Practical

How to sign up for France’s heatwave welfare check register

Local authorities regularly contact vulnerable people. Relatives can sign them up

Explained: France's system of care homes

The system is under scrutiny after a wave of scandals

What to do with leftover medicine in France

Unused drugs should not be put in the household waste

practical

A beginner’s guide to sailing in France: destinations, charters and advice

Cruising instructor Sam McClements gives her tips on getting started

What punishments are French teachers allowed to hand out?

Some offences are recorded on a student’s academic record

Can I add my UK work years to a French pension?

Periods worked in Britain can still be taken into account by authorities

Common mistakes foreign drivers may make in France

From Crit’Air stickers to alcohol limits, the rules of the roads can vary compared to other countries

A woman sitting on a sofa looking hot, with a fan pointed at her face

Tips on how to stay cool in France’s heatwave

With temperatures in France approaching 40C, we look at advice on how to stop yourself from overheating

Importing a car into France from the UK

Drivers must consider whether they need to pay import taxes

Homeowners must prove they took steps to stop drought cracking, French court rules

Landmark ruling in €40,000 compensation case may embolden insurance companies to deny claims

Ornate corner building with balconies and decorative façade against a lavender sky in Nice, France.

France heatwave: Minister unveils plan to help homes and cities cope

Measures include support for reversible heat pumps and easing flat renovation rules as France prepares for hotter summers

Man holding a blue French passport beside a small shaggy dog indoors.

‘Last straw’: UK dog owner to sell French home over new pet passport rules

Reader says the extra cost of a UK Animal Health Certificate (AHC) for every trip is too much

The Life Certificates that retired Britons in France need

Issues can arise with the current postal verification system

Water restrictions in France: how to check rules in your area

Measures can affect everything from watering gardens and filling swimming pools to washing vehicles and irrigating crops

My experience renewing a five-year French ‘Brexit card’

The application process was quick… but the queues were not

Why is my French tip no longer taking green waste?

Several communes including major cities have recently changed rules

How many people in France do not have a top-up mutuelle?

Rising costs push people out of healthcare accessibility

Can French police suspend foreign driving licences?

Departments are cracking down on mobile phone usage behind the wheel

How can I find local tradespeople in France?

Hiring qualified professionals is best for bigger jobs

Screenshot of the French public finance website login page with help links and a tax payment section.

What should you do if you have missed France's tax declaration deadline?

Late declarants face financial penalties

French income tax declaration: key upcoming dates

Online declarants must request paper version by June 15

Map shows where water restrictions are in place across France June 8, 2026

More than 20 departments are subject to restrictions or warnings in at least some areas

Understanding healthcare when moving to France

Why you may need to take out private medical insurance

More options now available for home equity release in France

Prêt viager hypothécaire being offered more widely as well as other similar schemes

French residency cards: Rights group welcomes deadline to fix renewals process

The government has been given six months to remedy problems with the Anef website and other ongoing issues

Price of new cars in France fell for first time in five years in 2025

The cost to purchase a new car has increased 29% since 2019

French ‘super off-peak’ contracts offer up to 60% discount on electricity

Households which can match consumption to special hours can see significant savings

A piggy bank with an older person using a calculator in the background to show money

Why some pensioners in France will soon pay more for home help

Opponents call decision 'out of step' with government policy

Is France’s buzzard population at risk?

All native birds of prey are protected in the country

France travel recap: New flights, ferry routes, airport changes and border rules

Includes new summer flights to Nice from UK and US

Foreign investors pledge more than €90 billion in France

Japanese tech giant eyes France as location of data centres due to its strong energy production

Map: tap water restrictions and warnings by department as of June 2

Find information on restrictions in your commune

Diesel price at lowest since mid-March but do shortages loom?

Fuel supplies may enter ‘red zone’ in July or August due to increased summer usage

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

Includes tax deadlines, exams and festivals

Terrace with a swimming pool, loungers, umbrellas and a tiled poolside area in the south of France.

Can you refill a pool during water restrictions and do French authorities run checks?

We look at how swimming pool restrictions are applied during drought periods

French border checks: what is changing over the next few months?

The ETIAS system is set to launch soon

A view of a family with a child packing moving boxes

How long do you have to move your belongings duty free to France?

We look at how the rule on goods brought during a move works in practice

Close-up of a hand holding a French identity card in Paris.

Does taking a test to obtain a French licence make you a ‘new driver’ for insurers?

It is not possible to request a simple exchange of some US driving licences

Can right-hand drive cars be sold in France legally?

French roads are designed with left-hand driving as standard

Close-up,Of,A,House,Model,On,Euro,Bank,Note

How to reduce the running costs of a second home in France

Property taxes, electricity and internet bills can quickly mount up

What should I do if bank card is swallowed by French cash machine?

