Living in france

Five things they don't tell you about... summer cooking in France

Less about cooking and more about entertaining, here are five French ways to plan a meal alfresco

Energy bill rises and other changes in France in August

Also interest rates on government regulated savings accounts set to fall

'I'm worried my husband will leave me for a younger, slimmer French woman'

Columnist Cynthia Spillman advises a reader struggling with insecurity

news

New powers to issue fines proposed for France's municipal police

Agents may soon be able to issue fines for graffiti, driving without a licence, and taking alcohol into sports stadiums

How I became an online English teacher after moving to France

Former community safety officer John Mainland, 53, tells how his love of helping others led him in a new direction

What are the new plans to end cold calls in France?

Moves to completely end unsolicited commercial calls are taking shape following years of complaints and failed solutions

Who do the new French language tests changes affect - and from when?

Use our handy graphic to see if this applies to you

Mandatory militarised civic service for youths in France aged 16-25 starts this autumn

Journée de défense et de citoyenneté is compulsory for many young people

Our French gîte: We swapped UK traffic jams for a simpler life in Burgundy

Caroline and Richard Williams transformed their lives by relocating to run a guesthouse in rural France

French home decor tips: how to create a warm, authentic interior with vintage charm

Designer Zoé de Las Cases shares her ideas on white wood floors, second-hand finds, ambient lighting and seasonal flowers in her book La Maison

France’s summer holiday habits: more aoûtiens than juilletistes

We look at when and where the French are going on holiday this year

Personalised coffins grow in popularity as secular funerals rise in France

Many orders for unusual designs come from British residents

Tax benefits scheme for rural businesses revived in France

Relocating your business to the countryside areas could unlock tax exemptions and payroll benefits

Is it possible to switch Amazon Prime account when moving to France from US?

Certain content is geo-restricted

‘Child-friendly’ stickers for cafés to launch in France

Red stickers will promote spaces that welcome children in face of growing – and controversial – ‘no-kid’ movement

'Our historic Normandy chateau was a World War Two battlefield'

A British couple's dream retirement home was once the site of a key battle for the Allies in 1944

'France is a fantastic place to have a baby'

New mum Therese Nyström speaks about her pregnancy journey and the experience of giving birth in France

Why do members of my family mock my life in France?

Columnist Cynthia Spillman gives her advice on dealing with negativity

A comprehensive guide to living in Bordeaux

We look at the region's property market, healthcare, education, and transport options

Reviving rural France: café culture brings a small Dordogne community together

'We are getting more and more English members, so if any readers live in the area, please do drop in.'

French car registration documents go digital - but not yet for foreign residents

La carte grise can now be uploaded into France Identité app alongside driving licences, ID cards and cartes Vitale

Nine changes for people living in France in July 2025

Gas prices increase, public zones go smoke-free, and physical sick-leave notes become more secure

Comment: Jogging is no longer a joke in France

Columnist Sarah Henshaw notes how the once-maligned activity has become a passion in the country

Where drought alerts apply in France and what restrictions you may face

More areas issued with warnings and restrictions - including hosepipe bans - as new heatwave arrives

How I became a calligrapher after moving to France

When engineer Cristina Urzicaru, 31, moved to Versailles for work, her improved work-life balance gave her more free time to take up the practice

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

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

How to reclaim your health in later life while living in France

Columnist Cynthia Spillman explains how a recent health scare helped her make the right lifestyle changes – from utilising France's excellent healthcare and enjoying its picturesque countryside

‘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

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

How a family embraced living on a bus and travelling around France

Kevin and Olivia Cadorne purchased an old bus, turned it into their home and set out to explore France with their three children

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

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?

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 am sick of having to justify my country’s politics 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

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