Practical

These pages are devoted to the practical side of everyday life in France with sections on Money / Health / Property / Family / Work / Your Questions / Environment / Transport and Science and Technology. The Cx symbol denotes subscriber-only articles. Please send your questions to news@connexionfrance.com

Money

French second home owners: capital gains tax cut explained

In our monthly money column you'll find advice on important financial matters in France. In the August issue, Hugh MacDonald explains if and how British second home owners in France are eligible for French capital gains tax cuts.

Do French banks still offer prêt viager hypothécaire loan?

A money-related reader question answered in our August issue.

Married + living in France with assurance vie? Check clauses

I predict you should act now to avoid future financial woes, says Robert Kent of Kentingtons. Here's his monthly feature for Connexion readers...

Scammed by a UK firm while in France - can I get money back?

A reader question, answered: how can I get money back if UK-based firm scams me?

Do French shops still accept cash?

We are travelling to France soon. Is cash welcomed, or does everywhere prefer contactless payments as in the UK?

Health

Emergency numbers in France and other helpful numbers

Having separate numbers aims to give a faster response - but if in doubt there is always 112

Air pollution poses dangerous problem for France's schools

Pedestrianised areas in front of schools could be one solution to the problem of dangerously high levels of air pollution.

Insectivor, Raid Night&Day best for repelling les moustiques

These are the best products that help keep mosquitoes at bay.

Global warming behind France's long allergy season

Allergy season is starting earlier and lasting longer in France due to global warming, a specialist has warned.

Your Questions

France-UK quarantine: how would my insurance be affected?

Are sites like zepass.com that resell tickets trustworthy?

Are US retirees entitled to cornavirus relief payments?

Will I be fined if I drive in flip-flops in France?

What should I do if I get covid while on holiday in France?

UK tax law: can I work from my second home in France?

France-UK: social distancing on aeroplanes

Can I get compensation for a car accident in France?

Which party is the ‘Opposition’ in current French politics?

Shopping local: France's AMAP farm basket scheme explained

Property

Box clever and arrange for delivery of UK purchases

Watson European are expanding their current service of removals and storage to include the delivery of packing materials to your door.

Can a French estate be left to an unmarried partner?

In our monthly column Legal Notes, reader questions are answered and explained.

Rural conservation charity launches architecture competition

The annual Architecture et Patrimoine competition for buildings that respect tradition and fit their surroundings harmoniously has been launched by rural conservation charity Maisons Paysannes de France.

Police to use Google Maps to prove unauthorised building

The use of satellite images to prove planning abuses is now allowed.

Calculate your property value online with these websites

Prople need accurate property valuations for many reasons – and not only for high value homes and wealth tax liabilities – so the government has set up online tools to make the job easier.

Family

Families tell of problems when child is being bullied

A new initiative and hotline to deal with bullying has been introduced in France.

UK quarantine for 'at risk' countries: Is anyone exempt?

If the UK does reinstate quarantine for arrivals to France would anyone be exempt?

Turbocharger blamed for fatal crash on French autoroute

Five children from the same family died in accident

Work

Appreciating cultural differences is key at work

French and British businesses do not operate in the same way – as any Briton who has worked for a French company will tell you. It means meetings can easily turn into a minefield of misunderstandings due to cultural differences.