French news

Taxe foncière French property tax: What rises on way as councils vote?

Local councils had until April 15 to set their rates; some have risen, some stayed the same, and a couple have dropped

Obligatory roadworthy tests begin for motorbikes in France

Protests took place across the country at the weekend - but a survey also shows most users support the change

Cool week ahead for France after temperatures drop, frosts expected

Powerful winds will drop temperatures throughout the week, as Storm Renata batters the north

What are key health risks people in France face in next five years?

‘All of these risks exist. We don't know when they will happen, but we know they will happen’, says new expert health report

Act now to limit tiger mosquitoes at French home this summer

The insects are now in all regions of France

Gold prospecting firm to target four communes in Brittany

Canadian firm's CEO believes valuable reserves have been overlooked

New call for air traffic and rail strikes: 8 France travel updates

We also look at the progress of the Entry/Exit System EU border control system and an increase in US-France flights

Habits of French people that annoy Britons - according to French media

Do you agree with these tips on ‘how not to irritate the British’?

MAP: Where do diners tip the most in France - and how much is usual?

It is more widespread in some regions, but nowhere is it as common as in America

‘Professional scammer’ targeting people at airport in south-west France

Passengers are warned to be alert to a well-dressed man who often pretends to be an airline executive

Couple disguise postbox as French speed camera to slow down cars

The idea is legal as the postbox is on their private property - as long as it does not start flashing passing vehicles

The 7 ways France plans to improve end-of-life care

Proposals include precise rules for the administration of assisted dying and palliative care

French post office to move focus from letters to… meal deliveries

Only 15% of its work will be from letters by the end of this year, says La Poste CEO

Man killed, another seriously hurt in knife attack along Bordeaux riverfront

The attack is thought to have been sparked by a row over the victims’ alcohol consumption, said a police source

French town is selling house for €1

However there are conditions and buyers will have to spend considerably more on renovations

French court removes approval for new road - a year after it is built

The road runs through woodland that is home to some 45 protected species

PHOTOS: Ants take over home in south-west France

‘I’ve been destroying several nests every day but they keep coming’

British bricklayer killed in work accident in south-west France

The man had lived in the Occitane region for over 25 years

Two drown after being swept into sea by waves in Normandy

The 73-year-olds were fishing along the coast. A third woman was seriously injured

Briton found with £163,000 cash in van to appeal French jail sentence

The 76-year-old was preparing to take a ferry to the UK and claims he was unaware of the contents of the packages that sniffer dogs discovered

Death of Emile, 2: what is known about new bone found in Alps hamlet?

Additional searches have been carried out after Emile’s clothes and skull were found

Free traps against tiger mosquitoes distributed in south-west France

500 kits will be given to residents to limit spread of pests

Cockerels, farms smells: new law protects country habits in France

It comes after multiple complaints from new residents about countryside ‘disturbances’

SEE: Michelin new exceptional French hotels ranking - is one near you?

The new guide uses keys instead of stars, and the French list is the first ever

French mayor arrested after 70kg of cannabis found at home

20 gold bars and almost a kilo of cocaine were also found in searches, which also took place at the mairie, and the pharmacy where she works

Is France soft on crime?

The country is imprisoning more criminals than ever but still lags far behind the UK and US, new official data shows

Why wild animals in France may appear drunk at the moment

‘They can stagger a bit and have a desire to play, run, gallop and jump’

French mayor suggests testing legalisation of cannabis

She said the idea is ‘pragmatic’ and that current ‘very repressive’ laws in France are not working

France ends limit on cigarettes bought from other EU countries

Authorities say the move will make it easier to stop smugglers but it has been criticised by tobacconists and anti-smoking activists

Entente Cordiale: France and the UK find novel way to mark 120 years

Countries swap ceremonial soldiers. President Macron also quotes Queen Elizabeth II and speaks of ‘shared history and future’

Man suspected of killing family reported to be at French convent

Sightings of the suspect come in regularly with the latest being taken seriously and police running DNA tests

Why is Jean-Marie Le Pen under legal protection and how does it work?

