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Good news for Britons in France as GBP hits 17-month high vs EUR
Both the pound and dollar are performing well against the euro
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Britons living in France who receive income in pounds sterling could see their purchasing power increase as the pound has reached a 17-month high against the euro.
Sterling reached 83.62 pence per euro on October 23, its strongest level since May 2025, before settling at around 83.70. The currency was on track for its fourth consecutive weekly rise.
The pound has been supported by stronger UK business activity and easing concerns about the UK’s government's finances ahead of its annual budget.
However, the economic picture remains mixed, with British retail sales falling in September and consumer confidence dropping in October.
At the same time, the euro has faced pressure from high energy prices and social unrest in France.
Good news for many Britons living in France
A stronger pound means that people living in France and receiving UK pensions, salaries, rental income or other payments in sterling can exchange their money for more euros.
Based on the European Central Bank's (ECB) reference rate on October 23, £1 was worth approximately €1.194. This means someone exchanging £1,000 would receive around €1,194. This is before any bank fees and exchange-rate margins.
A year earlier, on October 23, 2025, £1 was worth around €1.151, meaning the same £1,000 would have bought around €1,151 (before fees).
The increase gives Britons in France more purchasing power, leaving them with more money available for everyday living.
Obviously, the benefit depends on when money is exchanged and how much of a person's income comes from sterling.
What about Americans living in France?
Americans receiving pensions, salaries or other income in US dollars can also benefit from the euro's recent weakness.
The ECB's reference rate on October 23 valued €1 at $1.1193. This meant that $1,000 was worth around €893 before fees.
Comparing this with last year's rate on October 23, 2025, when €1 was worth around $1.1593 and $1,000 would have bought about €863, Americans receiving dollar income can also get more euros for their money this year.
However, the dollar remains weaker against the euro than sterling, meaning Americans do not benefit to the same extent as Britons when converting their income into euros.
