Practical

Is money from solar panels taxable in France?

It is worth considering whether you will sell electricity back to the grid or not

French hunting season 2025-2026 dates by department and species

Organised hunts are set locally and Sundays tend to be the busiest day

France launches new €1,000 grant for electric cars with European-made batteries

Purchasers will automatically receive discount on final price

practical

La rentrée: 12 points to understand French schools

From food to bullying - some things may surprise you about the education system in France

How not to solve a plumbing problem in France

Columnist Nick Inman finds a plethora of challenges when he takes on a simple plumbing job

Holiday rentals in France must be at least D-rated by 2034

Move designed to create more access to housing in tourist areas and to protect the environment

Taxe foncière bills - why many French communes are not raising rates this year

Less than 13% of communes have implemented additional increases

Map: French water tables by department at end of summer

Only one department is at very low levels

Landlords: Take note of this French tenancy rule

If you rent out a home, watch out for locataire protégé rules

EES: Do Monaco and Andorra residency card holders need to register?

Progressive roll-out of new controls is set to begin from October 12

Car part thefts on rise in France: Item stolen every five minutes

Headlights, wheels and catalytic converters are most common items stolen

Key practical and cultural dates for your diary in France for September 2025

Including tax and rental property deadlines as well as several festivals

Speed cameras in France: how far from warning signs are they?

The authorities use these signs to inform drivers they are approaching a speed camera

What to be aware of when lending a car to family or friends in France

Vehicle insurance policies include specific clauses detailing who is authorised to borrow it

Can medicine be shipped to France from overseas?

It is easier to bring medicine for personal use through border yourself

Controversial ‘tax’ on French rail tickets proposed

Critics argue Government should make up the money rather than beleaguered rail consumers

Health rules, sick notes, fibre grants: 10 changes for residents of France in September

The end of the month will see property renovation and electric car leasing schemes return

French low-cost airline promotes ticket re-sale scheme

Transavia says refunds might rise to up to half the price paid for ticket, when resold

Partner article: How procrastination can hurt your wealth in France

The costs of waiting can be high if certain details are ignored – and a little planning can go a long way

French school year 2025-2026: the changes that await pupils

Reforms on how French and mathematics are taught as well as expanded sexual education, stricter rules for mobile phones and more

Electric car leasing, winter tyres, ‘malus’ system expanded: What will impact drivers in France in coming months?

We look at what you need to know to make savings, avoid fines and penalties and stay within the law

Partner article: What is happening with US ‘tax fairness’ bill?

Bill to change citizenship-based taxation system is gaining cross-party support

Household bin collection tax in France: many communes found to be overcharging

Authorities charging up to 160% of actual fees risk legal action, but say money is being used to improve waste services

Work starts on knocking down Brittany houses threatened by erosion

Large dune that previously protected at-risk homes has eroded

Checking French taxe foncière calculations can see bills reduce by 30%

Some properties have gone decades without ‘maintenance coefficient’ being reevaluated

French social charges and UK government pensions: Official response

The DGFiP clarified the rules to The Connexion after several readers reported unexpected charges

Mont Blanc tunnel closure - see alternative options

The tunnel will close from September until mid December

How does the 30% allowance for rental income in France really work?

There are two situations where there are rules on a 30% allowance

Can British classic car be registered in France?

There are both benefits and restrictions to registration as a véhicule de collection

Can you negotiate an estate agent’s commission in France?

Agency fees can be paid by either the buyer or the seller

What are the rules on installing air-conditioning in your French home?

Authorisation is usually required before you can have a new unit put in

Do airlines flying to France allow pets in the cabin?

Several airlines have specific rules

Mass fines issued as speed limit lowers on key road near Nice

Locals claim change was not made clear, but mairie says information was given in several ways

2025 taxe foncière bills arrive: five questions answered

Increases, second homes, property extensions: your questions answered

Shark sightings in France: No need to panic

Increased sightings spark concern, but an expert urges focus on conservation over fear

Why British binationals may want to make sure they have a UK passport

Border rules are set to become tougher in 2026. UK and Irish nationals living in France impacted

Taxe foncière bills arrive for French property owners: how to check bill is correct

We also review how to claim a refund if you believe the bill is too high

How to ensure your French bank card works abroad

High levels of international fraud mean many banks block international payments by default

12 million people in France have high LDL cholesterol – what this means

The lifestyle factors and treatments explained

What is the meaning behind these sombre roadside signs in France?

