Connexion Back Issues

French low-cost flights to allow mobile phone use * Drivers more reckless than four years ago - and know it * Row over plan to cut state reimbursements for glasses * Pyrenees snow cover to halve by end of century * Pay your income tax by telephone * 600 euros less family allowance from May 1 * New road signs ahead * France gave medal to UK scientist - despite being at war * Primary school standards drop sharply * WWI tunnel museum opens * Expat widows ‘wrongly’ losing 35% of husbands’ pension funds * May 1968: Memories of riots, strikes and student sex * Weak pound to last at least a year - expert * Flagging UK economy hits in different ways * Sarkozy’s first year: From election hero to the next Bond villain * Bring in school league tables, says parent-association head * Maternelles seriously failing children say reports * Health fears and high demand push the boundaries of top produce labels * What makes you happy in France, asks Nobel economist * French intelligence helped us against IRA * We’re best friends with our neighbours * AVF: There to help newcomers * Pompadour: City of Horses and a certain madame * Nouvel wins ‘Nobel’ while Le Corbusier looks to World Heritage list * Trade fair for UK businesses ‘a success’ * New rules allow pharmacies and customers greater freedom * How best to manage the transition from UK tax to the French system * Why does mobile credit expire? * Tips to minimise burglary insurance problems * The association 1901 law: setting up your own club * Tax credits can cut cost of home help * Money back on your new car * Real ID deadline slips back two presidencies * Living a sweet life in Paris * ‘Real America’ in France’s last binational centre * ‘Queen Mother’ calling out for new batch of Red Hat recruits * Cancer charity wants helpers * Joining forces to keep village on tourism map * Anglophone lifesaver library encouraging new members * Singing the praises of integration * Legal challenge launched as bank blocks foreigners * Eco-architects turning to wooden homes * Check out the best mortgage deal * What are the planning laws for satellite dishes? * What is included in the m2 figure for home area? * Average house price to rise 2.7% * For sale: Former French president’s chateau * Tax breaks for workers and the residents of rural revival zones * Loan for home improvements for families * 60% of French households install security devices * Lift improvement deadline delayed by two years * Further gas price hikes from GDF * Let your house for the holidays * Which homes rent out best? * Professional renters * Arm yourself with the key facts before renting out your home * We let a 16th Century chateau - while we offer a studio * Listing as a meublé de tourisme * Give your home that je ne sais quoi * Chèques emploi - the legal way to employ *

UK’s second homes curb ‘would not happen in France’ * More deliveries and staff to conquer La Poste queues * Call for EU-wide car database * No state refund for ‘inactifs’ * France’s last poilu laid to rest * L’Oréal daughter is richest woman * Two extra weeks for shop sales * Magazine stands by 48% grocery price hike figures * Mobile phone tax set for April 1 * ‘Failed’ pilgrim asks Connexion readers to help him across France * Death banned from village as mayor loses his plots * Keypad gates and cheap cleaners threaten the traditional concierge * Bordeaux handyman is first concierge de rue * 200 years of helping Britons abroad * Strikes are last resort, says union leader * Northern stereotypes prove box office hit * Michelin Guide’s new big fish * A magical break from the daily grind * Organic food production stalls just as consumers begin to bite * Former Yahoo! chief ’s bio wine gets critics’ approval * ‘Sarkozy factor’ helped us win say mayors as towns swing to the left * Local government layers; from empty communes to the complexities of Paris * Why we became French nationals and how you can do it * ‘We’re here for life - we feel at home’ * Journalist ‘sick of not being able to vote’ * ‘UK is like a foreign country’ * Following their children’s footsteps * Will Angelina and Brad’s next child be French? * Visit from officials part of pre-EEC process * Income tax forms * Step-by-step guide to filling out the main forms * Parts, family quotients, ‘assessable’ or ‘taxable’ income - understand the system * Those who can, teach...English * Getting started as a teacher: A part time hobby or a full time work? * Go one step further - create your own school * Taking UK qualifications to France can be a minefield for the unprepared * Many CPAMs still slow to acknowledge CMU changes * Your cancer screening rights * Dentists on health phone list * Claiming disability benefits * Uni pension treated as a ‘government’ scheme * Work is always outside France - who do I pay? * Buying second home in UK * PAYE income raises more questions * Which dog breeds are ‘dangerous’? * Inheritance: tontines, usufruit and the legs de residuo * Help your facteur – ensure you address letters correctly * Collectors’ cars - new law coming in * Recuperate up to four licence points * Claim a double heating bonus * Help with settling in to a new area * Everyone in a car must have seatbelt * Responsibility in thefts from a hotel * Right to post small objects as ‘letter’* Beware - and beat - hard-sell tactics * American Connexion: Tax deadline is approaching: How to file, and fast * Leading youngsters country to country * FAWCO: Women worldwide making a difference * Volunteers offer helping hand across bridge of bereavement * Top musicians launch folk night in Cahors * Fundraising tours to discover ancient village make a return * UK scout troup looking for volunteers to help cubs * Wind turbines: clean future power or eco-spin? * Set up your own turbine and make money selling electricity back to supplier * Changes to Loi Littoral ruled out * Rent deposit halves to a month * January saw drop in price of flats * Extra help for green lifestyles * Better access for disabled * ‘French housing crisis centred on cities, unlike in the UK’ * Search engine may receive €99m state aid * Strokes among under 65s fall 15% after January smoking ban * Cheese makers await ruling

