It's an event that music lovers look forward to every year! The Fête de la musique returns on June 21 2024 across France with a host of free concerts to delight your eyes and ears Is it necessary to introduce this famous French rapper also a member of the Sexion d'Assaut group Black M embarked on a solo career with the release of the opus"Les Yeux plus gros que le monde" 2024 marks the 10th anniversary of this hit album Since then, the artist has released three more albums, including"La Légende Black", his fourth and latest to date. Released on October 13, 2023, the album features 14 songs, including 6 featurings with Le Doc, Amir, Tayc for this new Fête de la musique in Mantes-la-Jolie Black M will surely take the opportunity to perform some of his most recent tracks without forgetting to honor his previous hits Opening the show will be Colt and the winner of the Tremplin Musical organized on May 6 and chosen by a jury made up of elected officials from the town and entertainment professionals There will also be a refreshment area on site In addition to this major free concert by Black M the town of Mantes-la-Jolie will also be hosting its usual line-up of singers and bands until the end of the night in bars around the town center Refer your establishment, click herePromote your event, click here your new go-to podcast to spice up your weekday mornings with relevant news and behind-the-scenes from Brussels and beyond From the economy to the climate and the EU's role in world affairs this talk show sheds light on European affairs and the issues that impact on our daily lives as Europeans Tune in to understand the ins and outs of European politics Dare to imagine the future with business and tech visionaries Deep dive conversations with business leaders Euronews Tech Talks goes beyond discussions to explore the impact of new technologies on our lives the podcast provides valuable insights into the intersection of technology and society Europe's water is under increasing pressure floods are taking their toll on our drinking water Join us on a journey around Europe to see why protecting ecosystems matters and to discover some of the best water solutions an animated explainer series and live debate - find out why Water Matters We give you the latest climate facts from the world’s leading source analyse the trends and explain how our planet is changing We meet the experts on the front line of climate change who explore new strategies to mitigate and adapt A French judge will investigate allegations of police torture during student protests near Paris in December 2018 Social media videos had sparked outrage across France, showing young people in handcuffs during clashes over high school disputes in Mantes-la-Jolie heads down and with their hands on their heads for several hours A police officer filming the scene could be heard saying: "This is a class that is wise." later reported that 151 people had been arrested and a large number of those arrested were quickly released from police custody with a caution The police operation in Mantes-la-Jolie was part of a crackdown on days of protests over the French government's education reforms to Baccalauréat examinations which determine a student's eligibility for university several families and the high school student union UNL lodged appeals against "police violence" but a preliminary internal investigation by the police was dismissed in July 2019 tweeted that she felt the scenes in Mantes-la-Jolie school were "simply intolerable" The mayor of Mantes-la-Jolie, Raphael Cognet, also released a statement after the images circulated on social media "condemn[ing] with the biggest firmness this violence and .. the traumatism that people have gone through" The new appointment of an investigating judge was requested in March by the Nanterre public prosecutor's office, a lawyer for the first complainant told AFP Complainants have accused the police of "torture by persons responsible for a public authority" six months after the first claim was registered by one of those arrested The investigation will also examine claims of the “torture of a 15-year-old minor arbitrary violation of liberty by a person holding public authority aggravated violence” and “dissemination without his consent of an identifiable person handcuffed and criminally challenged” But the Union of Police officers said "the country is walking on its head" after news of the judicial investigation "The intervention of police officers had put an end to the riots during which certain 'high school students' had set rubbish bins on fire and then thrown gas bottles inside," the union wrote on Twitter Today's print edition Home Delivery 44-year-old French Muslim weightlifter Sylvie Eberena concentrates hard and pushes 80 kilograms of bar and weights clean over her veiled head The single mother made her four children proud when she became the French national champion in her amateur category last year after discovering the sport at age 40.googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1499653692894-0'); }); But now the Muslim convert fears she will no longer be able to compete as the French government is pushing for a new law to ban the headscarf in domestic sports competitions "It feels like they're trying to limit our freedoms each time a little more," said Eberena a passionate athlete who trains five days a week "It's frustrating because all we want is to do sport." pupils and athletes representing France abroad cannot wear obvious religious symbols individual national sports federations could decide whether to allow the hijab in domestic competitions But the new legislation aims to forbid the head covering in all professional and amateur competitions countrywide Backers say that would unify confusing regulations Critics argue it would be just the latest rule discriminating against visibly Muslim women The bill passed in the Senate in February and is soon to go to a vote in the lower house of the French parliament Some proponents want to stop what they call "Islamist encroachment" in a country that has been rocked by deadly jihadi attacks in recent years But critics point to a 2022 interior ministry report finding that data "failed to show a structural or even significant phenomenon of radicalization" in sport last month said France was "wasting its time" with such debates and should think about "equality instead of attacking a single and same religion." Right-wing Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau responded that he "radically disagreed," describing the headscarf as "a symbol of submission." said her head attire — allowed by the weightlifting federation — had never been an issue among fellow weightlifters She said the sport has even allowed her to make friends from completely different backgrounds "Sport brings us together: it forces us to get to know each other France's soccer and basketball federations are among those that have banned religious symbols The country's highest administrative court in 2023 upheld the rule in soccer arguing the federation was allowed to impose a "neutrality requirement." United Nations experts last year called the rules in both sports "disproportionate and discriminatory." It is difficult to estimate how many women might be prevented from competing if such legislation passes But several women whose lives had already been affected by similar rules have spoken out said she had been playing soccer for her club in the village of Moutiers for four years when she decided to cover her hair at the end of high school but after her club was fined several weekends in a row for allowing her on the field they asked her to take off her hijab or quit over a scarf made me really sad," she said France's brand of secularism stems from a 1905 law protecting "freedom of conscience," separating church and state The country's constitution states that France is a secular republic a researcher at University Toulouse Capitole intended "to protect the state against potential abuses from religion," had been "weaponized" against Muslims in recent years French secularism "has been transformed into a tool in its modern interpretation to control the visibility of religion within public space Sports Minister Marie Barsacq last month warned against "conflating" the wearing of a headscarf with radicalization in sports But Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin said that if the government did not "defend secularism," it would empower the far right said she stopped competing in basketball games after she converted to Islam a few years ago she continued training with her former teammates and began coaching one of the club's adult teams she is not allowed onto the courtside bench with a headscarf — so she is forced to yell out instructions from the bleachers "At school I learnt that secularism was living together accepting everyone and letting everybody practice their religion," Devaux said "It seems to me they're slightly changing the