French News and Views in English

MAP: How to see where wildfires are in France in real time

Water conflicts multiply in France as drought restrictions extended

New winter air routes, bigger ferry: Eight France travel updates

Homes destroyed as south-west France wildfire reignites overnight

New winter air routes, bigger ferry: Eight France travel updates

1 day ago

French news

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What’s coming up? The week ahead in France

Saturday 13 August 2022

Sempé was a master illustrator but also a sociologist, say cartoonists

1 minute ago

French news

Fire in Brittany’s mythical ‘King Arthur forest’ has been halted

7 hours ago

French news

Meningitis jabs advised for young people in east France after death

9 hours ago

Health

Incoming storms expected to put an end to France’s latest heatwave

10 hours ago

French news

How to become a volunteer firefighter in France

11 hours ago

Everyday Life

French MP supports non-EU foreigners voting in municipal elections

13 hours ago

French news

French food nutrition labels to change in line with health advice

15 hours ago

French news

Orange weather alerts persist for western France as heat peaks

1 day ago

French news

An image tribute to France’s Petit Nicolas illustrator Sempé

1 day ago

French news

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How-to Articles

Practical articles on living in France

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How to become a volunteer firefighter in France

11 hours ago

How to report an error on your French income tax assessment

3 August 2022

What to do if structural cracks appear in your French property

29 July 2022

Help bees - grow their favourite colour flowers in your French garden

22 July 2022

How to grow redcurrants in your French garden

19 July 2022

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

12 July 2022

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Property

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Second home hotspots, pergolas, cracks: Five French property updates

2 days ago

Property

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Second home hotspots, pergolas, cracks: Five French property updates

When are property sales in France free from capital gains tax?

Property watch: Hérault - good value houses away from Montpellier

2 days ago

An unsellable house, garden sharing: Four French property updates

4 August 2022

From a rented caravan in UK to buying entire French hamlet for €26,000

2 August 2022

Property HOW-TOS

Practical articles on living in France

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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

How to heat your home through France’s district heating network

11 May 2022

See more Property how-tos

Property Questions

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Q: Can I still get an oil boiler in my French home if no other option?

A: Since July 1 it has no longer been possible to install a new oil-fired boiler (chaudière au fioul) in any French home due to them being considered too polluting.

Q: Can I have an outdoor fire pit or chiminea in my French garden?

A: It is permitted to have a chiminea (cheminée d'extérieur) or fire pit (brasero) in your garden for cooking, heating or simply for decoration.

Q: How can I get a copy of the title deeds for a property in France?

A: A property’s title deeds, called the acte de propriété or sometimes the titre de propriété, is crucial if you plan to sell a property.

Q: How much value will a swimming pool add to my French house?

A: There is a very good chance that the value of your house will rise by more than this amount.

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Fast-track your knowledge on living in France

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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*

19 February 2020

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

Covid-19

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What next as state-of-emergency Covid measures end in France?

1 August 2022

Covid-19

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What next as state-of-emergency Covid measures end in France?

Covid-19: Rules for travel to and from France

Coronavirus: Daily updates on the situation in France

1 day ago

Covid France: seventh wave ebbs but public urged to remain cautious

30 July 2022

Travel, border controls: Five Q&As about France’s new Covid bill

29 July 2022

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: 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.

Q: What are the latest Covid rules for teenagers travelling to France?

A: My question is: does that one equate to her being vaccinated or unvaccinated?

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 to become a volunteer firefighter in France

11 hours ago

Everyday Life

Fire stations are always looking for volunteers and the selection criteria is less strict than you might imagine

How to report an error on your French income tax assessment

3 August 2022

Money

The ‘avis d’imposition’ stating how much income tax you owe are ready for many people in France - we explain what to do if you spot a mistake

What to do if structural cracks appear in your French property

29 July 2022

Property

We explain who to contact and how to navigate the ‘catastrophe naturelle’ insurance claim process - there are time limits

Health

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Second Homeowners

Brexit

See more Brexit news

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

26 July 2022

Brexit

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

Fight goes on, says lawyer as court rejects case on Britons’ EU rights

Britons in France threaten to sue Aviva UK over life assurance losses

20 July 2022

Brexit cards in France: Timing rules to swap five-year cards confirmed

15 June 2022

President Macron has a new EU vision that could include the UK

8 June 2022

Brexit HOW-TOS

Practical articles on living in France

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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.