French news

Price drops for French mobile contracts - which offer cheapest deals now?

The average price for a package has fallen by 10% in the past year

Extra ‘taxes’ imposed on high earners should be permanent, says French finance minister

This would not constitute a return to the former wealth tax, he adds

Temperature drop and rain: French weekly weather outlook April 14 - 18

Storms expected in south-west and heavy rain from Tuesday in the south-east

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Why more than half of French households do not pay income tax

Tax credits, ‘parts’ system and tax band increases all play their part

Rhône restoration returns riverbanks to natural state near Lyon

€8.2m project will bring back marshy areas to 5km of the river, helping wildlife to thrive

How to help hedgehogs in your garden in France

Follow these tips to create a healthy ecosystem for this protected species

Why microphones are installed in hundreds of trees across France

Researchers have set up devices in more than 100 forests across the country

Big rise in the number of hairdressers shutting in France

Rising costs and lower household spending threaten many salons from cities to villages

Which French regions have the most British residents - and how many?

Only around 5% live in Paris, recently released statistics show

Which French departments are most popular with retirees?

Four in Occitanie have a high proportion of over-65s, as does Dordogne

Photos: 94 chateaux open their doors to visitors in Dordogne

The fifth Chateaux en Fête festival offers a chance to look around many impressive properties that are usually private

Ski collision accidents soar in France: skiers reminded of rules

‘We are alarmed by the high level and severity of accidents’, a health authority warns

Mobile phones to be banned in French schools

It follows trial in hundreds of schools across the country this year

Faulty airbags: Mass recall in France includes more Toyota and Mercedes models

More than 2 million vehicles are still affected, with more cars now added to the list

Spring 2025 Covid booster vaccination: Who is this recommended for in France?

Several groups are advised to receive the vaccine after a surge in cases last summer

Local election rule changes in France and why you may have a new mayor in 2026

Communes with fewer than 1,000 residents are particularly set to see changes from next year

Process for drug testing drivers strengthened by French court ruling

The supreme court made the ruling after overturning an appeal against drug-driving

Ryanair launches four new routes from La Rochelle: London and Ireland included

Popular UK route flies five times per week

Camping holidays becoming more popular in France despite challenges

Foreign tourists are driving positive results as people in France tighten budgets

Americans moving to France are increasingly choosing Nice

Expat numbers are soaring alongside a boom in US tourism in the city

Drivers in France: Look out for this new road sign

The sign aims to encourage more environmentally-friendly driving and road usage practices

Theft of trees and wood on rise in France: dedicated helpline set up

Robbers strip forests for prized timber, leaving areas too devastated for trees to regrow

Trump tariff rises: which American items will be worst hit and when?

Three rounds of escalating tariffs will impact €22 billion worth of US goods

French law offers long-term protection for garden wildlife

Owners in France can call on the law for help to ‘rewild’ their land. Here is how

French windfarm paused after 300 protected birds killed by blades

Plus how many windfarms are there in France?

Woman survives 30 metre fall off Dordogne cliff, rescued by two helicopters

‘Miracle’ survival after woman spent night trapped following the fall

Italy’s state railway announces plans to compete with Eurostar on France-UK route

The Virgin group is also reviewing a service. In theory competition should lower ticket prices

Tough Airbnb rules in Marseille prompt many property owners to sell

City council reduce time that a property can be rented to short-term guests

Why the price of chocolate is skyrocketing in France this Easter

Certain products have seen prices increase by 34% as cheaper store brands are hit harder than global ones

What is known about large fire at recycling centre in Paris

Residents nearby are being urged to remain cautious over inhaling smoke

Photos: 22 bear cubs reported to have been born in Pyrenees in 2024

The current population is at a record, but the animals’ presence in the region is still hotly discussed

New EES border controls: will foreign residents of France be able to use e-gates?

Airports seek solutions to avoid obligatory queuing at border guards’ booths for French residency card and visa holders

Photos: Hundreds of Americans protest against Trump and Musk in Paris

‘Our goal is not anti-American but anti-oligarch’, says Democrats Abroad spokesman after the ‘Hands off’ demonstration on April 5

French DIY stores reorganise as people reduce home projects

Several factors, including cost, have been blamed

Golden jackal spotted in south-west France for the first time

There have only been a handful of sightings of golden jackals since the first in eastern France in 2017

Spring walks: beware of these French plants that are toxic for dogs - and watch out for animal threats

Cases of poisoning from plants and caterpillars are common during spring

France sees record spring temperatures and warm days to continue – weekly weather outlook April 7 - 10