definition." In a time of both misinformation and too much information quality journalism is more crucial than ever.By subscribing Your subscription plan doesn't allow commenting. To learn more see our FAQ Sponsored contents planned and edited by JT Media Enterprise Division From Friday November 22 the Médiévale de Mantes comes to life in the city center with a series of activities starting at 5pm The Musée de l'Hôtel-Dieu opens its doors for a free visit accompanied by a historical projection and a medieval make-up workshop for all The alleyways of Mantes will be animated by theatrical and musical strolls with the Touches d'Histoires Company and Sonata Ferox a visit by torchlight will allow visitors to discover this emblematic site in a new light gourmets can savour medieval-inspired dishes at the Auberge de Montmirail On Saturday, November 23 the town continues to vibrate to the rhythms of the Middle Ages starting at 10am with the great medieval market Craftsmen and merchants take to the streets for the 574th edition of the Foire aux Oignons offering a wide selection of local products and traditional crafts visitors can try their hand at skills such as woodturning Demonstrations of medieval combat organized by La Maison des Fers Croisés and the Confrérie du Vexin as well as a workshop on how to become a knight Saturday is also a day of pure entertainment children's storytelling and equestrian demonstrations The public can also discover the town's history through heritage stories and take part in an initiation to medieval dances Les Compagnons de Taillebourg put on a spellbinding fire show Shows and entertainment in front of the Collegiate Church: Village of artisans and workshops - rue du Château : a fabulous drone show will be on view in Mantes-la-Jolie A free show for all the family this Saturday over 300 drones will light up the sky in an exceptional light show the Lueurs de Mantes festival has pulled out all the stops enjoy a marvellous show of drones equipped with multicoloured LEds will take you through an unforgettable immersive experience lasting 15 minutes… And best of all 📍 Location: 31 Rue Gambetta 78200 Mantes la Jolie 📆 Dates: February 1 from 7pm 🎟️ Admission: free This year's Nuit des Musées takes place on Saturday May 17 Paris and the whole of the Île-de-France region have come up with a hyperactive program for the occasion dedicated to the town's history and the artists it inspired We look forward to seeing you at this year's Nuit des Musées 19:30 ⤏ 21:00A mysterious individual claims that a secret is hidden in the Hôtel-Dieu museum and calls on detectives to investigate Come and help him solve the riddles and find the clues hidden among the museum's works Can you find the combination to the safe that holds a secret that has been hidden for decades Join us for a guided tour of the temporary exhibition "Japonisme à Montmartre au temps de Luce" An unforgettable evening with friends and family Numerous exhibitors will be on hand with a wide selection ofmotorcycle equipment biker clothing and vintage items inspired by the 50s and 60s a barber and tattoo artists will be offering their services to visitors The event is not limited to stands and exhibitions: Food trucks will be offering a wide choice of grills Alcohol abuse is dangerous for your health through an original itinerary combining light scenography and digital art stretching over 1.3 km through 11 emblematic sites continues to promote the city's cultural and natural heritage Saturday and every day during the school vacations the tour invites young and old alike to a nocturnal exploration that combines the ancient and the modern in an immersive way Here are the 11 sites featuring light displays and digital installations: including Guillaume Marmin and Groupe LAPS The event also features three free highlights: a luminous playground in the Square du Château illuminate the walls of the city center for a final poetic touch Lueurs de Mantes 2024-2025 is an artistic winter interlude A discovery to be enjoyed with family and friends "Lueurs de Mantes" is much more than a simple light trail The event was designed to bring beauty to the heart of the city especially at a time when it's dark on the streets The aim is also toawaken a taste for beauty in young people by offering an accessible and free cultural experience open to all the municipality hopes to spread the word about Mantes in a different way particularly to those who know little or nothing about it The idea is also toextend the events to different neighborhoods in order to showcase the city as a whole and reveal all its facets The light trail is part of an economic and social dynamic particularly restaurants and shops in the town center the event reflects a desire not to seek out "bling-bling" effects but to create moments where past and present come together With highlights like "Candle Light" on registration the Impressionist-inspired drone parade and the immersive Aurores installations If you missed the first edition or simply want to discover the new works in this second edition, then head for Mantes-la-Jolie from December 13, 2024 to February 1, 2025 to vibrate to the rhythm of"Lueurs de Mantes" Malowe Nature is located in the Vaucouleurs valley nature lovers will find everything they need to enjoy a day out with friends and family The fully-equipped 6-hectare site is ideal for the whole family The emphasis here is on nature, with an educational farm pony rides and apprentice farmer workshops for children you can sit down on the picnic tables or by the water and grill meat and fish on the barbecues available the snack bar also offers a range of snacks: home fries and local produce is sold according to the season Children can also feed the mini-farm animals take part in workshops and have fun on theplayground Since 2024, Malowe Nature has also welcomed three new residents: Machu allowing visitors to enter and feed the alpacas directly enriching the already popular experience with the goats and the zip-line in their enclosure Access for people with reduced mobility is facilitated and they can drive themselves or be driven to their fishing spot where they will be given all the help they need Every year, the Journées du Patrimoine (Heritage Days ) offer an enchanting interlude for lovers of history museums and historic sites open their doors wide It's a real invitation to rediscover France's heritage in a new light Mantes-la-Jolie, this charming commune in the Yvelines department, is a veritable historical goldmine. Its history, dating back to Antiquity, is magnificently reflected in its majestic Collégiale Notre-Dame, a testament to Gothic art. Over the centuries, Mantes-la-Jolie has witnessed the birth of major events lively trade fairs and legends that continue to fascinate visitors and residents alike So, why is Mantes-la-Jolie a must-see destination during the Journées du Patrimoine 2024 Quite simply because it's a unique opportunity to explore its picturesque alleyways visit its historic monuments and immerse yourself in an atmosphere steeped in history and tradition Mantes-la-Jolie promises an immersive and memorable heritage experience le programme est mis à jour en fonction des annonces officielles Center d'arts Abel LauvrayAucun événement annoncé à ce jour le programme est mis à jour en fonction des annonces officielles.Centre de vie sociale cvs peintres médecinsAucun événement annoncé à ce jour le programme est mis à jour en fonction des annonces officielles.Chapelle Saint-JacquesAucun événement annoncé à ce jour Église Sainte-Anne de GassicourtAucun événement annoncé à ce jour Grande Mosquée de Mantes-la-JolieAucun événement annoncé à ce jour Médiathèque DuhamelAucun événement annoncé à ce jour Musée de l'Hôtel DieuAucun événement annoncé à ce jour le programme est mis à jour en fonction des annonces officielles.Parvis de la Collegiale Notre-DameAucun événement annoncé à ce jour Pavillon Duhamel Aucun événement annoncé à ce jour le programme est mis à jour en fonction des annonces officielles.Square du ChâteauAucun événement annoncé à ce jour le programme est mis à jour en fonction des annonces officielles.Temple Protestant de Mantes-la-JolieAucun événement annoncé à ce jour Happy Heritage Days in Yvelines This page may contain AI-assisted elements, more information here To the rhythm of a soundtrack specially composed by musician Maxime Olsson a company specializing in illuminated drone shows offer you and your family a wonderful 15-minute experience visible from the banks of the Seine in Mantes-la-Jolie This test was conducted as part of a professional invitation By 2023-04-21T12:45:00+01:00 FRANCE: Ile-de-France-Mobilités unveiled the modernised and expanded Mantes-La-Jolie station on April 4, which will be the western terminus of Paris RER Line E Under a project known as Éole Line E is currently being extended from Haussmann-Saint-Lazare in the centre to Mantes-La-Jolie The first section will run 8 km on a newly built infrastructure mostly