France beats Spain to be top EU expat choice - Culture, climate and community are key factors * Thousands more speed cameras are on their way * Vendée families paid to talk English to live-in students * Fuel allowance deadline in March * US Democrats’ first global vote * ‘No’ to more taxis and fares to go up 3% * Notaires: We must reform carefully * Hairdressers: Change is welcome * €1.6bn plan for Alzheimer’s research over next five years * Bolton Chief Superintendent commutes between France and Greater Manchester * Is poverty driving students to prostitution - or do French universities offer a good deal? - Fees: Nantes versus Cardiff - Studying in France to stay close to friends and family - A different culture - no union bar, few societies and they live at home - The system is more hands-on and people do not finish in debt * Proposed primary school reforms are ‘return to 1950s’ * Free extra lessons in French and maths * Gordon Ramsay’s new f-word is France * Have a say in local politics - vote on March 8 - Municipals seen as a test of Sarkozy’s dipping popularity - What is the role of the municipal council? - Paris mayor wants diverse voters - You can be elected without standing - Free air tickets offered * Interview - The man who sets France’s language policy * Cadres and employés - know the difference * Inheritance: Our legal experts answer your questions * France’s one day ‘national service’ * Money-off promotions - what are your rights? * Taking your bike on the train is simple - and free in most cases * Many expat parents are school governors * Bad workmanship - what are my rights? * Do I need a caravan towing certificate? * Can I keep my UK licence categories? * Can I reclaim VAT paid on my home? * What CAUE tax  is due on garage? * E106s: November 23 - or earlier - is CMU deadline * We’ll be fair with refunds, say insurers * Thank you, Connexion, for healthcare coverage * How do I avoid paying tax twice on my rental income? * My bank took 27% tax off interest * Inheritance rights with a tontine * Procedure to transfer UK pension * Transfer of house to ‘shell company’ * War without end. Amen. * Most Americans abroad should file US tax returns * Lyon honors past presidents’ French links * Working Women’s Network of Grenoble hosts workshops for English-speaking professionals * Be realistic if you want to sell your house * Many estate agents will be forced to close in 2008 * What you need to be an agent * Could the Spanish land-grab nightmare happen in France? - We left UK for Spain - and Spain for France - ‘For many Costa expats getting dressed for dinner means pulling on a football shirt’

