I SUFFER from regular noise from aircraft flying overhead. I heard you can get grants to pay for sound-proofing - is that right?

Yes, there is a grant called aide à l’insonorisation des logements. You need to be situated in an official noise nuisance zone as defined by a local plan de gêne sonore.

You can check on your entitlement with the airport itself.

The payment, which comes from the airport, may cover 80 - 100% of the costs, however under a recent clarification of the rules you are guaranteed a higher amount (95 - 100%) if you are part of a group application - as part of a copropriété syndicate (eg. a group of people sharing a block of flats), an HLM (social housing) organisation or one of a group of five people from the same commune who own individual houses.

For those affected by noise from Paris airports there is a helpline on tel: 08 10 87 11 35 (local call cost from landline).