in tunnel from Haussmann-Saint-Lazare to Nanterre-La-Folie The second stage comprises the reconstruction of 47 km of existing main line from Nanterre-La-Folie to Mantes-La-Jolie It will share tracks with Line A between Nanterre-La-Folie and Poissy as well as with Transilien suburban Line J and inter-regional trains to and from Normandie Project Director for the RER E extension at SNCF Réseau and signalling works between Mantes-La-Jolie and Nanterre were nearing completion with only around 70 m of track still to be worked on Work is also at full swing at the three underground Éole stations of Porte Maillot The rebuilt facilities at Mantes-La-Jolie have been comprehensively reworked to handle 10 000 passengers a day instead of the current 6 000 The first 8 km section from Haussmann-Saint-Lazare to Nanterre-La-Folie is expected to open in April 2024 In this initial period, Ile-de-France-Mobilités will carry out passenger-carrying testing of the infrastructure and the RER NG EMUs, being supplied by Alstom Full service on the first section is scheduled to commence in December 2024 16 trains/h/dircetion are planned to run between Haussmann-Saint-Lazare and Nanterre-La-Folie Éole will be operated by 130 six-car RER NG EMUs, supplied by Alstom The first trainset was unveiled in November The trains have two single-deck driving cars while the four intermediate cars are double-deck They will have a maximum speed of 140 km/h and be equipped for operation under both 1·5 kV DC and 25 kV 50 Hz catenary They will be equipped with the legacy KVB train control system General Manager of Ile-de-France-Mobilités said that the first RER NG EMU will enter service on the operational section of Line E in September.  FRANCE: The renewal of the rolling stock fleet used on the RER suburban network around Paris is continuing with the latest generation RER NG trainsets entering service on Line D in December FRANCE: Paris transport operator RATP and national railway SNCF have transferred the management of RER Line A to a new control centre FRANCE: An 8 km largely underground extension of Paris RER Line E from Magenta-Gare du Nord to Nanterre-La Folie (Hauts de Seine) has opened Site powered by Webvision Cloud You don't have permission to access the page you requested What is this page?The website you are visiting is protected.For security reasons this page cannot be displayed would be the marquee attraction when you're booking your trip to learn that much of a Seine River cruise is spent in the ports of Normandy delightful French cuisine await you as you leave the lights of Paris in your wake Multiple cruise lines offer cruises on the Seine River with itineraries ranging from seven to 10 nights The ports on a Seine River cruise are wonderfully choreographed to balance touring with quaint stops that invite relaxation Cruise Critic explored the cruise ports of the Seine River From the Palace of Versailles to the war-torn Beaches of Normandy on the English Channel these are the seven most fascinating ports and destinations to expect on your Seine River cruise Needless to say there's so much to do in renowned Paris, France you won't be able to see it all during your Seine River cruise from Paris but you can get quite the grasp of the City of Lights The itinerary includes solid time in and near the city (sometimes split between the beginning and end of the cruise) but you may want to add days before or after if seeing the sights of the city itself is important to you Look for cruise lines that build those extra days into the package for you Things to Do in Paris on Your Seine River Cruise: Your ship may offer organized tours to make it easy to get an overview of the city and its long list of legendary sites Obvious choices of sights to see include the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe At the top of the list for in-depth exploration must be the Louvre whose palatial foundation dates to the 12th century With 650,000 square feet of exhibition space it's known for a lot more than da Vinci's "Mona Lisa." allows you to experience key pieces of original art by Claude Monet either before or after visiting the artist’s homeland during your Seine River cruise Make a pilgrimage to the Notre Dame Cathedral; while you can't go inside until late 2024 allowing a stunning view of the building’s exterior Active Pursuits in Paris: Paris is one of the world's most walkable cities and its neighborhoods Explore them all on foot for a more in-depth and authentic Parisian experience Insider Tips: Paris has Uber and it's a great alternative to taxis (though the city's metro system is easy to figure out and helps avoid clogged roadways) Be wary of pickpockets -- they're everywhere and both offer land-based extensions for even more time in Paris Scenic offers a Shop with the Chef opportunity during the ship’s time docked in Paris The Hall of Mirrors at Versailles on a Seine River cruise (Photo: Flickr/Satoshi Nakagowa) is home to the medieval Collegiate Church of Our Lady of Mantes but river cruises really dock here for proximity to Versailles and Napoleon's Château de Malmaison Things to Do in and Near Mantes la Jolie or Conflans: Spend the day at the Château de Versailles, one of the top tourist draws in and around Paris. This UNESCO World Heritage Site began as a humble hunting lodge before becoming the home of kings you visit the state apartments and the striking Hall of Mirrors a 240-foot-long glass- and chandelier-filled corridor that pays tribute to France's political The recently revitalized Queen's Apartments And no visit to Versailles is complete without a turn in its lavish gardens such as The Four Seasons Fountain and the Mirror Pool Take a tour of Napoleon Bonaparte's last home in France before his exile Chateau Malmaison is less a palace and more a home than Versailles Active Pursuits: Cycle your way around the Chateau de Versailles; you can rent bikes onsite Insider Tips: Various tour options to visit Versailles run from 5 to 6.5 hours If this is the final night onboard your ship you may find it moves deeper into the city to the port of disembarkation while passengers are off touring you are welcome to stay onboard and enjoy the move Monet's garden in Giverny on a Seine River cruise (Photo: Viking) Vernon's main draw is its proximity to Giverny where impressionist painter Claude Monet created his beautiful gardens It's known for its half-timbered buildings the oldest of which dates to the 12th century Giverny and Vernon: Monet's expansive colorful garden is the focal point of a visit here The artist spent 43 years creating and maintaining the garden Clos Normand is home to flowers and plants from all over the world and the Japanese-inspired water garden is across the road There's also a massive Monet-themed gift shop visit the Musee du Vernon to see two of Monet's works (interestingly none of his works are shown in Giverny): "Nymphaea," 1908 (painted in his garden) and "Effet de soleil couchant a Pourville" (the cliffs of Pourville at sunset); stay to enjoy the Norman ambience in this historic building Another plus: The tourist office is located on the ground level Giverny and Vernon: As in many stops along the Seine The ride here is through pastoral farmland and quaint village streets Insider Tips: Monet is buried at Giverny's Eglise Sainte-Radegonde de Giverny Honor him with a visit to his flower-festooned grave but also wander into the church itself; it's serene Tauck offers painting classes onboard following your visit to Giverny, allowing you to explore your own version of impressionism. Gate 1 cruises on the Seine give you a full day in the region with morning tours to Giverny and free time in the afternoon to explore Vernon independently and at a bit lower price than many other European river cruise options Les Andelys consists of a fishing village and a larger town which are separated by a marsh (and 30-minute walk) Ships dock in the smaller Le Petit Andelys a charming port with half-timbered houses and It's the perfect place for a low-key day Things to Do in Les Andelys: Walk up the mountain to the ruins of Chateau Gaillard for the incomparable views of the Seine Valley and its white cliffs Active Pursuits in Les Andelys: Walk along the riverside towpath and through the village Kayaking on the nearby Eure River is possible either independently or through a ship’s excursion Insider Tips: The range of interesting shops in Le Petit Andely is surprising and worth the stroll through town Adventures by Disney offers a few chartered Seine River cruises with everything you’d expect when the Disney name is attached the Disney team offers lessons in making macarons onboard the ship following excursions The largest city in Normandy and its capital, Rouen dates back to the 12th century with a heritage that spotlights the disparate trio of Joan of Arc It's a favorite stop on any Seine River cruise canonized as a saint of the Catholic Church as a young girl with a belief in the divine guidance of