News

Britons are the largest foreign community of second-home owners in Nouvelle Aquitaine

See which other departments in the region are popular with British nationals

Travellers risk extra costs under new Eurotunnel ticket rule

Some fare options are less flexible and less forgiving of lateness

May will be difficult month for train travel in France, warns minister

Two major train unions are threatening to strike and are ‘not willing to negotiate’, he says

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Larousse dictionary adds 150 new French words - which ones do you know?

The new words come from trends in sport, nature, leisure, food, medicine, and the rest of the French-speaking world

Large increase in Americans buying properties on the Cote d’Azur

President Trump is cited as a major factor, but is not the only reason for the area’s popularity

What are the jobs you cannot do in France with ‘auto-entrepreneur’ status?

The status offers tax and administrative advantages, but has strict rules about the professions allowed

Yellow lights for pedestrians in many cities in France - what do they mean?

The lights are being trialled in six major cities until 2027

New ski night train will link Paris to the French Alps

The Travelski Night Express will begin service this December and start selling tickets in May

Dunkin’ doughnut chain to open in France in May

Its flagship store will be in Paris’ ninth arrondissement

Proposed law will stop French banks from closing accounts for no reason

The legislation has sparked debate over financial regulations

Health reimbursements linked to income supported by French state auditor

The controversial move aligns with prime minister's plans to cut costs

Exemption from fees to register electric car to end across most of France from May

Applying for a carte grise will soon become more expensive

Why you may see a low-flying helicopter near you in west France

Residents of the Loire-Atlantique region may spot the aircraft until at least the end of May

Proposal to end 10% tax allowance for retirees in France: Key points

The idea - which has been suggested as a way to reduce the 5.8% budget deficit - is being hotly debated

DHL suspends high-value deliveries to US from France

The temporary measure, adopted on April 21, is the result of delays linked to increased clearance checks

Measures to increase tax on well-off retirees under consideration for 2026 French budget

‘Nothing is off the table’ when it comes to finding €40 billion in savings says Labour Minister

Nice airport records passenger boom as tourists flock to city

Airport figures exceeded the pre-Covid record last year, with US visitors significant contributors

New agreement to help with home renovations launches in Dordogne

The plan aims to connect citizens with local public renovation services to modernise old housing stock

Chance to see shooting stars tonight from France

NASA says stargazers can expect up to 15 meteors per hour

Cars submerged, 1,100 without power: Floods hit south-west France

Three departments are on alert for flooding on Easter Monday after weekend of heavy rain

Approval of roadside noise cameras in France will see fines issued against loud vehicles

The devices known as meduses already exist in several cities but so far have only been ‘instructional’

French boulangeries demand right for staff to work on May 1 so they can open

Artisan bakery owners can work but employees cannot, while certain industrial bakeries are allowed to remain open with workers

Hosting scheme in south-west France lets you sample lifestyle before you move

Households in nine Dordogne communes volunteer under Mes Nouveaux Voisins scheme

How many Americans live in Paris - and where else are they choosing in France?

Over a quarter of all US nationals in France live in the capital city

Price rises for Netflix in France

The Standard (with ads) and Premium packages are increasing by €24 a year

Leclerc supermarkets to sell car fuel at cost price for Easter

The initiative will apply to diesel, petrol, and LPG

French motorway made free to motorbikes during Le Mans 24H bike race

There will also be rest stops available for motorbike riders travelling to and from the event

Map: The departments in France with highest number of ‘autonomous’ speed cameras

The cameras can be moved, making it difficult to pinpoint their precise locations

What to expect from the weather in France for the long Easter weekend

Outdoor eggs hunts set to be marred by rain, and in the south by thunderstorms

Which French motorway toll subscription offers the best deal?

The ‘best’ packages vary depending on how often you use the road, the type of vehicle, and your destination

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

Briton, 27, dies in avalanche as heavy snow covers Alpine resorts

He was swept away by fifteen metres of snow as he stood by side of road

Flights to and from France not expected to be affected by Gatwick Easter strike

Travellers are still advised to check their flight details this weekend

Residents ordered to stay home due to high risk of avalanche in French Alps

One person has been injured in an avalanche in Val Thorens, while thousands of homes are without power

People in France snubbing US travel, report travel agents

The political context, weak euro against the dollar, and border issues have all been blamed

Reaction to François Hollande's call for France to create refugee status for US researchers

Former president lends support to scheme for scientists reportedly 'forced into exile' by the Trump administration

