French News and Views in English

Explainer: the rules about composting from January 1 in France

UK’s new immigration plan would bar many UK-French families

Rise in respiratory infections continues in France

French woman hospitalised after boar charges at her as she gardens

Rise in respiratory infections continues in France

19 hours ago

Health

Read the full story

French banks to be obliged to offer free instant transfers - but when?

Friday 8 December 2023

French digital telescopes give stargazers Nasa-quality view of space

3 hours ago

Science and Technology

French hunters and cyclists agree to share land after 15-year debate

4 hours ago

French news

All night queue for opening of Krispy Kreme US doughnut shop in Paris

17 hours ago

French news

PHOTOS: It began with a candle in 1852: Lyon’s Light Festival returns

18 hours ago

French news

End in sight for driver fuel shortages in Paris and surrounding areas

20 hours ago

French news

Look up to see up to 80 shooting stars an hour from tonight in France

21 hours ago

French news

France votes to allow new gambling casinos to support ‘horse towns’

22 hours ago

French news

French people still work less than other Europeans

23 hours ago

Work

How Paris plans to crackdown on second homes and empty properties

23 hours ago

Property

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How-to Articles

Practical articles on living in France

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Explainer: Speed cameras, fines and driving licence points in France

4 days ago

How compensation for electricity power cuts works in France

22 November 2023

How to get help to pay for care home fees in France

21 November 2023

The six new US bills which could affect Americans in France

20 November 2023

Explainer: burials, cremations and funerals in France

16 November 2023

How to see a doctor if you cannot sign up with GP in France

14 November 2023

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Your questions

Do police officers need reason to stop and control drivers in France?

6 days ago

Everyday Life

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Do police officers need reason to stop and control drivers in France?

Rules for visiting UK from France with validated VLS-TS visitor visa

Will I be charged taxe foncière on my empty French home?

1 day ago

Can I gift granddaughter my French car? Will it need test?

1 day ago

How often do I need to sweep my chimney in French home?

1 day ago

HOW-TOS

Practical articles on living in France

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How can I oppose my neighbour’s building application in France?

22 June 2023

French property form: How do I make corrections after submitting it?

9 June 2023

How do Americans in France register for public health insurance?

25 May 2023

Leave a tax-efficient legacy to charity with French and UK assets

12 April 2023

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Questions

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Q: Are all-season tyres allowed during winter in France?

A: Yes, all-season tyres are (for the 2023/2024 year) an acceptable alternative to fitting purpose-made ‘winter’ tyres in those areas that are subject to the Loi Montagne.

Q: Should French car hire firms provide winter tyres or chains?

A: Between November 1 and March 31 every winter, people driving in many mountainous regions of France must make sure that their cars are equipped with winter tyres, or have snow chains or fabric ‘socks’ in their boot.

Q: What can I do to stop my French neighbour’s regular garden bonfires?

A: Starting a bonfire in one’s garden – either as a social activity or to burn waste – is generally against the law in France, and is punishable by a fine of up to €450.

Q: Renovating a French property: be aware of planning rules before buying

A: Many buyers have big plans for their new French property.

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Fast-track your knowledge on living in France

with our in-depth Connexion Help Guides

Income Tax in France 2023 (for 2022 income)*

Preview

Income Tax in France 2023 (for 2022 income)*

UPDATED 11 August 2023

- Primarily aimed at Britons, covers pensions, rent, ISAs, shares, savings and interest - but also contains significant general information pertinent to readers of other nationalities - Overview of online declarations + step-by-step guide to the French printed forms - Includes updates given automatically after this year's site opened

Preview

Visa and residency cards for France*

10 January 2023

- Visas and residency cards (cartes de séjour) for France help guide - Understand when visas and residency cards are required to move to France or come for an extended stay - Applies to Britons (post-Brexit) and to all other non-EU/non-EEA/Swiss nationalities - Useful to anyone considering a move to France, whether for work or otherwise, or wanting to spend more than three months at their French second home

Property

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Squatters, taxes, DIY: French property round up

5 days ago

Property

Read the full story

Squatters, taxes, DIY: French property round up

Seven key trends in new French property market data

How Paris plans to crackdown on second homes and empty properties

23 hours ago

New pool must go due to neighbour’s ‘protected view’ clause in France

1 day ago

US-French couple give up on ‘frustrating’ home renovation grant

1 day ago

Property HOW-TOS

Practical articles on living in France

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How to protect against carbon monoxide poisoning in French home

21 November 2023

France’s ‘catastrophe naturelle’ insurance system: how to claim

21 October 2023

Explainer: DPE survey and new energy audit for properties in France

18 September 2023

Rise in solar panel scams in France and how to spot the tricks

11 September 2023

See more Property how-tos

Property Questions

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Q: French property syndics: What can I do if mine stops responding?

A: There are several avenues that you might try to resolve your situation, but first, we explain what a syndic is and the role it should play in a shared block of flats.

See more Property questions

Explore our how-tos on living in France

Find the right information you need to help you navigate life in France

Explainer: Speed cameras, fines and driving licence points in France

4 days ago

Transport

We look at the history of France’s speed camera network and how the related fines work today

The six new US bills which could affect Americans in France

20 November 2023

Everyday Life

Americans in France should contact their congresspeople to voice their support for six upcoming bills that could help them, says an expat association

Explainer: burials, cremations and funerals in France

16 November 2023

Family

We look at the rules and procedures following a death

Health

Money

Work

Family

Property

Science & Tech

Transport

Everyday Life

Environment

Second Homeowners

Brexit

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MP: I will resubmit a new proposal to ease visits to second homes

4 days ago

French news

Read the full story

MP: I will resubmit a new proposal to ease visits to second homes

How does EU's 90/180-day rule work when visiting France?

Normandy senator: British homeowners should not be penalised by Brexit

16 November 2023

French senator waits to hear over plea for second-home Britons

30 October 2023

Ministry answers queries on under-18s and travel to and from France

10 November 2023

Brexit HOW-TOS

Practical articles on living in France

See more Brexit how-tos

How does EU's 90/180-day rule work when visiting France?

25 October 2023

Explainer: How to bring family to live with you in France post-Brexit

1 February 2023

Brexit: How to reclaim overpaid French social charges

2 March 2022

Post-Brexit tax rules recap: How to send gifts between UK and France

6 December 2021

See more Brexit how-tos

Brexit Questions

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Q: Post Brexit: When do Britons need to swap to French driving licence?

A: This is one situation where Brexit has a reduced impact on Britons living in France due to a post-Brexit agreement on the issue.

Q: Post Brexit do I need a visa when leaving France for an EU holiday?

A: Europe’s upcoming Entry/Exit System is aimed at being a way of tracking the movements of non-EU visitors in and out of the Schengen area but it is important to note that it will not be equivalent to a visa.

Q: Should I swap five-year Brexit residency card for 10-year card?

A: For British citizens living in France, Brexit and the subsequent Withdrawal Agreement made it necessary to obtain residency permits to continue living here.