What changes in France in November
Annual trêve hivernale begins on Wednesday, while the cost of visiting a doctor will rise for some patients, La Poste will begin Sunday parcel deliveries and registering a car goes online
The beginning of a new month heralds a raft of changes in France - and November is no differ, with alterations to how motorists register their new vehicles, unemployment benefits for older people, and the cost of certain medical appointments.
The trêve hivernale
Every year in France November 1 heralds the beginning of the trêve hivernale - a winter truce for tenants struggling with rent payments.
From November 1 to March 31, tenants cannot be evicted even if they cannot afford pay their rent. While landlords can begin eviction proceedings, they cannot forcibly remove tenants until the end of March.
Every year in France, between 110,00 and 115,000 eviction proceedings begin when the trêve ends in spring.
The idea of the truce is to avoid people ending up on the streets in winter.
Since 2013 gas and energy companies have also been banned from cutting off supplies to homes for non-payment of bills, although the debts are not written off and power rates can be limited.
Medical costs
As reported in September, the cost of visiting a doctor will rise in November for patients with certain conditions, including asthma, eating disorders and neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's or Alzheimer's.
Carte gris
From Wednesday, registering ownership of a new vehicle officially goes online, bringing an end to queueing at the préfecture.
Parcel deliveries
Do not be too surprised to see La Poste workers out and about on Sundays later this month. From November 19, Chronopost packages will be delivered seven days a week in Paris, across the Île-de-France and in 14 major French cities following a successful year-long trial.
Civil union
There's a slight amendment to the Pacte civil de solidarité (PACS), a formal system of common-law marriage in France. From November 1, the necessary documents can be signed in the town hall, rather than district court.
Unemployment benefits for older residents
The period for which unemployment benefit is paid to the over 50s changes in November. Jobseekers aged 50 to 53 will have a maximum benefit period of two years; those aged 53 and 54 two-and-a-half years, and those aged 55 and over three years. Previously, anyone aged 50 or more and who had paid enough in to the pot was entitled to three years of benefits.
