‘It’s ok to be vibrant and confident’ – Moving to France after 50 We speak to a number of women who have made the move
Hikers have chance to spot Egyptian vultures in southern France Three vulture couples have been spotted in southern France, offering a unique observation opportunity before their migration
July 2024 recap: 14 recent (and upcoming) changes for residents in France Medicines withdrawn, more radar cars, tax return updates, energy bill vouchers, and driving licence swaps are all affected
news PHOTOS: Couple build French home out of old shipping containers Total costs for the 145m² home - and a rental unit within - came in at under €275,000
Innovative bank card aids France's homeless New card system in Lille enables secure donations for essentials, boosting support for homeless individuals.
Fitting new gates on a French driveway does not have to be hard work Nick Inman completes his project with a little help
Strasbourg pioneers major green road project Eastern France sees a radical environmental initiative as Strasbourg removes roads to restore natural habitats and combat urban heat
UK updates official France webpage over new EU border control checks Clarification on driving licence exchanges has also been included
Why France is a great place to bring up children From its foodie culture to subsidised childcare options
French physiotherapist battles with bureaucracy over New Zealand degree She tells of her frustration at being unable to practise due to ‘nightmarish’ admin obstacles. ‘I am French, imagine if I was a foreigner,’ she said
A brick-by-brick guide to making rustic-style French gateposts Nick Inman disguises a new fixture as something centuries-old
French mobile phone contracts drop in price: Should you switch? Tariffs can vary hugely between networks, but the more expensive deals often include more ‘extras’
Who are France’s juilletistes and aoûtiens? We look at two words used to describe different French summer holiday habits
Why queueing at French markets is often worth the wait Some stalls will have you queueing for longer than others France battles rise in littering and fly-tipping Linky meter power reduction test in French homes considered a success Do gas price rises in France affect the cost of canisters also?
How to get the best deals in France’s summer sales A new study has determined the best week to shop for bargains, depending on the items you are hunting for Dates and rules for the 2024 summer sales in France Can French sports fans really take live cockerels into matches? Britons in France urged to register to vote as UK deadline approaches Support is available for UK veterans living in France What surprises people when they move to France?
La politesse: what habits can make you seem rude to French people? Sometimes it can be all too easy to commit a cultural faux pas without even realising it. We look at some of the most common
PHOTOS: Study shows greenest and healthiest places in live in France The number of green spaces was a major criteria considered in new health ranking which also looked at healthy food shops, bathing areas and hiking trails
How to find out more about an area in France before you move there Platforms abound on ways to tell if a town or neighbourhood might be suitable for you
Why is Bordeaux dropping in list of best places to live in France? A recent ranking found the city had dropped from 8th place in 2020 to 27th place in 2024
Residents name these 3 French towns top for quality of life Over 8,000 towns were ranked on criteria such as environment, transport, security, healthcare, sports and leisure, culture, schools and shops
Revealed: Top 3 French towns for quality of life in poll of residents Over 8,000 towns were ranked on criteria such as environment, transport, security, healthcare, sports and leisure, culture, schools and shops
The five best places to live in France, according to new ranking The ranking used a vast array of data and criteria to sort more than 34,900 towns nationwide
Change to France’s school holiday zone system under review The long-used ‘three-zone’ system could change soon, but critics question the possible economic impact
People in south-west of France are the most polite, survey claims The poll gave 15 cities a score out of 10 for rudeness, and also asked about tipping habits and French stereotypes
Six pieces of advice if you plan to grow old in France Having difficult conversations early is key to ageing happily abroad says columnist Cynthia Spillman
Autumn leaves: Rules on what to do with garden waste in France It is illegal to burn garden waste in France (except if you are granted special permission by the mairie). We explore what to do with autumn and green garden waste instead
Brexit blamed as number of Britons with second home in France plummets New survey results show the number of households in England with a second home in France has fallen by 30,000 in a decade
Meet British singer-songwriter Terry Scott Jr, based in Normandy He got his big break in 1970 playing in front of 600,000 people at the Isle of Wight festival
The pioneering Brit who was French town’s first foreign councillor Cycle campaigning and city pride were a springboard to role in local politics in Albi
Britons in France among those fearing struggle to get UK vote rights That is a key finding of a recent survey of 7,000 Britons abroad and comes as the UK plans to open voter registration for those living out of the country
Why did French pension body ask about UK National Insurance record? A reader asks if there is any link between the British and French pension systems and if it is possible to claim state pensions from both countries
Post Brexit: When do Britons need to swap to French driving licence? For UK nationals living in France, the rules for exchanging a UK licence for a French licence are flexible - but there are exceptions
Britons in France who lost UK voting rights able to re-register 2024 They are part of the estimated two million such Britons abroad who can expect to be eligible to vote in the next general election
How must I declare family trust in England under French law? Partner article: The rules around declaring an English trust whilst a residence of France
Newcomers must not put off swap to French driving licence Reader issues warning to others as he faces sitting French test due to delay
US elections: Can an American living in France still vote in them? It is possible but there are a few important points you need to be aware of first
Do I need to declare a UK inheritance to the French tax authorities? The deceased’s place of residency and the location of assets will all affect what taxes may be payable
Career change in France: I Googled ‘can animals talk to people?’ Colleen Kersey tells how a Reiki experience helped her discover she can talk to animals
Will UK pension increases apply to state pensioners in France? The Brexit deals safeguarded certain entitlements for Britons abroad
How do I replace my damaged French card driving licence? We look at the steps to take when applying for a replacement French driving licence
Six books to read about moving to France for a new life You should be able to empathise with their experiences
Is a UK will from 27 years ago still valid in France? We look at why it pays to review your will every few years
What documents do I need to start my French income tax declaration? We look at which documents will help you to fill out your French tax declaration
How to check your investments stay on track for life in France Partner article: Rob Kay from Blevins Franks examines how if you move to France, it may be advantageous to make some changes to your investment portfolio
Does French state pension income have to be declared? Tax offices will take account of what has already been paid
Is there a US-France agreement not to tax Social Security income? US retirement pensions are subject to specific rules under double tax treaty rules
How to get free mental health support in France People who live in France can have eight sessions with a psychologist which are fully reimbursed by the public healthcare system
Which are the most and least stressful cities in France? Major French cities have been ranked according to how stressful they are - which ones get your blood pressure boiling?
