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Rules

Driving rules and penalties tighten in France: key changes explained

Three new flat-rate fines introduced including one to crackdown on telephone and tablet use by drivers

Land clearance in France: rules, fines and tax credits for garden work

Spring is coming and neglected gardens will soon get out of hand

Wood burning stoves: what are the rules in France?

Homeowners must follow the requirements of insurance companies and government standards

news

Power cuts, tyres, fires: 12 rules for winter weather in France

Navigate the colder temperatures with (relative) ease with these rules, including for vehicles and pavement clearing

What are the rules for using drones in France?

We look at how you can fly and stay within European regulations

When and at what times can you mow your lawn in France?

We look at the rules surrounding grass cutting and other garden-related noise

What are the French rules on using rainwater collectors?

Rainwater collection is growing in popularity in France, but there are important rules to follow

Controversy as French town bans people sitting or lying down in centre

The decree in Angoulême prohibits locals from staying seated, laying down, or standing up “without moving”

France drought rules: Do they stop me topping up my swimming pool?

With droughts set to hit France hard again this year, we look at what is and is not allowed when it comes to private swimming pools

Takeaways in France will soon have to show where their meat comes from

It has been a requirement for sit-down restaurants since 2022. But it is now being extended to takeaways on a trial basis

Can a dentist in France refuse to take a patient in an emergency?

Many parts of France are currently suffering from a shortage of dentists. We look at the options if you require emergency treatment

What are the rules regarding having a barbecue in France?

Much depends on where you are situated and what type of property you live in

Why new legislation is making it harder to homeschool in France

What to expect under the école à la maison rules

France wildfires: Does mandatory garden clearing apply to nearby land?

Many parts of France require property owners to clear undergrowth to prevent forest fires from spreading

Do you need to clean out containers before recycling in France?

We take a look at whether you need to wash bottles, jars and yoghurt pots in France or whether they can be recycled directly

How are French authorities informing people of water restrictions?

Readers report mixed experiences in terms of obtaining information with some saying it has been near impossible to work out the rules and others praising the efforts of local authorities

Coffin materials, abandoned plots: France changes rules on funerals

New rules on funerals include directions for profits of metals sold after cremation, and give mayors the authority to change coffins to avoid cremation delays

‘No problem’: local feedback in France on 150-litre daily water limit

In nine communes in Var in the south of the country, residents are limited to 200 litres per person per day

80 or 90km/h? French speed limit changes continue to cause confusion

A driving consumer group says 90% of people it polled are in favour of putting the general route départementale limit back up to 90km/h

Canada, South Africa and 27 others move to France’s travel green list

Vaccinated people travelling from green-list countries need only show proof of vaccination to enter France

Winter sales 2022 begin today in France: Know your rights

The official winter Soldes have regulated dates and conditions. Here’s what you need to know to get the best deals and avoid scams

Metal detecting can be a legal minefield in France

Are there any rules on using a metal detector in France? LF

Do hunters in France have to put up signposts?

The hunting season in France generally runs between September and February and some of the rules are changing including to do with signage

What are the rules for validating train tickets in France?

In France ordinary unreserved tickets can last for two months and so need to be controlled to stop multiple trips on the same ticket

Campervan: How strict is France on enforcing maximum loads rules?

This maximum figure is important to keep in mind when setting off on a trip as otherwise you may risk fines - or even insurance issues

Is it illegal to carry a pocket knife in France?

Some people may carry them for gardening or work purposes, or even just when going for a picnic. But is it legal?

Spotlight back on hunting ban in France after death of motorist

A petition to ban hunts on Sundays and Wednesdays in France is gathering momentum, however blood sports in France are unlikely to be banned or curtailed any time soon

What are post-Brexit rules for moving items from a French house to UK?

As with French customs rules on moving items from the UK to France, the UK’s HMRC now has requirements when people move from France to the UK

France and e-scooters: Riding too fast can cost up to €1,500

Gendarmerie warn electric scooter (or ‘trottinette’) users of the rules of the road, including the fines you can risk for riding on pavements, wearing headphones, and more

France plans regional rules for health pass as Covid cases decrease

Health minister says there is ‘reason for optimism’ as ministers discuss removing restrictions. We look at how France's Covid rules compare within Europe and worldwide

Speed trap captures runners breaking Paris’ new 30km/h limit

A concept store for runners is putting athletes through their paces while drivers complain saying the new limit means ‘it would be quicker to walk’

Frenchman finds €85,000 among rubbish on street: What are the rules?

