Motorway tolls, doctor fees, water leaks: 5 French practical updates

Tips to avoid French toll queues 

Our article shows three ways to avoid being stuck in the queues at French motorway toll booths.

There are more than 130 tolls across the country and they can cause significant delays to journeys.

Read more: Ways to avoid queues at motorway tolls in France

We also look at what routes are planning to remove these motorway toll booths in the coming years to switch to a fully digital system. 

Read more: Which French motorways are to become toll booth free - and when?

Water meters in France

This article gives an in-depth overview of water meters in France, including how to use them and where to find them.

We also look at who provides water access in France and how you can spot a leak yourself as well as the pros and cons of getting a separate ‘water insurance’ for your property.

Read more: How to check for leaks in your French home without a smart water meter

Doctor fees to rise next month 

The participation forfaitaire– a charge always paid by the patient during medical appointments – is set to double in May. 

The fee, a solidarity contribution that is paid to the healthcare service, is not covered by social security or top-up insurance (mutuelle). 

The fee will double to €2 per appointment but there is an annual cap.

Read more: Patients to pay more for doctor visits in France from May 15

Finding familiar foreign medicines in France

If you get sick in France, it can be difficult to find the same-brand medicine you are used to back home - or to work out a suitable alternative. 

Here we list some of the most common medicines of pharmaceutical products used by English-speakers. Some can be found in pharmacies, others may be purchased online. 

Read more: Strepsils, Olbas Oil, TCP: Find French equivalents to common remedies

Do I need a certificat d’urbanisme? 

This article from our ‘Explained’ series looks at certificats d’urbanisme in France, and when they are needed by homeowners. 

There are two different types of the document depending on the type of project being looked at. 

We cover how you get one of these – and what information you need to give.

Read more: Explained: Why you might need a certificat d’urbanisme in France