God led the French army to success during a Hundred Years' War battle at Orleans Monet's connection with Rouen lies primarily with his fascination with the facade of the Gothic-Norman Cathedrale Notre-Dame; he painted a series of oils as she wrote in "My Life in France," "the most exciting meal of her life" -- which also inspired her passion for French cuisine Things to Do in Rouen: A walking tour of Rouen's medieval quarter takes in the city's most iconic sites such as Notre Dame Cathedral (buried inside is Richard the Lionheart) and the Gros Horloge astronomical clock A statue in the Place du Vieux-Marche marks the spot where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake presents an odd contrast to the square's otherwise historic ambience particularly cheese and apples; available ship’s tours might feature a visit to a Norman farm with plenty of opportunities for tasting Active Pursuits in Rouen: Cycling on towpaths lining the Seine Insider Tips: The farthest any ocean ship can get up the Seine is Rouen; it can be exciting to see both riverboats and ocean-going vessels in port If you can’t get enough of impressionist art, CroisiEurope has Seine River cruises dedicated to the art and artists with afternoon lectures as the ship sails to the next port Honfleur is so picturesque it has been memorialized by impressionist artists like Georges Seurat Its appeal is not just its medieval ambience half-timbered Norman-style buildings and cobbled streets; it's also the light While Honfleur has some historic attractions it's also a perfect port for simply strolling through the lanes sipping coffee at a sidewalk cafe or doing a bit of shopping Things to Do in Honfleur: On a walking tour It was built entirely out of wood in the 15th century The Eugene Boudin Museum honors the impressionist painter who was a native of Honfleur Active Pursuits: Stroll around the old harbor front and make sure to explore backstreets Insider Tips: Honfleur's only downside is that very few river ships can dock here There may be an hour-long bus transfer to Honfleur this is a port of call for both ocean and river travelers (via day trip) These itineraries obviously offer less time in Paris Omaha Beach in Normandy (Photo: ho visto nina volare/Flickr) More than almost any other port of call on a Seine River itinerary, Normandy is a reason that many cruisers book this particular river cruise in the first place Normandy is securely implanted in our minds for the role that Allied troops played in D-Day The invasion of German-occupied France is chronicled in numerous places from landing beaches to museums and cemeteries Beyond its prominent place in World War II the region was settled by Vikings in the 10th century and played a central role in the War of 1066 when the British attempted to seize France What's a delightful surprise about Normandy is its beautiful rural countryside along with its beaches Plenty of locals and travelers alike come here to swim and sunbathe -- even if rusted out World War II pontoons still dot the beaches Things to Do in Normandy: Many Seine River cruise ships offer two full-day tours: one geared toward Americans The American tours visit Juno and Gold beaches which is where the D-Day Museum is located There's also a stop at Omaha Beach and a visit to the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial in Colleville-sur-Mer Lunch is generally provided as part of the ship’s excursion and there's free time to wander through the meticulously maintained gravesites This is a case where the ship's tours really are incredibly well-organized with exceptional guides particularly on the American tour in Arromanches where you can stroll through the pleasant seaside town and buy Normandy souvenirs Breton-striped blue shirts and Calvados (the region's famous apple brandy) Active Pursuits in Normandy: As incongruous as it may seem you can pack a beach towel and a swimsuit and go for a swim at Arromanches and Omaha Beach Insider Tips: No one tells you how beautiful the countryside is in Normandy so that portion of the long drive to the D-Day beaches is very pleasant It’s wise to bring a charging cord and spare phone charging battery because you’ll be away from the ship and snapping photos for the duration of your excursion it's natural to assume that a Seine River cruise is strongly focused on la capitale Whether you've traveled to Paris before or this is your first visit is what a marvelous voyage it is beyond the city limits Gothic cathedrals and the pastoral countryside of Normandy I spent one pre-cruise night in Paris both to salve jet lag and reconnect a bit with this enchanting city Then our trip took us into the Seine Valley Normandy and the fishing village of Petit Andely before heading back for one more overnight in the City of Light choosing to cruise the Seine was an easy decision Paris can be overwhelming and as many times as I've visited on this trip I was grateful to have the company of fellow passengers and a terrific guide on our day there the itinerary was not just a fantastic introduction to French towns and villages -- some I'd heard of while others were new discoveries It was also a convenient and seamless way to get to know Normandy checking into new hotels and navigating les autoroutes on my own after-dinner drinks in the lounge and on tours I'd head up to the sun deck or out on the balcony with a good book I've cruised a lot and the one travel tip I'll offer is this: Plan to get to your destination at least one day before you board your ship because disruptions happen and you don't want to miss the boat -- or miss days of your vacation and arriving the day before gave me a chance to relax nap and aimlessly wander around enchanting neighborhoods I chose the Hyatt Paris Etoile just on the outskirts of Paris small boutique hotels you typically book in Paris has killer views (you can choose Eiffel Tower or Montmartre -- both were divine) that it was a 10-minute walk to the Arc de Triomphe and that it was full-service it was also a Viking pre-cruise hotel and I had the benefit of advice from the very nice folks who manned the service desk Paris is a great power-strolling city and with a map in hand I headed toward the Arc de Triomphe on the Place Charles de Gaulle Inspired by military successes in the early 19th century (and various other military-minded honors have been added from subsequent wars) Napoleon gets credit for its creation but he ultimately abdicated well before it was completed in 1831 What's actually more interesting is the people-watching across 12 lanes of traffic that surrounds it The Arc de Triomphe has a viewing tour and you can pay to climb the 284 steps for pretty nifty Parisian views (make sure not to cross the street on foot; there's an underground tunnel in the Champs-Elysees Metro) dubbed the world's most beautiful avenue Maybe it once was elegant and special; today it felt like a Times Squarian tourist trap you'll find no end of amusement but I kept on walking I'm making my ritual Paris pilgrimage to Galeries Lafayette Haussmann and sprawling over several blocks (you can access the different departments via under-road tunnel) the original building actually has a theatrical in-the-round feel Its centerpiece is a 43-square-meter glass dome from the Art Nouveau era in the main hall I would have lined up to step out onto the Glasswalk a walkway that hangs out into the middle of the store with great views of shoppers below and the dome above the terrace on the seventh floor is mostly casual eateries with a grand view overlooking Paris Here's a tip: If you don't feel like dining there's a small area where you can still admire the scene one of the things I really like about the location of the Hyatt is its proximity to the gracious and not-very-touristy neighborhood of Neuilly-sur-Seine A recommendation led me to dinner at Le Durand Dupont a brasserie that one reviewer described as a "chic staple" and which I'd say was the perfect first-day-with-jet-lag in Paris meal While other Viking travelers were still sightseeing in Paris on the pre-cruise aspect of their trip I hailed an Uber and ventured to where Viking Rolf was waiting I knew exactly what to expect (and half the fun is that since all Longships are largely identical aside from artwork If you're only checking-into-a-cruise experience is on a big the check-in process on a riverboat will stun you with its simplicity grabs your luggage and you're onboard with a quick trip to the service desk to get your cabin key and flash a passport Another thing so relaxing about a river cruise is even as your travels take you from place to place you don't have to lift a finger: You unpack once and settle in Most standard staterooms on Viking Longships have private balconies or French verandas (essentially a floor-to-ceiling window that opens) are sleekly designed with plenty of storage and feature power showers with heated tile floors Even more glam is the veranda suite category onboard It's a true suite