Zero to pay for glasses

People needing glasses will be able to get a free pair from January 2020 with costs fully covered by state healthcare and their mutuelle insurance.

Connexion journalist

Published Wednesday 23 January 2019 - 15:00 Modified Wednesday 23 January 2019 - 15:00

A new law (zéro reste à charge) means opticians must offer a range of lenses and frames at no cost. Some, such as Afflelou and Optic 2000, already offer low-cost options but all will offer free ranges soon.

The scheme, with cost limits for equipment, will also expand to dental prosthetics in 2020 and hearing aids in 2021.

French prefecture rejects Briton's long-stay EU residency card request

European guidelines show the applicant should have received the permit. We look at the rules surrounding the carte de résident de longue-durée - EU card

Para-skier sets off on a world-first 911km solo South Pole trek

Having trained in the French Alps, originally from Devon, this former army officer is taking on the challenge of a lifetime

Notaire fees expected to increase in summer 2025 in France

Local councils look towards increase as source of funding

Try out this delicious raspberry and sage tart recipe

This recipe is courtesy of one of France’s best pastry chef Marion Goettlé for Café Mirabelle

Chance to spend a night as a ‘lighthouse keeper’ on Brittany island

This renovated lighthouse keeper’s cottage provides an unusual weekend stay option

New French-Swiss app launches as one-stop shop for dog owners

The app shows the locations and details of dog-friendly walks, parks, hotels, activities, groomers, and entertainment

Explore the tiny French village in the mountains full of hidden wonders

Baume-les-Messieurs, located in the Jura mountains, has a fascinating history that requires visitors to take it at more than just surface value

French supermarket launches ‘shop trucks’ to drive around rural areas

The new initiative will bring 350 everyday products to more isolated towns

Human error may have caused Val Thorens ski lift crash, says prosecutor

The crash injured eight workers, including two severely

Photos: Up to 200 deer emerge from morning fog in France

‘Their eyes are like radars. They spotted me long before I saw them,’ said the amateur wildlife photographer who captured the scene

French senate votes for increase in taxes on tobacco, gambling and soda

A packet of cigarettes will cost on average €12.70 next year if propositions are included in final budget

Motorway crash, drivers stranded, power cuts: Storm Caetano wreaks havoc across France

Severe disruption to train and road travel from snow, and hundreds of thousands of homes left without power

Temperatures to rise 10C or more: French weekend weather outlook November 23 - 24

Rainfall is expected in the north and Mediterranean

Letters: Dismissal of French satirist shows freedom of speech is in danger

Connexion reader says comedians must be permitted to provoke our thoughts and prejudices

Mystery over how French driving fines continue to reach UK addresses

Information sharing agreements ended when Brexit came into force in 2021, but the number of fines sent across the English Channel increased in 2023

Learning French: what is a gros mot?

This term is important to know for potty mouths

Why parking fines in France are now more likely to be cancelled

It comes after France’s highest administrative court found in a driver’s favour

What is ideal calendar donation for French firefighters and postal workers?

There is no set price for the calendars, which are sold in workers’ spare time

French inheritance law: ‘We are being forced to sell our home and leave the country’

France’s 2021 law on imposed heirship - and the slow process of complaints to the EU - are driving us away, say readers

Letters: Vegetarian options are too limited in France

Connexion readers say French cuisine is all the poorer due to its reliance on meat

Controversial A69 motorway in doubt as court assesses environmental impact

A new call for cancellation of the environmental approval could halt the project

What is process for building work near a site listed as historic monument in France?

The Architectes des Bâtiments de France must approve of external renovations within 500m of a listed site

Why do some French GPs charge more than others?

The price of a consultation is rising in December - but some already bill patients at €30 instead of €26.50

Neighbour’s chimney blows smoke into our French home: what can we do?

Chimney stacks must be a certain length from nearby rooftops

Zero to pay for glasses

People needing glasses will be able to get a free pair from January 2020 with costs fully covered by state healthcare and their mutuelle insurance.

Is France’s Canal du Midi doomed to lose its famous trees?

Chance to spend a night as a ‘lighthouse keeper’ on Brittany island

New French-Swiss app launches as one-stop shop for dog owners

French prefecture rejects Briton's long-stay EU residency card request

Para-skier sets off on a world-first 911km solo South Pole trek

Learning French: the origins and meaning of barbe à papa

Find out the reasons behind France’s ‘modern’ ghost towns

Is France’s Canal du Midi doomed to lose its famous trees?

Notaire fees expected to increase in summer 2025 in France

Try out this delicious raspberry and sage tart recipe

Chance to spend a night as a ‘lighthouse keeper’ on Brittany island

New French-Swiss app launches as one-stop shop for dog owners

Explore the tiny French village in the mountains full of hidden wonders

French supermarket launches ‘shop trucks’ to drive around rural areas

Human error may have caused Val Thorens ski lift crash, says prosecutor

Photos: Up to 200 deer emerge from morning fog in France

French senate votes for increase in taxes on tobacco, gambling and soda

France’s 2024 Christmas bonus: who is eligible and how much is it?

Must you remove snow in front of home in France? Rules to respect

Comment: The decline of French winter resorts is no bad thing

Motorway crash, drivers stranded, power cuts: Storm Caetano wreaks havoc across France

Temperatures to rise 10C or more: French weekend weather outlook November 23 - 24

Letters: Dismissal of French satirist shows freedom of speech is in danger

Mystery over how French driving fines continue to reach UK addresses

Learning French: what is a gros mot?

New bill aims to outlaw use of small water bottles in France

Photos as snow falls – and settles – across France

Fact check: Does France offer world’s most generous health reimbursement?

Why parking fines in France are now more likely to be cancelled

What is ideal calendar donation for French firefighters and postal workers?

French inheritance law: ‘We are being forced to sell our home and leave the country’

Letters: Vegetarian options are too limited in France

Controversial A69 motorway in doubt as court assesses environmental impact

What is process for building work near a site listed as historic monument in France?

Why do some French GPs charge more than others?

Neighbour’s chimney blows smoke into our French home: what can we do?