Photos: Northern Lights dazzle Normandy skies

Coloured hues were also snapped in some areas of Brittany, with activity peaking before midnight

Easter traditions across France: From rattles and hooded processions to giant omelettes

Regional Pâques celebrations highlight France’s cultural diversity

French Google website google.fr will soon be replaced

Technology advancements have made local searches obsolete

Flood and avalanche warnings in place as storm Hans hits south-east France

Up to 200mm of rain is expected this week along with two metres of snow in Alpine areas

QR code to replace paper instructions for 100 medicines in France in new trial

Paracetamol and cholesterol medication to be included in scheme that launches this autumn

Online ‘anti-waste’ supermarket offers deals on everyday items in France - we test it

Discounts of 10% to 50% available on brand products

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

How long does it take to sell property in different areas of France? New study

Many major cities are showing signs of recovery when it comes to supply, demand, prices, and time to sell

Map: Car insurance costs rise in France - see the average in your region

Multiple studies show that costs are rising by around 5% year-on-year, with major differences by region and vehicle model

Paris pledges action against voyeurs in public swimming pool changing rooms

It comes after several women came forward to report similar sexual assaults

Seller and buyer bypass contracted estate agent - and land €30,000 penalty in France

The Bordeaux Court of Appeals rules a buyer and seller who avoided estate agent fees must pay compensation

Price drops for French mobile contracts - which offer cheapest deals now?

The average price for a package has fallen by 10% in the past year

Extra ‘taxes’ imposed on high earners should be permanent, says French finance minister

This would not constitute a return to the former wealth tax, he adds

Temperature drop and rain: French weekly weather outlook April 14 - 18

Storms expected in south-west and heavy rain from Tuesday in the south-east

Why more than half of French households do not pay income tax

Tax credits, ‘parts’ system and tax band increases all play their part

Rhône restoration returns riverbanks to natural state near Lyon

€8.2m project will bring back marshy areas to 5km of the river, helping wildlife to thrive

How to help hedgehogs in your garden in France

Follow these tips to create a healthy ecosystem for this protected species

Why microphones are installed in hundreds of trees across France

Researchers have set up devices in more than 100 forests across the country

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 regions have the most British residents - and how many?

Only around 5% live in Paris, recently released statistics show

Which French departments are most popular with retirees?

Four in Occitanie have a high proportion of over-65s, as does Dordogne

Photos: 94 chateaux open their doors to visitors in Dordogne

The fifth Chateaux en Fête festival offers a chance to look around many impressive properties that are usually private

Ski collision accidents soar in France: skiers reminded of rules

‘We are alarmed by the high level and severity of accidents’, a health authority warns

Mobile phones to be banned in French schools

It follows trial in hundreds of schools across the country this year

Faulty airbags: Mass recall in France includes more Toyota and Mercedes models

More than 2 million vehicles are still affected, with more cars now added to the list

French interior minister wants to toughen rules for gaining citizenship

Applicants ‘must meet a certain number of conditions’ he said

Vast majority of French departments opt to increase property notaire fees

What difference will it make to buyers and sellers?

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

Spring 2025 Covid booster vaccination: Who is this recommended for in France?

Several groups are advised to receive the vaccine after a surge in cases last summer

Temperatures to drop as rain returns: French weekend weather outlook April 12 - 13

Storms are expected in the west and south-east

Cheque use falls in France - but fraud levels remain high

The traditional payment method is still popular with many

Briton crashes after driving 10km wrong way on French motorway

Police believe the 88-year-old was confused by driving on the opposite side of the road to the UK

French nature festival is a paradise for bird watchers

The spring event runs from April 12-20, showcasing the rich flora and fauna of the Baie de Somme

D-Day silhouettes overlooking the British Normandy Memorial return for a second year

‘I don’t think anyone could walk through without getting a real sense of respect for the soldiers who died here’

Local election rule changes in France and why you may have a new mayor in 2026

Communes with fewer than 1,000 residents are particularly set to see changes from next year

Process for drug testing drivers strengthened by French court ruling

The supreme court made the ruling after overturning an appeal against drug-driving

Ryanair launches four new routes from La Rochelle: London and Ireland included

Popular UK route flies five times per week

Camping holidays becoming more popular in France despite challenges

Foreign tourists are driving positive results as people in France tighten budgets

Americans moving to France are increasingly choosing Nice

Expat numbers are soaring alongside a boom in US tourism in the city

News

Britons are the largest foreign community of second-home owners in Nouvelle Aquitaine

Travellers risk extra costs under new Eurotunnel ticket rule

May will be difficult month for train travel in France, warns minister

Larousse dictionary adds 150 new French words - which ones do you know?