‘Healthcare reversal to include E106’ - All early retirees can now access state healthcare, claims British Embassy Paris * No official French confirmation as yet * Shopping around for a loan to become easier * Creuse is safest place to live in France – official * The Louvre franchises to the desert * Permanent sales may boost retail spending * English-language news channel to close this year * Nobel economists asked to measure growth in terms of quality of life * Shake-up to French work laws underway * Full-time, fixed-term and temporary contracts * This little French car runs on air, costs just e3,700, and is quietly taking over the world * Democrats Abroad offer global primary voting * Many health authorities still unaware of changes despite December circular - how do the changes affect you? - CPAM lottery - it all depends where you live * Adopt a truffle tree in Le Gers * France to ban use of GM maize * ‘Axe departments, deregulate notaires and work past age of 65’ * ‘Expats can boost morale’ * Helping new businesses and creating security among ‘fundamental decisions’ * Asterix’s co-creator Uderzo talks about his life and work * Understanding different marriage régimes * Know your rights in the winter sales * Water damage insurance * Insulating your house * Be prepared to tackle snow and ice on mountain roads * Compensation for delayed trains * French are the world’s biggest users of homeopathic treatments * Self-service for hundreds of pharmacy medicines * Shortfall after our E106 expires * Making sure children get the most from a property when they inherit * Claim back tax paid on UK savings interest * Transferring UK pensions credits * Is an NHS pension tax-free in France? * Postal rates keep changing * Deadlines for tax credits * How do I register my firm for VAT? * Charges for B&B business * Where can I find vegetarian food? * AARO: Speaking up for all Americans abroad * Some of the major issues facing Americans living overseas * British telephone support charity expands into France * I just can’t resist restoring chateaux * Good for your pocket and green ethics - solar panels are taking off * Should I rent out my flat furnished or unfurnished? * Number of home loans is going up in France * Crédit Foncier reviews its policy on French-only loan * Gas increase of 4% is not enough, says GDF * House prices ‘stabilising’ * Help with ‘diagnostics’ * Court case challenges accuracy of breath tests

Official confirmation: Healthcare ban will NOT be retrospective - Fight for E106-holders continues * France’s 97 ideas to make life easier * Gas prices will rise but not by 6% * Amazon.fr banned from offering free book deliveries * Building of new high-speed LGV rail lines steams ahead * Web pirates targeted in national crackdown * New laws to rein in dangerous dogs and punish owners * Court victory for 25-stone flyer * Surrogate twins’parents are legal * New business chamber for sunny south’s 10,000 Swedes * Mr Charles Napoleon wants his great grandfather’s bones to stay in England * Last war soldiers refuse state funeral * Fallen heroes to be remembered at Battle of the Marne commemoration * Gendarmerie set for reform * Plan to shut hundreds of courts sparks strike * Digging for truffles in the Var * 2007 review * Rural charm and business success - homeworkers find it all in the Gers * How to shut down a business * My towing licence has an expiry date * Seeking redress for medical mistakes * Keeping a French car, living in UK * I am being billed for taxe de séjour * I have 4,000 model soldiers to display * Inheritance laws: Providing for your loved ones * Cash reward if you buy green car, penalty for a gas-guzzler * €1 more to see doctor * French ‘MOT’ gets tougher - and will cost you more * Full smoking ban as bars and cafes must follow too * Minimum service on public transport is guaranteed * Can you claim France’s €150 winter fuel allowance? * Navigating the healthcare E-maze * Can we choose where our UK government pensions are taxed? * EU directive gives new rights and responsibilities to securities investors * American Connexion * Guided missiles and misguided men * Breathing a ‘smoke free’ sigh of relief * Baguettes, pastries and humble pie * Raquettes and raclette in chilly Grenoble * A tasty tradition that’s fit for a king * Volunteers needed to offer support to cancer sufferers * Legion campaigns for more support for service people * Hospital and home visitors sought * Charity shop set up to care for feral cats * Court battle for expat war veteran who needs stairlift to leave home * Converting half our home into a business gives us more time for friends and family * Manage your electricity bill with Bleu Ciel plan * Notaires first in Europe to use electronic signature * Recycle your lightbulbs or have them collected for free * Smaller pools no longer need planning permission * New home-owners to pay less interest on mortgages

