HELP GUIDES

Income Tax in France

Healthcare in France

Inheritance Law and Wills in France

Visas and residency cards for France

Seasonal

Promising truffle season already underway in south-west France

A market is planned for this weekend, months ahead of the usual peak season

Autumnal French recipe inspiration using seasonal produce

In France it is easy to get produce to cook seasonally, all you need is a little inspiration…

France’s Mont d’Or seasonal cheese is back

The first Mont d’Or cheese signals the start of autumn in France. Here’s why, and how to enjoy it

news

Tax, no drinking, clocks: Dates in October to note in France

From a new Covid booster campaign to Sober October, tax deadlines, and daylight savings for winter, we list some dates to note in France over the coming month

MAP: The dates for the 2022-3 hunting season in your French department

With the season having begun this weekend in many areas, we look at the individual departmental start and end dates

Hot summer boosts gecko numbers in south-west France

A new kind of gecko is becoming more common with residents invited to take part in a new observation campaign

Heatwave in France: Ten places where records for June have been beaten

Météo-France is predicting that all-time records could fall today in several places

French supermarket Casino launches seasonal fruit and veg labels

A new colour-coded label will help consumers to see the seasonality of produce. The store also says it will not sell any strawberries in winter as out of season here

French seasonal food and drink: What to eat in June

Now is the time to taste tomatoes, cherries and Tomme de Savoie in France

Christmas: Petition for French ski stations to open

The petition is supported by high-profile MPs and industry representatives and calls on President Macron to ‘rethink’ his decision to close stations over Christmas

Iconic winter cranes migrate over France: What to look for

As the elegant birds fly south for winter over France, an expert explains where and how to spot them

Tiger mosquitoes in France: How to cope in confinement

Advice has been issued in France to help residents in confinement cope with the imminent annual arrival of the tiger mosquito, including ways to reduce their number with simple, home-based actions.

December food basket: what to eat this month

Three types of cheese – Beaufort, Cantal and Pélardon – are in season this month, as well as parsnip and scallops, according to the latest food advice from the French government.

Polluting outdoor heaters may soon be banned in France

Outdoor heaters used by restaurants to heat terraces may soon be banned in France due to their high levels of pollution - with the city of Rennes having banned them already.

Eastern France on heavy rain and flooding alert

Seven departments in eastern France are on orange alert for rain and flooding today (Sunday July 28), forecaster Météo France has warned.

French garden diary - May 2019

’Tis the season for tender loving. Cathy Thompson reveals her choice of May veg, and gives seasonal flower tips

Drought alert and water restrictions already in Nord

The Nord department has already been placed on alert for drought until the end of June at least, with significant water restrictions imposed.

How to buy, eat and store the best French strawberries

As spring approaches and strawberries come into season, experts have given advice on buying the best fruit, as well as storing it and preparing it for optimum flavour.

Processionary caterpillars spotted in France already

Dangerous pine processionary caterpillars (known in French as chenilles processionnaires ) have begun to be seen in France already this year, due to warm weather over the past weeks.

Europe votes to end daylight savings clock changes

The European Parliament has approved plans to end seasonal daylight savings hour changes across the EU by 2021.

What changes in France in March 2019

Changes for March include a shift in the kind of eco-friendly home improvement works eligible for an interest-free loan, a rise in cigarette prices, and new rules on scooter licences and workplace equality.

French town gives out household Asian hornet traps

Residents in the French town of Royan (Charente-Maritime, Nouvelle-Aquitaine) are being given individual Asian hornet traps in a community-wide crusade against the insect.

French Assemblée: Have your say on time zone change

The French Assemblée Nationale has called for more replies to its poll about changing the ‘daylight saving’ clock change system, with the majority so far in favour of dropping the status quo.

The fruit and veg to eat to stay healthy this January

Avocado, beetroot, carrot, cauliflower, clementine, and sweet potato: just some of the seasonal produce that the French agricultural ministry says the public should be eating this January 2019.

French ‘ice wine’ producers begin freezing harvest

Harvesting has begun for a small number of producers in the Savoie (Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes) who make high-end “ice wine” made from frozen grapes.

