Living in france

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

French family elders have their own lives to live, albeit with much tolerance

France's reverse culture shock is another challenge of trips back home

Returning to the UK from living in France can bring some hurdles

UK DWP considers digital life certificates to simplify pension checks in France

Many readers report problems with the current paper-based system

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I moved to France and became an online art teacher with more than 44,000 students

Reader Nicola Blakemore, 72, explains how online courses made web lessons viable

Key practical and cultural dates for your diary in France for April 2026

This month sees the Paris Marathon, the start of tax season and the full rollout of the Entry/Exit System

Long-distance runner's inspiring fitness journey in France

Sarah Cameron transformed her life through running in the French countryside, achieving remarkable success in marathons and ultra-marathons while representing Team GB

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

Toulon naval base to simulate nuclear accident - public to get phone alert

Two-day exercise primes workers and residents for best practices in event of an incident

17 recent and upcoming changes in France you may have missed in March 2026

See where shoppers pay more for food online, how much drivers will pay to register a new vehicle and how many wolves there are in France

Changes in April 2026 for residents of France

Tax season opens, benefits rise and an innovative treatment for HIV arrives in France

Many of France’s new mayors pledge to switch streetlights back on at night

Energy-saving policy introduced during the 2022 surge in electricity prices

Reminder: clocks go forward in France this Sunday

One hour of sleep lost but later sunsets to come

French government clarifies rules for post sent to US

Updated official guidelines for letters, parcels, and gifts

How to reduce bank account fees in France

Online banks often top polls as the most competitive

Leclerc supermarkets in France fail to reduce fuel prices by 30c as pledged

CEO says change due to volatility in wholesale fuel markets

France debates allowing shops to employ staff on May 1

Workers in all but essential fields must currently be given the day off as a paid holiday

Make sense of... the role of mayors in France

Responsibilities include maintenance of communal roads, and civil services such as registering births, marriages and deaths

'I moved to France and became a photographer with a great work-life balance'

Reader Anna Leak shares her experiences setting up a business in the creative industries

‘My dream of earning a living through art is coming true’

Planning new projects for spring? Perhaps this artistic Connexion reader will inspire you

Two homes: one in Provence, one in the Rockies

Carolyne Kauser-Abbott and her husband split their time between France and Canada

Mosquitoes are already back in France – see areas most affected

Widespread hatchings reported in several coastal and eastern areas after an exceptionally wet and mild winter

Graph: France’s largest cities ranked for financial stability

All but two saw score decrease since 2014

I’m an estate agent and these are the five errors that newcomers make in France

'Many overestimate their DIY talents – and underestimate renovation costs'

Unwanted sales calls at record levels in France: how to stop them

Use apps to block calls, respond in English: Connexion readers give tips

What changes for residents in France in March 2026

Major changes for drivers, hospital patients, and property owners

Can non-citizens in France be foster parents?

Famille d'accueil are paid and considered employees

BBC says no plans for content subscription service in France

Broadcaster’s ‘Sounds’ app has been unavailable since July 2025

17 recent and upcoming changes in France you may have missed in February

Changes include income tax bands, flight delay rules and hospital parking fees

Living in Lille: a young, lively city that is 'very accepting of foreigners'

Discover everything about living in Lille, from its cultural attractions and efficient transport links to affordable property prices and vibrant student life

Can you vote by proxy in French elections?

French and EU citizens are eligible to vote in municipal elections

How to get UK TV signal back in French home?

Newer satellite box models can help

€1.2m Dubai case ruling shows importance of knowing French tax residency rules

Couple ordered to pay backdated taxes to France

Homeowners in France warned of solar panel scam danger

Unscrupulous sellers target homeowners who are keen to install solar panels, says consumer rights group

Paris group promises help to ‘live your best life’

WICE is a vibrant English-speaking community offering classes, workshops, and social events to help expats integrate and thrive

Why I love where I live... in Nantes

Reader Sue Alouche, 66, and her French husband set up 'Knowing Nantes', a network for the anglophone community in the city

Was it a mistake to move to France?

Columnist Cynthia Spillman has some advice for a reader who is getting cold feet

From civil servant to vacataire, clinical psychologist and super mum in France

Reader Flavia Campos, 44, explains how a move to Lille brought the variety she craved

What are the rules about splitting the bill in France?

