Living in france

French mayors eye new local tax in lieu of spending cuts

A 'citizen's charge' paid by local residents are preferred alternative to spending cuts that mairies say reach up to €10 billion

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

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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

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

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 appear slow is linked to the complexity of the checks officials must carry out

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

Financial help is available for workers who move in France

The aid available depends on your income, family size, and reason for moving

What is the difference between a 'lettre suivie' and 'recommandée' in France?

Some third party contracts may dictate how letters are sent

TotalEnergies customers to benefit from lower car fuel cap at French pumps

Four million bill payers are eligible for new discount

14 new and upcoming changes for residents in France

New bin fees, bank card changes, winter medicine rules, and tax deadline are all included

Glass bottle ‘deposit’ scheme to be trialled in four French regions

Customers may receive up to 30 cents per bottle returned

Our village fête is sadly now more hipster Hackney than paysan Périgord

Columnist Nick Jenkins says that the gala events feel increasingly sanitised and less traditional since Covid

Teachers picket elite Paris school due to tuition fee U-turn

The prestigious €39,000-a-year American School of Paris withdrew free schooling for the families of staff

French mobile operators vie for clients - what deals are available?

More than 100 contracts are available in France, aimed at all types of mobile phone users

What essential health screenings are available for free in France?

Preventative cancer testing is provided but often depends on age, gender and pre-existing conditions

Mountainous French city has best quality of life in world, claims UK study

Grenoble is one of two mid-size French cities in the top ten

Will I get a 'livret de famille' after moving to France?

These booklets contain important information about you and your family, making administration requests much easier

Can my children have a British passport if born in France?

The supporting documents required can vary from case to case

Electricity price rises in France: are solar panels a good solution?

Can the panels really save you money? We look at the advantages and disadvantages

French plums are source of pride and celebrated in Agen in late August

Sue Adams looks at the many uses of this ancient fruit – and why harvest time is a wonderful sight

France public service site looks to improve user experience

France's official administrative portal promises to simplify management of administrative affairs

Explained: How care homes work in France and average cost

Établissement d'hébergement pour personnes âgées dépendantes (Ehpads) offer medical care and aim to relieve residents and their families of daily administrative tasks.

August 15 bank holiday in France: what is celebrated and will shops be open?

Many will look to use the Thursday bank holiday to ‘faire le pont’. We explain

13 ways France aims to make using its state services less frustrating

Less paperwork, easier online processes and increased digitisation are included

Tiny houses surge in popularity across France

Despite rising costs, these properties offer eco-friendly, innovative solutions

Closure of bank branches is a ‘catastrophe’ for rural areas

Hundreds of villages left without banks as branches close, impacting the elderly and local businesses

Why wood pellet prices are falling in France - and will it continue?

Bags of pellets are now up to three times cheaper than they were at the peak of 2022

French benefit explainer: ‘Allocation de rentrée scolaire’

We look at who is eligible for the ‘back-to-school’ grant in 2024, how to apply and how much is available

Water restrictions brought in for the Dordogne over drought fears

Restrictions include limits on watering gardens and filling swimming pools

Festivals, Olympics, meteor showers: Key August dates in France

The summer month will see many workers go on holiday as the Olympics come to an end and the Paralympics begin

French rules: can I work from home – or not at all – during heatwave?

Employers are obliged to make working conditions more comfortable during extreme temperatures

4 changes for residents in France in August 2024

Interest rates drop for some savers, train pass deadline and school help - we summarise what is new

Hikers have chance to spot Egyptian vultures in southern France

Three vulture couples have been spotted in southern France, offering a unique observation opportunity before their migration

Fitting new gates on a French driveway does not have to be hard work

Nick Inman completes his project with a little help

UK updates official France webpage over new EU border control checks

Clarification on driving licence exchanges has also been included

French physiotherapist battles with bureaucracy over New Zealand degree

She tells of her frustration at being unable to practise due to ‘nightmarish’ admin obstacles. ‘I am French, imagine if I was a foreigner,’ she said

A brick-by-brick guide to making rustic-style French gateposts

Nick Inman disguises a new fixture as something centuries-old

French mobile phone contracts drop in price: Should you switch?

Tariffs can vary hugely between networks, but the more expensive deals often include more ‘extras’

Who are France’s juilletistes and aoûtiens?

