Fibre internet, road toll rises, railcards: 5 French practical updates

Fibre switch in full swing

Many homes in France must switch from old copper wires to fibre internet connections by the end of the year.

Eventually all homes in France will need to have fibre optic cables installed and for people in 162 communes this must be done by January 31, 2025 at the latest.

Our article includes links to see which communes will be affected as well as a possible grant from which you may benefit.

Read more: Millions must switch to fibre as landlines phased out in France

Discount railcards

This article looks at the main railcards and the discounts they offer in France.

We look at the rules surrounding the ‘avantage’ cards – split into young person’s, adults, and over 60s categories – as well as those catered towards workers and frequent travellers.

Many of the cards go on sale at least once per year, providing people the opportunity to make savings even if they only take the train infrequently.

Read more:Over-60s, families, workers: what discount French train cards exist

New immigration bill language rules

Those applying for French nationality – or for certain residency cards – will soon see tougher minimum language requirements introduced.

We review the new rules and requirements as well as looking at what official certificates and diplomas can be used to confirm your level of French.

Another article explains the criteria for each level as well as providing free links to determine your level at a glance.

Note that Britons with a Withdrawal Agreement (WA) card are not affected by the new rules, even if switching their five-year to 10-year cards.

Read more: New tougher French language rules for immigration: who is affected?

Read more: French language tests harden: what changes and how to know your level

Motorway tolls increase

Motorway tolls (péages) increased by an average of 2.93% on February 1.

The increases were much higher for tolls controlled by certain operators, seeing increases over 5% in some cases.

Everyone who drives through the tolls, including holidaymakers, will need to pay the new prices.

Read more: Which motorway tolls are rising in France and by how much?

Save money on your boiler

Hot water and boiler costs can account for up to 10% of a home’s overall energy bill, so it is prudent to try and save money on this necessary but expensive feature.

This is especially the case with electricity bills rising by almost 10% for many in France this February.

We show six tips to save on costs, including how to limit use of the boiler and some additional installations you can make.

Read more: Six tips to save money on your boiler in France

Key dates and changes

Finally, we have two articles detailing key dates and changes in France in February.

Read more: Pancakes, French school holidays: key February dates for your diary

Read more: New rules and other changes that start in February in France