Living in france

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

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Netflix price increases: are viewers in France impacted?

The streaming service recently passed 300 million monthly users

French towns selling off land cheaply benefit from population growth

Land sold for as little as €1/m² helps rejuvenate rural areas and increase commercial activity

Cigarette prices to rise this February in France

Further increases may follow if tobacco tax rises are included in upcoming budget

Explained: The role of Mission Locales in France

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

VISUAL: How people in Brittany rate their region in new study

The study polled 10,000 people across 12 regions of France

How to reclaim charges on parcels delivered to France from abroad

Payment for import VAT or admin costs may be levied on deliveries from outside the EU

Cost of living in France: five things that have changed

Pension payments, interest rates, and funeral costs have all seen significant changes

Where and why are several French communes changing names?

Thousands of communes have similar sounding names, often leading to confusion

Do low-humidity areas exist in France? Where can information about them be found?

High humidity can be uncomfortable, particularly in the summer

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

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’

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 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

Living in france

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

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

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

Netflix price increases: are viewers in France impacted?

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

Six changes in France in February 2025

Road check operation in south-west France: what are rules if stopped?

Microsoft users in France at risk of cyberattack and should update urgently

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

The rules for buying and registering a trailer in France

Burglaries: Watch out for this sheet of paper in letterbox trick on homes in France

French towns selling off land cheaply benefit from population growth

Cigarette prices to rise this February in France

Explained: The role of Mission Locales in France

VISUAL: How people in Brittany rate their region in new study

How to reclaim charges on parcels delivered to France from abroad

Cost of living in France: five things that have changed

Where and why are several French communes changing names?

Do low-humidity areas exist in France? Where can information about them be found?

15 changes in France from January 1, 2025

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

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

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

Carrefour announces change to loyalty card for shoppers in France

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

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

How to save money on internet access in France

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

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

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

French acronym explainer: What is a Pacs?

English-language Christmas services in France

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

Does French App store work without a French bank card?

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

What is changing for daily life in France this December?

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

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

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

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

Make sense of French inheritance tax

How FranceConnect simplifies online admin tasks for residents in France

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

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