Children of two to learn to swim

Children will get swimming lessons from the age of two under government plans to cut the number of drownings after 330 under-sixes died in 2018.

Connexion journalist Connexion journalist

Published Wednesday 01 May 2019 - 15:00 Modified Wednesday 01 May 2019 - 15:00

CP primary school is too late to start, said Sports Minister and ex-swimming champion Roxana Mărăcineanu.

From next year, initiation classes will start in maternelle, with children learning to have their heads in water, control breathing and cross a pool.

French house prices: see how your area fares in new notaire data

Caen, Grenoble and Reims saw significant rises in a year whilst Lyon, Bordeaux and Montauban saw drops

What are the rules on metal detecting in France?

Focus on protecting potential archaeological finds means lack of clarity for amateurs

What are EDF ‘red days’ and how could they increase your French energy bill?

Special tariffs scattered across winter months can see electricity costs triple

Can you check if someone has made a will in France?

A national will register can be consulted by anyone providing certain information is given

Can I take my small pot pension from the UK early while living in France?

The UK has specific rules relating to pensions worth no more than €10,000

France’s top literary prize in 2025 awarded to author Laurent Mauvignier

Author receives just €10 in prize money under the rules of the Prix Goncourt

Stepchildren: French MPs approve higher inheritance tax allowance

The pre-tax allowance is greater than before, but there are conditions

Five French films and series to watch in November

Using stories and shows you are already familiar with can be a big help when learning French

Wizz Air trials ‘budget business’ seats on routes

Guaranteed empty middle seat and quicker boarding are perks on ticket aimed at professionals

Village gives free rat poison to residents to tackle infestation in southern France

Rodent populations along banks of Lot river have exploded

The decline of turtle doves and memories of summer birdwatching in France

The dramatic fall in turtle dove numbers due to Mediterranean hunting, plus discover the unique sounds of birds like the nightjar and bee-eater

French second home tax: over 1,600 communes opt for additional levy

Communes deemed to face housing shortage can opt for surtax of up to 60% more on top of taxe d'habitation bill

Dover port pauses EES border check rollout for car travellers

Port says it is ready but it is awaiting go-ahead from French authorities

Tests underway on French motorway into recharging electric vehicle as you drive

‘World-first’ scheme sees quicker charging times than traditional methods

French weekly weather forecast November 3 - 7: midweek temperature spike

Rain is then due at the end of week

How Verteillac's mayor revived a French village through community engagement

Connexion meets Régis Defraye, a Dordogne mayor who has brought a dying village to life using collaboration and apolitical thinking

MPs vote to replace France’s property wealth tax with ‘unproductive wealth’ levy

France’s proposed ‘unproductive wealth’ tax - part of ongoing 2026 budget talks - would cover assets such as art, jewellery and some assurance vie policies