Changes taking place in France in November 2018

Changes next month include the annual suspension of landlord eviction of tenants until next year, a rise in the maximum benefits for disabled adults, and a rise in gas prices.

Harsh French summers may affect future Christmas trees

The drought and heat of the summer in France this year and in 2013 may threaten the cost and availability of Christmas trees in Decembers to come, producers have warned.

Mont d’Or seasonal cheese production begins

Production of the famous seasonal cheese from the Haut-Doubs (Bourgogne-Franche-Comté) - the Mont d’Or - begins this week, with the first cheeses expected to be available from September 10.

Record year for French mushrooms due to heat and rain

Wild mushrooms are having a record, early year in France after a “catastrophic season” last summer.

Early French wine harvest suffers from lack of workers

Winemakers in Alsace may struggle to harvest their crops this year as an early season means the temporary workers on which they usually rely are not yet available.

Nine French departments on orange heatwave alert

Nine departments in the north of France are still on “orange” heatwave warning from forecaster Météo France, as Paris and the Nord swelter in temperatures of up to 37°C.

Right now, France is at peak tomato...

Despite yields of up to 20kg per plant, there is a surprisingly healthy truth about France’s supermarket tomatoes, as Jane Hanks discovers

French seasonal basket - August 2018

En saison : What to put on your plate this month

Longest lunar eclipse of century visible across France

The longest lunar eclipse of the century so far is to take place this month, with the 103-minute spectacle set to be visible across the whole of France.

French seasonal basket - July 2018

En saison : What to put on your plate this month

Mystery of the pink-tinged pomme

Jane Hanks reveals the production methods and ideal recipes for the famed Limousin ‘Golden’, a prize pick among French apples

En saison: What to put on your plate in June

Because the French never eat strawberries in winter and even different types of goat’s cheese have seasonality...

En saison: What to put on your plate in May

Because the French never eat strawberries in winter and even different types of goat’s cheese have seasonality...

En saison: What to put on your plate in April

Because the French never eat strawberries in winter and even different types of goat’s cheese have seasonality...

En saison: What to put on your plate in March

Because the French never eat strawberries in winter and even different types of goat’s cheese have seasonality...

New ideas to aid homeless emerge as cold snap persists

New initiatives to help homeless people shelter from the cold have emerged - including a pop-up “igloo” by a Bordeaux inventor - as the country continues to shiver in sub-zero temperatures.

Stay healthy: What to wear, eat, drink and do at 0°C

Doctors have offered advice on how to stay warm and healthy during this week’s very cold weather, dismissing the common idea that a drop in temperatures automatically equals a rise in illness.

How to protect your water pipes from the freezing cold

As the freezing Siberian weather spreads across France in the current “Paris-Moscow cold wave”, homeowners and residents are being warned to safeguard their water systems and pipes.

Seasonal tips: the joy of asparagus

New season asparagus gets French gourmets salivating quite unlike any other vegetable. Jane Hanks looks at multi-coloured options

En saison: What to put on your plate in February

Because the French never eat strawberries in winter and even different types of goat’s cheese have seasonality...

Cheese, fish and meat as seasonal as veg, say experts

Cheese, fish, and meat all have seasons when it is best to eat them, in a similar way to fruit and vegetables, according to a group of French food professionals.

Mont Blanc cable car break threatens summer season

The summer season at Mont Blanc could be threatened after the main cable holding up the mountain’s télécabine s was cut during Storm Eleanor.

Holiday plans? This is when to ‘faire le pont’ in 2018

In 2018, the calendar means that it will be possible for workers to “faire le pont” over national holidays six times, and take three three-day "long weekends".

Paris and Sud regions on high alert for flu and gastro

The Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur (Sud) region is on high alert for flu and gastroenteritis, with only slightly fewer people affected there than in Paris.

En saison: What to put on your plate in January

Because the French never eat strawberries in winter and even different types of goat’s cheese have seasonality...

En saison: What to put on your plate in December

Because the French never eat strawberries in winter and even different types of goat’s cheese have seasonality...