Risk of morning frosts remains in north and east

Residency card drop-in clinics available in Nice

The prefecture's Point d’information étrangers can help with carte de séjour issues without an appointment

Closest ski resort to Paris for sale

La Loge des Gardes, a family-friendly resort, offers year-round activities and is seeking new ownership

French inventor develops new air purifier after daughter’s asthma attack

Particles in the air attach themselves to ionised air from the machine causing them to fall to the ground

Price of car repairs rises in France due to electric vehicles

Maintenance costs are up by 25% since 2020

Trump calls for Marine Le Pen to be freed (but she is not in prison)

US president said her embezzlement court case was a ‘witch hunt’

France’s €3 book delivery fee challenged in EU court by Amazon

Online retailer said measure is protectionist and ‘in breach of EU laws’

Allergies: How to know pollen levels in your commune of France

Interactive online maps can track and predict how pollen is changing in the air

Law to revamp public transport behaviour and penalties adopted in France

The bill is controversial for some, with critics saying it will invade people’s privacy and liberty

Map: When are school holidays for the rest of the year in France?

The holidays are strictly demarcated by geographical zone

Why Cadbury’s chocolate fingers are coming back to French supermarkets - at double the price

The biscuits disappeared from French supermarkets last year

French schools to bring in new physical exercise tests for pupils

Tests of endurance, muscular strength, and speed are set to take place at the start of collège

Alert over health risks of eating wild asparagus in France

Close to 50 cases of poisoning from wild plant were recorded between 2010 and 2020

Call for French train strike in May, just before many take long weekend

One of the main unions representing drivers is urging widespread action

South cooler than north: French weekend weather outlook April 5 - 6

Very little rain is expected as sunny conditions prevail for many areas

Inheritance law challenge in France: What could be the next steps?

Many readers report stress due to the law, which is causing some to consider leaving France so they can freely leave their estate under more flexible foreign laws

‘No evidence third party involved’ in deaths of British couple in south-west France

Investigators update The Connexion on Dawn Kerr and Andrew Searle case

MPs push to remove low emission driving zones in France

Critics say the zones penalise lower-income households, but the government has warned abolishing them could cost billions

Trump tariffs: Americans in France hit by dollar drop

Europe has said the tariffs will cause the economy to ‘massively suffer’ as France plans retaliation

What is being proposed to help people in areas that lack doctors in France

The new law on doctor location is set to improve ‘healthcare equality’, but doctors are critical

Residents asked to join fight against tiger mosquitoes

It comes as the pests continue to proliferate and spread disease

High demand for relaunch of Ryanair’s London - France route

Many UK residents own second homes in region

Visa delivery policy review ordered by French PM

'France welcomed more than half a million additional immigrants in 2024 - an unprecedented level', said François Bayrou

Which fruits, vegetables and fish are in season in France this April?

Strawberry season begins, compensating for end of winter vegetables

Why are drivers in France increasingly getting speeding fines without being ‘flashed’?

Here is why you may have received an unexpected fine in the post

Marine Le Pen appeal decision should be given in summer 2026, says court

It comes as the RN leader continues to maintain her ‘innocence’ and right-wing politicians have called her conviction ‘an attack on democracy’

Storm Nuria to hit France: Gales of up to 140 km/h forecast

The south and much of the south-west will be impacted

100 more supermarkets in south of France are to rebrand to Carrefour

Stores impacted are small convenience shops in the centre of cities or smaller supermarkets in rural towns or villages

Why official information on British couple's deaths in France is slow to emerge

The investigation highlights stark differences in procedures between France, UK and US

Map: Are there new Michelin star restaurants near you in France?

The new Michelin Guide France 2025 awarded 78 new stars to restaurants across the country

What do Trump and other world leaders say about Le Pen office ban decision?

From ‘left-wing abuse of the legal system’ to ‘the rule of law’, reactions have been fierce

Burglaries: the French cities and towns most - and least - affected

New official stats have been released with significant geographical differences

Know your cheeses and their seasons: which to eat in France in April

A wide selection of fresh cheeses are available this month

Main ski stations in French Pyrenees now closed - but five remain open

Busy Christmas period saw stations receive more skiers than previous year

French people reveal dish that best represents their country

Confit de canard, bouillabaisse, snails, crêpes, cassoulet…plus, how do you choose a restaurant?

Festivals, holidays and places to visit in France in April 2025

Including a gladiator battle in a Roman arena, an international garden festival and the Paris marathon

Many Société Générale customers to be charged additional fees from April

There is some good news for international banking and instant transfers, however

How much are gas prices in France rising in April - and why?

