The decision, prompted by the overwhelming influx of visitors flocking to catch a glimpse of the iconic painting, reflects a growing concern over the detrimental effects of over-tourism on both the artwork and the museum's broader collection
In 2023 alone, the Louvre welcomed nearly nine million visitors, with a staggering 80 percent of them, equating to around 20,000 individuals per day, making their way through the crowds to lay eyes on the enigmatic smile of the Mona Lisa
While the figures fall short of the pre-pandemic peaks, the institution remains determined, setting its sights on maintaining a daily visitor mark of 30,000 throughout 2024
Hours before the highly anticipated opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics, French rail company SNCF has been struck by a "massive attack" that has severely disrupted its high-speed network
The union, which represents approximately 10 percent of the 3,000 performers set to participate in the grand opening, had initially filed a strike notice last week. They cited "outrageous disparities" in compensation among dancers, with some earning significantly less than their peers for the same performance
Most of those arrested are reportedly from Central Asia and have been identified as members of the "Islamic State - Khorasan," a group known for its operations in Iran, Afghanistan, and Turkmenistan
The search operation for a boy who fell from the Cliffs of Moher has been temporarily suspended due to adverse weather conditions. The boy, whose identity has not yet been released, was reported missing on Tuesday, prompting an extensive search involving multiple agencies
The announcement marks a significant step for France, which is the sole candidate for the 2030 Winter Games. However, the funding for the event has been uncertain due to the ongoing political instability following inconclusive snap elections