It could mean that the former FN leader will not have to appear in court to answer claims of misappropriation of EU funds

You will soon have to keep dog on lead if walking in forest in France

The measure starts this month and owners can be fined if they do not comply

Four French water brands accused of bacteria and chemical contaminants

Nestlé Waters, which has bottling plants in east and south-west France, has been hit again by questions over the quality of its mineral waters

Strong public support for new TGV lines in south-west France

More than three quarters (78%) of people polled nationally support the Toulouse-Bordeaux and Bordeaux-Dax lines despite considerable local opposition

Coastal erosion: Hundreds of French homes risk becoming uninhabitable

More than 1,000 buildings are at risk by 2028, including many second homes, says government report

Storm Pierrick hits France in week of alternating cold and warm spells

Several departments are facing alerts with gales of up to 130km/h expected in Brittany

Tap water fees for homes to be seasonal in Toulouse

The ‘innovative’ measure will see prices rise 42% in summer; critics say it is unfair

Scammers pose as anti-fraud agency: 4 scams to watch out for in France

Readers report being targeted by fraudsters both online and while out shopping

June strike call for private clinics and hospitals in France

200,000 private healthcare workers may walk out over hospital funding row

Scooter François Hollande used to visit his lover to be auctioned

The ‘scooter of the scandal’ has a starting price of €10,000

Brown bear numbers in France rise for first time in 30 years

Some 83 brown bears and 16 bear cubs were recorded in the Pyrenees last year

Tunnel several metres long found by chance being dug near Paris prison

The tunnel contained bags of rubble and even a bed

Bones found of Emile, 2: What French police say and what happens now

Investigations are focusing on the weather and detailed analysis of the soil near where the bones were found

PHOTOS: Rivers flood French towns and giant hailstones over weekend

Hundreds of homes had to be evacuated in the west. We include videos of the flooding

Marineland in south of France again criticised over new whale death

An animal welfare association has filed a legal complaint but the park denies it keeps orcas in poor conditions

River flood alerts in south-west and east France then 30C highs on way

Tier-four red alerts are in place in some areas and heavy rain is expected in Brittany

UK Spring Budget: More detail on changes for Britons in France

Pension top-ups, capital gains, holiday lets and inheritance were all in the chancellor’s announcement

Why police reconstruction in Alps village where boy, 2, went missing?

Investigators are focusing on witness statements, but the family’s lawyer has questioned why it is happening now

Bones of Emile, 2, found in area already searched near Alps hamlet

A hiker made the discovery and took the partial remains to a police station

French households throw out more rubbish despite ‘incentive’ bin fees

Schemes like ‘pay-per-bin’ do not encourage people to reduce general waste, say campaigners

End of car insurance stickers in France: what happens in an accident?

Accident forms still require information from green vignettes

Britons told to check passports as more people denied travel to EU

Hundreds of travellers, including those on their way to visit family in France and second homes, reported to be blocked by 10-year rule

Grass cuttings are no longer accepted at some public tips in France

Increasing numbers of public déchetteries are asking you to take care of your cuttings at home

Visas, French residency cards and other admin updates for April 2024

Plus, a standardised long-term residency status across all EU states stalls under Belgian presidency

‘Highly damaging’ fruit-eating fly at risk of spreading in France

Damage could range from 20-100% of harvests, experts have warned

Why shoppers are still opting for paper till receipts in France

As many as 60% still ask for paper receipts, despite a new law making them opt-in only

Taxes, bank holidays, Olympics: Key dates to note in April in France

Practical and cultural events to mark on your calendar

French company develops 3D baby scans for blind parents-to-be

The method, nicknamed the ‘Braille ultrasound’. allows blind or partially-sighted parents-to-be to experience pregnancy in a ‘memorable and inclusive’ way

Winemakers’ anger over Carrefour’s €1.66 bottles of Bordeaux wine

The prices are ‘unacceptable’ and ‘devalue the brand’, producers say

Supermarket fruit yoghurts recalled across France over ‘spicy taste’

A non-toxic spore present in the yoghurts also damaged product lids

Easter delays for drivers and ferries: 7 France travel updates

We also look at the start of new flights from France to New York and Spain and why Paris is doubling metro ticket prices during the Olympics

Weather warnings increase as France prepares for Easter storms

Winds of 140 km/h are forecast in the east, with storms in the south-west

The French mayor who comes to your home for drinks and debate

Why the mayor of a small French town wants residents to invite him for an ‘apéro’

PHOTOS: snow in Brittany and 180 km/h gales as storm Nelson arrives

The storm hit the north and west of France overnight. Train services are disrupted

VIDEO: Hunters say they caught (and released) golden jackal in France

They are ‘90% sure’ the animal was a jackal, and are now waiting for DNA test results

Changes in April in France for drivers, health patients and homeowners

See our list of changes to everyday life coming in during the new month

Primark plans to double number of low-cost fashion shops in France

The Irish brand wants to open four new sites per year in suburban towns

End of car insurance stickers in France: what about driving abroad?

The little green windscreen vignettes are disappearing in April

Villagers surprised by soldier invasion during French army exercise

Resident: ‘I opened my shutters and saw soldiers firing right in front of me’

Storms, snow and strong winds forecast for France over Easter

Rain is expected across the country for the bank holiday weekend. Three departments are on alert for icy road conditions

Retiring to Spain or France: what are the main differences?

