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How long will the extreme heat last in France?
Red alerts to continue for much of the country with 42C forecast (in the shade) in some areas
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Why watching sports on TV is good for your French language skills
You may hear more and more anglicisms but there is plenty of opportunity to expand your French too
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Two people and five properties struck by lightning in northern France
Violent storms hit amid ongoing heatwave
What is new for France in 2018
The new year 2018 promises a raft of changes affecting everyday life
Among new measures are several which will hit drivers, smokers and letter-writers in the pocket although there is compensation as one of France’s main local taxes, the taxe d'habitation, is cut by a third for most households.
Earnings face a 1.7% rise in the CSG social charge and, while a new wealth tax now only targets ‘unproductive’ property assets, mortgage holders will be able to hunt for cheaper insurance.
Micro-entrepreneur earnings ceilings are being doubled but the VAT thresholds are not, complicating the ‘simple’ business regime at the top end.
Commemorations to mark the end of the First World War will be shared between France and the UK as November 11 is a Sunday, meaning that both Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday will be on the same day.
Sports fans have three notable ‘firsts’ with the Ryder Cup golf, the Gay Games in Paris and the return of the French Formula 1 Grand Prix.
On healthcare, children will face new obligatory vaccines and a new programme of breast and cervical cancer screening starts for women.
For more information on changes in 2018, see our "Grand Prix, Ryder Cup, medical reforms and new tax credits for 2018" article.