Columnist Cynthia Spillman offers some advice on the sometimes awkward clash of food and money

Senators examine proposal to guarantee access to cash machines in rural areas of France

Some 18.6% of French communes had access to at least one local ATM in 2024

Why making friends in France can take time – and how to succeed

Columnist Cynthia Spillman offers advice on forming lasting relationships

How to save money on fashion and clothes in France

Growing number of second-hand shops are selling clothes by weight

France’s population growth concentrated along Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts

State statistics agency Insee also identified the five regions north of the Loire, excluding Brittany and Loire-Atlantique, as areas where the population has remained the same or is shrinking

'We transformed a historic Savoie chalet into a dream home'

Built in 1865 to keep animals and store cheese, the traditional house has been completely transformed

Best French communes to live in named in 2026 ranking

Criteria include beauty, heritage, health, nature and accessibility by public transport

Unesco listing sought for French bistros and cafés

President Macron wants the establishments to be celebrated internationally

Financial mistakes newcomers to France make – and how to avoid them

Many wrongly assume that the rules broadly mirror those of their home country

What changes for residents in France in February 2026

Changes include a reduction in energy bills and an increase in price for several brands of cigarettes

What is France’s free ‘pass Culture’ and how is it changing in 2026?

The scheme aims to facilitate young people’s access to culture

Map: Auchan plan to sell 91 supermarkets across France

The group had previously said it would retain ownership of the rebranded supermarkets

French visas, cartes de séjour and removals of foreign nationals in 2025

The number of foreigners in France hits its highest level ever

My French cleaner is too familiar with me

Columnist Cynthia Spillman advises a reader on setting boundaries

Do unmarried partners of French and EU citizens have the same rights as married ones?

Freedom of movement rules apply to EU spouses

More bank branches in France are closing

Some 3% of branches are shutting every year, reports banking union

Barking dogs in France: when noise becomes a nuisance and how to take action

There are nearly 7 million dogs in France and their barking is a common problem

How to become just as chic as your French friends

Columnist Cynthia Spillman helps a reader to find sartorial inspiration

Safety and local taxes are top concerns before French municipal elections

Residents also cite cleanliness and environment as major factors

French census criticised for question on parental birthplace

Groups believe responses could be used to fuel discriminatory policies

How joining a choir in rural France helped me build a new life after retirement

Connexion reader Abigail Gammie explains how singing offered a fun way to make friends – and learn the language

How I reinforced my barn's 150-year-old timber beams

Columnist Nick Inman shares his experiences restoring an old French farmhouse

Why I love where I live... in Bordeaux

Briton Tim Pike, 55, loves the dynamic city in south-west France, setting up a history blog, a band – and even a one-man show

Should you do activities you dislike to integrate in France?

Columnist Cynthia Spillman advises a reader on joining in with friends and neighbours

Drinking tap water restricted for children in south-west France communes

Haute Garonne prefecture says the measure is precautionary and due to high chlorate levels

Grieving while in France: personal ways to honour those we have lost

Columnist Cynthia Spillman shares her advice for commemorating loved ones

Living in Dordogne: A guide to life in France's picturesque region

A factfile on transport, safety, healthcare, climate, property and expat life in this beautiful French region

How I acquired a purebred puppy in France

Columnist Sue Adams looks forward to years of companionship with a new Jack Russell terrier

How can residents complete French census if abroad at the time?

Millions required to complete census across next month

Can I leave my bin outside if it is not a collection day in France?

Communes set local collection days that vary depending on location

Must restaurants serve you free tap water in France?

There are several rules surrounding beverages in French restaurants

France’s 2026 census begins: Who must do it and how?

Census is carried out each year but only some residents need to complete it. English-language assistance is available

How I managed to cut the cost of energy bills at my French home

Connexion reader Anthony Powell embraced renewable solutions in years-long renovation project

Hunting by bow is expanding in France: rules and licences

40,000 hold a permit to hunt with a bow and arrow

Is it time to shorten France's school holidays?

Pascal Bressoux, professor of educational sciences at the University of Grenoble Alpes, explains why the school timetables need a rethink

Your neighbour can legally check (part of) your tax assessment in France

There are strict conditions that must be met, however

UK-EU talks raise hopes of easing post-Brexit rules for Britons in France

Several proposals and plans could ease some post-Brexit complications

French mairie offers ‘civil baptisms’ - what are they?

France offers several secular alternatives to religious ceremonies