Archive

You need to die in Paris to get here

Père Lachaise is the busiest graveyard in the world, with two million visitors each year

Call to make snow chains compulsory

Last weekend’s travel nightmare in Savoie has prompted one MP to demand a change in the law

School in France: your experiences

Limited and uninspiring, or intellectually stimulating? Parents with experiences of both UK and French schools compare.

Paris has 3D twin city online

Virtual reality project brings the city of light to life over 2,000 years of history to show how capital was built

53% want DIY shops on Sundays

Leading store in new plea as it faces €19million fines if it defies court ruling to close in Ile-de-France

We're poorer but happier in France

What prompts British people to give up jobs in the UK and move to France? We speak to families who made the move

Under the surface of lobster fishing

Lobster labelled "Bretagne" could may actually be imported from Britain and Ireland.

Boiler computer could save 30%

Regular adjustments and reducing your thermostat setting can cut fuel bills.

The man who binned France's rule book

Hervé Novelli who launched the auto-entrepreneur, France’s simplest business scheme, talks exclusively to Connexion

Bonus for first time buyers

Interest-free loans for home purchase doubled – and more help is available for those on low incomes struggling to buy

Pioneering Minitel in slow decline

A decade before the internet, millions of French were logging on to check the weather, buy train tickets and chat online

SpeedFerries flex ticket refunds

‘Chargeback’ scheme successful for obtaining obtain refunds for advance travel tickets bought before company went under.

Aspa - latest info and queries

Connexion has had a lot of interest in this benefit since we first wrote about it in January - here are some of the details involved

Finding the right words every time

As the Collins-Robert dictionary turns 30, we speak to editorial director Dominique Le Fur.

I setup a Channel crossing route

Every business has a first year and, although Louis Dreyfus Armateurs is 120 years old, it launched its service in 2005.

URSSAF controls - 50% end in credit

Our demystifying guide to the dreaded business audit.

Auto-entrepreneur: Deadline to switch

Certain small businesses have until March 31 to swap to a new simplified tax and social charges regime.

2008 tax rates announced

While still yet to be officially ratified, these are the most likely figures to use in tax declarations next year.

Specialisation may counter downturn

Knowledge of a particular field or shifting your customer base from the UK could help you survive the recession.

Is your pension over charged?

Authorities routinely levy social charges on pensions that are exempt - here's how to get it back.

Unimpressed by D-day jeep couple

Historical re-enactors were all the rage in July Connexion - but this couple did not impress me.

State will pay for French lessons

Free tuition previously reserved for non-EU immigrants has been made available to all after a legal ruling.

We know Dakar Rally dangers

Former competitor Gilles Algay gives insight into desert driving challenge.

Getting a loan repayment break

If you are having difficulties repaying a loan, you may be able to seek a court ruling giving more time to pay

Income tax can be paid in three ways

THE official deadline for the payment of taxes is September 15 but, in reality, it varies widely

Prize bloomers at top garden show

The annual International Garden Festival at the Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire is France’s Chelsea Flower Show

Medical records to start voluntarily

Plans to create voluntary online medical records have been relaunched but have not impressed health workers.

Reductions for large families

The carte famille nombreuse has been joined by another card for low-income families.

French media -read all about it

A forum on the press is due to conclude, while public broadcasters strike over funding – we examine the issues.

Networking is key to finding a job

Finding employment in France depends more on your energy, drive and contacts, not necessarily your level of French.

Agency fights discrimination

ANYONE who believes they have been the victim of discrimination can seek help from equal opportunities body the Halde.

Use a Qrops to free UK pension

Qrops enable you to take your private pension fund away from the tax regimes of the UK and France.

Support group for cancer baldness

English-speakers in France with permanent hair loss after cancer provide mutual support

Pensions: who pays for falling pound?

A selection of letters on pensions, the pound’s near parity with the euro and survival in France.

Body gives credit where credit's due

Business been refused a bank loan? The Médiateur du crédit could help you out

Cordon bleu: world cookery school

This Paris-based institution is internationally renowned for its top-class training of chefs.

Save 90% on your electricity costs

Huge savings can be made on electricity costs simply by switching your light bulbs to low energy equivalents.

Communist impact was overstated

Contrary to claims, the far-left do not play and were never “a major role in French politics”

Boulogne bar role for British lawyer

Gerard Barron has been elected vice-president of the Pas-de-Calais bar, representing more than 100 local lawyers

Raise a toast to English wine

In June, wine expert and businessman Alain Marty spoke to us about his work. Here are some reader responses.

How to draw up your legacy

Where there’s a will there are many ways says notaire Fraçois Trémosa.

Does France have a knotweed law?

Exasperated by behaviour of EDF

Energy company refuses to stick to appointments or admit faults and claims it never pays compensation.

Veteran minister Jack Lang speaks

‘If Royal had won the party would have become her election machine’ says ex-minister and Fête de la Musique founder.

Assurance vie: savings for all

Assurance vie investments can be set up on both sides of the Channel with significant tax and inheritance benefits.

How to contest a CPAM decision

Conciliateurs are an independent service to help pursue a complaint against the health authorities.