So refreshing

What a sensible and refreshing view on speaking French in Nick Inman’s article (Make life easy on yourself when learning, May)!

Published wednesday 24 May 2017 - 15:00 Last updated wednesday 24 May 2017 - 15:00

The burden of guilt of not being fluent after 26 years has been lifted and I can now sally forth and converse with confidence in ‘my’ French.
Mary ELEY

Saône-et-Loire

letters and comment

‘It is my right to work beyond retirement age - but France says no’

Age discrimination in the workplace is real but hidden, says (soon to be forcibly retired) English teacher Nick Inman
‘Ponds in rural France are beautifully maintained but no longer used’

Columnist Peter Wyeth laments that these large, impressive sites, once the fresh-aired setting for family picnics, barbecues and fun, now fail to attract people
‘New French speeding rule encourages aggressive drivers’

The change has enabled reckless motorists to drive even more wildly without fear of losing points, argues columnist Samantha David

Eurostar fares revamp and motorway closures: 6 France travel updates

We also look at the launch of new air routes between France and the US and UK and why more and more drivers risk a fine for failing to get their obligatory roadworthiness checks

Career change in France: from police officer to gardener

Amanda Freeman explains how she swapped law and order for a more creative vocation in the French countryside

Heat pump insurance cover downgraded for many home owners in France

Wood-burning stoves are also affected following a court ruling

Grass clippings: what to do if the tip does not accept them in France

Rennes metropole is the first to bring in a ban - and has ended door-to-door pick ups - but other areas have followed

Should I include appliances in a French house insurance estimate?

When taking out a home cover policy, you are asked to calculate the approximate value of the property

MAP: where and why are there curfews in France? Who is affected?

A fifth commune in the south has banned young people from wandering the streets at night

France sets out energy mix target

At least six new nuclear reactors and potentially as many as 14 could be built in France to meet climate change goals and transition to clean energy.

Must I declare dividends that are reinvested outside of France?

Investment types and their rules can vary between the UK and France

Mass flight disruption at French airports today April 25

Around 3,000 flights are set to be affected despite strike action being called off. A three-day strike notice for May remains in place

How much does a funeral cost in France?

The price will vary dependent upon the type of funeral and any extras wanted

Stray dogs to be shot after sheep attacks in southern France

But animal welfare campaigners say the dogs should be taken to shelters instead

Must children help to pay for elderly parents in French care homes?

There are rules which dictate what, if any, family support is required

What dental work is covered with the 100% Santé scheme in France?

The scheme was introduced in 2020 and covers those in the healthcare system with mutuelle cover

What can and cannot be taken to a local French déchetterie?

Déchetteries can accept various types of non-household waste

How does your area of France fare for delay to see a doctor?

Some departments are in particular trouble when it comes to waiting times for specialists

How do people change when they move to France?

From embracing a sportier lifestyle to keeping their brains sharp

BREAKING: Thursday's air strike in France called off, disruption still expected

Disruption is still expected at a number of airports. The union has also not rescinded its strike notice for three days in May

Pesticide poison victims in France asked to join legal action

The aim is to create a compensation fund for residents suffering with illnesses thought to be caused by pesticides

One of France’s main music festivals at risk of closure

‘If nothing changes the 2024 edition could be the last’ say organisers of Les Vieilles Charrues

Updates: French language tests, moving back to UK and votes for life

We find definitive answers and news updates regarding reader concerns

How safe are purchases on French classified websites?

Leboncoin is France’s second most-visited website - but is also a hunting ground for scammers

Dengue fever cases surge in France since start of year

Public Health France has warned of an “unprecedented” situation

Many French flights set to be cancelled due to air traffic strike

Thursday’s 24-hour protest is expected to be one of the largest walkouts in the profession

Patient reimbursement to end at French dental centres amid fraud claim

Irregularities noted at 10 sites include false invoices for crowns, invoices submitted twice and procedures carried out despite being deemed unnecessary

So refreshing

What a sensible and refreshing view on speaking French in Nick Inman’s article (Make life easy on yourself when learning, May)!

‘It is my right to work beyond retirement age - but France says no’

‘Ponds in rural France are beautifully maintained but no longer used’

‘New French speeding rule encourages aggressive drivers’