We look at two words used to describe different French summer holiday habits

Why queueing at French markets is often worth the wait

Some stalls will have you queueing for longer than others

France battles rise in littering and fly-tipping

Dumping of rubbish and litter in nature blights the country with daily offences, but local groups and actors are working hard to tackle the problem

Linky meter power reduction test in French homes considered a success

The scheme is not expected to be used again in the foreseeable future

Do gas price rises in France affect the cost of canisters also?

Household bills are scheduled to increase from July, as distribution tariffs go up

How to get the best deals in France’s summer sales

A new study has determined the best week to shop for bargains, depending on the items you are hunting for

Dates and rules for the 2024 summer sales in France

Shops can sell products at a loss… but must follow certain other guidelines

Can French sports fans really take live cockerels into matches?

French rugby fans are renowned for letting cockerels loose on pitches in international games

Britons in France urged to register to vote as UK deadline approaches

Overseas voters need to register to cast absent vote by post or proxy

Support is available for UK veterans living in France

New befriending service among help offered for any ex-Forces personnel

What surprises people when they move to France?

From not being immediately entitled to holidays to the national obsession with yoghurt

La politesse: what habits can make you seem rude to French people?

Sometimes it can be all too easy to commit a cultural faux pas without even realising it. We look at some of the most common

PHOTOS: Study shows greenest and healthiest places in live in France

The number of green spaces was a major criteria considered in new health ranking which also looked at healthy food shops, bathing areas and hiking trails

Living in france

French mayors eye new local tax in lieu of spending cuts

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

14 recent and upcoming changes for living in France

France identifies undeclared pools with satellite technology

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Best places to live in France for over-60s, according to new ranking

Great white shark spotted in waters off south of France

EES: What are next steps for EU’s new digital border checks?

Electric ants spotted in south of France for second time

Where is snow now expected in France this week?

Why bank cards are changing in France

14 recent and upcoming changes for living in France

AI to feature on French iPhones from April 2025

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

Exploring the complexities of private roads and access rights in France

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

Make sense of Crit’Air car stickers in France

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

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

New and upcoming changes in France in November 2024

Does a UK marriage need to be registered in France?

Explainer: how childcare works in France

Sweeping rules and maintenance tips for home chimneys in France

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

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

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

What are the options for disposing of books in France?

How does average wealth in France compare with the UK?

14 recent and upcoming changes you may have missed in France

Finding and harvesting nuts in France

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

How long must I keep important documents in France?

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

Make sense of playing sports in France

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

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

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

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

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

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

Who can I appoint as my power of attorney in France

Rules for medical certificates and sport in France

Foreign couples and French marriage regimes: key points to know

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

Key September 2024 dates for residents in France to note

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

Financial help is available for workers who move in France

What is the difference between a 'lettre suivie' and 'recommandée' in France?

TotalEnergies customers to benefit from lower car fuel cap at French pumps

14 new and upcoming changes for residents in France

Glass bottle ‘deposit’ scheme to be trialled in four French regions

Our village fête is sadly now more hipster Hackney than paysan Périgord

Teachers picket elite Paris school due to tuition fee U-turn

French mobile operators vie for clients - what deals are available?

What essential health screenings are available for free in France?

Mountainous French city has best quality of life in world, claims UK study

Will I get a 'livret de famille' after moving to France?

Can my children have a British passport if born in France?

Electricity price rises in France: are solar panels a good solution?

French plums are source of pride and celebrated in Agen in late August

France public service site looks to improve user experience

Explained: How care homes work in France and average cost

August 15 bank holiday in France: what is celebrated and will shops be open?

13 ways France aims to make using its state services less frustrating

Tiny houses surge in popularity across France

Closure of bank branches is a ‘catastrophe’ for rural areas

Why wood pellet prices are falling in France - and will it continue?

French benefit explainer: ‘Allocation de rentrée scolaire’

Water restrictions brought in for the Dordogne over drought fears

Festivals, Olympics, meteor showers: Key August dates in France

French rules: can I work from home – or not at all – during heatwave?

4 changes for residents in France in August 2024

Hikers have chance to spot Egyptian vultures in southern France

Fitting new gates on a French driveway does not have to be hard work

UK updates official France webpage over new EU border control checks

French physiotherapist battles with bureaucracy over New Zealand degree

A brick-by-brick guide to making rustic-style French gateposts

French mobile phone contracts drop in price: Should you switch?

Who are France’s juilletistes and aoûtiens?