Snow expected across France as temperature drops

Snow is expected to reach most of France in the next couple of days - if it has not arrived already - with 50 departments on yellow alert for snow and ice today.

Hit the slopes for a Noël to remember

From serious skiers finding fun on the piste to those keen to avoid the festive washing up, a Christmas break at a French ski resort is an increasingly popular option says Samantha David

Off-piste entertainment, from sculpture to cinema

What to do when you leave the slopes in France

France publishes best fruit and veg list for October

The French ministry of agriculture has recommended a list of the best fruit and vegetables you should eat to be healthier, protect the environment, and save money this October.

Summer cèpes arriving early in the South West

Summer mushrooms have arrived early across South West France, helped by this year’s hot and stormy weather.

Melon season in Poitou-Charentes

Melons from the Poitou-Charentes area of France are now in season, with an incredible one quarter of French melons coming from this western region.

Seasonal

Promising truffle season already underway in south-west France

Autumnal French recipe inspiration using seasonal produce

France’s Mont d’Or seasonal cheese is back

Tax, no drinking, clocks: Dates in October to note in France

Trending

French prefecture rejects Briton's long-stay EU residency card request

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

Motorway crash, drivers stranded, power cuts: Storm Caetano wreaks havoc across France

Human error may have caused Val Thorens ski lift crash, says prosecutor

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

Mystery over how French driving fines continue to reach UK addresses

Electric ants spotted in south of France for second time

MAP: The dates for the 2022-3 hunting season in your French department

Hot summer boosts gecko numbers in south-west France

Heatwave in France: Ten places where records for June have been beaten

French supermarket Casino launches seasonal fruit and veg labels

French seasonal food and drink: What to eat in June

Christmas: Petition for French ski stations to open

Iconic winter cranes migrate over France: What to look for

Tiger mosquitoes in France: How to cope in confinement

December food basket: what to eat this month

Polluting outdoor heaters may soon be banned in France

France warned over poisonous autumnal vegetables

Winegrowers’ free help saves flooded French vineyard

September food basket: what to eat this month

Eastern France on heavy rain and flooding alert

Hailstones the size of onions wreak havoc in France

France to experience partial lunar eclipse in July

French beach sees rise in stranded compass jellyfish

Artichokes are top of the June crops

Money, tax, pensions: What changes in France in May?

French garden diary - May 2019

Drought alert and water restrictions already in Nord

How to buy, eat and store the best French strawberries

Processionary caterpillars spotted in France already

Europe votes to end daylight savings clock changes

What changes in France in March 2019

French town gives out household Asian hornet traps

French Assemblée: Have your say on time zone change

The fruit and veg to eat to stay healthy this January

French ‘ice wine’ producers begin freezing harvest

Changes taking place in France in November 2018

Harsh French summers may affect future Christmas trees

Mont d’Or seasonal cheese production begins

Record year for French mushrooms due to heat and rain

Early French wine harvest suffers from lack of workers

Nine French departments on orange heatwave alert

Right now, France is at peak tomato...

French seasonal basket - August 2018

Longest lunar eclipse of century visible across France

French seasonal basket - July 2018

Mystery of the pink-tinged pomme

En saison: What to put on your plate in June

En saison: What to put on your plate in May

En saison: What to put on your plate in April

En saison: What to put on your plate in March

New ideas to aid homeless emerge as cold snap persists

Stay healthy: What to wear, eat, drink and do at 0°C

How to protect your water pipes from the freezing cold

Seasonal tips: the joy of asparagus

En saison: What to put on your plate in February

Cheese, fish and meat as seasonal as veg, say experts

Mont Blanc cable car break threatens summer season

Holiday plans? This is when to ‘faire le pont’ in 2018

Paris and Sud regions on high alert for flu and gastro

En saison: What to put on your plate in January

En saison: What to put on your plate in December

Snow expected across France as temperature drops

Hit the slopes for a Noël to remember

Off-piste entertainment, from sculpture to cinema

France publishes best fruit and veg list for October

Summer cèpes arriving early in the South West

Melon season in Poitou-Charentes