What changes in France in August
Gas prices up, electricity costs down, summer sales period comes to an end, the price of public transport, childcare and health issues
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.
