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The secret life of Agent Griaznov, the Russian spy suspected of trying to 'destabilize' the Paris Olympics

Thanks to numerous documents and exclusive sources, Le Monde was able to retrace the career of Kirill Gryaznov, ex-reality TV star turned FSB spy, who boasted of offering the French an opening ceremony 'like no other.'

Published today at 3:12 pm (Paris), updated at 6:03 pm Lucas Minisini, Thomas Eydoux, Charles-Henry Groult, Der Spiegel and The Insider

Feature

Paris 2024: Law enforcement officers face 'Games Pass' headache

In the days since the security perimeter for the opening ceremony was set up, law enforcement officers have had to deal with randomly functioning QR codes, ill-tempered Parisians and lost tourists.

Published today at 1:14 pm (Paris) Arthur Carpentier

News

Physical attacks targeting nonresidents up sharply on French territory since 2016

A study by the Interior Ministry's statistical office shows that assaults on foreigners (mainly tourists) have doubled in seven years.

Published today at 2:00 am (Paris), updated at 8:18 am Antoine Albertini

In Depth

2030 Winter Olympics: A conditional victory for the French Alps

On Wednesday, July 24, the International Olympic Committee granted the hosting rights for the 2030 Winter Olympics to France, contingent upon the French government ensuring its financial commitment by October 1.

Published yesterday at 11:01 pm (Paris), updated at 7:57 am Nicolas Lepeltier Gilles Rof

In Depth

Paris 2024: Controversial AI-led video surveillance put to the test during Olympics

Regional transport authorities are preparing to extend the use of so-called 'smart' algorithm-led video surveillance throughout the Games. These tools have already been tested in France, but their effectiveness has been questioned.

Published yesterday at 7:00 pm (Paris) Florian Reynaud Martin Untersinger

Investigation

Russian spy arrested in Paris after alleged plan to 'destabilize' Olympic Games

A former reality TV star trained at a Parisian culinary school, a 40-year-old Russian national and FSB agent had boasted of disrupting the opening ceremony of the Olympics, before he was arrested on July 21. Le Monde has retraced his steps.

Published yesterday at 4:15 pm (Paris) Lucas Minisini Thomas Eydoux Charles-Henry Groult

News

French Alps awarded 2030 Winter Olympics 'under conditions'

The International Olympic Committee on Wednesday announced France, the only contender, would host the 2030 Winter Olympics after receiving promises of financial contributions from the French president.

Published yesterday at 10:49 am (Paris), updated yesterday at 12:28 pm Le Monde with AFP

News

Macron offers 'welcome' to Israeli athletes for Paris Olympics

'We need to come together as France that is welcoming the world,' declared the French president during a live interview aired on French TV on Tuesday, July 23.

Published on July 23, 2024, at 10:37 pm (Paris), updated yesterday at 7:25 am Le Monde with AFP

News

Paris 2024: French PM says six drones per day intercepted near Olympic sites

Gabriel Attal explained that the flying vehicles were often used by 'tourists wanting to take pictures,' but, as they are banned, French air defense staff would 'quickly intercept' them, and their operators would be arrested.

Published on July 23, 2024, at 9:01 pm (Paris), updated yesterday at 5:25 pm Le Monde with AFP

News

Macron says no new government until 'mid-August,' declining left-wing proposal for PM

The left-wing Nouveau Front Populaire alliance backed Lucie Castets, the finance director at Paris City Hall, to become France's prime minister. President Emmanuel Macron said he would not appoint a new prime minister until after the Paris Olympics.

Published on July 23, 2024, at 7:31 pm (Paris), updated on July 23, 2024, at 9:34 pm Le Monde with AFP

In Depth

Inside Paris's vast security operation for the Olympics

Some 30,000 police officers and gendarmes will walk the streets in Paris every day throughout the Olympics as the capital's police deploys all of its resources to prevent various threats, from terrorist attacks to cyber crime.

Published on July 23, 2024, at 7:00 pm (Paris) Antoine Albertini Arthur Carpentier

News

Macron presses against extradition for anti-whaling activist Paul Watson

After the founder of the activist group Sea Shepherd was arrested in Greenland under a Japanese warrant, Greens MPs, celebrities, and petitions have urged Macron to call for his release.