with separate living room and bedroom It was an embarrassment of riches for this solo traveler it was a great spot to stretch out on the couch with balcony doors open and watch the world go by One of the things I love about traveling alone is the chance to meet others and yet I also prize solo time one of the challenges is I'm a bit shy at first That's another reason why I love this ship design At mealtimes you can jump into the social fray in the Restaurant on Deck 2 or you can nab a precious table for two at the Aquavit Terrace and enjoy a quiet alfresco dinner under the sun and stars the terrace was a bit of a secret and I almost had it to myself (that would change quickly as it became quite the hot spot for lunch and dinner) What will soon become a cherished tradition is the nightly predinner port talk in the lounge where you can sip a glass of wine and hear all about what the next day will bring We loved the chef's recommendations about what to order for dinner and our gentle introduction to French cuisine we'd enjoy throughout the week included escargot Tomorrow's a power-sightseeing day with all tours headed into the heart of Paris today marks a new Parisian discovery: a morning review of Paris' most iconic spots and an afternoon trip to Montmartre It was a full day of touring for most of us; those who preferred to explore independently could take a complimentary shuttle between ship and city center Those who were more gentle adventurers could opt for a motor coach tour of the city's highlights and still other options included guided visits of the Louvre our bus dropped us off in the 5th arrondissement A short stroll to nearby Shakespeare and Company revealed a breathtaking view of the French Gothic Notre-Dame de Paris the cathedral that so horrifically burned in 2019 Line up along the Seine embankment to take-in its still-stunning beauty You can't get any closer because it's closed for repair I met our guide for the trek to Montmartre or I should rather say "my" guide because I was the only person on the tour -- How amazing it is that Viking didn't simply cancel the tour because not enough people signed up which represents the highest point in the city and for that reason alone Its iconic attraction is the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris (Sacre-Coeur) a wonderful spot for a few minutes of quiet reverie The most picturesque part of Montmartre is its charming hilltop village just a few minutes' walk away It's known for inspiring artists like Picasso It also inspires living artists; there are more than 40 who daily set up their easels in the Place du Tertre You can have a portrait drawn for 50 euros (about $60) or so If you have ever dreamed of becoming a painter you may want to stay in Montmartre forever We had a very pleasant lunch of mussels and crusty bread at one of the touristic restaurants on the square and meandered around the village discovering Paris' only in-town vineyard and other quiet spots before heading back to the Metro to pick up the last Viking shuttle this is definitely a night when you want to dine alfresco on the Aquavit Terrace As soon as we moved from our cocktail hour "what's next" presentation to dinner There was nary a breeze to ruffle our chateaubriand which runs from Burgundy's Dijon through Paris where it divides into two (creating the nomenclature of "left bank" and "right bank") and then on to Normandy and the sea is the second-longest river in France (the Loire River earns top honors) we learn that it's France's busiest inland waterway and of course the region we cruise through is where the impressionist art movement was born What's particularly surprising is how relatively little modern life we see from our perch on Viking Rolf the occasional cathedral but 21st century -- anything -- seems tucked away Expectations of this Normandy village aren't particularly high since the reason we're here is its proximity to Claude Monet's paradisiacal gardens of Giverny while on my next Seine River cruise I'd like to spend an entire day in the absolutely darling village of Giverny (our tour was just a half-day) I'm glad I didn't miss out on Vernon A quick walk around town (Viking also offered a guided tour) featured delightfully ancient 500-year-old Norman half-timbered buildings that betrayed their age by leaning There were a couple of really interesting local bistros with Michelin connections The Gothic Collegiate Church of Our Lady is worth a peek The best discovery of all was the Musee Alphonse-Georges-Poulain a museum above the tourist information center which is the only place in the area that actually displays original Monet paintings; it also features works by Eduoard Vuillard and Pierre Bonnard I loved the impressionist art class that was offered -- there were some pretty magnificent passenger-created watercolors The afternoon was all-things-Giverny and Viking which has straddled the Seine since the relatively recent 1950s The towpath veered in and around the river was mostly flat and gave us a wonderful look at the village itself Golden stone houses with flower boxes brimming with geraniums line the village's main street We pulled up for a quick "rest stop" in front of Hotel Baudy which today is just a restaurant (and a lovely one at that) American artists working in Paris made pilgrimages to Monet's country place in Giverny and needed somewhere to stay and eat and drink Sometimes they traded their own paintings to pay bar tabs which explains the visual chaos of some of the pieces still hanging here today There's even an art studio in the back garden It's about a half-mile from Monet's home and when I found myself with a half-hour to kill for a Kronenbourg at the bar having the bike meant I could get there with time to spare Giverny itself: The artist was a big proponent of the plein air movement considered quite revolutionary at the time in that painters actually went out into nature and urban cityscapes to paint Our guide told us Monet was inspired to design the gardens so that he didn't necessarily have to travel to have something to paint It's not a formal French garden that you'd associate with What was unique at the time and is still beautiful to this day is how natural it feels even as a team of gardeners works around visitors to keep it maintained The second garden is even more iconic: The water garden inspired Monet to create numerous series of works of art you've probably seen this garden before in a museum which has been restored so you can imagine the scenario here during his life (check out his choice of art -- none of his works are displayed here and the view from the second-floor bedrooms There's a massive gift shop that has none of the natural elegance of the gardens you've just absorbed and outside you can visit touristic restaurants for ice cream and such boutiques and other art museums are enticing As our small band of cyclists headed back to Vernon we started to develop the camaraderie that I've noticed often happens on active-oriented tours more than on more rigidly structured activities As a solo traveler surrounded by nine other people a lot like me in that we preferred to ride a bike to the garden with stops along the way for small discoveries there was banter and joking and introductions and where-are-you-from When we paused for a surprise refreshment break of hand-baked macarons and the most delicious apple cider and Pommeau (a hard cider) precariously perched Mill House over the Seine with fewer than 200 passengers Viking Rolf is by no means a big vessel but our outing today made it feel even cozier Normandy's biggest city and its capital you can take a two-hour walking tour of the medieval city's old town a half-day excursion to the fishing village of Honfleur and another trip out to a farm in the gorgeous Normandy countryside to taste homegrown cheeses though: We spend two days in Rouen because it's the closest we can get to our trip to Normandy's D-Day beaches You might want to consider pacing yourself here "Les Miserables" writer Victor Hugo is quoted as calling it "the city of a hundred spires" and that gives you a sense of the ambiance but of course doesn't tell all of the story Despite being heavily bombed by the Allies in World War II of the now-ubiquitous Norman half-timbered buildings If the Gothic Cathedral of Our Lady (also known as Rouen Cathedral) looks familiar that's because it is: Monet's Rouen Cathedral series consists of 30 paintings through which he experimented with light play on the medieval facade Rouen also celebrates the life of Joan of Arc who was burned at the stake on the city's Place du Vieux Marche Nearby is the supermodern 1970s Joan of Arc church The paradox of such a contemporary-looking church on this historic square is frankly quite jarring and maybe that's meant purposefully as the heroine considered a savior in the Hundred Years War (between the 14th and 15th centuries) and there's plenty of chain store shopping aimed more at locals than tourists