It is likely that you will get it back but there are several exceptions to this

A view of a private swimming pool at a home

Key points and rules to consider if want a pool at your French home

Taxes, safety measures, running costs are all things you should factor in

Rare blue moon and micromoon visible from France this weekend

The second full moon of the month is on May 31

The real history of Mother’s Day in France

The French Fête des Mères takes place on the last Sunday of May most years

Senior,Couple,Signing,Paper,,Young,Professional,Consultant,Helping,Advising,On

Should we use UK law for our inheritance in France?

French legislation requires a portion of your estate to be left to your children

How can I check if electrical work in French home conforms?

If the local artisan is a qualified electrician it is likely that the work will comply with regulations

Blood donor rules, gas price drop: what changes for residents in France in June 2026

Fuel aid payments will also begin

What happens if elderly parent living with us in France survives us?

It is worth discussing this with other close family members who might be able to help if necessary

TotalEnergies extends fuel cap in France throughout June

Drivers will benefit from current cap at all stations for at least a further month

Neighbours stand and sit around a long table outdoors, talking and eating at a block gathering.

How to celebrate the Fête des Voisins in France this Friday

Millions of neighbours across the country are expected to meet on the 26th edition of this friendly festival

Young man with arm cast in sling sitting in a wheelchair indoors

What to do if someone is injured on your property in France

Costs of such an accident can quickly accumulate

Worker using a power drill to demolish an interior wall seen through a hole

Renovating a house in France: the key mistakes to avoid

British architect based in France shares his tips for restoring homes

Close-up of a hand holding a British passport with gold crest on the cover.

Why living in France but investing only in the UK creates risk

It is ill-advised to keep most of your money in one country

Reportages sur la communauté des Hérons : Ici le festival des deux mains au Solilab sur l'île de Nantes.Ici l'association Moneko et sa monnais locale.photo : Marc Roger

Does your French town have its own currency?

There are over 65 of them around the country

Can neighbours in France force you to cut down trees?

Learn about French regulations on trees near property lines

New free-delivery offer available for over-65s at Carrefour stores in France

Scheme promises extra help and easier-to-find products in thousands of local stores

New fuel aid announced for drivers in France: who can claim and how much?

€1.2billion support package announced due to high petrol prices

How to get a Pacs in France and how it differs to getting married

Can foreigners get a Pacs or does one of you have to be French? We review France’s civil partnership

Mature student smiling while writing notes and using a laptop in a classroom.

How to save money on adult learning courses in France

Get help for language classes, employment, and more

A view of a French healthcare charges summary letter

French social charges: who pays, how much, what’s new?

One charge increased for certain types of income in 2026

Where can I find an Asian hornet trap in France if my mairie will not give me one?

When local support is unavailable, there are still practical alternatives

Roadside radar speed camera warning sign against trees and blue sky.

Can speed cameras in France check if a car is insured?

Discover how automated road systems actually work in practice

A stock photo of a WA residency card and a red line drawn between the UK and the EU on a map

When must I update French address on ‘Brexit’ card?

Online portal is available for requesting a change

Explained: campervan ownership in France

Includes prices, parking, models and popular apps

TotalEnergies petrol station with vehicles refuelling at multiple pumps

TotalEnergies announces extra fuel cap in France this weekend amid petrol price highs

Average petrol prices are now higher than TotalEnergies cap

A view of a banner saying 'looking for a GP' in France

France doctor numbers rise again but medical deserts persist, report finds

Projections by the Conseil national de l’Ordre des médecins suggest that the upward trend will continue over the coming decade

Man measuring a wooden frame above a red door inside a conservatory

Secondary glazing vs double glazing: a practical DIY option for French homes

Placing of new windows inside existing ones to give two layers of glass has pros and cons

French minister backs licence suspensions for phone use while driving

The measure could be rolled out nationwide; it is currently being trialled in four departments

A couple calculating taxes in their living room

How long should French bank statements be kept?

Documents can be used as proof in cases of disagreement

A man clearing excess vegetation in a garden

Can I get a tax reduction for employing gardener at second home in France?

Rebate is available to people who employ someone to work at their home via the Cesu system

Do French supermarkets offer home delivery services?

Rural areas may see reduced coverage

54% of French households did not pay income tax in 2025

Income tax brought in a record €95 billion last year despite most homes not paying any

UK government pensions and social charges: has French law changed?

Reader reports being told by an accountant new rules affect this income from 2025

Diesel prices in France rise 40% in one year

Increase caused by Middle East conflict, petrol prices continue to slowly increase

Hand holding a pink French paper driving licence beside a modern plastic licence card near a parked car.

Drivers must now pay €40 to exchange licence for French licence

Change applies to all non-French licences, but rules on when to exchange remain unchanged