Published on July 23, 2024, at 6:23 pm (Paris), updated on July 23, 2024, at 9:30 pm Le Monde with AFP

Long Read

On the front lines of the far right's rise, France's rural mayors are in disarray

These mayors, who do not support the far-right Rassemblement National party, have constituents who have just elected its MPs in parliamentary elections. They waver between despondency and determination.

Published on July 22, 2024, at 8:30 pm (Paris), updated on July 22, 2024, at 9:09 pm Camille Bordenet

News

Awarding of 2030 Winter Games to France hinges on government's financial guarantee

Amidst institutional deadlock, the French government must provide the International Olympic Committee with necessary assurances in a letter before July 24, the day of the final decision on the Winter Olympics host.

Published on July 22, 2024, at 3:00 pm (Paris) Nicolas Lepeltier

News

Macron says France is 'ready' to host Paris Olympics

'We are ready and we will be ready throughout the Games,' the French president said during a visit to the Olympic Village, four days before the opening ceremony is set to take place on the Seine.

Published on July 22, 2024, at 1:54 pm (Paris) Le Monde with AFP

Column

What do eating contests look like in France?

Extremely popular in the United States and Japan, sports food competitions are a way to highlight local products in France, such as Morteau sausage or cancoillotte cheese, writes food columnist Léo Bourdin.

Published on July 21, 2024, at 7:31 pm (Paris) Léo Bourdin

News

Paris 2024: 'We're ready,' organizers say

Organizing Committee President Tony Estanguet said the city was 'ready' for the Games as he played down complaints from some residents and businesses about the impact of the event.

Published on July 21, 2024, at 6:58 pm (Paris), updated on July 21, 2024, at 7:17 pm Le Monde with AFP

In Depth

A French billionaire's plan to 'enable victory' for the far right

With a €150 million investment and training courses for municipal candidates, conservative entrepreneur Pierre-Edouard Stérin has launched a project to help the far-right Rassemblement National and right-wing Les Républicains come to power.

Published on July 21, 2024, at 1:34 pm (Paris) Clément Guillou

Column

Paris 2024: 'Olympic summer is coming!'

Construction of the competition sites is complete. Athletes are beginning to arrive. The police and military presence has stepped up, in particular for the July 26 opening ceremony on the Seine. Now it's time for the competitions.

Published on July 21, 2024, at 12:47 pm (Paris), updated on July 21, 2024, at 12:49 pm Manon Rescan

In Maps

Paris 2024: Map of the opening ceremony

The Paris Olympics will kick off on Friday, July 26, with a grandiose opening ceremony on the River Seine.

Published on July 21, 2024, at 10:13 am (Paris) Le Monde

Round-up

Paris 2024: Covid-19 looms over Olympic Games

Despite the surge in infections affecting the Paris region since mid-May, the Games organizers and health authorities do not foresee implementing a health bubble. However, athletes will be advised to take precautions.

Published on July 20, 2024, at 11:45 pm (Paris), updated on July 21, 2024, at 8:09 am Elisabeth Pineau Jérôme Porier Florence Rosier

News

French police clear water demonstrators from port blockade

Around 200 people took part in the mobilization in La Rochelle, on France's Atlantic coast. They are protesting massive irrigation reservoirs under construction.

Published on July 20, 2024, at 4:24 pm (Paris), updated on July 20, 2024, at 4:42 pm Le Monde with AFP

News

French athlete Wilfried Happio accused of domestic violence: 'He threw a huge punch to my head'

A former girlfriend of the 400-m hurdles athlete spoke out publicly for the first time to Le Monde. Happio is set to compete in the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Published on July 20, 2024, at 12:25 pm (Paris) Yann Bouchez

News

Paris 2024: Macron promises to swim in Seine, but 'not necessarily' before Olympics

The French president has said he would take a dip into the river's capital to reassure about the quality of the water. But he never set a date.

