I will be providing slow fashion recommendations, whether it be a thrift shop, an online store, a second hand market or organisations and events which promote slow fashion.

In the first episode, find out more about the dark controversies surrounding fast-fashion brand SHEIN.

The slow-fashion recomendation of the week is Guerrisol. Here are some adresses of the cheapest and biggest Guerrisol’s in Paris:

In the 18th arrondisment. Address: 21 Blvd Marguerite de Rochechouart, 75009 Paris, France

In the 5th arrondisment: Address: 8 Bd de Sébastopol, 75004 Paris, France

In the 13th arrondisment: Address: 5 Av. d’Italie, 75013 Paris, France

Our Favorite Things to Do in Paris for the Holidays!

21 December 2025 by Polly Watton

General

Christmas, france, Holidays, Markets, paris, Santa, theatre

Paris in the winter is dark, cold, and can be isolating. However, especially around Christmas, the magic can still be found. Joy can be found with family, at Christmas markets, light displays, and community events. In the most recent episode of Parentalité, a show dedicated to people raising children in France, Joelle Benoliol, Rachelle Chapman and producer ARBL Murray discuss the little ways that you can find this magic and joy. With recommendations for events and places, as well as a magical gift guide, this episode tells you everything you need to know about finding parisian christmas magic with your little ones – or alone!

Christmas markets and villages

The most obvious activity that kids and adults can enjoy simultaneously is the Christmas markets and villages, and Paris has a plentiful amount. Whether you want to marvel at the lights and decorations, buy some Christmas presents, or get jolly on mulled wine, these markets are enjoyable for everyone.

Vivani park (next to Notre dame) – More discrete charm, gifts, dried fruit, and food.
Tuileries- Have ice skating, a ferris wheel, and tons of special French foods like Raclette
Hotel de Ville-Oysters and gift stalls
Our Favorite La Vilette (the newest village), running until December 28th features wooden chalet stalls, concerts, and creative workshops for children, ice skating and a Raclette restaurant.
Christmas Tea from Mariage Freres – This isn’t a Christmas village or even a Christmas store but it’s an old fashioned tea house with an incredible service that makes parents and kids feel special.

Ice skating!

Galleries Lafayette: You can skate in the sky at Galleries Lafayette, with an ice rink on the rooftop of this grand building, although the ice is not real.
Grand Palais has a beautiful rink made of real ice, adorned with beautiful light displays and art. It is 25 euros per person, but it is well worth it!
Vincennes also has a rink made of real ice, to skate around next to the beautiful forest for an authentic Christmassy feel.

Ateliers for kids and teens

If your children are a little more mature, or maybe just cultured in art and literature, there are plenty of art exhibitions, ateliers and activities to keep them happy.

MAIF Social Club is a cultural space in Le Marais, with exhibitions and amazing ateliers for kids. For example, Monsters et Creatures abyssales, running until the 11 July next year, allows you to create a deep-sea creature, inspired by the horse shoe crab which you can watch move on its own due to its structure.
The hunting and nature museum is recommended for kids who like animals and nature. Built in the 1960s, housed in a beautiful renaissance building, this museum explores artists’ relationship to nature.
Musee Rodin is also a great place to take kids, with not only the majestic statues in the garden but interesting ateliers for children.
Lafayette anticipations has art and music workshops for kids every weekend. Le petit cordon blue, the famous cooking school gives special French baking workshops for kids of all ages.
Red Balloon bookstore has story time for young children and a “Banned Book Club” for slightly older kids
Fragonard perfume has perfume making workshops for kids as long as their is a parent present.

Theater

Theatre Essaion have some great shows specifically for young audiences, and there are some fantastic christmas shows on until mid january: Under The Christmas Tree, inspired by the nutcracker, The Christmas Train, Santa’s Sleigh, Charlotte and the Santa Claus Suit and Merry Christmas, Rotten Dog!
The Theatre des Marionettes Du Luxembourg also put on traditional Parisian puppet shows, captivating young audiences.

Street Art

The space invader mission is a great walk around Paris. Famous street artist Space Invader has put special characters up in Paris and all around the world for years. Now there is an App that heps you track and count the space invaders you find.