Trending

Phased launch of EES border checks advances

New language tests for French residency cause confusion

Measures to increase tax on well-off retirees under consideration for 2026 French budget

Proposal to end 10% tax allowance for retirees in France: Key points

Learning French: what does sacquer mean and when should it be used?

May will be difficult month for train travel in France, warns minister

Larousse dictionary adds 150 new French words - which ones do you know?

Large increase in Americans buying properties on the Cote d’Azur

What are the jobs you cannot do in France with ‘auto-entrepreneur’ status?

Yellow lights for pedestrians in many cities in France - what do they mean?

New ski night train will link Paris to the French Alps

Dunkin’ doughnut chain to open in France in May

Proposed law will stop French banks from closing accounts for no reason

Health reimbursements linked to income supported by French state auditor

Exemption from fees to register electric car to end across most of France from May

Why you may see a low-flying helicopter near you in west France

Proposal to end 10% tax allowance for retirees in France: Key points

Dordogne residents face aftermath of flood damage as more rain forecast

Doctors threaten strike against bill mandating where they work in France

Visitors to Normandy American Cemetery must soon book in advance

DHL suspends high-value deliveries to US from France

Phased launch of EES border checks advances

France’s wild garlic season is here – but foragers should beware toxic lookalikes

Record river levels, more evacuations: Latest on flooding in south-west France

French second-home visa issues raised in House of Lords

More than 5,000 French communes use AI to identify poor rubbish sorting

Measures to increase tax on well-off retirees under consideration for 2026 French budget

Nice airport records passenger boom as tourists flock to city

New agreement to help with home renovations launches in Dordogne

Chance to see shooting stars tonight from France

Cars submerged, 1,100 without power: Floods hit south-west France

Approval of roadside noise cameras in France will see fines issued against loud vehicles

French boulangeries demand right for staff to work on May 1 so they can open

Hosting scheme in south-west France lets you sample lifestyle before you move

How many Americans live in Paris - and where else are they choosing in France?

Price rises for Netflix in France

Leclerc supermarkets to sell car fuel at cost price for Easter

French motorway made free to motorbikes during Le Mans 24H bike race

Map: The departments in France with highest number of ‘autonomous’ speed cameras

What to expect from the weather in France for the long Easter weekend

Which French motorway toll subscription offers the best deal?

BBC Sounds geoblocking postponed for listeners in France and elsewhere abroad

Briton, 27, dies in avalanche as heavy snow covers Alpine resorts

Flights to and from France not expected to be affected by Gatwick Easter strike

Residents ordered to stay home due to high risk of avalanche in French Alps

People in France snubbing US travel, report travel agents

Reaction to François Hollande's call for France to create refugee status for US researchers

Photos: Northern Lights dazzle Normandy skies

Easter traditions across France: From rattles and hooded processions to giant omelettes

French Google website google.fr will soon be replaced

Flood and avalanche warnings in place as storm Hans hits south-east France

QR code to replace paper instructions for 100 medicines in France in new trial

Online ‘anti-waste’ supermarket offers deals on everyday items in France - we test it

The curious case of Good Friday: Why only some parts of France have the day off

How long does it take to sell property in different areas of France? New study

Map: Car insurance costs rise in France - see the average in your region

Paris pledges action against voyeurs in public swimming pool changing rooms

Seller and buyer bypass contracted estate agent - and land €30,000 penalty in France

Price drops for French mobile contracts - which offer cheapest deals now?

Extra ‘taxes’ imposed on high earners should be permanent, says French finance minister

Temperature drop and rain: French weekly weather outlook April 14 - 18

Why more than half of French households do not pay income tax

Rhône restoration returns riverbanks to natural state near Lyon

How to help hedgehogs in your garden in France

Why microphones are installed in hundreds of trees across France

Big rise in the number of hairdressers shutting in France

Which French regions have the most British residents - and how many?

Which French departments are most popular with retirees?

Photos: 94 chateaux open their doors to visitors in Dordogne

Ski collision accidents soar in France: skiers reminded of rules

Mobile phones to be banned in French schools

Faulty airbags: Mass recall in France includes more Toyota and Mercedes models

French interior minister wants to toughen rules for gaining citizenship

Vast majority of French departments opt to increase property notaire fees