Solar Eclipse in France: Eclipse “fever” is building ahead of Wednesday’s rare total solar event visible across western Europe, with France seeing up to ~99% obscuration in the Basque Country and around 92% in Paris; forecasts point to mostly clear skies, and the key viewing window is in the evening as the sun sets (roughly 7:20pm start, peak ~8:20pm, ending ~9pm), plus local guides are sharing where to buy protective glasses and best spots. Heat & Power Crunch: Extreme temperatures are pushing up French and German electricity prices by more than 20% as heat tightens supply—French nuclear output faces river-temperature limits, while weaker wind and hotter demand ripple through Europe’s interconnected market. Wildfire Tourism Pressure (Spain): Spain is deploying 35,000 officers to curb any spark risk during eclipse crowds as wildfire danger remains high after a brutal season. France Travel Watch: TUI warns bookings are falling and profit misses as uncertainty tied to the Iran war keeps travelers from booking early. Driving in France: A reader’s reminder that studying the Code de la route helps foreign drivers—especially priority rules and town-entry signage. Water Restrictions: France is under widespread drought limits, with nearly 70% of the country facing restrictions as heat and low water levels bite.