Living in france

French residency card system 'dysfunctional' says immigration lawyer

'If people need lawyers more and more, it means the procedures are more complex so they can’t do it themselves.'

18 new and upcoming changes in France in March 2025

Bank fees, healthcare costs, and various changes to public transport usage are among the most noticeable

Most older people continue to live in own homes, new stats show

New figures reveal trends on the growing number of older people and their living situations

practical

Digital health cards, prescriptions, no-show fees: what impacts you as France’s 2025 health budget is finally approved

Healthcare will cost state over €265 billion in 2025 estimates budget

Why thousands of Normandy residents will soon have to change address

5,000 new street numbers are set to be distributed by mid-March

Gas bills set to rise in France from March

Benchmark price can be used to see if you are paying too much on your contract

Did you know? Orange also provides internet via satellite to customers in France

Government grants may cover cost of installation

French budget is forced through parliament: how could it impact your finances

Numerous tax increases have been included

How French CVs differ from those in the UK or US

Length, photo, design - CVs have aligned in recent years but some key difference remain

Five things they don't tell you about… guichets in France

Exploring the unique blend of courtesy and obstinacy behind French counters

VISUAL: How people in Nouvelle-Aquitaine rate their region

Residents are fearful of climate change but scored region above average on many measurements

Photos: The most welcoming towns in France named in new ranking

The French favourites include picturesque Provence and wine regions in both the north and south

French MPs vote in favour of ban on sales calls unless consent has been given

Consumers will need to give written consent to receive calls

2025 list: Phone numbers to block to limit cold calls in France

New list of authorised telemarketing numbers is published by French communications watchdog

Explained: The role of Mission Locales in France

How this organisation helps young French people achieve professional and social integration

15 changes in France from January 1, 2025

Pensions, gardens, boilers, registering cars and postal costs are just some of the areas which change

Electricity bills in France: move to change peak / off-peak hours system

The aim is to make better use of renewable energy sources

The trees in your French garden have a worth - here is how to value them online

Owners of properties can see values rise thanks to trees, similarly to garages or barns

Revaluation of property data used to set local taxes delayed in France but concerns continue

A reform of the valeurs locatives cadastrales, a theoretical annual rental value assigned to every property, has been planned for several years

Carrefour announces change to loyalty card for shoppers in France

The supermarket chain’s Carte PASS programme is to be modified in January 2025

Why money may be taken by French tax office from your bank account today

If you look at your bank statement it will appear as a debit by the ‘direction générale des Finances publiques’

Today is an EDF ‘red day’ in France: what does it change and when are next ones?

Hundreds of thousands of households could see their electricity costs soar

How to save money on internet access in France

Reliable internet is essential for the vast majority of people living in France, but how do you go about finding the best deal?

Law passed to allow France to continue to collect taxes despite lack of 2025 budget

A new budget will still need to be passed at the start of next year. The emergency law does not raise income tax bands as usually happens so these remain frozen at 2024 levels

900,000 households yet to claim 2024 French energy aid (but it is not too late)

The scheme is scheduled to end on December 31 but could be extended

Family benefits in France: new step needed to access online account

Heightened security measure in place following data loss from system hack

French acronym explainer: What is a Pacs?

A guide to Pacte civil de solidarité – a civil union

English-language Christmas services in France

Anglican services are performed in churches around the country

Fibre internet: Scammers exploit copper line phase-out in France

Telecoms giant Orange issues warning over fraudulent fibre-optic contracts

Does French App store work without a French bank card?

The process is similar for users of the Google Play Store

Tips to avoid French ‘customs charges’ on Christmas cards and gifts

We look at what to do if you are wrongly charged

What is changing for daily life in France this December?

A rise in fees for doctor consultations is a key change. There is also the opening of a new stretch of toll-barrier free - but paying - motorway

Who gets a free Christmas parcel from the mairie in France?

Mairies distribute festive parcels containing food and other goodies

Can companies refuse to send tradespeople to non-French speakers?

Refusing to provide a service to a non-French speaker may count as discrimination

How to get help with French admin from the new 'France Services' offices

Here is how to find the site nearest you as many more open around the country

How children in France can write to ‘Père Noël’ for Christmas

Father Christmas will write back to them if a return address is given

Make sense of French inheritance tax

We look at effects of allowances and bands, tax treaties and the latest proposals for change

How FranceConnect simplifies online admin tasks for residents in France

These apps help you log into many government sites without needing to remember account information

What are the most useful mobile apps for getting by in France?

