Your questions

What is process for building work near a site listed as historic monument in France?

The Architectes des Bâtiments de France must approve of external renovations within 500m of a listed site

Why do some French GPs charge more than others?

The price of a consultation is rising in December - but some already bill patients at €30 instead of €26.50

Neighbour’s chimney blows smoke into our French home: what can we do?

Chimney stacks must be a certain length from nearby rooftops

practical

Are old euro banknotes still valid in France?

A new series intended to be harder to counterfeit began circulating in 2013

Can estranged child of late-partner inherit their house in France?

Antonia Ridley-Hughes of Ashtons Legal explains French intestacy rules

Why are French roundabouts so confusing?

There are actually two types with different rules

What are the rules for garage sales in France and is tax due?

Non-professionals are only permitted to sell at a limited number each year

Why has my French 'pension de reversion' stopped?

A pension de reversion provide widowers with a percentage of their deceased spouse's pension

Will new 'no drive' zone in central Paris affect taxi journeys?

New restrictions are in place in the city centre

Do you receive additional paid leave following a family death in France?

Additional ‘bereavement’ leave is available in some cases

Are eyesight rules for drivers the same for licence-free cars in France?

It can be advisable to get an eye test before purchasing a voiture sans permis

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

There are different numbers associated with your bank account

Will my children’s university expenses be liable to French gift tax?

Children may still be 'attached' to their parent's residence for tax purposes whilst at university

Moving to France: how does a retiree apply for a health card?

The card is linked to your social security number, which you must apply for first

Do licence-free vehicles in France require a roadworthiness test?

Law change in April 2024 saw motorbikes require contrôle technique tests

What are the rules for domestic wind turbine installation in France?

Turbines of all sizes can be purchased

Are French bank cards required at electric vehicle charging stations?

Payment for charging electric vehicles on the road can be made in many different ways

Are foreign nursing qualifications recognised in France?

Brexit changed rules for Britons relocating to France

How do to declare deceased spouse's pension for French taxes?

A look at how to notify authorities of a death, deal with the tax office and resolve online issues

Is it illegal to fit a boiling water tap in France?

Sarah Bright-Thomas of Bright Avocats answers a reader query

Why have we not been paying taxe d’habitation on our French second home?

Exemptions exist but only apply in a very limited number of scenarios

What is the procedure if septic tank is classed as non-conforme?

Rules are different when buying a new home

What is ‘TIN’ number French bank is requesting?

It is related to taxation, and not social security

How do I ask for free French flu voucher if I did not receive one?

The 2024/2025 vaccination season has begun

Why are only some US states’ driving licences exchangeable for a French one?

Exchanging a non-EU licence for a French one is based on reciprocal agreements

Is making a French will the right choice for multiple property owners?

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

Why are UK authorities asking about French work for pension top-up?

There are big differences between different which band you must pay into

How does vehicle breakdown cover work in France?

General car insurance policies include options for assistance

What are the rules on building a fence at French property?

Everyone has the right to build one on their own land but local planning regulations may apply

Will EES registration be required in France for EU residency permit holders?

The Entry/Exit System will require visitors to the Schengen Area to give their biometric information at the border

What is the ‘soil survey’ required before fitting a septic tank in France?

Local authorities may ask for an étude de sol before you install a new sanitation system that is not connected to sewers

What do French estate agents mean by a maison de caractère?

These large and distinctive properties were once prized by the middle class

Does a UK marriage need to be registered in France?

Different rules apply for French citizens and foreign residents who marry abroad

How is surplus energy sold to EDF declared on French tax form?

Understanding the declaration process for income, including deadlines and exemptions

Can British spouse of French passport holder use EU queue under EES rules?

Close family members can use EU passport queues under certain conditions

Do second-hand car purchases in France come with a warranty?

Buyers have some statutory protection from both dealerships and individual sellers

Can French wills be typed as opposed to handwritten?

