From a law meant to simplify French bureaucracy to the Paris marathon and more expensive ‘ETA’ visa waivers, here’s what is happening in France this week.

Tuesday

French MPs to consider ‘Simplification’ law – France’s Assemblée Nationale will begin debating the ‘simplification’ bill intended to decrease regulation, including cutting down on the many ‘Cerfa’ forms required for French admin and decreasing bureaucratic requirements for very small businesses. MPs also added an amendment that could lead to France’s ZFEs (low-emissions zones) being scrapped.

New exhibit at Musée d’Orsay – The iconic Paris museum will launch a new exhibition on Tuesday called ‘Lucas Arruda. Qu’importe le paysage’, with works by the Brazilian artist. More info on the museum website.

Wednesday

Champions League quarter final – Paris Saint-Germain will play against Aston Villa at the Parc de Princes stadium at 9pm. Ticketing info here.

ETA to become more expensive – The visa-free waiver now required of all arrivals into the UK (with the exception of people travelling on a British or Irish passport, of those with residency in the UK) will increase in price from £10 to £16. The waiver lasts two years once awarded, and it allows multiple entries. 

READ MORE: What changes for travel to the UK from France from April 2nd

Thursday

Income tax declarations – From April 10th, anyone who has to submit a French income tax declaration for the 2024 year will be able to do so. The service will go live on the Impots.gouv.fr website. Those filing on paper should receive their documents around the same date (in early April).

READ MORE: The bumper French tax guide for 2025

Ham festival in Bayonne – The Basque city will host its annual Foire au Jambon starting on April 10th. It will run until April 13th. More info on the festival website.

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Friday

School holidays – Pupils living in Corsica and Zone C, which includes Paris, Toulouse and Montpellier, will begin their spring holidays on Friday, April 11th. The break will run until April 28th. 

Saturday

Passover – The Jewish festival of Passover will begin on Saturday April 12th and it will end after nightfall on April 20th.

Anniversary of Josephine Baker’s death – Saturday will mark 50 years since the death of the US-born French singer, danger, and civil rights activist.

International Kite Festival – Starting on April 12th, Berck-sur-Mer (in northern France) will host its annual international kite festival. It will run until April 21st. More details here.

Sunday

Paris Marathon – The 48th edition of the Paris Marathon will be held on Sunday April 13th. Once again, the runners will cross the capital, passing through some of the most beautiful places in Paris. You can see the route here.