Your phone can be your portable guidebook for restaurants, culture and travel

14 recent and upcoming changes for living in France

We cover changes to doctor's fees, speed limits and the new limited traffic zone in Paris

France identifies undeclared pools with satellite technology

A total of 100,000 properties face fines if they do not decalre their swimming pools to the tax authorities

AI to feature on French iPhones from April 2025

The service has already launched in the US

What documents do non-French people require for a Pacs?

Civil Partnerships are usually enacted at the local mairie

Exploring the complexities of private roads and access rights in France

Droit de passage rules can sometimes lead to decades-long disputes

Discover the pros (and some cons) of French civil partnership

Robert Kent of Kentingtons explains the financial benefits and drawbacks of a Pacte Civil de Solidarité

Make sense of Crit’Air car stickers in France

We look at pollution ratings, Zones à faibles émissions (ZFE), fines and how to apply for yours

Cars, energy, homes: what do France’s new climate targets change

We look at how people in France could be impacted

Bank holidays, Beaujolais Nouveau, taxe d'habitation: Key dates in November

Find out the important events taking place in the penultimate month of the year

New and upcoming changes in France in November 2024

Snow tyre rules, border checks, and pensions will all change in November

Does a UK marriage need to be registered in France?

Different rules apply for French citizens and foreign residents who marry abroad

Explainer: how childcare works in France

French crèches are renowned across the world, but places can be scarce

Sweeping rules and maintenance tips for home chimneys in France

Tips to ensure that your fireplace is safe and effective this winter

Is it possible to update the address of my second home via La Poste?

Many services need to be informed if you change your address

Feedback: Americans compare cost of living in US to prices in France

The number of US citizens moving to France has tripled since the pandemic

Why and when will 2,000 emergency sirens ring across France today?

The sirens will sound at different times depending on where you are in France

What are the options for disposing of books in France?

Many of the books are in English

How does average wealth in France compare with the UK?

A recent study puts France ahead of most countries

14 recent and upcoming changes you may have missed in France

Rules on train tickets, new UK and EU border controls and driving all feature

Finding and harvesting nuts in France

Exploring the culinary and practical uses of walnuts from a part-time paysanne

Are non-EU degrees recognised in France? Can they be translated?

Since Brexit, UK qualifications have not been so easily accepted in the country

How long must I keep important documents in France?

Tax notices, family records, healthcare….what should you keep and for how long?

How to cope when the shine comes off your ‘perfect’ new life in France

High expectations and a lack of support can soon lead to feelings of isolation – but don't suffer in silence

Make sense of playing sports in France

We look at what is involved, from fees to join associations, to needing a doctor's certificate to declare you are physically fit

'French sheltered housing works for me and can be good option for foreign residents'

Briton David Barlow says a shared living complex in rural France offers him a village-like community, while enabling him to stay independent

How long should it take to exchange a foreign driving licence for a French one?

The process can be slow due to the complexity of the official checks required

What are parent-pupil ‘reps’ in France, and how can you be one?

Parent-pupil representatives help to defend pupils’ interests and keep parents informed

Being active can help you better integrate into new life in France

Readers who took up new sporting pursuits after moving to France describe their experience

Living in France and another country: double the trouble or twice the joy?

Garry Britton describes how he leads a double life, moving back and forth between nations, and meets others who face the same kind of challenges

Electricity bills set to fall by around 10% for millions of households in France

The re-evaluation at the start of next year is expected to follow the global trend of falling energy prices

Who can I appoint as my power of attorney in France

Antonia Ridley-Hughes of Ashtons Legal, answers a reader query

Rules for medical certificates and sport in France

Rules are different for adults and children and were recently changed

Foreign couples and French marriage regimes: key points to know

A look at how marriage laws in France can impact property ownership and inheritance

Guinguettes back in business as French seek the simple pleasures of life

The waterside restaurants, sometimes with dance floors and made famous in Impressionist paintings from the late 19th century, are flourishing again

Key September 2024 dates for residents in France to note

As the rentrée looms, find out what other events are taking place in France this month

Taxes, pensions, travelling: September 2024 changes for residents in France

Airports return to old rules on liquids in cabin bags, tax-at-source levies are readjusted and drivers face parking charges hike in Paris