The man handed the notes into police after finding them stuffed inside an elephant ornament left out among other items to be taken away

France steps up Covid rule checks to ‘avoid lockdown’

The prime minister has called on local authorities to strengthen checks on current health rules in a bid to avoid a national lockdown, as Toulouse becomes the latest city to impose local bans

France lockdown: Forms to leave the house from November 28

As more travel is allowed in France but lockdown travel exemption forms are still required we explain the new rules for leaving the house.

France lockdown: No decision yet on reopening shops

The prime minister will give a press conference about confinement tonight, amid widespread speculation over rules for shops, schools and Christmas

60% of French people admit breaking lockdown rules

This is 27% higher than during the first lockdown in Spring

France lockdown: Prime Minister to speak tomorrow

Jean Castex will speak (November 12) at a press conference. His message will be mainly "informative," a government source told a news agency

Minister calls for French police to get tough on lockdown

The interior minister says there has been a “recurrent lack of respect” for confinement in some areas

What are the new Covid rules in France from tomorrow?

Large cities will introduce curfews, and there are new rules that will apply throughout France.

France Covid-19 update: Bans on sharing food and socialising

Latest figures show Covid-19 cases are rising throughout France, new nationwide restrictions expected to be be announced today - and one prefecture bans cheese boards.

France's regulations on noisy neighbours

Last week my neighbour began what he envisages to be a three-month project converting his garage into an extra bedroom. He has been working late into the evening on it, and at weekends, and the noise is dreadful. Are there rules restricting the hours when he can do noisy work? G.S

Rules

Driving rules and penalties tighten in France: key changes explained

Land clearance in France: rules, fines and tax credits for garden work

Wood burning stoves: what are the rules in France?

Power cuts, tyres, fires: 12 rules for winter weather in France

Trending

2024 Map: see where in France road speeds are reverting to 90km/h limit

French ski station voted as best in the world

EU faces legal challenge from French lawyer over weedkiller sale decision

Will roadworthiness tests penalise drivers in France for removing emission-limiting liquid?

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

Free data leak: is it possible to change French bank account number?

Learning French: when to use d'ailleurs versus par ailleurs?

What are the rules for using drones in France?

When and at what times can you mow your lawn in France?

What are the French rules on using rainwater collectors?

Controversy as French town bans people sitting or lying down in centre

France drought rules: Do they stop me topping up my swimming pool?

Takeaways in France will soon have to show where their meat comes from

Can a dentist in France refuse to take a patient in an emergency?

What are the rules regarding having a barbecue in France?

Why new legislation is making it harder to homeschool in France

France wildfires: Does mandatory garden clearing apply to nearby land?

Why the French government wants you to clear up your garden

France wildfires: MPs vote to hike fines for not clearing your garden

Can we decorate our French balcony with plant pots?

Do you need to clean out containers before recycling in France?

France beekeeping: are there rules for installing a hive in my garden?

France drought: sales of above ground pools banned in parts of south

Old rural homes should be exempt from EU energy plan says French group

France’s constitutional court sets date for ruling on pension reforms

New rules for Covid-19 in France: Testing, contact cases, isolation

How are French authorities informing people of water restrictions?

Coffin materials, abandoned plots: France changes rules on funerals

‘No problem’: local feedback in France on 150-litre daily water limit

80 or 90km/h? French speed limit changes continue to cause confusion

Canada, South Africa and 27 others move to France’s travel green list

Winter sales 2022 begin today in France: Know your rights

Metal detecting can be a legal minefield in France

Do hunters in France have to put up signposts?

What are the rules for validating train tickets in France?

Campervan: How strict is France on enforcing maximum loads rules?

Is it illegal to carry a pocket knife in France?

Spotlight back on hunting ban in France after death of motorist

What are post-Brexit rules for moving items from a French house to UK?

France and e-scooters: Riding too fast can cost up to €1,500

France plans regional rules for health pass as Covid cases decrease

Speed trap captures runners breaking Paris’ new 30km/h limit

Frenchman finds €85,000 among rubbish on street: What are the rules?

France steps up Covid rule checks to ‘avoid lockdown’

France lockdown: Forms to leave the house from November 28

France lockdown: No decision yet on reopening shops

60% of French people admit breaking lockdown rules

France lockdown: Prime Minister to speak tomorrow

Minister calls for French police to get tough on lockdown

What are the new Covid rules in France from tomorrow?

France Covid-19 update: Bans on sharing food and socialising

France's regulations on noisy neighbours

Paris banned from using drones to police deconfinement

End of lockdown in France: travel rules

French ‘MOT test’ now tougher

One in five pools breaks safety laws

Losing sight in one eye – can I drive in France?

French residents face fines over brush

Rules to build a loggia on our balcony in France

Applying for an international driving permit

Who has priority at roundabouts?

What you need to open your own chambre d’hôtes

Responsibilities of owning a dog

New rules on spare parts