Practical

What to do in case of a road accident in France

Guide to handling vehicle accidents and insurance protocols, including using the 'constat amiable'

How your Crit’Ait vignette rating correlates with insurance costs

Energy-efficient vehicle owners are unlikely to see cheaper insurance premiums

Are there any ways to reduce notaire fees when buying a property in France?

We look at some less well-known possibilities as tax hike looms

practical

Is a Ghic/Ehic healthcard suitable as health insurance for time spent in France?

Cards cover medical necessary health costs

French speed radars: can you check if you have a fine online in case missed in post?

Outstanding fines can be found online

Is it possible for French border officials to stop stamping passport as it is almost full?

Passports need one blank page on them when travelling

Is extra insurance for French garden pool required?

Sarah Bright-Thomas of Bright Avocats answers a reader query

Is there a simple renewal process for six-month French visas?

Second-home owners are required to obtain visas for extended visits to properties in France

Is it possible to find French cadastral plans online?

Certain plans go back to the 1800s

Meningitis cases in France are at ‘exceptionally high’ level, say health officials

Winter flu cases may be behind current hike with 90 cases recorded last month

Receive parcels for others and earn money in France

Parcel collection platform Welco is focusing on rural communities where the service is most needed

How to save money on train travel in France

If you are planning a trip, try these handy hints to ensure you get the best deals

Language tests for French residency cards - levels explained with examples of questions asked

Language tests will need to be taken by Britons, Americans and other non-EU nationalities applying for certain cards

French tax allowance for many over-65s is rising

New levels will help to keep income tax bills low for those concerned

‘Careful’ road signs appearing in French towns and villages: what do they mean?

Signs display up to five blue hearts and are source of pride for local communes

Discover the charm of Menton lemons and how to grow citrons in France

Sue Adams explores the rich history of France's only IGP-recognised lemon, celebrated annually at a vibrant festival

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

Speed cameras in France: how do they compare in number to the US and the UK?

More fines are issued per-camera by French radars than many other countries

DIY solar panel installation cost in France set to rise: why and by how much?

Safety reasons are among concerns but grid manager says solar panel fires are extremely rare

How can renovations on French second home reduce capital gains tax?

Reductions related to length of ownership start after five years

Are French vet costs regulated by the government?

There are several ways you may be able to reduce annual fees

Must chimney in French home be swept annually even if it is not used?

Some areas require chimneys to be swept multiple times per year

Education in France: Can children be enrolled part way through school year?

Older children are assessed on their skills before entering the education system

Can French forced heirship rules be bypassed?

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

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

Can UK paper driving licences be used to hire vehicles in France?

Some have highlighted issue of using non-French licences to hire vehicles

Will my daughter have to pay tax on inherited property in France?

The value of a property can often be above tax-free sums on inheritance

When will ‘notaire fees’ for property purchases increase in France?

All departments are likely to vote in favour of raising fees

Faulty airbags: 236,000 Citroen owners in France told to stop using cars

Manufacturer says drivers should check if the airbags could be faulty and if so not to drive the vehicle until repaired

New language tests for French residency cards: Eight key questions

The new rules are expected to come into effect this year

Five ways the latest 2025 budget will impact property owners in France

Changes include increasing notaire fees, tax exemption from property gifts and the extension of the Loc'Avantages rental scheme

Buying a property in France may cost more from April as ‘notaire fees’ allowed to rise

Departments can opt to increase fees by 0.5% under 2025 budget

More French roads set to return to 90km/h speed limit

More than half of departments have overturned 2018 rule change which capped speeds at 80 km/h

Did you know? La Poste will pick up medicines from a pharmacy and deliver them to you

Postal service is one of numerous services that are part of growing medical delivery sector

Beware this ‘bin change’ scam doing the rounds in France

Fraudsters claim to be from local mairie but ask for money on-the-spot

Obligatory new French tests for some residency cards: is level too tough?

The tests are reported to cost around €100 to take

Driver wins French speeding appeal due to radar day and time error

The man was not even on the road at the time stated on the fine

What is the process if Brexit card holder’s passport is stamped by mistake?

Manual stamping of passports will soon be phased out

Is property declaration form required for French second homes this year?

