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Cars and driving: What's new in France in 2025

From AI speed cameras to low-emission zones, we look at the changes set to transform French roads and driving regulations next year

Storms and snow: French weekend weather outlook December 21 - 22

Up to 80cm of snow will fall in the Alps and the south-east faces gales of 130 km/h

Half of UK election postal votes - including from France - 'did not count'

Organisation recommends overhaul of voting process for Britons abroad

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Residency rights and border changes: What's new in France in 2025

Language requirements for residency cards will get tougher, and border security changes are set to be implemented

What fines do motorcyclists risk after trial for ‘inter-filing’ on French roads ends?

A report in 2025 on the trial will set the tone for legalisation of the manoeuvre

Fines levied for failure to declare bank accounts held out of France

Hefty fines can be issued for each account undeclared to tax authorities

Ryanair does U-turn on starting flights to and from major Paris airport

Planned routes to Slovakia and Italy – the first for the company from either of the capital’s main airports – have been scrapped

French inheritance law: couples anxiously await EU decision as discussions continue

France's Justice Ministry recently contacted The Connexion over the case

Britons, Americans, other non-EU travellers: New problem for digital border checks

Approval is required for the plan to be 'phased in' instead of launched all at once, potentially causing further delays to 'EES' launch

Wine scammers targeting retirees in south-west France handed prison sentences

One victim spent €14,000 on wine in six months

French air traffic controllers strike to ground flights at several airports

Other airports in the south are affected as well as those in Lyon and Corsica

Warm days - then snow: French weekly weather forecast December 16 - 20

Temperatures highs of 20C in the south-west before polar winds arrive bringing snowfall

French acronym explainer: What is a Pacs?

A guide to Pacte civil de solidarité – a civil union

Christmas parcels delayed at French airports due to DHL strike

The four-day action saw 80% of workers join the protest resulting in a significant backlog in deliveries and pick-ups, according to unions

Rules relaxed for French salary-savings scheme

Changes mean workers will be able to get hold of funds in more circumstances

Power cuts, fallen trees, one dead: Storm Darragh leaves trail of damage across France

Plane diverts to Spain after shaky landing attempt at Toulouse. Many areas remain on alert

What is France's 'Fr-Alert' system and when is it used?

From natural disasters to terror threats, messages will be sent to phones across all mobile networks

French firm succeeds in drone defibrillators deliveries

Life-saving equipment can reach victims within minutes, faster than ambulances

Notre-Dame Cathedral reopens - to the great joy of this fervent fan from Canada

Emily MacKinnon, 29, moved to France to found a Notre-Dame dedicated tour-guide company. She collects everything she can about the cathedral - and even has six Notre-Dame related tattoos

Is long-term illness care in France poised to change?

Long-term care costs make up around two-thirds of social security spending

EES digital borders delays: French IT firm reported to be largely to blame

Atos, which was also involved in the Paris Olympics, is accused of misplacing parts, taking weeks to fix bugs and sending teams that lack experience

‘I know people are tempted to blame me’ says Macron amid political chaos

Key points of president's 10-minute TV address. He says he will not step down

French weekend weather outlook December 7 - 8: snow arrives and temperatures plummet

Bitter polar winds also bring rain to Brittany and Normandy with a risk of storms in the south-west

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

Telecoms giant Orange issues warning over fraudulent fibre-optic contracts

Plans for how EES digital border checks will be ‘phased in’ explained

The EU Commission is aiming for a ‘progressive’ start for the delayed system

French Prime Minister Michel Barnier resigns after no-confidence vote passes

He will remain in place as a caretaker prime minister until President Macron announces a new government

Airlines told to cancel some flights to and from France due to Thursday’s public servant strikes

Some airports will see 20% plus of flights affected at certain times of the day on December 5

‘Medicines to avoid in 2025’ list published by French medical review

Of 106 medicines, 88 are still available to buy in France

Notre-Dame reopening: Trump to attend and how to watch first ceremony

The first Masses will be held on Sunday

What next as French government faces motion of no confidence?