Swimming (Yes even in winter)

Piscine de Pointoise is an art deco style pool in the latin quarter
Piscine Emile Anthoine has a gorgeous view of the Tour de Eiffel
Piscine Josephine Baker in the 13th is an outside pool with gorgeous sunset views over the seine.

Forest walks near Paris

Sometimes Paris gets too overwhelming, especially with children, and all you want is to stroll through a forest, not seeing another person for miles.

Fontainebleau is a 40 minute RER ride away from Paris with a castle and a wild forest great for mushroom hunting.
Saint-Germain-en-Laye also has a beautiful Château and forest, perfect for a more mild winter day.

For more information and to hear some wonderful stories about each of these places, listen to the full episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and the World Radio Paris website.

Support World Radio Paris for the end of the year!

26 November 2025 by Polly Watton

General

In the last few months of the year, some cannot wait for spring to come around, others thrive in the cold and count down the days until Christmas. For the team at World Radio Paris, this is donation season – and we need your help!

With your generous donations, World Radio Paris can continue fostering community among Anglophone speakers in France. We hold a strong belief that by bridging the gap between international communities and French culture, respectful and meaningful connections can be formed. Ranging from serious political subjects to lighthearted artistic recommendations, our diverse and human shows always aim to nurture this community exchange.

We have paired with other community organizations to produce and broadcast shows. Some of our offerings include:

‘Lost in Frenchlation,’ a show about contemporary French cinema with a bit of history with Manon Kerjean who runs a cinema club throughout Paris, Nice, and Normandy.

‘WRP Presents’ on which our journalists interview scholars, advocates, and other interesting people. Our episodes include subjects like France’s colleges reckoning with a colonial legacy, interviewing an anti-robot organisation, and talking about ADHD diagnosis in France.

‘The Earful Tower’ a popular show on which Oliver Gee and his wife Lena talk about the wonderful things in France that catch their fancy as they raise a family in Paris.

Just to name a few.

Unfortunately, many news outlets can not even say that they are human anymore. With the advent of Artificial Intelligence and fake news circulating social media, consuming verifiable community journalism remains as important as ever. Promoting news literacy is on the agenda of many journalists and activists and your donations to WRP would help to support this cause.

OfCom also notes that community radio stations provide a voice for hundreds of local communities, and their research published in June 2025 reveals that these radio stations are delivering significant benefits for their listeners and local communities, both on-air and off-air. World Radio Paris proudly provides these benefits to our listeners, and would thrive more with your funding. In fact, OfCom results also state that these radio stations lack time, funding and staffing.

With costly equipment, and expensive broadcasting fees, in order to continue our mission to foster community and culture, your monetary aid is immensely helpful. Additionally, because WRP is a non-profit under French law, your generous donation would grant you a 60% tax cut ; so if you pay 100 euros, you only end up paying 40!

As a listener-supported radio station, your donations allow us to stay on air year after year, hire new interns and help to integrate the expat community into French life.

To support WRP, please click here to donate to the station’s PayPal. From all of us here at WRP, thank you! Merci!

Holiday lights now on

24 November 2025 by David

General

With colder temperatures and shorter days come the holiday lights. Paris is now ready for the holiday spirit, from the Champs Elysées glowing red all along, to Place Vendome and its beautiful Christmas trees, the many Christmas markets (Villette, Gare de l’Est, Tuileries, Abbesses, Notre Dame…), the whole city has put on its decorations for the pleasure of visitors and children alike.

Our favorite this year is the Boulevard Haussmann, where many kids marvel at the animated windows of both Printemps and Galleries Lafayette. The trees of the avenue named after the man who transformed Paris 150 years ago are all covered it wonderful lights.

Paris is once again “une fête” for the season.

Blue Sparks - Paris interior design in English

Interior Design in English: Create Your Paris Dream Home with Blue Sparks

20 November 2025 by Paul McNally

General

So you’ve fallen for Paris and now you’re dreaming of a home here, somewhere you can return to again and again.

But how do you begin — finding the right property, navigating the purchase, and transforming it into the home you’re imagining?

For many, the process can feel daunting. How do you turn the dream of a Paris home into a reality that feels effortless and entirely your own?

That’s where Blue Sparks comes in. Led by English-speaking interior designer Antonia Mahon, an Irish national who has called Paris home since 1999, Blue Sparks offers property search and full-service design for international clients — managing every stage of the journey from property search to the final styling.