Can I stay registered to my GP in the UK if I am a resident in France? We also look at which medical cards French residents should use when travelling
Last chance to complete Britons abroad voting survey The British in Europe group wants to build up a picture of election rights and habits of Britons in France and other countries overseas
The monthly warning siren in France: What does it mean? Sirens sound on the first Wednesday of each month across France. Here is why
Recap: 12 changes in France - eye tests, Covid rules, heat pumps, fuel We highlight recent changes that may affect your life in France
French retirement debate: your experiences of working in your 70s Readers who worked on for many years past the standard retirement age - some even into their late 80s - share their thoughts
Mayor pays tribute to US actor Richard Belzer who lived in Aveyron The actor, best known for his role as detective John Munch in the series Law and Order: Special Victims Unit, died at the weekend
Can I belong to US Medicare and the French healthcare system? We look at the rules for Americans living in France who want to retain their Medicare health plans
Career change in France: Alpacas really feel like family Sophie Hargreaves tells The Connexion how she went from housing to husbandry
French Census 2023 has begun: How it works We explain what the census asks, how to know if you need to reply, how to fill it in if you need to, and where to find an English translation and help guide
France taxes at source so why do I have to complete a tax return? Understanding the income tax system is important to anyone making a permanent move to France
What is the best way to renew my British passport from France? We look at HM Passport Office processes applications coming from overseas
French work permits should be subject to points system, says MP The idea is under review and could be added to a new immigration bill. Applicants would have more or fewer points depending on their degree, language skills or origin
Has 'votes for life' for Britons in France now come into effect? A bill enabling people living abroad for more than 15 years to vote in the UK received Royal Assent in April
Is there a start-stop internet service for second homes in France? We look at the options for people who only spend a few weeks at a time in France and want to avoid paying for a year-long connection
Five things they don’t tell you about entertaining in France Is it ok to top up your own glass? Is it acceptable to serve store-bought dishes? We have some answers for you
Marseille only French city to make World’s Greatest Places 2022 list US’s TIME magazine praises southern city for its cultural and culinary attractions
How long can a Brexit carte de séjour card-holder spend in UK? British people have a right to live in the UK and there is no time limit to this, however be aware of how much UK time you clock up for tax resident purposes
Nîmes tops list of best towns in France for people to retire in The ranking is based on healthcare accessibility, weather, shopping options, cultural and sporting activities, the environment, security, and the proportion of retirees living there
France lockdown: Can I move home from the UK to France? Yes, if you are moving to what will become your main residence. You must have the right paperwork and follow Covid-19 guidelines in both countries
What can we do about our neighbour's deafening woodcutter? When a neighbour situation goes above and beyond 'normal' behaviour, it is best to make contact informally but legal steps can be taken
Should a car kept in France have French plates? If a UK-registered car is taken out of the country for more than 12 months, it is deemed 'permanently exported' and may not remain registered in the UK
Should I make a new will before 'full' Brexit? John Kitching, a director of French Law Consultancy Limited, answers a reader query on making a will and inheritance laws after Brexit
I was sent a speed fine but can’t recall if I was driving? The driver can ask for copies of the photos from the radar camera and the fine notice will state options, including contesting the fine
Can I hold a secondhand sale at my home in France? A sale like this comes under the rules for a vente au déballage and it is possible if it is for secondhand items belonging to yourself, and is done no more than twice a year
What can I do in France about the derelict house next door? Abandoned property in France must be looked after by its owner, however if the situation is more complicated it is usually the mairie’s responsibility
International wills can be misleading Partner article: What happens when an international will is drawn up without specifying that English not French law should apply?
Healthcare in France: How to register an S1 when in French system? When someone is in the French health system by residency and so are already in the system, the changeover should be simple. We explain