Living in france

The best places to live in 2025 in France

According to the Ville de Rêve rankings – accounting for education, green spaces, living conditions and more

Interview: How we determine the right town for you in France

Ville de Rêve uses data to reveal the best places to live in France – its director Jérôme Devouge explains

Why global porn sites are blocking access from France

Row over new age verification law means several major sites will be unavailable in France

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Orange update in France puts email accounts out of reach in UK

Authentication change means man with second home in Dordogne cannot access account back home

Can second-home owners get a mobile phone contract in France?

What documents are required for people not classed as French residents?

Whit Monday: France’s most confusing bank holiday

It used to be a simple bank holiday like any other - but the tragic events of 2003 changed everything

How to cope with financial stress after moving to France

Columnist Cynthia Spillman gives her advice on how to manage life abroad when faced with money problems

I should not have to explain my country’s actions to people in France

Columnist Cynthia Spillman offers advice on how to deal with troubling politics in your home country

Is it possible to be salaried and self-employed at the same time in France?

Anyone wishing to set up a micro-entreprise should check whether their type of business is eligible

French regions with an increasing proportion of over 65s

The number of senior citizens and retirees living in one area has increased by 80% since 1990

Gas prices, TV channels, jobseekers rules: Changes for residents in France in June 2025

There are also price rises for many tobacco products

Briton wins right to be on EU electoral roll in historic French court ruling

The order is the first of its kind since Brexit

UK bank card woes with French address

Connexion reader says cards from First Direct do not reach him

We see his French family more than mine – does it matter?

Columnist Cynthia Spillman offers advice on how to split your time between your loved ones

What support is available for English-speaking victims of domestic violence in France

Foreign-born women face unique challenges in accessing support, as France lags behind in addressing the issue

Is there any gardening work I cannot do in France on a bank holiday?

There are rules on times when certain outside work is permitted

Are there online comparison sites for French energy bills and offers?

A regulated tariff exists for electricity but not for gas

How can I check my French pension contributions?

Find out the current and projected value pension

Career change in France: from plastics to creative recycling

Bob Hope explains his decision to leave a job in the chemicals industry to breathe new life into everyday objects

Explained: The ADMR home help network in France

The longstanding service is vital for many elderly and isolated people

Who can register a death in France - and what needs to be done?

Confusion can arise between death notice and death certificate

Warning over rise in telephone ‘spoofing’ scams in France: what is it?

Fraudsters hide behind someone else’s number, including banks, companies and other contacts in your phone

Why many people in France will ‘faire le pont’ this week

Public holidays remain on the date they fall in France, opening up the chance for extra-long weekends with minimal paid leave

New local fee proposed to fund French public services

Fund may be linked to income and start from a few euros per month

Reader tips on how to save money buying food in France

The cost of living crisis has seen prices for most goods and services rise in recent years

What is the process to give blood in France?

Blood drives are not so common and an appointment must usually be made

How to cope with a break-up while living in France

Columnist Cynthia Spillman gives her advice on how to avoid feeling isolated and get on with your life

Guesthouse owners face closure threat in France

New tax and energy rules could devastate rural tourism, warn B&B owners

Five things you may not know about florists in France

They still play a unique role in French village life and many act as parcel delivery hubs

Brexit cards: what are the rules around passport renewal and residency cards in France?

It is highly recommended that Britons in France retain a valid UK passport

France Identité app to be extended to all residency card holders

The system is only available for French citizens, but plans are in place to extend the service to everyone with a card

How can I find an English-speaking lawyer in France?

France is divided into over 160 bars, many of which provide information about English-speaking lawyers

BBC Sounds geoblocking postponed for listeners in France and elsewhere abroad

‘We are working on plans to make stations available to listeners outside the UK on alternative platforms’, broadcaster says

France's 2026 budget: how new plans could affect residents

Cuts to public and administrative spending, home renovation aids, and pensions are all on government’s horizon

The curious case of Good Friday: Why only some parts of France have the day off

Three French departments benefit from two extra public holidays

What they don’t tell you about... visiting a hammam in France

A Turkish baths experience could be just what you need – but do some research first

'I found my voice when I joined a French choir'

Hannah Pickup from Vendôme (Loir-et-Cher) got involved in 2013 and is now its secretary and treasurer

Explained: How an amicale laïque can help you get involved in France

The organisation offers a range of community events and festivals

Big rise in the number of hairdressers shutting in France

Rising costs and lower household spending threaten many salons from cities to villages

Which French departments are most popular with retirees?