The black silhouettes are not common but can be seen along certain accident-prone roads

Energy aid: 2025 sees changes to France’s chèque énergie scheme

Electronic version of the voucher now available

French citizenship refusals due to foreign income: exceptions possible for retirees

Interior Ministry clarifies rules for The Connexion

Is it possible for early-retiree to open French retirement savings account?

Account is good for inheritance purposes

Are there compensation payouts for French home losing internet?

Free mediator is available for cases not resolved amicably

Can I order glasses online from the UK and have them sent to France?

French prescriptions are usually accepted in the UK

Is an attestation d’accueil needed for people visiting France in 2025?

Border security may ask more questions once 'EES' begins

Partner article: How are conflicting wills handled under French inheritance law?

Testaments must include a specific mention to revoke previous versions

What to do if you have a damaged banknote in France

Your bank will be able to provide information and assistance

Graph: Increase in road deaths across France in July 2025

Several departments are attempting to tackle the issue of road deaths with increased police presence and more frequent checks

Peugeot 308 cars recalled in France due to seatbelt fault

Drivers must contact dealership if vehicle affected

Which areas suffer most burglaries in France and what items are targeted?

Thieves are working together to take more items from a home

Wall cracks due to heat are a growing problem in France

Up to 10 million homes affected by issue linked to clay soils that swell when wet and shrink in heat

New tricks by burglars in France and how to better protect your property

Increasingly high-tech methods are being used to break into homes

Drivers of popular family car warned over seat theft risk in France

Warning comes after spate of thefts targeting rear seats

Heatwaves: What help is available in France to keep home cool?

There have already been several spells of intense heat in 2025

'Our French farmhouse was rebuilt by hundreds of helping hands'

Discover how a New Zealand-English couple transformed a dilapidated farmhouse into a vibrant home with the help of 145 volunteers

What are the possible exemptions and reductions for France’s taxe foncière?

Exemptions exist for property owners based on several factors

Survey: How long does it take to get a visa for France?

Connexion readers share their experiences and tips on the application process

How long can a long-stay visa for France last?

Understanding the criteria and their durations for non-residents

Must foreign pension tax refund be declared in French tax return?

Rules on taxation of foreign pensions for French residents depend on double tax treaties with the country of issue

When can French state access your bank account and take money?

Unpaid taxes, fines or some other debts can lead to forced seizures

Is it still possible to apply for a ‘Brexit’ card to live in France?

There are special pathways for retirees to move to France

Is it true that French workers who fall sick on holiday can reclaim leave?

France’s supreme court, the Cour de cassation, ruled on the matter in 1996

How to find the history of your home in France, including prior owners

The means of searching records can vary dependent upon a property’s age

French supermarket cheeses recalled over Listeria risk

Camembert and goats’ cheeses sold in U stores and Lidl among products affected

France travel: Who will need to register in EU’s new Entry/Exit System?

The EES will affect millions of people including regular visitors - see our list for who is and who is not affected

2025 fiscal calendar: when are the next taxes due in France?

Several deadlines fall in September followed by local tax payments in the autumn

Health focus: French skin cancer campaign warns: ‘Don’t grill like sausages’

Statistics show that sunbathing causes 80,000 skin cancers and 2,000 deaths per year

What taxes are levied on second homes in France?

The taxes, and possible exemptions, depend on your personal situation

How to assume property ownership in France

Usucapion can take place if you have acted as if you believed you owned the property for at least 30 years

How to check the quality of internet where you live in France

A series of online colour-coded interactive maps help to understand where internet speeds are fastest

Map: How are property prices in French coastal resorts faring?

Double-figure increases and decreases have been recorded, such as in Trouville-sur-Mer (+14.3%) and Menton (-11%)

Map: See how French flat prices have changed this year

Recovering property market has not meant a blanket increase in prices

Travelling from France with a non-family child: what are the necessary steps?

Rules can also apply if travelling with family members

Air France customers warned after cyberattack, phishing scams expected

Data including frequent flyer account information was stolen in data breach