What changes in France in August

Each new month brings a raft of changes in France. These are the changes taking place in August.

Gas

Gas prices have gone up ... but, following big rises in the past two months, gas users can breathe more easily as the increases are slight this time.

The average increase will be 0.2%, with those using gas for cooking and people using it to cook and hot water set to pay around 0.1% more. Those who use gas for cooking, hot water and heating face a 0.2% increase.

Electricity prices

There is more good news as electricity prices will fall 0.5% following recommendations by France's energy regulator (CRE). Small businesses, however, face a 1.1% increase.

Summer sales

The end is nigh for those summer bargains. The sales will end on August 7 across most of the country, August 14 in Pyrénées-Orientales and Alpes-Maritimes, and August 21 in Corsica.

Public transport

If you live in Bordeaux or Lille, the cost of using the bus or tram increases this month.

In Bordeaux, a single ticket will cost €1.70 while a 10-journey card will cost €13.20 and a monthly pass €33.10.

In Lille the cost of a single ticket rises to €1.65.

Childcare

The minimum wage for childminders in France rises from €9.98 per hour to €10.21.

Health

Alzheimer's drugs Aricept, Ebixa, Exelon, Reminyl and their generics will no longer be reimbursed by the Assurance Maladie, after the Haute Autorité de Santé decided their negative side effects far outweighed their health benefits.