It comes after six consecutive monthly rises. Try these tips to reduce your bills

New notaire data suggests easing of Paris property crisis

Property experts have talked of ‘easing pressure’ and ‘breathing space’ after a four-year slump

French news

Price drops for French mobile contracts - which offer cheapest deals now?

Extra ‘taxes’ imposed on high earners should be permanent, says French finance minister

Temperature drop and rain: French weekly weather outlook April 14 - 18

Why more than half of French households do not pay income tax

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Top French court clarifies rules on foreign language wills

Why more than half of French households do not pay income tax

Which French departments are most popular with retirees?

Glasses, dentistry, hearing aids: Major changes to reimbursement rules proposed

Why microphones are installed in hundreds of trees across France

The Pyrenees village where Napoléon III and Victor Hugo went to bathe

French interior minister wants to toughen rules for gaining citizenship

Rhône restoration returns riverbanks to natural state near Lyon

How to help hedgehogs in your garden in France

Why microphones are installed in hundreds of trees across France

Big rise in the number of hairdressers shutting in France

Which French regions have the most British residents - and how many?

Which French departments are most popular with retirees?

Photos: 94 chateaux open their doors to visitors in Dordogne

Ski collision accidents soar in France: skiers reminded of rules

Mobile phones to be banned in French schools

Faulty airbags: Mass recall in France includes more Toyota and Mercedes models

French interior minister wants to toughen rules for gaining citizenship

Vast majority of French departments opt to increase property notaire fees

Photos: The 25 most beautiful villages in France, according to latest Times ranking

Spring 2025 Covid booster vaccination: Who is this recommended for in France?

Temperatures to drop as rain returns: French weekend weather outlook April 12 - 13

Cheque use falls in France - but fraud levels remain high

Briton crashes after driving 10km wrong way on French motorway

French nature festival is a paradise for bird watchers

D-Day silhouettes overlooking the British Normandy Memorial return for a second year

Local election rule changes in France and why you may have a new mayor in 2026

Process for drug testing drivers strengthened by French court ruling

Ryanair launches four new routes from La Rochelle: London and Ireland included

Camping holidays becoming more popular in France despite challenges

Americans moving to France are increasingly choosing Nice

Drivers in France: Look out for this new road sign

Theft of trees and wood on rise in France: dedicated helpline set up

Trump tariff rises: which American items will be worst hit and when?

French law offers long-term protection for garden wildlife

French windfarm paused after 300 protected birds killed by blades

Woman survives 30 metre fall off Dordogne cliff, rescued by two helicopters

Italy’s state railway announces plans to compete with Eurostar on France-UK route

Tough Airbnb rules in Marseille prompt many property owners to sell

Why the price of chocolate is skyrocketing in France this Easter

What is known about large fire at recycling centre in Paris

Photos: 22 bear cubs reported to have been born in Pyrenees in 2024

New EES border controls: will foreign residents of France be able to use e-gates?

Photos: Hundreds of Americans protest against Trump and Musk in Paris

French DIY stores reorganise as people reduce home projects

Golden jackal spotted in south-west France for the first time

Spring walks: beware of these French plants that are toxic for dogs - and watch out for animal threats

France sees record spring temperatures and warm days to continue – weekly weather outlook April 7 - 10

Residency card drop-in clinics available in Nice

Closest ski resort to Paris for sale

French inventor develops new air purifier after daughter’s asthma attack

Price of car repairs rises in France due to electric vehicles

Trump calls for Marine Le Pen to be freed (but she is not in prison)

France’s €3 book delivery fee challenged in EU court by Amazon

Allergies: How to know pollen levels in your commune of France

Law to revamp public transport behaviour and penalties adopted in France

Map: When are school holidays for the rest of the year in France?

Why Cadbury’s chocolate fingers are coming back to French supermarkets - at double the price

French schools to bring in new physical exercise tests for pupils

Alert over health risks of eating wild asparagus in France

Call for French train strike in May, just before many take long weekend

South cooler than north: French weekend weather outlook April 5 - 6

Inheritance law challenge in France: What could be the next steps?

‘No evidence third party involved’ in deaths of British couple in south-west France

MPs push to remove low emission driving zones in France

Trump tariffs: Americans in France hit by dollar drop

What is being proposed to help people in areas that lack doctors in France

Residents asked to join fight against tiger mosquitoes

High demand for relaunch of Ryanair’s London - France route

Visa delivery policy review ordered by French PM

Which fruits, vegetables and fish are in season in France this April?

Why are drivers in France increasingly getting speeding fines without being ‘flashed’?

Marine Le Pen appeal decision should be given in summer 2026, says court

Storm Nuria to hit France: Gales of up to 140 km/h forecast