Day 3195 (Sunday) 8th March 2026

This is Eze Village

and this is Nice.

Today is International Women’s Day and this is what’s happening in France.

A march in 2025 marking the International Women's Day, in Toulouse. (Photo by Ed JONES / AFP)

Events are planned across France to mark International Women’s Day, on Sunday, March 8th, and raise awareness of gender equality, reproductive rights, and violence and abuse against women - here's how to find out what's on near you.

The first International Women’s Day took place in 1911, inspired by thousands of suffragists campaigning for rights for women, including the right to vote.

It was officially recognised by the United Nations in 1977. Around 80 countries recognise International Women’s Day as a public holiday. France first formally recognised the day - which here is known as Journée internationale des droits des femmes (international day of women's rights) but not as a public holiday, in 1982.

In France, 2026 marks the 80th anniversary of a decisive moment in the history of women’s rights in France.

Adopted on October 27th, 1946, under the Fourth Republic, the Preamble to the Constitution of October 27th, 1946, stated: “The law guarantees women, in all areas, rights equal to those of men.” 

Marches, events and exhibitions have been planned in towns and cities across France to mark the day.

In Paris, a ‘feminist village will set up at Place de la Bataille de Stalingrad, in the 19th arrondissement, at 11am, ahead of a march starting there at 2pm, which will head to Place de la République, in the 11th arrondissement. 

Meanwhile, street artists from the Les Bombasphères collective are set to transform the Cristino Garcia shelter in the capital’s 20th arrondissement; the Palace of Versailles will be illuminated in purple, and a motorcycle parade organised by the Fédération Française des Motards en Colère will leave from Porte Dauphine at 2pm.

In Toulouse, meanwhile, a street exhibition in public spaces around the city runs throughout the month in an effort to ‘increase the visibility of women in public spaces’. On the day itself, A ‘sorority club’ dedicated to women’s rights takes place at Pompon sur la Daronne, while air ambulance pioneer Marie Marvingt will be remembered at L’Envol des Pionniers.

A march in Bordeaux, from Place de la Victoire at 1pm on Sunday, is the keynote of several days of events organised in conjunction with the city. 

In Lille, a demonstration is planned to start at 2pm at Place de l’Opera, and will head to Place de la Republique at the end of a week of events to promote women’s rights.

A demonstration and strike against unequal pay has been called on Sunday in Lyon. A march, which will combine women’s rights with a protest against the far right, will set off at 2.30pm at Place Jean-Macé. Unions and associations have called for a ban on the presence of the far right collective Némésis. Events are taking place across the city in the days around March 8th.

But it's very far from only the big cities which are holding events or demos, to find that's on in your area, search Journée internationale des droits des femmes plus the name of your town. Alternatively check out local media or the social media channels of the mairie or préfecture.

Oh, and anyone who feels the urge to ask: international men’s day is on November 19th.

It was quite sunny this morning but it soon clouded over and it was a tad cold.

We decided to go up to the Cabana for lunch despite the weather and the view wasn’t as wonderful as usual but still pretty special.

 

While we were waiting for our food we saw a procession of caterpillars walking on the terrace 

It was quite revolting

The waiter came over and scooped them into a pile.

They soon regrouped and were off again.

When we got home Huw looked them up and found this…

The pine processionary caterpillar is the larva of the Thaumetopea pityocampa moth, which lays its eggs on pine trees and sometimes cedars. The larvae build silken nests in the branches, then descend in procession along the trunks to bury themselves in the soil and pupate. Their proliferation is rapid, favoured by mild winters.

Damage to trees
By feeding on the needles, the caterpillars weaken pine trees by reducing their photosynthetic capacity. Infested trees become more vulnerable to diseases and attacks from other parasites, which can lead to their death in the long term.

A risk to human and animal health
The caterpillars' urticating hairs are a natural defense that release toxins when they come into contact with the skin or mucous membranes. In humans, this causes itching, skin rashes, and even serious respiratory problems. Animals, especially dogs, risk serious complications if they ingest or inhale these hairs. 

What is an eco-trap?
An eco-trap is an environmentally friendly device designed to intercept processionary caterpillars as they descend from trees. Placed around the trunk, it guides the caterpillars into a collection bag where they are trapped.

Targeted and environmentally friendly operation
- The caterpillars follow their natural instincts to descend in single file.

- The eco-trap uses this behavior to channel them into a closed circuit.

- Without chemicals or harm to other species, it acts gently and effectively.

By preventing caterpillars from burying themselves in the soil, the eco-trap interrupts their life cycle, thus limiting their future proliferation.