It's well-known for its plethora of antiques stores; head to streets like Rue Damiette around the Church of Saint-Ouen de Rouen like the man who was sculpting a dog out of sand that looked so lifelike which I did a double take and then dropped money into his tin cup Viking Rolf overnighted at our docking spot in Rouen What's a bit surprising to me is that the food onboard French with contemporary twists and "everyday" options has been so good that I've barely eaten off the ship perfectly captures my interest in savoring a meal here: "Dining at the restaurant that introduced the late Julia Child to French cuisine feels a little like striking a match on the site where humans discovered fire." Indeed as she recounted in her memoir "My Life in France," Child who had literally just gotten off a transatlantic crossing in Le Havre as she and her husband were relocating to Paris in 1948 "the most exciting of my life" and sparked her passion for introducing French cuisine to American palates Maybe La Couronne milks the Child connection a little bit -- there's actually a Julia Child menu available if not cooked by the same chef -- and the effort exudes a whiff of touristic marketing in a Norman building dating back to the 14th century makes you forget all about the 21st century (and if you've seen the movie "Julie and Julia," where a scene is shot at the supposed La Couronne you'll notice that it's not this one but when the waiter understood I wanted him to call the shots The experience remains a highlight of my trip I took a quick detour to Rouen Cathedral where from June to September there's a late-night color and light show reflected off its facade Today is the penultimate experience of our Seine River cruise I say that because it's the one day where we all come together for a tour of the World War II theater best known as the Normandy beaches awe-inspiring artistic masterpieces and the culinary inspiration of Julia Child hold no candle to the reverence and honor we'll pay tribute to on this jam-packed outing today's all about the brutal effort that helped the Allies turn the tables 11 hours from start to finish back in Rouen It was touching to see that Viking created two tours the other focused on events of interest to British and Canadian passengers It was a good reminder that this day is not just about the American war effort but also a meaningful battle for Canadian and British militaries Travelers who are Canadian or British went to Sword and Juno beaches (with a side trip to see the Bayeux tapestry) Omaha and Gold beaches before winding up at the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial The trip from Viking Rolf in Rouen to Normandy takes about two hours It's a pleasant journey on new and comfy Viking motor coaches; I loved that seats had access to outlets to charge phones and iPads watched "Saving Private Ryan," the Tom Hanks film about D-Day All distractions ceased as we got off the autoroute and onto country roads in Normandy the most jarring sight upon arriving in Arromanches is as much a vacation spot for beach-goers as it is for a powerful nod to our history is another surprising reminder of what happened here on June 6 and yet this juxtaposition between history and life today is absolutely compelling Viking hosts us all for a set-lunch at a golf resort; if you have any dietary restrictions make sure to let the Viking culinary team know before the Normandy visit The most intensely moving experience of the day -- and that's saying something -- is the post-lunch visit to the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial we all felt the sobering realization that 9,387 crosses are dedicated to American soldiers who lost their lives on D-Day and in the ensuing Battle of Normandy Another 1,557 men who were never found are memorialized on the Wall of the Missing Don't miss this: A ceremony was held for our group around the bronze memorial "Spirit of American Youth Rising from the Waves," and all passengers who had served or are still serving in the military were asked to participate Honoring military history and sacrifice of all who serve was a meaningful way to end the day People were lost in their own recollections I think a lot of us forgot we were on a light-hearted vacation and absorbed this era in person in a way that no movie or history book could transcribe I wasn't alone in feeling that I'll never forget this day Les Andelys was the perfect easygoing place the smaller of two villages marked by the ruins of Chateau Gaillard hovering above you can climb up to the ruins for simply gorgeous views of the Seine Valley's white cliffs or amble around town shopping at darling boutiques and dining off-ship at bistros and pizzarias via a kayaking expedition on the nearby Eure River it attracted just about the same group of us who'd cycled into Giverny and it was placid and peaceful and you didn't really have to work too hard officers of Viking Rolf hosted a Viking Explorer Society welcome-back reception for past passengers and it seemed like most of the passengers were there sipping elegant cocktails and trading bon mots If yesterday's blissful laid-back nature helped us recharge which is relatively unremarkable for tourists -- its proximity to Chateau de Malmaison and the Palace of Versailles means it's easy to start tours here After a quick walk around Mantes-la-Jolie I got back onboard looking for a few hours spent on the river and the ship set out for our final port of Le Pecq here's the thing: What can get lost on any river cruise amid all the sightseeing discoveries is the simple pleasure of gliding along the river There are views from river bank to river bank and it can be as glorious as a cathedral perched on a hilltop or an ancient half-timbered mansion or even watching other boats It occurs to me that the Seine feels even quieter than most; despite the fact that it's France's busiest commercial waterway we haven't seen many other riverboats I curl up on the balcony and read a little bit from the book I still haven't finished in one of the rocking chairs in the Aquavit Terrace I sip a cocktail with a pair of passengers who a little shopping for gifts at the Viking store on Deck 2 and the contemplation tense and laden with pressures of daily life I feel like a shirt that's been ironed to remove all the creases The week we've spent is a jumble of kaleidoscopic colors My only regret is I can't stay onboard and do it all over again is an award-winning editor and writer who’s been covering the cruise industry for morre than 20 years She’s began trawling Europe’s rivers while on assignment for The Washington Post and counts a dozen voyages along the Danube alone (and only two on the Seine; she's looking to increase her frequency on France's most iconic waterway) from imperial cities to villages so beautifully preserved they could be a film set We traveled on Europe's most popular rivers -- the Danube Rhone and Seine -- and share our stories about our discoveries with plenty of tips and insights to help you plan your own voyage On the Danube River: Two Longtime Pals Make Discoveries About Europe and Friendship On the Rhine River: Our Culinary, Castle and Cathedral Discoveries Are Just the Beginning On the Rhone River: Mother and Son Take Their First River Cruise Together On the Seine River: Paris Is Just One of Many Standouts on This Solo Cruise And don't miss our exclusive new series: Cruise Critic's Ultimate River Cruise Guides The guides give expert advice on what to do in ports of call when cruising Europe's rivers from insight on the marquee attractions that are typically featured on included tours to off-the-track discoveries to make on your own Check out: Cruise Critic's Ultimate Danube River Cruise Guide Check out: Cruise Critic's Ultimate Rhine River Cruise Guide Check out: Cruise Critic's Ultimate Seine River Cruise Guide From the Île de la Cité to theÎle des impressionnistes in Chatou, via theÎle Saint-Denis at the entrance to an immense 27-hectare ornithological park The Mantes-la-Jolie educational farm is located in this exceptional environment populated by wild birds such as grey herons and mallard ducks which you can observe from the park's observatory for your little ones to pet and observe all afternoon long you and your family can (re)discover farm animals and their babies Please enable JS and disable any ad blocker David Brennan is Newsweek's Diplomatic Correspondent covering world politics and conflicts from London with a focus on NATO David joined Newsweek in 2018 and has since reported from key locations and summits across Europe and the South Caucasus This includes extensive reporting from the Baltic David graduated from the University of Cambridge having specialized in the history of empires and revolutions You can contact David at d.brennan@newsweek.com and follow him on Twitter @DavidBrennan100 either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content Hundreds of high school students have been arrested nationwide