The rules depends on who is writing it

Are electric vehicle grants available for second-home owners in France?

Two main schemes are available for residents

What exactly does maison secondaire mean in France?

Property descriptions are related to where you live 'habitually' and have the most links

Are the shutters on my French house essential for insurance?

Insurers recommend them, but the law is clear

What gift tax is liable on property in France for UK residents?

Antonia Ridley-Hughes of Ashtons Legal answers a reader query

How can I apply for a visa without finalising home purchase in France?

Short-term rental contracts may be an option

Is there an ombudsman for insurance claims in France?

Issues with insurers over claims can take a long time to be settled

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

Is a partial French pension available for working some years in the country?

Pension amounts depend on criteria including how long you worked in France, and your salary

What are the rules on gifting a property in France?

The process must involve a notaire to ensure the rules are followed

What are the rules for wood-burning stoves in France?

Sarah Bright-Thomas of Bright Avocats answers a reader query

What is a French attestation des droits? Is it necessary to have one?

Schools and nurseries often ask parents to provide this document

When are payments for solar energy production from French home received?

Some contracts allow you to sell surplus solar energy back to the grid

Is medicinal cannabis legal in France and is CBD available in high-street shops?

There are ongoing trials assessing the benefits of cannabis for certain serious illnesses

What are the options for disposing of books in France?

Many of the books are in English

Can we go over 90-day EU visiting limit for a funeral in France?

Limits on entering Schengen Zone are in place for all visa-free travellers

Can I cancel French property tax payments in advance if I will be 75 next year?

There are exemptions from paying taxe foncière for some

What are the visa rules for boat owners visiting France?

Non-EU nationals visiting France for more than 90 days will need to apply for a visa

Does French mutuelle insurance provide cover when abroad?

Healthcare travel cards cover only essential medical costs

What are the rules for driving a mobility scooter in France?

The regulations can vary dependent upon the vehicle’s maximum speed

Must solar panels installed at home be insured in France?

Sarah Bright-Thomas of Bright Avocats answers a reader question

When will EU driving licence changes apply in France?

The limit for standard permit ‘B’ licences is set to increase from 3.5 to 4.25 tonnes for some vehicles

Ceam or Ghic: Which health card is right for Britons in France?

The choice is dependent upon which country funds your healthcare

Is it possible to sell a second-hand car in France without speaking French?

The paperwork required could make a sale difficult without assistance

Is French Livret A account interest taxable in UK?

We review the tax obligation in the UK for interest earned from French 'tax-free' accounts

Are non-EU degrees recognised in France? Can they be translated?

Since Brexit, UK qualifications have not been so easily accepted in the country

Where is official post sent in France whilst we travel in motorhome?

Although mail can be forwarded or collected on your behalf there are challenges

Can firewood be gathered in forests to heat French homes?

A set of strict and ancient rules govern wood collection on public land

Is a licence needed to pilot a drone in France?

There are no-fly zones in some parts of the country

Are there English-speaking dentists in France?

France does suffer from so-called ‘medical deserts’ which can affect all professions

Is more tax payable if putting a carport in front of French second home?

Taxe foncière payments can increase if additions are made to a property

What is key information needed in ‘simple will’ written in France?

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

Do French companies accept payments from UK bank accounts

Despite Brexit, UK banks remain part of the Sepa (Single Euro Payments Area) agreement

Can dual UK-Irish citizens spend six months in France and six months in the UK?

Be aware of tax residency and healthcare rights

Is it easy to buy French train tickets online, even if abroad?

You can print out electronic tickets or store them on your smartphone

How should you dispose of used tyres in France?

They cannot – usually – be dropped off at tips

Is a second home subject to gift tax in France?

Notaires are required to confirm the transaction

Do ‘Crit’Air’ stickers go out of date for French low-emission zones?

Almost all vehicles are given a pollution rating between 1 and 5, and the most polluting are not allowed in certain towns

Who can I appoint as my power of attorney in France

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