Prime Minister Michel Barnier likely to be deposed as both far-right and left bring forward motions, although tensions grow between opposition groups

Euro and French stocks fall as Michel Barnier’s government faces collapse

Far-right lists ‘red lines’ that must be removed from budget to regain its support

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

We look at what to do if you are wrongly charged

Schools, hospitals, mairies: what to expect from Thursday's public servant protests in France

Public servants may strike again in December over changes to sick pay

French weather outlook December 2 - 6: Fluctuating temperatures and plenty of rain

Warmer than average winter is predicted based on sea temperatures

Chateaux bargains to be had as Chinese investors leave Bordeaux vineyards

Currency restrictions prompt sales, offering potential bargains for new buyers

Strikes in France in December 2024 and how you may be impacted

A major railway worker strike may cause disruption for travellers over the Christmas period

French electricity bills to drop by 14% after U-turn on tax

Millions of households are set to benefit

Temperatures of up to 21C: French weekend weather outlook November 30 - December 1

Chilly mornings are expected, particularly in the north

Ancient Gaulish village unearthed in south-west France

Discoveries by local farmers spark significant archaeological excavations, revealing a fortified settlement

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

France cannot find enough people to be Father Christmas this year

Ungrateful parents and crying children have left events agencies scrambling to find actors willing to play the role

Brittany to bury power lines in attempt to limit outages from storms

Enedis plans a €390million upgrade to make the region more resilient to future extreme weather

EU commission replies: Latest on French inheritance law challenge

Stress continues for foreign couples awaiting an update

New date set for stricter painkiller prescription rules in France

Introduction of ‘secure prescriptions’ for tramadol and codeine delayed after some pharmacists said they were not ready

MAP: Wolves have returned to most French departments

Gironde is the latest department to confirm the presence of the animal after a century of absence

Row continues over €1.39 bottles of French wine in Lidl supermarkets

French winemakers and farmers angry about bottles of wine being sold for less than the cost to produce them

Americans were biggest foreign donors to Notre Dame restoration after fire

Two foundations donated $10 million each in wake of devastating 2019 fire

How medical assistants are helping in areas that lack doctors in France

Role is intended to help free up GP time so they can treat more patients

Almost all of France affected as farmer protests enter second week: what to expect

Demonstrations are planned outside the EU parliament in Strasbourg

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

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

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

Mystery over how French driving fines continue to reach UK addresses

Information sharing agreements ended when Brexit came into force in 2021, but the number of fines sent across the English Channel increased in 2023

French inheritance law: ‘We are being forced to sell our home and leave the country’

France’s 2021 law on imposed heirship - and the slow process of complaints to the EU - are driving us away, say readers

Ryanair threatens to end flights to ten regional French airports over tax plan

Airline boss says it will reduce traffic to France by 50% if proposed tax increases on tickets are approved

Snow, ice, and wind alerts in place for most of France as Storm Caetano arrives

Up to 10cm of snow is expected in Normandy and 3cm in Paris. Drivers are urged to be careful

French eco-friendly cargo sailboats to set sail by 2026

French company raises €40million to build Cutty Sark-sized sailing vessels, promising faster, eco-friendly trans-Atlantic shipping

Thousands of property owners in France sent ‘empty home tax’ bills in error

The bills, payable this December, can run to thousands of euros

Electric ants spotted in south of France for second time

Fears of a large colony in the Var department and beyond, as aggressive animals threaten pets and local biodiversity

Major French bank hits overseas clients with ‘admin fees’ of up to €300 a year

Many second-home owners in the UK and US are affected

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

What would it mean for France if the euro is weaker than the US dollar?

The exchange rate is at levels not seen since 2022 since the re-election of Donald Trump

Dozens fall ill in French train station as man pours toxic liquid on floor

The man spilled the liquid and then ‘calmly boarded a train’, police say

Marathon effort boosts cancer support in France

Runners join Nice-Cannes Marathon to fund English-language cancer support services in Alpes-Maritimes

French farmer protests: Interior minister says road blocks will not be tolerated

Major unions are demonstrating against the Mercosur trade deal in a bid to pressure the government to provide more support

Smartphone SOS alert saves driver's life in France after crash

Crash Detection system is triggered by violent movement and sends message to emergency services

EU faces legal challenge from French lawyer over weedkiller sale decision

Corinne Lepage fighting decision to allow glyphosate to be sold in Europe for another 10 years

Ignoring this increasingly common French road sign could cost you €135

New driving rule relates to areas designated a zone à trafic limité

Calm Saturday before rain arrives: French weekend weather outlook November 16 - 17

Storms may also hit the south-east, with the north mostly grey

French study tests psychedelics in alcoholism therapy

A groundbreaking experiment explores how psilocybin can be used to combat depressive symptoms in alcohol recovery

Briton applies for French residency card and finds he was adopted - and has siblings

‘We look very much alike, with the same personality,’ said 79-year-old after meeting his half-brother

Olive oil prices in France set to fall with bumper harvest in sight

Costs per litre rose by over €4 in the previous three years

France's 'Livret A' savings rate set to drop

With a predicted decrease to 2.6%, experts question the viability of France's favourite tax-free savings account

Snow arrives: opening dates of French ski resorts

Beautiful images show first snowfall of this winter in Alps

EasyJet and major French airlines not expected to be impacted by Thursday pilot strike