France and Spain are two of the biggest retirement destinations in Europe. We look at how do they compare, from property prices and cost of living to healthcare and language learning

French MPs still trying to ease visa process for second-home owners

Chasing letters to the minister, parliamentary questions - MPs continue to lobby for simpler temporary long-stay visas

New 50km/h motorway morning speed limit is idiotic, says French mayor

He criticised the rush-hour reduction saying it creates a major safety issue as some drivers slow down to keep to it and others do not

French news

Taxe foncière French property tax: What rises on way as councils vote?

Obligatory roadworthy tests begin for motorbikes in France

Cool week ahead for France after temperatures drop, frosts expected

Call for car fuel at €1.50/litre in France: One million sign petition

What is France’s new national plan to fight against Asian hornets?

Dog-walks, airport scam, tax season: 5 French practical updates

Trending

‘Tiny swimming pools’ catch on in France as easier and cheaper option

Taxe foncière French property tax: What rises on way as councils vote?

Act now to limit tiger mosquitoes at French home this summer

Cool week ahead for France after temperatures drop, frosts expected

Habits of French people that annoy Britons - according to French media

Next Covid vaccination campaign to begin in France

Call for car fuel at €1.50/litre in France: One million sign petition

What are key health risks people in France face in next five years?

Act now to limit tiger mosquitoes at French home this summer

Gold prospecting firm to target four communes in Brittany

New call for air traffic and rail strikes: 8 France travel updates

Habits of French people that annoy Britons - according to French media

MAP: Where do diners tip the most in France - and how much is usual?

‘Professional scammer’ targeting people at airport in south-west France

Couple disguise postbox as French speed camera to slow down cars

The 7 ways France plans to improve end-of-life care

French post office to move focus from letters to… meal deliveries

Online income tax declarations open in France: what’s new?

World first as heart stored for 12 hours before transplant in France

Tramadol: fewer pills in boxes in France in bid to reduce addiction

Man killed, another seriously hurt in knife attack along Bordeaux riverfront

Temperatures in France to rise 20C in few hours over weekend

Key step completed for France-UK travel and new EU border controls

New rules are killing off older cars unable to adapt in France

How much money do people in France need to live well?

Dog owners in France launch petition over ban on dogs not on leads

French town is selling house for €1

French court removes approval for new road - a year after it is built

PHOTOS: Ants take over home in south-west France

British bricklayer killed in work accident in south-west France

Two drown after being swept into sea by waves in Normandy

Briton found with £163,000 cash in van to appeal French jail sentence

Death of Emile, 2: what is known about new bone found in Alps hamlet?

Free traps against tiger mosquitoes distributed in south-west France

Cockerels, farms smells: new law protects country habits in France

SEE: Michelin new exceptional French hotels ranking - is one near you?

French mayor arrested after 70kg of cannabis found at home

Is France soft on crime?

Why wild animals in France may appear drunk at the moment

French mayor suggests testing legalisation of cannabis

France ends limit on cigarettes bought from other EU countries

Entente Cordiale: France and the UK find novel way to mark 120 years

Man suspected of killing family reported to be at French convent

Why is Jean-Marie Le Pen under legal protection and how does it work?

You will soon have to keep dog on lead if walking in forest in France

Four French water brands accused of bacteria and chemical contaminants

Strong public support for new TGV lines in south-west France

Coastal erosion: Hundreds of French homes risk becoming uninhabitable

Storm Pierrick hits France in week of alternating cold and warm spells

Tap water fees for homes to be seasonal in Toulouse

Scammers pose as anti-fraud agency: 4 scams to watch out for in France

June strike call for private clinics and hospitals in France

Scooter François Hollande used to visit his lover to be auctioned

Brown bear numbers in France rise for first time in 30 years

Tunnel several metres long found by chance being dug near Paris prison

Bones found of Emile, 2: What French police say and what happens now

PHOTOS: Rivers flood French towns and giant hailstones over weekend

Marineland in south of France again criticised over new whale death

River flood alerts in south-west and east France then 30C highs on way

UK Spring Budget: More detail on changes for Britons in France

Why police reconstruction in Alps village where boy, 2, went missing?

Bones of Emile, 2, found in area already searched near Alps hamlet

French households throw out more rubbish despite ‘incentive’ bin fees

End of car insurance stickers in France: what happens in an accident?

Britons told to check passports as more people denied travel to EU

Grass cuttings are no longer accepted at some public tips in France

Visas, French residency cards and other admin updates for April 2024

‘Highly damaging’ fruit-eating fly at risk of spreading in France

Why shoppers are still opting for paper till receipts in France

Taxes, bank holidays, Olympics: Key dates to note in April in France

French company develops 3D baby scans for blind parents-to-be

Winemakers’ anger over Carrefour’s €1.66 bottles of Bordeaux wine