The Biens immobiliers form was introduced in 2023

Can we switch to ‘universal’ marriage regime in France?

John Kitching, a director of French Law Consultancy Limited, answers a reader query

Must neo-bank ‘pots’ of non-euro currencies be declared to French tax authorities?

Foreign accounts need to be declared on annual income tax declaration

What are the best ways to access French family history records?

Several online resources are available

French work office is too cold - is it grounds to work from home?

France’s labour laws require offices to be at a ‘suitable’ temperature

Is there an official complaints process against notaires in France?

Notaires are legally responsible for their own practices

How to avoid massive traffic jams amidst holidays and ski season

Roads in the east will be particularly busy this weekend

Look out for these strange pink eggs in your garden in France

Apple snails can lay hundreds of eggs and quickly destroy gardens

Lawnmowers recalled in France over risk of blade detaching

The recall scheme lasts until 2027

Is French property slump ending? : Key points in latest notaire review

The post-Covid slowdown is close to its end, but warning factors remain

How to maximise your time off in France this year

The calendar of public holidays makes 2025 a good year for those looking to make the most of holiday time, with a number of long weekends and opportunity to ‘bridge’ extra days

112 communes in France recognised as natural disaster zones after flooding

The status was confirmed after Rennes had its ‘rainiest month since 1945’

Pre-Brexit Ehics ending: what visitors to France need to do

Some 1.8 million UK Ehics are estimated to come up for renewal this year

What to do if scammers try a ‘money mule’ trick on your French bank account

Scammers send you money ‘by mistake’ and become increasingly threatening if you do not return it

French house prices 2024: how did your area fare in new notaire data?

Cities including Reims and Dijon recorded sales price falls of over -10% - however the slump is said to be over

Why pampas grass is forbidden in French gardens

There are sanctions for offences including introducing the plant into the wild or even owning one

This French state-regulated savings account pays 3.5% (tax-free) in 2025

The Livret d’Epargne Populaire is reserved for people on modest incomes

Major traffic restrictions to be implemented in Lyon from June

It will become the fifth French city to implement a limited traffic zone. We review which vehicles will be exempt from rules

French house auction site opens up to estate agents

Site aims for quick and transparent property sales

U-turn on controversial VAT threshold change for self-employed in France

Measure to be suspended as government opens consultation on matter

How to navigate a culture clash with your French in-laws and partner

Columnist Cynthia Spillman gives her advice on improving communication and bridging cultural gaps

Anger over changes to VAT rates for self-employed people in new 2025 French budget

Business leaders and politicians warn prices will increase as a result

How to track letter and parcel deliveries in France

The types of trackable post depend on the size, weight, and value of the item; and the service used

Will French citizenship application be affected by studying in UK?

Residency in France is usually required for citizenship applications

Must gifts to grandchildren living abroad be declared to French tax authorities?

Tax-free limits are different between each type of family member

What dangerous snakes exist in France and what to do if you spot one?

Snakes can be kept as pets under certain conditions

Can a French residency card holder buy a second-home in EU and spend time there?

Beware of over-extending your stay in another country

Renewal and updates: what are the rules for French health cards?

Does our top-up insurance have to match the card dates?

Drivers in Switzerland need new ‘motorway sticker’: Are French vehicles included?

Motorway sticker is updated annually and can be purchased online or in person

What is an eco-friendly way to get rid of old clothes in France?

Some items in a good state can be sold on dedicated websites

French drivers will be exempted from new safety requirement on Spanish roads

Current ‘warning triangles’ will still be accepted

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

Is it possible to switch French vehicle registration to my name after spouse death?

The marriage regime you had with your spouse can affect the rules

Driving in France: what are the acceptable ‘error’ margins of speed cameras?

Rumour that margins of error are set to change in 2025 has been clarified

Missing this car registration detail in France may cost you €135

Widespread changes to French addresses may have left drivers in the lurch during an inspection

New carsharing lane to come into service on Paris ring road

Motorway lanes around Paris will also be limited to vehicles carrying at least one passenger

How to find a dentist in France

Your options for finding routine and emergency dental care as well as English speaking practitioners

Practical

What to do in case of a road accident in France

How your Crit’Ait vignette rating correlates with insurance costs

Are there any ways to reduce notaire fees when buying a property in France?

