The 2026 baccalaureate exams get under way, G7 leaders meet in Evian, airport workers in Paris are scheduled to go on strike, there’s some football and of course it’s the Fête de la musique.
Monday
International – France hosts the leaders of the Group of 7 – bringing together the Heads of State and Government of France, USA, Canada, Japan, the United Kingdom, Italy, and Germany) – in Evian, near the Swiss border.
Exams – The 2026 baccalaureate exams for students in their final year of lycée kick off with the Philosophy paper. Speciality papers follow on Tuesday 16th, Wednesday 17th, and Thursday 18th June. Those studying for their brevet have another 11 days to cram before their exams begin.
READ ALSO: Building citizens: Why philosophy is compulsory in French schools
Tuesday
Politics – MEPs in Strasbourg vote on a possible US-EU tariff deal.
Health – From June 16th, tests to measure cadmium exposure may be covered by health insurance for certain people in France, such as those living or working in higher-risk areas.
READ ALSO EXPLAINED: Why the French are worried about cadmium in baguettes and cereal
World Cup – France’s men’s national football team kick off their Fifa World Cup challenge against Senegal in New Jersey. The match kicks off at 9pm, CET, and will be broadcast in France on M6 and beIN Sport. You’ll likely be hearing at least some of these 9 songs if you are in France.
Wednesday
Heatwave – temperatures are predicted to soar across France on Wednesday, with Météo France predicting a heatwave with temperatures topping 40C.
World Cup – England’s men’s football team face Croatia in Dallas. The match kicks off at 10pm CET, and will be broadcast on W9 and beIN Sport.
Thursday
Strike – A one-day strike has been announced for Thursday June 18th at the three Paris airports: Roissy–Charles-de-Gaulle, Paris-Orly and Le Bourget, over the issuing of security passes for airport staff who work in restricted areas such as baggage handlers or maintenance staff.
Festival – Heavy metal fans assemble in Clisson, from June 18th to 21st. for performances by Iron Maiden, Tom Morello, Limp Bizkit, Deep Purple, Cult of Luna, and Alice Cooper — among others. More information, here.
Friday
World Cup – USA v Australia in the Fifa World Cup. The Group D match kicks off at 9pm, and will be broadcast on M6 and beIN Sport.
Rugby – The first Top 14 semi-final in Marseille. The match kicks off at 9.05pm, and is broadcast live on Canal+.
Saturday
Rugby – The second Top 14 semi-final in Marseille. The match kicks off at 9.05pm, and is broadcast live on Canal+.
Sunday
Father’s Day – A reminder that it’s Father’s Day on Sunday.
Music – Villages, towns and cities across France come alive with the sound of music on Sunday, June 21st, to celebrate the sheer joy of live performances in bars, cafés, venues and on the street. Keep an eye on local press — and on the streets on the night itself — for what’s on where you are.
READ ALSO: Small towns and comfy shoes – How to really enjoy France’s Fête de la musique
