What changes for residents in France in November

November brings several changes affecting everyday life in France, including winter driving requirements, higher gas prices, new parcel charges and changes to pensions and rental protections.

We explain what is changing, when the measures take effect and who is affected.

Winter tyres

Drivers in designated mountain areas of 34 departments must have winter tyres or carry approved snow chains or snow socks from November 1 until March 31.

In five departments, all communes are covered, while in the remaining 29 the rules apply only on certain roads.

Drivers who fail to comply risk a €135 fine and may be prevented from continuing their journey. The rules apply to vehicles with four or more wheels, including cars, vans, motorhomes, buses and heavy goods vehicles.

Read more about winter tyre rules and exactly where they are required in our article here.

10 million barrels of diesel

The release of 10 million barrels of diesel (gazole) from France's strategic reserves is expected to bring down pump prices by 12–18 cents per litre, according to the government. Prices should start to drop from November 1, although reductions could be gradual.

A second €100 payment under the grand rouleur scheme for eligible workers who use their vehicles extensively for work was made on October 16. Those who did not receive the first payment but now qualify under the extended income threshold can apply.

More information on both measures is available in our article here.

Gas price rise

The benchmark price for flexible gas tariffs will increase by 6.6% from November, following a 6.3% rise in October.

The change amounts to around €12 on the average household's November bill.

Millions see off-peak hours change

A major change to France's off-peak (heures creuses) electricity system is underway, updating the hours when households can benefit from cheaper rates.

Around 9.3 million contracts will see their off-peak hours change as part of a gradual rollout by grid operator Enedis, running until October 2027.

Under the new winter arrangement, six off-peak hours will fall overnight between 23:00 and 07:00, with another two during the day. Exact times vary by household.

No action is required until customers are notified. Electricity suppliers must inform affected customers at least one month before their hours change. Check your online account or messages from your provider and update appliances accordingly.

Winter truce for rentals and energy bills

France's winter truce for rental evictions comes into force on November 1 and lasts until March 31, 2027.

Tenants cannot be forcibly evicted during this period, including for non-payment of rent, although certain exceptions apply, including some cases involving squatters.

Electricity and gas supplies to main residences cannot be cut off for non-payment during this period. However, electricity suppliers can reduce the power available to households in certain circumstances.

New parcel fee

A €2 handling fee applies to commercial parcels entering the EU from outside its customs territory from November 1.

The fee is charged per category of goods in a package, meaning it could apply several times to a single parcel, regardless of its value.

It is separate from the existing €3 customs duty, introduced in July for parcels valued at €150 or less. The new fee is payable by platforms, sellers or carriers rather than directly by recipients.

More information is available in our article here.

Pensions increase

Agirc-Arrco supplementary pensions will increase by 1.4% in November. For someone receiving €1,000 a month in supplementary pension payments, this means an extra €14.

The increase applies only to supplementary pensions, not the basic state pension.

New consumer credit rules

Stricter consumer credit rules come into force on November 20.

New forms of borrowing will come under consumer credit protection, including micro-loans, interest-free credit and certain instalment payment plans. The changes also cover consumer credit agreements up to €100,000, vehicle leasing contracts with options to buy and overdrafts.

Banks will need to carry out stricter checks on all overdraft requests, including those below €200 or lasting less than a month, which were previously exempt.

Authorised overdraft agreements will also undergo greater scrutiny, with checks depending on the size and duration of the overdraft requested.

Read more about the changes to overdrafts here.

US Social Security recipients urged to check accounts

Americans receiving Social Security payments, including those living in France, should check their online accounts from late November for details of next year's increase.

The Social Security Administration has announced a 3.6% rise in retirement and other eligible benefits from January 2027, expected to add an average of around $75 per month to retirement payments.

Those wishing to receive their notification online should create a my Social Security account by November 18.

Lower caps for workplace accident compensation

From November 1, the salary ceiling used to calculate daily compensation for workplace accidents and occupational illnesses will be lowered.

The salary amount taken into account is now limited to the equivalent of 1.8 times France's minimum wage (Smic).

The change applies to new workplace and commuting accidents and occupational illnesses resulting in work stoppages from November 1, not existing claims.

Ryanair check-in deadline brought forward

Ryanair passengers flying from France will have to drop off hold luggage 20 minutes earlier from November 10.

Airport check-in desks and bag-drop services will close 60 minutes before departure, instead of the current 40 minutes. Passengers with a flight at 12:00, for example, must drop off luggage by 11:00.

The change applies across all Ryanair routes. Passengers travelling with cabin baggage only who have checked in online are unaffected, with online check-in remaining available until two hours before departure.

The airline says the earlier deadline will give passengers more time to clear security and passport control.

Read full article here.