Living in france

More identity checks and less police trust outlined in report: when can you be stopped in France?

Hundreds of thousands of checks are carried out each day

19 recent and upcoming changes you may have missed in France

Includes radar cars and refunds on bottles, sick-leave rules and free underseat luggage

2025 summer sales begin in France: end dates and rules

Shops can sell products at a loss… but must follow certain other guidelines

practical

Beware ‘customs advance’ on deliveries to France

Columnist Nick Inman was surprised by a supplementary delivery charge on his parcel from the UK

Missing letters in France: what to do if your post has not arrived as expected

French postal system rated more efficient than both the UK and the US ones in recent report

France’s Fête de la Musique brings music to streets nationwide this Saturday

Up to five million people are expected to take part in this first weekend edition in years

Explained: The dos and don'ts of French municipal rubbish dumps

Waste-recycling centres, tips and rubbish dumps are called déchèteries in French

Try these tips for learning French when you are in your fifties

Columnist Cynthia Spillman’s husband failed O-level French twice but then passed his GCSE and AS-level aged 52 - she shares the tips that helped him become more fluent

What happens to France’s nuclear waste and where is new waste 'mega site' planned?

The majority of France’s radioactive waste poses little threat

What you risk if you make too much noise at your French home

Disputes around heightened noise levels are common in France

Where could there be water shortages in France?

The majority of groundwater sources are seeing levels fall as summer begins

This weekend’s European archaeology festival sees hundreds of events in France

Dig sites usually closed to the public will be opened up, many with tours and workshops

Did you know? These items are banned at a French vide-grenier clear-out sale

You should be aware of prohibited items if planning to declutter this summer

‘We came to France for a 12-month sabbatical and decided to stay’

Texas couple fell in love with the culture and language

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

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

New ranking shows the best places to live near Toulouse

The list advises places to get that south-of-France village feel without sacrificing city living

Two new cities listed as among France’s cleanest: Where are they?

Seven cities now have ‘five-star’ cleanliness ranking

Why I love where I live... in north-west France

Roger Mew relocated from London to near Derval (Loire-Atlantique) in 2001 after he had to give up work

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

Most-stolen dog breeds in France – and how to protect your pet

Thieves target dogs seen as cute, high-status, or with the potential to be aggressive

More French communes ending home bin collections

Authorities claim the system is more eco-friendly but many residents are strongly opposed

‘Opt in’ letterbox advertising trial scrapped – how to stop getting leaflets in France

Environmental benefits of scheme were uncertain

Complaints surge over foreigners' rights in France

France's Rights Defender has highlighted issues with residency card renewals and AI in public services

French mayor criticises German border checks as cars and trains stopped

The new checks negatively affect those who cross border to work or study

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