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
Dates and rules for the 2025 summer sales in France 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 Whit Monday holiday: How it works in France and how much it raises for state How a family embraced living on a bus and travelling around France The best places to live in 2025 in France
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 Orange update in France puts email accounts out of reach in UK Can second-home owners get a mobile phone contract in France? How to cope with financial stress after moving to France I am sick of having to justify my country’s politics to people in France
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
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
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