“My clients are busy people who want to enjoy the process, not get lost in it,” says Antonia.

“I guide them through finding, buying, renovating, and furnishing their Paris home so that, when they arrive, everything is ready — right down to the chilled bottle of champagne.”

With a background of 20 years in the French corporate world, Antonia combines creativity with rigorous project management.

Since renovating her first Paris apartment in 2004 (a very, very steep learning curve in itself!), she’s built a trusted network of realtors, notaries, contractors, cabinetmakers, and artisans who share her exacting standards.

Clients describe her as proactive, imaginative, and deeply reliable — a designer who listens, solves problems, and turns complex projects into smooth, enjoyable experiences.

Whether you’re reimagining a historic apartment in Saint-Germain-des-Prés or transforming a Haussmannian gem near the Marais, Blue Sparks provides an A-to-Z experience:

Property search and purchase support
Space planning and design concepts
Renovation management and contractor coordination
Sourcing of furniture, fixtures, and finishes
Final installation and styling

If you’ve already found your Paris home, Antonia also offers comprehensive interior design to bring your vision to life.

Each project is uniquely tailored — inspired by your lifestyle, your story, and your connection to Paris.

“Paris apartments have their quirks,” Antonia says, “I love reworking layouts to make them practical and beautiful. And because most of my clients aren’t here during the process, I manage every stage personally, keeping them updated so they can relax and look forward to moving in.”

In this Blue Sparks project, Antonia created a warm, contemporary kitchen within a classic Parisian dining room. The antiqued mirror splashback expands light and space, while the soft oval lampshades bring an organic counterpoint to the room’s clean lines.

Antonia has earned a reputation for transforming spaces (some challenging) into timeless, livable homes filled with character. Her designs balance modern comfort with Parisian charm.

And the results speak for themselves: “Antonia has a magic wand,” says Marlene, a recent client who entrusted her 16th arrondissement apartment to Blue Sparks.

“She really listens and makes sure she understands the wishes and personality of her client. She is very creative, not only for the design of the apartment, but also in finding solutions to any problems that arise.”

If you’re ready to start, or have already started your Paris home journey, Blue Sparks can help you whichever phase you’re at— from the first viewing to the final reveal.

Contact Blue Sparks — your English-speaking property expert and interior designer in Paris — at antonia@bluesparks.paris to schedule a consultation or visit www.bluesparks.paris to explore Antonia’s latest projects.

Listen back to Antonia’s full interview with WRP from 2024 here:

Sarkozy Sentenced: The Libyan Cash Scandal That Brought Down a French President

13 October 2025 by Polly Watton

General

france, paris, politics

Nicolas Sarkozy, France’s president from 2007 to 2012, has been sentenced to five years in prison, three of them to be served behind bars, for his role in a secret campaign funding scheme involving Libya. The verdict, delivered on September 25, marks the first time in French history that a former president has been ordered to serve actual prison time, highlighting one of the most significant political scandals of the Fifth Republic.

The case, long considered complicated even to seasoned observers of French politics, centers on the court’s finding that Sarkozy’s 2007 presidential campaign received roughly €50 million from the regime of the late Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi. Investigators concluded that the funds were delivered through a network of intermediaries and offshore accounts, with businessmen transporting suitcases of cash from Tripoli to Paris. This allegation shocked France and the world. Sarkozy had not only won the presidency by defeating Socialist Ségolène Royal, but his government later led NATO’s military intervention against Gaddafi’s regime in 2011.

A Decade-Long Investigation

Just days after NATO’s military intervention in Libya, Muammar Gaddafi’s son publicly claimed in a Euronews interview that Nicolas Sarkozy should ‘repay Libya the money he took for his election campaign’ The first documentary evidence, however, surfaced months later, when the investigative outlet Mediapart published files suggesting Sarkozy’s 2007 campaign had been secretly financed by Tripoli. French magistrates then opened a formal investigation that stretched over a decade, gathering thousands of documents, financial records, and witness statements to trace the alleged flow of money.