127 obsolete laws scrapped * Speed camera ‘doubling’ goes off radar * Healthcare Special: Five-year residency rule confirmed but critically ill still waiting update - Politicians try to get decision reversed - Readers have their say on healthcare changes - We run a B&B – are we entitled to cover? * Interview: Sarkozy is good news for expats, Ken Clarke tells The Connexion * Nature: France has 545 bird species – we look at ways you can enjoy them * Food: Learn about France’s mushrooms * Feature: Channel crossing – why 300,000 French people opt for the UK * Business special: A survival guide to legally running several professional activities at once * Practical: Are there rules on chimney sweeping? - Can a UK-registered car stay in France - Husband told to bridé motorbike - Half-price tutoring available at home - Ryanair flights to Rodez suspended - How does a ‘power of attorney’ work in France - Reforms have made planning simpler - How to resolve telecom problems - Transferring a house from sole to joint names * Healthcare: Can I claim on my partner’s E121 if we are not married? - Check if an E form is for you - Can you translate my cholesterol reading? * Finance: Dependency change to affect expats due for UK pensions after April 2010 - State wants a share if you win on the Ernie bonds - Will my death affect our French company house? * Football and cheerleading are catching on * Is it time to pension off the word ‘expat’? * Our small village has made us feel so incredibly welcome * Understanding life assurance policies * What to do when building work goes wrong * I doubled value of my home in seven months * Couple install wind turbine in back garden * November 15 is deadline for payment of the taxe d’habitation and TV licence * Reclaiming VAT on new-build house * How do I research my ancestors? * Is my UK disabled badge valid here? * France Telecom - help in English * Can I put up a 10m wind turbine? * How can I adopt  wife’s children? * Problems with new phone-net deal * Send your registered letters via online service * French resident but visiting UK this summer? Think of a CEAM * Why have we been refused a Carte Vitale? * Tips to ease the September school blues * 13,500 parents apply under change to school catchment rules * Comply with local water restrictions or risk a fine * ‘Cunning Bison’ helps you avoid worst of the jams * Télépéage: a speedier option for tolls * Insurance: The simple and the complicated of claiming * Information on a French pension * Consult a notaire before letting a farmer use part of your land * Make sense of the labels in French food shops * Couples must register roles in businesses * Post-election housing confidence fails to materialise outside Paris

Health changes will force us to move back to UK - Heroic police officer among those to lose CMU * Make your voice heard by voting and standing in next year’s local elections * Sarkozy’s British thinker muses on France * Healthcare special: Ministries confirm thousands of early retirees lose right to state healthcare; The key questions answered; What you should do; The cost of private cover * Franchises: Want to set up a business? Think franchise * Confusion and misinformation still exists about health E-forms * CMU rules: Understandable in light of directive * How do health changes affect me as dependent? * Free eye tests * Driving a French car in the UK * Phone bills have been doubled * Insuring a car kept in England * Radar detectors - are they legal? * Driving licence says ‘GB70’ * Viagers - where do I go for help? * How can I get counselling? * Expats can claim up to £300 in UK winter fuel allowance * Telepeage - how do you save money by using it? * Six days allowed to organise funeral * Gaz de France partners offer range of service options * Flu vaccines available free for over-65s * Inheritance reforms have improved situation for spouses and children * Civil partnerships have no legal force * Pacs partners commit to mutual solidarity * British couple refused loan due to nationality * Business: How to hire and keep the paperwork down * How to stop evening telesales calls and junk mail * The Taxe fonciere - you must pay by October 15 * A wood-burning stove: green, economical, sweet-smelling and your cat will love it * Tax rebates for rainwater collection systems

Thousands of expats lose access to French state healthcare cover - New law removes right for early retirees to enter CMU * High cost of buying in France * Vineyards: three couples who are living the dream * In adoption, French law may not apply * Maintenance of gas and other appliances * Planning permission for a garden wall? * Changes in law for chambres d’hote * Asbestos, termites, lead: Understand the checks you need * Untying the confusing threads of healthcare * Cost of cigarettes rises - kick the habit with state help * Dealing with bereavement or separation * Ryanair to stop promising ‘1p flights’ * Starting school: Vaccinations are obligatory * The French MOT test - le controle technique * Opticiens do not do tests * Insurance for students at school or university * Equity release catches on with expats * Does state pension stop Capital Gains Tax? * Two new branches to help English-speakers affected by cancer * What is Urssaf? * Building permits are needed for any construction that modifies a house’s facade * Taking a close look at the building permits needed for renovating * Getting EDF to pay you for electricity * Village resident hit by mystery taxes

MPs approve tax cuts and overtime boost * Driving: UK firms incorrectly selling items as legal requirement for France * Reclaiming VAT on new-build house * How do I research my ancestors? * Is my UK disabled badge valid here? * France Telecom - help in English * Can I put up a 10m wind turbine? * How can I adopt  wife’s children? * Problems with new phone-net deal * Send your registered letters via online service * French resident but visiting UK this summer? Think of a CEAM * Why have we been refused a Carte Vitale? * Tips to ease the September school blues * 13,500 parents apply under change to catchment rules * Comply with local water restrictions or risk a fine * ‘Cunning Bison’ helps you avoid worst of the jams * Telepeage: a speedier option for tolls * Insurance: The simple and the complicated of claiming * Information on a French pension * Consult a notaire before letting a farmer use part of your land * Make sense of the labels in French food shops * Couples must register roles in businesses * Post-election housing confidence fails to materialise outside Paris