as French authorities battle unrest sparked by the "Gilets Jaunes" protests against President Emmanuel Macron Young Students have been striking alongside the anti-Macron demonstrators while also calling for the abandonment of contentious reforms to high school education The student protests have occured as wider unrest spreads to towns and cities all over the country disturbing footage emerged of a mass arrest of students as police respond to the ongoing civil unrest sparked by a proposed carbon tax Read More: What Trump Got Wrong About the Riots in France Disturbing footage emerged Friday of a mass arrest at a school outside Paris Posted by the Twitter channel Violences Policières which documents police brutality in France the video showed dozens of students—some reportedly as young as 12—kneeling silently in rows with their hands behind their heads as heavily armed riot police told the group they all faced violent disorder charges including "participation in an armed crowd." The video of the arrest was shot in the town of Mantes-la-Jolie The detained students were from two nearby schools—Saint-Exupéry and Jean-Rostand—where rioting students had reportedly been found with baseball bats and teargas canisters The footage outraged social media users, with some comparing the kneeling students to prisoners waiting for a firing squad D'autres images de l'interpellation de dizaines de lycéens, aujourd'hui à Mantes-la-Jolie. pic.twitter.com/ghv8K91e7l Huge protests led by the "Gilets Jaunes"—named for the Hi-Vis yellow vests they wear—began in Paris on November 17 in response to a new fuel tax proposed by Macron The demonstrations have since morphed into a wider movement against the unpopular president and his pro-business economic policies More than 700 high school students have been arrested nationwide Student groups have shut down almost 300 institutions and refuse to attend classes in defiance of reforms to the high school education system which would also introduce stricter university entrance requirements Violence first broke out in Mantes-la-Jolie on Tuesday with students burning bins and throwing rocks and bottles at police Clashes continued Wednesday with hundreds of students taking charge of the street barricades and once again pelting police with projectiles A small group reportedly entered local homes to steal gas canisters which were thrown into fires but did not explode with two vehicles set on fire close to the school A local resident told Le Monde that students attempted to block the entrance to their institution but were met by police who had been waiting for them They were soon cornered in front of the school and 153 were arrested Though Macron capitulated and postponed his proposed fuel tax earlier this week demonstrations continue across the country Mass gatherings are expected once again this weekend and police have prepared for a resurgence of the violence which has already claimed at least four lives Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground Newsletters in your inbox See all AT LEAST 36 people have been injured in a horror crash involving four buses on the outskirts of Paris Police declared a major emergency after the vehicles smashed into each other on Wednesday evening Four Republican Guard buses were involved in the terrifying collision around 7:30pm local time on the A13 Motorway One person has been left seriously injured after the crash near Mantes-la-Jolie were rushed to a military hospital although their injuries are not life-threatening Thirty other people with minor injures were also taken to a nearby hospital This collision reportedly happened after a smaller vehicle attempted to move between the buses, according to Le Figaro The buses had been carrying around fifty military members which included cadets returning from a visit to a the Evreux air base, around 90 kilometres west of Paris. They included personnel from the army, navy, and air force. France's Minister of the Armed Forces, Sébastien Lecornu, shared a message to the soldiers involved in the horror collision and their families He said: "Thoughts go out to all the injured "Thanks to the emergency services involved." A huge emergency response was launched with around thirty vehicles and fifty firefighters dispatched to the scene The uninjured cadets were taken away from the terrifying scene on replacement buses A brightly lit window offers a glimpse of Lahcen, a 41-year-old Moroccan migrant, as he prays at his home in Paris during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. He is one of millions of Muslims living in France, which is home to the largest Islamic minority in Europe. But the strictly secular country has struggled to assimilate this population, mostly made up of descendants of immigrants from ex-colonies, who often feel shut out of mainstream society and jobs. Lahcen takes a photo of himself in the Paris suburb of Mantes-la-Jolie. He has been living in the French capital for ten years now, and says that practicing Islam in France is becoming increasingly difficult. He is concerned by laws that affect Muslims in the country, such as a ban on the full-face veil being worn in public. "The law is an attempt to create an Islam that the French can accept," he said. Chehrazad is a Muslim woman of Moroccan origin who lives in Mantes-la-Jolie and is directly affected by such legislation. The 36-year-old works as a secretary in a notary's office, where she has to remove her headscarf due to a law banning their use in the civil service. High-rise apartment blocks are seen in Choisy-le-Roi, part of the Parisian suburbs which are home to a large Muslim population. Muslims queue up to buy traditional sweets for their first Iftar meal, used to break their fast after sundown during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. Chehrazad leaves work at a Parisian notary's office, where she is not able to wear her headscarf. She shops for bread at a market in the Parisian suburb of Mantes-la-Jolie. Chehrazad looks at clothes while out shopping. Chehrazad prays in her Mantes-la-Jolie apartment. Hamza, 28, an unemployed immigrant from Algeria points at a picture of a ship that reminds him of his journey to Paris. Lahcen works at a fruit and vegetable stall in Aligre Market, Paris. A woman wearing a headscarf walks down a street in Paris. Lahcen walks past a group of Muslim women at a metro station. He waits to cross a busy street lit up at night. Lahcen talks to fellow worshippers outside a mosque. Wearing a T-shirt with an explicit slogan, Lahcen prepares his breakfast at home during Ramadan. Photographing the daily life of Muslims in Paris is a challenge. I discovered this by throwing myself into the project, which rapidly became a story of failed encounters, rejection and disappointment. Among the people I met, the fear of prejudice towards the Muslim world was intense, as was the worry that cliches about the community could be fuelled or spread by images. I met a good number of people as part of my investigation. The first few were in the suburbs of Paris, home to a large Muslim community. In Vitry-sur-Seine, I met four twenty-somethings of North African origin sitting outside a church. I explained my project to them and their suspicions were quickly aroused. I was asked about my job, the reasons for my project and why I was interested in them. They worried about how my images would be used. One of them took me for a spy. A contact put me in touch with a Salafist – a follower of a strict kind of Sunni Islam – who prayed with others in a garage at Mantes-la-Jolie. The originality of the place cried out to me. I met him, we talked through a week of long negotiations and he said the project was possible. But that was before the end of June, when the arrest of six suspected Islamists in the Ile-de-France region made the meeting difficult. In the end, I wasn’t allowed to photograph either the people or the place. Another contact put me in touch with Chehrazad, 36, a Muslim woman of Moroccan origin, who is employed at a public notary’s office and normally wears a headscarf, but is now forced to remove it due to a law banning headscarves in the civil service. Her French husband agreed that I could follow her life for a day. I went with her to the market, to her work and home. For her, covering her head was a case of individual choice: “Wearing the veil is a personal desire to protect my modesty,” she told me. Still in Mantes-la-Jolie, I met a French woman wearing a headscarf who was a convert to Islam. When I explained my project to her, she seemed keen to show her everyday life and arranged a meeting near her house over the phone. But when her husband arrived he refused to let me photograph his wife. I left disappointed and empty-handed. It was no longer a question of religion, but of culture. With so little luck in the suburbs, I turned to Paris itself. At the capital’s Aligre market, I ran into Lahcen, a practicing Muslim. I know him well – he’s my grocer. I