Is a Ghic/Ehic healthcard suitable as health insurance for time spent in France?

Trending

List: Exchange rates for declaring foreign income in 2025 French tax declarations

Photos: The 14 villages vying to be France’s favourite in 2025

French tax allowance for many over-65s is rising

Language tests for French residency cards - levels explained with examples of questions asked

French regional airports’ anxious wait for Ryanair decision

EasyJet to stop two flight routes connecting Paris to major UK airports

Electricity bills at risk of steep rises, claims French consumer association

French speed radars: can you check if you have a fine online in case missed in post?

Is it possible for French border officials to stop stamping passport as it is almost full?

Is extra insurance for French garden pool required?

Is there a simple renewal process for six-month French visas?

Is it possible to find French cadastral plans online?

Meningitis cases in France are at ‘exceptionally high’ level, say health officials

Receive parcels for others and earn money in France

How to save money on train travel in France

Language tests for French residency cards - levels explained with examples of questions asked

French tax allowance for many over-65s is rising

Foreign residents of France frustrated by slow progress of inheritance petition

How many Britons and Americans got their first French visa or residency card in 2024?

List: Exchange rates for declaring foreign income in 2025 French tax declarations

‘Careful’ road signs appearing in French towns and villages: what do they mean?

Good news for electric car owners in France as thousands more charging stations to be installed

French residency card system 'dysfunctional' says immigration lawyer

Scotland-France ferry plan faces delays

Watch out for these three letters on French bank transfers - they may indicate a scam

Map: Sale prices of flats across France and how they rose or fell in 2024

Discover the charm of Menton lemons and how to grow citrons in France

18 new and upcoming changes in France in March 2025

Speed cameras in France: how do they compare in number to the US and the UK?

DIY solar panel installation cost in France set to rise: why and by how much?

How can renovations on French second home reduce capital gains tax?

Are French vet costs regulated by the government?

Must chimney in French home be swept annually even if it is not used?

Education in France: Can children be enrolled part way through school year?

Can French forced heirship rules be bypassed?

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

Can UK paper driving licences be used to hire vehicles in France?

Will my daughter have to pay tax on inherited property in France?

When will ‘notaire fees’ for property purchases increase in France?

Faulty airbags: 236,000 Citroen owners in France told to stop using cars

New language tests for French residency cards: Eight key questions

Five ways the latest 2025 budget will impact property owners in France

Buying a property in France may cost more from April as ‘notaire fees’ allowed to rise

More French roads set to return to 90km/h speed limit

Did you know? La Poste will pick up medicines from a pharmacy and deliver them to you

Beware this ‘bin change’ scam doing the rounds in France

Obligatory new French tests for some residency cards: is level too tough?

Driver wins French speeding appeal due to radar day and time error

What is the process if Brexit card holder’s passport is stamped by mistake?

Is property declaration form required for French second homes this year?

Can we switch to ‘universal’ marriage regime in France?

Must neo-bank ‘pots’ of non-euro currencies be declared to French tax authorities?

What are the best ways to access French family history records?

French work office is too cold - is it grounds to work from home?

Is there an official complaints process against notaires in France?

How to avoid massive traffic jams amidst holidays and ski season

Look out for these strange pink eggs in your garden in France

Lawnmowers recalled in France over risk of blade detaching

Is French property slump ending? : Key points in latest notaire review

How to maximise your time off in France this year

112 communes in France recognised as natural disaster zones after flooding

Pre-Brexit Ehics ending: what visitors to France need to do

What to do if scammers try a ‘money mule’ trick on your French bank account

French house prices 2024: how did your area fare in new notaire data?

Why pampas grass is forbidden in French gardens

This French state-regulated savings account pays 3.5% (tax-free) in 2025

Major traffic restrictions to be implemented in Lyon from June

French house auction site opens up to estate agents

U-turn on controversial VAT threshold change for self-employed in France

How to navigate a culture clash with your French in-laws and partner

Anger over changes to VAT rates for self-employed people in new 2025 French budget

How to track letter and parcel deliveries in France

Will French citizenship application be affected by studying in UK?

Must gifts to grandchildren living abroad be declared to French tax authorities?