Published on July 19, 2024, at 11:01 pm (Paris), updated on July 23, 2024, at 10:24 am Le Monde with AFP

In Depth

Paris 2024: City's homeless 'made invisible' after camp evictions

Authorities have denied that camp closures are linked to the Olympics, but a collective of homeless organizations have expressed disappointment when it comes to the promise of a 'social legacy' from the Games.

Published on July 19, 2024, at 8:58 pm (Paris) Claire Ané

News

Pogacar wins 19th stage to close on Tour de France triumph

Tadej Pogacar overtook three riders on the final 16-kilometer climb to win the nineteenth stage of the Tour de France on Friday.

Published on July 19, 2024, at 6:56 pm (Paris) Le Monde with AFP

News

Paris knife attacker suspected of killing teenager

A policeman was wounded with a knife on Thursday near the Champs-Elysées. According to police sources, the attacker, who was shot dead by a policeman, is suspected of having committed a murder in a Paris suburb on the same day.

Published on July 19, 2024, at 2:42 pm (Paris) Le Monde with AFP

News

Paris 2024 Olympics affected by global IT outage

Organizers said on Friday that the glitch was affecting IT systems and could affect athletes' arrivals and the accreditation process for the opening ceremony next week.

Published on July 19, 2024, at 12:33 pm (Paris), updated on July 20, 2024, at 10:10 am Le Monde with AFP

Long Read

Anti-left front emerges as Macron-backed candidate re-elected as Assemblée Nationale president

Yaël Braun-Pivet, president of the Assemblée Nationale, was re-elected on Thursday against left-wing candidate André Chassaigne and far-right candidate Sébastien Chenu. She called for 'new methods'... just as she did in 2022.

Published on July 19, 2024, at 11:59 am (Paris) Mariama Darame, Rachel Garrat-Valcarcel, Corentin Lesueur and Alexandre Pedro

News

Starmer and Macron make first move to 'restore relations' between London, Paris and the EU

Two weeks after his victory over the Tories, the new head of the British government took his first steps on the international stage by hosting the fourth summit of the European Political Community on Thursday.

Published on July 19, 2024, at 11:05 am (Paris) Philippe Ricard

Interview

'Asylum requests have slowed over the first half of 2024 in France'

France is on a par with the rest of Europe in terms of the number of asylum applications it receives relative to the size of its population. Le Monde spoke with Julien Boucher, director of the French Office for the Protection of Refugees, about France's record on immigration.

Published on July 19, 2024, at 5:30 am (Paris) Julia Pascual

Visual Story

Where to sleep in Paris? A map of Le Monde's top 25 addresses

On vacation in the capital or in the Paris region? Here is our selection of hotels and hostels in interactive map format.

Published on July 19, 2024, at 4:00 am (Paris), updated on July 21, 2024, at 9:40 am Service Styles infographic

News

Macron-supported candidate re-elected as Assemblée Nationale president

Yaël Braun-Pivet was reelected with 220 votes. In 2022, she became the first woman to be elected to this position.

Published on July 18, 2024, at 9:17 pm (Paris), updated on July 18, 2024, at 10:45 pm Le Monde with AP

News

Man shot dead by police after knifing officer in Paris near Champs-Elysées

An attacker in Paris' luxurious Champs-Elysée neighborhood tried to enter a Louis Vuitton store before being turned away. Holding a knife, he injured a police officer who had been called to secure the store, according to the interior minister.

Published on July 18, 2024, at 8:58 pm (Paris), updated on July 18, 2024, at 11:29 pm Le Monde with AFP

Investigation

Luxury brands and private investors take over the Champs-Elysées

Ambitious real estate projects are on the rise up and down the famous avenue, with LVMH leading the charge. These companies want to make their mark on the street by funding an urban redevelopment plan.

Published on July 18, 2024, at 8:00 pm (Paris), updated on July 19, 2024, at 9:12 pm Emeline Cazi Juliette Garnier

Selection

A quick getaway with friends or family in Paris? Our selection of five hostels

Here are five hip and friendly places to stay in Paris on a budget.