explained my project and he opened his door to me with a smile. I followed his everyday life, from his home to the mosque to his work. Lahcen says practicing Islam in France is becoming more and more difficult, and that French laws specifically target Muslims, such as a ban on the full-face veil being worn in public. "The law is an attempt to create an Islam that the French can accept," he said. I tried to use Ramadan as an opportunity to take photographs inside a mosque of men praying, but I was forbidden. And yet, I am Muslim, I speak Arabic. I thought that this cultural and religious proximity would have made an exchange easier. I was wrong. Stereotypes and prejudices are strong and there is a real fear of images. What will you do with them? How will you use them? To what ends? Everyone I met was worried about the image and its propagation. In the age of social media, there is a fear of misinformation. I wanted to fight cliches, but how can you start when no one will open their door to you? This subject needs time, patience, perseverance and willpower. Even with all that, you’re not guaranteed success. There are five million Muslims in France, and there are plenty of reasons why they might feel afraid or suspicious. France is strictly secular and has struggled to integrate its Islamic population. Many feel alienated by the last government’s decision to ban face veils in public, and by a law banning headscarves in school. According to the Committee against Islamophobia in France, anti-Muslim incidents have been on the rise in recent years. Just this month, a soldier was arrested in Lyon on suspicion of planning to shoot at a mosque during the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr. From the ban on the full veil, to the incident of Mohammed Merah, an Islamist who killed seven people stereotypes surrounding the Muslim world abound here. In this climate, documenting the lives of France’s Muslims is difficult to say the least. Notifications can be managed in browser preferences. Students forced to kneel with hands behind their heads outside school in western Paris suburb as demonstrations against proposed exam changes spread through country I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A video of French students being forced to kneel with their hands behind their heads by riot police has sparked outrage on social media The students in the video, taken on earlier this week, were part of a protest in the western Paris suburb of Mantes-la-Jolie against proposed overhauls to national exams Demonstrations against the exam proposals have slowly spread around the country, at the same time as France has been shaken by the “yellow vest” protests which started as opposition to a planned increase in France’s fuel tax said he had opened an investigation into the treatment of the students on Friday saying they were trying to prevent violence like that sparked by the yellow vest protests in which four people have died and 700 have been wounded The roundup of the students in this manner was called “simply intolerable” by Cécile Duflot a former housing minister and now the director general of Oxfam in France The incident was also condemned by other human rights advocates and politicians shared on Twitter by the Violences Policières group had more than two million views less than a day after it was posted More than 140 students were collectively arrested on Thursday after protests at two high schools in the area according to police officials speaking to newspaper Le Monde Tensions had been brewing for days at Saint-Exupéry and Jean-Rostand high schools rubbish bins were set on fire and rocks thrown at police Left-wing politician and former presidential candidate Benoit Hamon described the scene as “chilling”, while Eric Coquerel, a far-left member of Parliament said the violence was "unacceptable and humiliating.” Florian Philippot, a far-right politician, said: “Re-establish order, yes. Those useless and shocking methods, no. Not in France.” Jean-Michel Blanquer, the education minister, said that while the images were shocking, it was important to understand the environment in which the arrests took place. “When I saw these images myself, I was obviously shocked,” he told France Inter radio. “We must find out what happened before, the context in which this unfolded.” Some officials defended police, pointing to the mounting tensions between the students and police over the past few days. A local prosecutor, Vincent Descloud, told Le Monde that security forces “had to opt for a law enforcement solution.” On Friday, dozens of students and teachers showed their support for those arrested, reproducing their kneeling pose in Paris and in several other cities. A large group gathered in Place de la République in Paris in solidarity with the students. Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies Archive Urbanism-Landscape This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks The action you just performed triggered the security solution There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page Due to the colossal construction site, the work has been delayed, tirelessly postponing the inauguration of the extension. But according to an announcement on the official RER E website the new timetable for the extension of RER E to the west of the Île-de-France region is becoming clearer RER E users will be able to travel to Nanterre from Monday May 6 Three new stations will also open on the RER E this spring: Neuilly-Porte Maillot Palais des Congrès La Défense Grande Arche and Nanterre-la-Folie Nanterre-la-Folie station will thus become the new terminus of the RER E pending the final extension of the line to Mantes-la-Jolie announced for late 2026 an interconnection is needed to reach one of the three new stations from the east of the line This is possible either at Haussmann - Gare Saint-Lazare "Although the interconnection is possible at both stations for a smoother journey we recommend that you make it at Magenta - Gare du Nord," the official RER E website states Then, once the 34 RER NG trains have been delivered at the end of the year, the transport offer can be extended, with 1 train every 4 minutes in peak hours and 1 train every 6 minutes in off-peak hours. "All RER E services will then be extended to Nanterre-la-Folie," reads the RER E website What about the final extension of the RER E to Mantes-la-Jolie with the opening of new stations at Houilles-Carrière-sur-Seine We use statistical tracers to monitor and improve the quality of the site In accordance with the regulations in force You can accept the use of these trackers by checking the corresponding boxes or block them by unchecking them Tracking analytics whose data is anonymised Contentsquare allows us to analyse the behaviour of users on the site and to improve the interfaces or correct potential errors encountered.To do so please accept the Contentsquare cookie deposit that this cookie is necessary to play the videos on the site Ile-de-France Mobilités, RATP and SNCF are working together to manage the increase in ridership on the RER A, in particular : View larger image Improvements, to simplify connections, to the walking route between Gare de Lyon, Bercy and Austerlitz stations. As the RER B is particularly in demand, numerous renovation work on stations, tracks, signals and points is underway to improve the reliability of the line and regulate traffic: In addition, the famous "beaver" works that passengers using the line are familiar with, which take place every summer and will for a few more years. They strengthen the vault of the Parisian underground tunnels using a concrete shell, while also carrying out necessary maintenance operations in the stations. View larger image Works and projects on the RER DDo you use the RER D? Go to this page to find out if there is any work in progress   As the number of passengers using the line increases every year the RER D has been reorganised along with major infrastructure modernisation improve reliability and also passenger information on the entire line for the comfort of passengers Details of the work undertaken on the RER D: The Eole project, the extension of the RER E to the west to Mantes-la-Jolie, will improve service to the west of the Ile-de-France region offering an alternative to the RER A, the central section of which is heavily used during rush hours. It consists of redeveloping the existing line between Mantes-la-Jolie and La Défense and boring a tunnel from La Défense to Haussmann Saint-Lazare. This extension, which is one of the most important transport projects in the region, involves 650,000 daily passengers! It will be carried out in two stages: Three new stations are under construction at Porte Maillot, La Défense and Nanterre. Between Houilles-Carrières-sur-Seine and Mantes-la-Jolie, ten stations will be completely renovated for this extension. Our site collects some of your browsing data in order to improve the quality of service