The Connexion 236 - June 2022 e-Paper
A quarter of French departments, including several in the north, are already on drought vigilance or alert, with May’s record temperatures leading to water restrictions for individuals and farmers.
Around 23 million households are set to save €138 this year after the government announced the end of the TV licence fee.
After nine months as the UK’s first female ambassador to France, Dame Menna Rawlings speaks to The Connexion about the Platinum Jubilee and her hectic job.
Drivers could find themselves hit with more tickets for driving offences after a new ‘super-precise’ speed camera was approved for use in May.
Lodger to bandmate: Bowie bassist Gail Ann Dorsey in tune with France.
It’s time to get realistic about the maintenance and running costs of these historic buildings, say a former teacher and HR director who bought a 13th century chateau in the Loire Valley.
A portrait Marie-Antoinette detested because she thought it made her look ugly, has returned to Versailles after the future queen had it hidden away 250 years ago.
Many gite owners are being charged taxe d’habitation on properties as they cannot prove they were not available for personal use on any day of the year.
We explain their appeal, how to haggle, plus other tips to bag yourself a bargain.
Black boxes in new cars, reduced renovation aid, increase in Caf benefits, new beach flags, changes to the lunch voucher limit and how to redeem holiday vouchers on train trips online.
Some 58% of speeding fines in France in 2020 were for offences where the car caught by a radar was doing less than 5km/h over the permitted speed, research by a French senator has revealed. The finding has provoked immediate calls for changes in the law from some motoring groups.
The dog has been taught to using buttons mounted on a floor mat. Speech and language researcher Meiyun Xu, from the Université de Bourgogne in Dijon, said: “The limit could be as much as 100 words.”.
A federation of 247 insurance firms is calling for an end to the carte verte insurance document and its tear-off vignette windscreen stamp.
A controversial change to how food safety checks are carried out is being planned after recent poisoning scandals.
Macron’s new EU vision – could this really include UK?
The President has caused much speculation by proposing – but with little detail – the creation of a new ‘European political community’, which he says could even involve the UK.
Hunger strike baker stands for MP on the promise of a more humane policy on immigration
The Besançon baker who campaigned successfully in 2020 to stop his apprentice being deported as an illegal immigrant is to stand in June’s legislative elections.
Customers unhappy with mobile and broadband after fast roll-out
France’s all-out push to increase mobile phone and high-speed internet access has left many customers unhappy with the service once they get it.
Bikers and scooter riders may face MOT-type checks after years of being exempt after green groups won a supreme court ruling nullifying the exemption.
It is a French paradox – in a country where bicycle racing is one of the favourite sports, daily use of the vélo is low. However, recent government efforts to promote long-distance cycle holiday routes could see things start to change.
The president’s manifesto was relatively light in detail. However, we can speculate on central themes, including energy price caps, pension reform and some welcome good news for younger generations with proposals to increase gifting allowances.
It is easy to moan about contributions in France – payslips seem to consist of a long list of contributions to one caisse or another – but they can also unlock some fantastic lifelong learning opportunities.
The cost of living longer puts pressure on savings
Living out your retirement to a ripe old age in France sounds appealing, but can you afford it? We consider the implications for savings, pensions, investment, tax and inheritance.
Our financial advisor answers your money queries on page 33.
You can find more advice for managing your money in France in our Money and Tax section on pages 33 and 34, and online.
You asked, we answered. Send your queries to questions@connexionfrance.com.
- Neighbour blocks garage: What can I do?
- Can non-residents give blood if in France for a few months?
- What are the rules for keeping hens in our garden?
- Does health affect right to drive on a UK licence?
Get the answers to your questions on page 18 and elsewhere. You can also find answers to reader questions in the Your Questions section online.
Go on a nationwide tour of the many festivals and events that celebrate the colourful costumes, crafts, food, sports and heros and heroines of the Middle Ages.
How people are coming together to grow food and protect the planet at a pedagogical garden in Nice.
Author, Sara Silm showcases not only interior ideas but also some of the seasonal imperatives behind her country cuisine.
Tasting wine should not be viewed as merely 'drinking'.
You’ll find more culture and lifestyle articles, alongside recipes, quizzes and more, in our ‘French Living’ pull-out which comes free with every print edition.
Property: Forever home? We've moved four times
Money: Do debts in France expire after a set time?
Enviroment: Coloured solar panels offer solution for protected areas
Business: Start-up unlocks capital for homeowners
Architecture: How Paris façades hide a dirty secret in plain sight
Media: Digitised serial killer case notes read ‘like a thriller’
Food: ‘Mobile’ restaurant pops up all over with new beauty-spot views