Published on July 18, 2024, at 5:30 pm (Paris) Isabelle Mériel Yoanna Sultan-R'bibo

News

Car crashing into Paris cafe 'could have been intentional,' prosecutor says

The incident took place on Wednesday on the terrace of the Le Ramus bar near the Père-Lachaise cemetery. One person died and six were injured, three of them seriously, according to the prosecutor's office. The 24-year-old driver was taken to a psychiatric hospital.

Published on July 18, 2024, at 5:15 pm (Paris) Le Monde with AFP

News

In Strasbourg, refugees' anxiety heightened by advance of far right

In the eastern French city, a charity helps ease the psychological suffering of migrants with chaotic backgrounds. Their anguish has increased following the far right's results in recent elections.

Published on July 18, 2024, at 3:00 pm (Paris) Stéphanie Wenger

In Depth

Women come forward to accuse famous French priest of sexual assault

A report commissioned by charities Abbé Pierre founded reveals a pattern of sexual assault committed by the priest from the late 1970s to 2005.

Published on July 18, 2024, at 12:13 pm (Paris) Lorraine de Foucher Claire Ané

In Depth

Violence, racism: French rugby once again confronted with its demons

Melvyn Jaminet's racist remarks, the indictment of Hugo Auradou and Oscar Jegou for aggravated rape in Argentina: Recent incidents involving the French national team have raised questions about the culture of this very masculine sport.

Published on July 18, 2024, at 11:47 am (Paris) Jérôme Lefilliâtre

Review

French Touch flies high at one-off concert on roof of Paris airport

Air, Phoenix and other French bands gave a free concert at Paris's Charles de Gaulle airport on Wednesday.

Published on July 18, 2024, at 11:37 am (Paris), updated on July 18, 2024, at 11:40 am Bruno Lesprit

News

Central Paris locks down for Olympics as athletes arrive

French security forces began locking down large parts of the capital ahead of the hugely complex Olympics opening ceremony next week on the Seine.

Published on July 18, 2024, at 10:14 am (Paris), updated on July 18, 2024, at 4:06 pm Le Monde with AFP

News

France hunts arson suspect after Nice fire kills 7

Rescuers were alerted to the blaze that killed four people on the seventh floor of a building in the low-income neighborhood of Les Moulins in the southern French city.

Published on July 18, 2024, at 10:02 am (Paris), updated on July 18, 2024, at 6:14 pm Le Monde with AFP

News

Motorist rams into Paris cafe, leaving one dead, several seriously hurt

The prosecutor's office said the driver of the vehicle was arrested. A police source said the initial theory was that the incident was a traffic accident.

Published on July 17, 2024, at 8:44 pm (Paris), updated on July 18, 2024, at 10:09 am Le Monde with AFP

Investigation

Sodexo's discreet operations in Russia

The French catering and facilities company tried to keep its work on the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline site invisible, until its withdrawal from the country in 2022. Now an official partner of the Paris Olympic Games, it says that it hasn't violated any sanctions.

Published on July 17, 2024, at 4:30 pm (Paris), updated on July 17, 2024, at 4:51 pm Lucas Minisini Le Monde's video investigation team

News

Abbé Pierre, French priest known for charity work, accused of sexual assaults

In a report by two charities he founded, seven women accused Abbé Pierre, who died in 2007, of sexual assaults between 1970 and 2005.

Published on July 17, 2024, at 4:11 pm (Paris), updated on July 17, 2024, at 4:12 pm Le Monde with AFP

Obituary

Jean-Claude Lenoir, leading figure in helping migrants in Calais, has died

The retired teacher, a tireless campaigner for the rights of asylum seekers, was a prominent figure in the Calais charity community. He died on July 11, aged 72.

Published on July 17, 2024, at 2:41 pm (Paris), updated on July 17, 2024, at 2:41 pm Julia Pascual

News

Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo holds promise and takes a dip in the Seine

With just nine days to go before the opening ceremony on the river Seine in Paris, the city's mayor took the plunge to prove the water was safe to swim in.

Published on July 17, 2024, at 10:54 am (Paris), updated on July 17, 2024, at 12:13 pm Le Monde with AP

Interview

Writer Corinne Maier: 'It's time for women to assert their right to selfishness'

Women are still too often servants devoted to domestic life, laments Corinne Maier. In an interview, the author urges them to 'break free from the social conditioning that prepares girls to devote themselves to others.'

