Living in france

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

Deadline to apply to 2024 French energy aid could be extended – who is eligible and how to apply

Aid can be up to €277 and more than a million households have yet to claim

news

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

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

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

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.