Four in Occitanie have a high proportion of over-65s, as does Dordogne

Photos: The 25 most beautiful villages in France, according to latest Times ranking

From medieval gems to winemaking favourites, these villages offer a glimpse of rural life

France’s ‘simplification’ bill - six changes proposed for everyday life

Simpler administrative procedures form the basis of wide-reaching bill

Remote working is ‘here to stay’ in France

Télétravail is deeply rooted in the workplace having become widespread during the Covid-19 pandemic

Map: When are school holidays for the rest of the year in France?

The holidays are strictly demarcated by geographical zone

What do French authorities mean by a ‘recent’ birth certificate?

French versions of the document are updated with key life events

Nine changes in France in April 2025

Changes include increase to gas bills and notaire fees, visa requirement to visit UK and more dental coverage

Five questions for British and American drivers in France on new driving licence rules

Digital licences will be widespread by 2030

How to listen to BBC radio as broadcaster ends access to Sounds app in France

Corporation ends service due to licensing issues, but listeners are not happy

How to cope when a bout of ill health interrupts your new life in France

Columnist Cynthia Spillman gives her advice on staying positive

UK passport fees set to rise: How much extra for Britons abroad?

The price changes will come into force from April 10

Armed conflict, industrial accidents, epidemics: French government plans ‘crisis’ booklet for residents

The online pamphlet will cover preventative measures, tips on how to minimise risks, and a ‘civic’ section promoting national unity

Speed, advantages, price, how to benefit: launch of widespread ‘5G+’ for public in France

Some will be able to access service for free via their current phone contract

Is it necessary to sign up to a local déchetterie in France before using it?

Rules are changing in several areas to cut down on excessive waste

French acronym explainer: What is ANTS?

The Agence Nationale des Titres Sécurisés is responsible for issuing all important personal documents potentially at risk of fraud or identity theft

Tax, boilers, vehicles: 9 changes in March 2025 in France

The 2025 budget comes into force later than usual

Funeral companies must pay royalties to play music at services in France

Funeral directors may charge families using music an extra fee or spread costs between all clients

You can have your parcels delivered to over 50,000 pick-up points in France

It can often be cheaper to deliver parcels and collect at a later date

French residency card system 'dysfunctional' says immigration lawyer

'If people need lawyers more and more, it means the procedures are more complex so they can’t do it themselves.'

Recap: Recent updates and changes in France you may have missed as of February 2025

Bank fees, healthcare costs, and various changes to public transport usage are among the most noticeable

Most older people continue to live in own homes, new stats show

New figures reveal trends on the growing number of older people and their living situations

Digital health cards, prescriptions, no-show fees: what impacts you as France’s 2025 health budget is finally approved

Healthcare will cost state over €265 billion in 2025 estimates budget

Why thousands of Normandy residents will soon have to change address

5,000 new street numbers are set to be distributed by mid-March

Gas bills set to rise in France from March

Benchmark price can be used to see if you are paying too much on your contract

Did you know? Orange also provides internet via satellite to customers in France

Government grants may cover cost of installation

French budget is forced through parliament: how could it impact your finances

Numerous tax increases have been included

How French CVs differ from those in the UK or US

Length, photo, design - CVs have aligned in recent years but some key difference remain

Five things they don't tell you about… guichets in France

Exploring the unique blend of courtesy and obstinacy behind French counters

VISUAL: How people in Nouvelle-Aquitaine rate their region

Residents are fearful of climate change but scored region above average on many measurements

Photos: The most welcoming towns in France named in new ranking

The French favourites include picturesque Provence and wine regions in both the north and south

French MPs vote in favour of ban on sales calls unless consent has been given

Consumers will need to give written consent to receive calls

2025 list: Phone numbers to block to limit cold calls in France

New list of authorised telemarketing numbers is published by French communications watchdog

Netflix price increases: are viewers in France impacted?

The streaming service recently passed 300 million monthly users

French towns selling off land cheaply benefit from population growth

Land sold for as little as €1/m² helps rejuvenate rural areas and increase commercial activity

Cigarette prices to rise this February in France

Further increases may follow if tobacco tax rises are included in upcoming budget

Explained: The role of Mission Locales in France

How this organisation helps young French people achieve professional and social integration