What changes in France on August 1

The start of a new month heralds minor but potentially significant changes for consumers in France - from gas and electricity prices to savings and travel.

The price of gas drops on Tuesday by an average of 0.8%, France's energy regulator (CRE) announced, signalling a sliding scale ranging from 0.3% savings for those who use the fuel just to cook to 0.8% for those who heat their homes. Homeowners and tenants whose properties use smaller efficient boilers will see prices fall 1%.

But the news is not entirely good for property owners. The energy regulator has also announced that the price of electricity will rise an average of 1.7% for 27million homes and small businesses.

Meanwhile, anyone who has a Livret A savings account will be disappointed to learn that the meagre 0.75% interest rate they are currently getting on their savings will remain at the same level until at least February 2018.

The cost of using public transport in Paris also increases on Tuesday. The price of a monthly Navigo travel pass will rise from €73 to €75.20, while a 'carnet' of 10 single tickets - which is popular among visitors to the French capital - will cost €14.90, an increase of €0.40 on the price on July 31.