Travellers should however check the status of their flight before arriving at the airport

Strikes and protests intensify in France: flights, trains and roads impacted this week

More action is also set to take place in December, including over Christmas

Main

Cars and driving: What's new in France in 2025

Storms and snow: French weekend weather outlook December 21 - 22

Half of UK election postal votes - including from France - 'did not count'

Residency rights and border changes: What's new in France in 2025

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Residency rights and border changes: What's new in France in 2025

Storms and snow: French weekend weather outlook December 21 - 22

French inheritance law: couples anxiously await EU decision as discussions continue

Police warn drivers of car headlights rules in France

Half of UK election postal votes - including from France - 'did not count'

Father’s anger at wine used in meals served to girl, 3, at state creche in Nice

Fines levied for failure to declare bank accounts held out of France

What fines do motorcyclists risk after trial for ‘inter-filing’ on French roads ends?

Fines levied for failure to declare bank accounts held out of France

Ryanair does U-turn on starting flights to and from major Paris airport

French inheritance law: couples anxiously await EU decision as discussions continue

Britons, Americans, other non-EU travellers: New problem for digital border checks

Wine scammers targeting retirees in south-west France handed prison sentences

French air traffic controllers strike to ground flights at several airports

Warm days - then snow: French weekly weather forecast December 16 - 20

French acronym explainer: What is a Pacs?

Christmas parcels delayed at French airports due to DHL strike

French firm aims to cut food waste through 'upcycling'

Centrist François Bayrou announced as new French prime minister

Bordeaux-Ireland flights: Aer Lingus to replace Ryanair

Rules relaxed for French salary-savings scheme

New pollution bans from January: Which cars and which cities in France?

Tanker overturns on rural Normandy road spilling thousands of litres of fuel

IT problems and digitalisation of French residency cards ‘causing issues’

December French rail strike: Less disruption expected than forecast

Drivers can now get proof of driving licence online in France

Power cuts, fallen trees, one dead: Storm Darragh leaves trail of damage across France

What is France's 'Fr-Alert' system and when is it used?

French firm succeeds in drone defibrillators deliveries

Notre-Dame Cathedral reopens - to the great joy of this fervent fan from Canada

Is long-term illness care in France poised to change?

EES digital borders delays: French IT firm reported to be largely to blame

‘I know people are tempted to blame me’ says Macron amid political chaos

French weekend weather outlook December 7 - 8: snow arrives and temperatures plummet

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

Plans for how EES digital border checks will be ‘phased in’ explained

French Prime Minister Michel Barnier resigns after no-confidence vote passes

Airlines told to cancel some flights to and from France due to Thursday’s public servant strikes

‘Medicines to avoid in 2025’ list published by French medical review

Notre-Dame reopening: Trump to attend and how to watch first ceremony

What next as French government faces motion of no confidence?

Euro and French stocks fall as Michel Barnier’s government faces collapse

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

Schools, hospitals, mairies: what to expect from Thursday's public servant protests in France

French weather outlook December 2 - 6: Fluctuating temperatures and plenty of rain

Chateaux bargains to be had as Chinese investors leave Bordeaux vineyards

Strikes in France in December 2024 and how you may be impacted

French electricity bills to drop by 14% after U-turn on tax

Temperatures of up to 21C: French weekend weather outlook November 30 - December 1

Ancient Gaulish village unearthed in south-west France

What is changing for daily life in France this December?

France cannot find enough people to be Father Christmas this year

Brittany to bury power lines in attempt to limit outages from storms

EU commission replies: Latest on French inheritance law challenge

New date set for stricter painkiller prescription rules in France

MAP: Wolves have returned to most French departments

Row continues over €1.39 bottles of French wine in Lidl supermarkets

Americans were biggest foreign donors to Notre Dame restoration after fire

How medical assistants are helping in areas that lack doctors in France

Almost all of France affected as farmer protests enter second week: what to expect

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

How FranceConnect simplifies online admin tasks for residents in France

Mystery over how French driving fines continue to reach UK addresses

French inheritance law: ‘We are being forced to sell our home and leave the country’

Ryanair threatens to end flights to ten regional French airports over tax plan

Snow, ice, and wind alerts in place for most of France as Storm Caetano arrives

French eco-friendly cargo sailboats to set sail by 2026

Thousands of property owners in France sent ‘empty home tax’ bills in error

Electric ants spotted in south of France for second time

Major French bank hits overseas clients with ‘admin fees’ of up to €300 a year

14 recent and upcoming changes for living in France

What would it mean for France if the euro is weaker than the US dollar?

Dozens fall ill in French train station as man pours toxic liquid on floor

Marathon effort boosts cancer support in France