Sarkozy consistently denied wrongdoing, calling the charges politically motivated. In 2020, he was formally indicted for corruption, illegal campaign financing, and criminal conspiracy. The trial began in January 2025 in Paris and lasted four months. Twelve other defendants stood alongside Sarkozy, including close allies Claude Guéant and Brice Hortefeux, as well as businessmen accused of laundering the money through shell companies and fake contracts.

Courtroom testimony depicted luxury meetings, complex offshore transfers, and the shadow of Gaddafi’s intelligence services over the campaign. On September 25, the judges delivered their verdict, finding Sarkozy guilty of leading a criminal conspiracy. Guéant and Hortefeux also received prison terms, while some other defendants were acquitted.

The Secret Pact with Gaddafi

The court found that Sarkozy’s campaign entered into an agreement with Gaddafi’s regime: Libya would provide financial support, and in return, Sarkozy’s team promised political recognition and favorable conditions for French businesses operating in Libya. Investigators also believe the arrangement may have included an understanding to influence France’s treatment of Abdullah Senussi, Gaddafi’s intelligence chief, who was facing charges in France for the bombing of UTA flight 772 in 1989.

While the full extent of the agreement still remains unclear, the ruling confirmed that the arrangement violated French campaign finance law. France imposes strict limits on campaign contributions. Individuals may donate no more than €7,500, and donations from foreign governments or corporations are strictly prohibited. All contributions must be reported to the National Commission for Campaign Accounts and Political Financing. The court found that Sarkozy’s campaign bypassed these rules entirely, creating a scheme that undermined the transparency and fairness of the election.

A Historic Conviction

Nicolas Sarkozy’s conviction is unprecedented: the first time a French president has been sentenced to prison. The court’s ruling exposes the extraordinary scale of corruption at the heart of his 2007 campaign and marks a defining moment for accountability in French politics.

In response to the verdict, Sarkozy has denied the charges and labeled the ruling a “national humiliation” and a “personal injustice.” He claims that the case is politically motivated and has described the justice system’s decision as a “scandal.”

Some of Sarkozy’s allies have also criticized the verdict, calling the judges unfair and alleging a plot against him. The presiding judge, Nathalie Gavarino, has received death threats, prompting investigations and public condemnations from President Emmanuel Macron and Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin.The trial has ignited a national debate about political accountability and the role of the judiciary. Sarkozy has appealed, but under French law he is expected to begin serving his prison term while the appeal is pending. The former French president will start serving his sentence on October 21, in the famous “VIP quarters” of the Prison de la Santé in central Paris.

A trip to Etretat

6 October 2025 by David

General

If you wish to take a trip to a seaside resort and be carried away by poetic scenery, then head to Normandy and its world-famous Etretat cliffs by the English Channel!

Should you want to show the sea to a friend, Etretat always leaves you feeling the same way, you feel empowered by a sense of freedom and humbled by the sheer beauty of the surroundings.

Let’s follow the path of great artists such as Turner, Courbet, Boudin, Monet, Offenbach, the reknowned writers Guy de Maupassant and of course Maurice Leblanc with his legendary novel Arsene Lupin, the famous gentleman-thief whom mansion can be visited !

These chalk Cliffs, with their unusual shape, sparks the imagination, like a setting for a postcard, and are a small gem on the Alabaster Coast, or « Côte d’Albâtre » just 3 hours away from Paris.

They include three natural Arches and a pointed formation called « L’Aiguille » or « The Needle » which rises 70 metres above the sea. The three arches even have names, such as the « Porte d’Aval », (or Cliff of « Aval »), « Porte d’ Amont » and the « Manneporte ». One of the way to enjoy looking at these majestic cliffs that never seem to end is to trek up to the two surrounding cliffs seeing terrific sunrise or sunset.

You could also discover Etretat in other exciting ways by heading out on a paddle board to explore the cliffs, ride along the velomaritime cycle route (which goes from Tréport to the Mont Saint-Michel), walk on the most popular GR 21 trail, and swim by the pebble beach. You will be enchanted by the cormorants and silver gulls along the coast.

And then, a real treat is to explore what used to be the old fishing village, and have a sip of cider of course ! For lunch, you can enjoy the charming seafood cafés. From Paris, you can book a Flixbus to Fécamp and Etretat or hop on the train From Saint-Lazare to Bréauté-Beuzeville and the Nomad 504 Bus to Etretat with a combined Etretat-Normandie Ticket.