French News and Views in English

8 changes for residents and second-home owners in France October 2022

French residents save thousands on electricity by returning to EDF

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

Chinese vase valued at €2,000 sells for €9m at French auction

French private speed camera cars caught over 500,000 drivers in 2021

4 hours ago

French news

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French private speed camera cars caught over 500,000 drivers in 2021

Dover queue warning, flight prices rise: 7 France travel updates

Tuesday 4 October 2022

The Connexion joins a Nordic walking group in France

2 hours ago

Health

Heart disease patients in France prescribed free sports classes

2 hours ago

Health

Cyber crime in France: campaign looks to boost preventative practices

4 hours ago

Science and Technology

Thinking of buying an electric car in France? Now may be a good time

5 hours ago

Money

Petrol and diesel prices rising again in France after sustained fall

5 hours ago

French news

France to offer aid to people in France housing Ukrainian refugees

6 hours ago

French news

British pound crash: France’s pension top-up benefit may help

4 hours ago

French news

French TV news gives weather report-style electricity usage updates

8 hours ago

French news

French tax website now also shows properties owned: how to check

8 hours ago

Property

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How-to Articles

Practical articles on living in France

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How do we do customs declarations for goods for French second home?

5 days ago

How to check when electricity usage is under strain in France

20 September 2022

How to find the price of a property that has sold near you in France

14 September 2022

Explainer: How to block hunters from using your land in France

12 September 2022

How to join a sports club in France: admin, medical and fees explained

6 September 2022

Explainer: How does France’s two-year guarantee on all products work?

2 September 2022

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The October 2022 edition of The Connexion is now out

Get the latest French news and practical information for residents and second-home owners for as little as €4.50 per month

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Property

See more Property news

€100,000 water bill, boundary rules: Five French property updates

5 days ago

Property

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€100,000 water bill, boundary rules: Five French property updates

Map: Where rural French house prices have risen (and fallen) the most

French tax website now also shows properties owned: how to check

8 hours ago

Airbnb launches €1million eco-friendly plan for hosts in France

8 hours ago

French farmhouse DIY on a budget: Quick bathroom makeover ideas

4 days ago

Property HOW-TOS

Practical articles on living in France

See more Property how-tos

How to find the price of a property that has sold near you in France

14 September 2022

What to do if structural cracks appear in your French property

29 July 2022

Solar panels on French property: how to make your own electricity

12 July 2022

Explainer: how to get police to check on your home in France when away

6 July 2022

See more Property how-tos

Property Questions

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Q: I did not get permission for veranda at French home - what do I risk?

A: The good news for our reader is that as it has been more than six years since construction took place, they are in the clear in terms of France’s code de l’urbanisme, meaning they will face no legal procedures under criminal law.

Q: Can I add a swimming pool to French home without paying more in tax?

A: There are several different taxes that could apply when it comes to swimming pools.

Q: Do we need permission to cut down a tree in our French garden?

A: It is always better to seek authorisation from your local mairie before cutting down a tree in your garden as it could be prohibited.

Q: Are above ground pools subject to the taxe foncière in France?

A: When thinking about installing a swimming pool on your French property, you should be aware of the taxes that could be involved.

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Fast-track your knowledge on living in France

with our in-depth Connexion Help Guides

Preview

Healthcare in France*

23 May 2022

- Understand the French healthcare system, how you access it and how you are reimbursed - Useful if you are new to the French healthcare system or want a more in-depth understanding - Reader question and answer section Aimed at non-French nationals living here, the guide gives an overview of what you are (and are not) covered for. There is also information for second-home owners and regular visitors.

Preview

Inheritance Law and Wills in France*

UPDATED 17 August 2022

Get to know the formalities around French succession rules and considerations for buying property

Covid-19

See more Covid-19 news

France approves three vaccines adapted to Covid Omicron subvariants

5 days ago

Health

Read the full story

France approves three vaccines adapted to Covid Omicron subvariants

Covid-19: Rules for travel to and from France

Coronavirus: Daily updates on the situation in France

8 hours ago

RECAP: France’s booster campaign with ‘new’ Covid vaccines launches

1 day ago

New Covid vaccine campaign to begin for at-risk groups in France

6 days ago

Covid-19 HOW-TOS

Practical articles on living in France

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How to get a Covid recovery certificate in France and as a tourist?

29 January 2022

US and other non-EU visitors to France: how to get a vaccine pass

27 January 2022

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Covid-19 Questions

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Q: How do I get an Omicron-targeted Covid booster jab in France?

A: Our reader is referring to our article: France approves three vaccines adapted to Covid Omicron subvariants.

Q: Is Covid health pass still needed for hospital appointment in France?

A: When France’s vaccine pass system came to an end on March 14, health pass requirements remained in place for non-emergency visits to health and care settings.

Q: Can I get Covid booster jab while not yet in French healthcare system?

A: Everyone who is a resident in France has the right to get Covid vaccinations for free, whether they are in the healthcare system or not.

Q: France Covid: Must positive tests be confirmed by PCR for health pass?

A: First of all, if you have Covid symptoms and/or you have carried out a home test and it has come back positive, you should self isolate. You should confirm your result with a PCR test and list the people with whom you have had close contact here.

See more Covid-19 questions

Explore our how-tos on living in France

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

How do we do customs declarations for goods for French second home?

5 days ago

Second Homes

We look at the procedure for declaring goods and paying VAT and customs duties when taking bedding, for example, to a second home

How to check when electricity usage is under strain in France

20 September 2022

Everyday Life

Online electricity monitoring service Ecowatt sends alerts. If everyone turned off just one light, it could save the equivalent of an entire power station

How to find the price of a property that has sold near you in France

14 September 2022

Property

A government platform allows you to see house sales from the past five years. You can also use the platform look at the French cadastral map

Health

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Property

Science & Tech

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Environment

Second Homeowners

Brexit

See more Brexit news

Campaign group ‘disappointed’ by French response to 90/180 rule issue

26 August 2022

Brexit

Read the full story

Campaign group ‘disappointed’ by French response to 90/180 rule issue

Explainer: How has Brexit changed UK passport checks at EU borders?

Brexit: London centre shuts after 58 years helping French find jobs

4 days ago

UK-France Eurostar capacity cut by a third due to post-Brexit checks

6 days ago

Pre-Brexit free health mutuelle rights lost by UK pensioners in France

27 September 2022

Brexit HOW-TOS

Practical articles on living in France

See more Brexit how-tos

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

Visitor visa for France: How do we prove we own our second home?

9 December 2021

A guide to the temporary long-stay visa for France and how to apply

9 December 2021

See more Brexit how-tos

Brexit Questions

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Q: Is it viable to still use my French mobile in the UK post-Brexit?

A: Now that the UK has left the EU, if I go over to England for a short holiday, will I still be able to use my French Mobile (with a Leclerc SIM Card) in the UK and, if so, will I incur roaming charges? Alternatively, will my French-registered mobile accept a UK SIM card?

Q: Can I get a withdrawal agreement S1 when I turn 66 this year?

A: Reader Question: We're resident in France thanks to the withdrawal agreement with an S1 that covers us both because my husband was old enough for one and I came in under his as his wife.

Q: What happens if I cannot help but overstay my 90 days in France?

A: In general, non-EU citizens such as Britons and Americans without long-stay visas who remain in France – or other Schengen countries – for more than 90 days within any 180-day period are subject, in theory, to a €198 fine and may find it more difficult to enter the country or obtain a visa in the future.