Published on July 17, 2024, at 4:16 am (Paris), updated on July 17, 2024, at 9:41 am Marjorie Philibert

News

French rugby scandal: 'There will be a before and after Mendoza,' promises federation president

Following the events in Argentina, where Melvyn Jaminet made racist remarks and Hugo Auradou and Oscar Jegou were charged with 'aggravated rape,' Florian Grill has announced that he intends to increase punishments in the event of misconduct.

Published on July 17, 2024, at 2:59 am (Paris), updated on July 17, 2024, at 9:52 am Henri Seckel

Investigation

Alcohol, a major but underestimated cause of everyday violence

The consumption of alcohol, and sometimes drugs, plays a central role in violence committed in France, particularly within the family circle. Across the country, judges, police officers and addiction specialists are observing the extent of this phenomenon.

Published on July 16, 2024, at 8:30 pm (Paris) Luc Bronner

News

Rugby international Jaminet under investigation over racist remarks

Prosecutors said they had opened an investigation after the player was filmed saying he wanted to attack Arabs.

Published on July 16, 2024, at 5:03 pm (Paris), updated on July 16, 2024, at 7:51 pm Le Monde with AFP

News

Macron accepts PM's resignation, government shifts to caretaker role

President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday accepted the resignation of Prime Minister Gabriel Attal's government, which will now remain only in a caretaker capacity.

Published on July 16, 2024, at 2:44 pm (Paris), updated on July 16, 2024, at 8:11 pm Le Monde with AFP

News

Armored vehicles, night vision binoculars: Qatar lends equipment to French police for Olympics

France having deployed much of its tactical equipment in New Caledonia, it has asked Doha for help in securing the Games, Le Monde has learned.

Published on July 16, 2024, at 2:16 am (Paris), updated on July 16, 2024, at 9:32 am Antoine Albertini Arthur Carpentier

News

Attacker stabs French soldier patrolling Paris ahead of Olympics

A 40-year-old man was arrested on Monday on suspicion of injuring a soldier who was guarding the Gare de l'Est station. The attack comes less than two weeks before the start of the Olympic Games in the French capital.

Published on July 15, 2024, at 10:55 pm (Paris), updated on July 16, 2024, at 11:44 am Le Monde with AFP

Feature

Olympic flame in Paris: 'Being here for the Games is a dream come true'

On Sunday July 14, the French capital welcomed the Olympic flame in a journey of gravity and enthusiasm, from the Champs-Elysées to the Hôtel de Ville.

Published on July 15, 2024, at 11:02 am (Paris), updated on July 15, 2024, at 11:05 am Nicolas Lepeltier, Mustapha Kessous, Emma Barets and Sylvia Zappi

News

French military intelligence is worried about increasing foreign interference

The French Defense Intelligence and Security Directorate published a report revealing the rise in attempted intrusions or approaches by foreign states, targeting France's economic sphere and companies in the defense sector.

Published on July 15, 2024, at 7:00 am (Paris), updated on July 15, 2024, at 11:27 am Chloé Hoorman Elise Vincent

In Depth

France's startups concerned over effects of Macron's snap elections

The French FinTech community, strongly backed by French President Emmanuel Macron, is worried about the changing image of the country and its president among foreign investors.

Published on July 15, 2024, at 5:00 am (Paris) Isabelle Chaperon Vincent Fagot

In Depth

One year after reopening, National Museum of the History of Immigration draws crowds in Paris

The Parisian institution, which took a stand against the far right during the parliamentary elections, saw a dramatic increase in visitors in 2023 but remains underfunded.

Published on July 15, 2024, at 3:59 am (Paris), updated on July 15, 2024, at 10:01 am Roxana Azimi

In Depth

Far-right RN carries out discreet purge after electoral failure

The Rassemblement National has dismissed several members who proved to be xenophobic, racist or anti-Semitic during the election campaign.

Published on July 14, 2024, at 8:00 pm (Paris) Corentin Lesueur Benjamin Keltz

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