Practical

What is the new ‘shimming’ bank card scam in France and how to protect yourself?

Scam is incredibly difficult to detect, but victims are refunded

French lawmakers finalise new ‘driving homicide’ offence after campaign by grieving families

New offence will not increase penalties for under-the-influence drivers but bring relief to victims

People with a second home in France should check their insurance policy

Cover can be reduced or voided for homes left empty for significant periods of time

practical

Needle spiking at French festivals: what to watch out for and what to do if targeted

Social media is being used to broadcast assault campaigns concerning unauthorised injections

French car registration documents go digital - but not yet for foreign residents

La carte grise can now be uploaded into France Identité app alongside driving licences, ID cards and cartes Vitale

Flights, trains, motorways: summer strikes threaten travel in France

Action lasting into September may affect the travel plans of many as summer of strikes begins

Key practical dates for your diary in France in July 2025

Including tax deadlines, holidays and the summer sales

Key cultural dates for your diary in France in July 2025

Including summer festivals, the national holiday and the return of the Tour de France

Nine changes for people living in France in July 2025

Gas prices increase, public zones go smoke-free, and physical sick-leave notes become more secure

Refuelling your car is cheaper at certain times of the day in France

Commuter rush sees morning prices spike but there are cheaper periods

Tips for keeping your home cool during heatwaves in France

France’s ecological transition agency has issued some tips that are also eco-friendly

French tests for residency and citizenship made harder by unfamiliar keyboard

Connexion reader has outlined the challenges she faced when taking the TEF French test – which she needs to pass in order to apply for French residency

Luggage delivery and new regional operator: what is changing for French trains

The Marseille–Nice TER line is the first regional line that the SNCF has lost to a private competitor.

How you can access French airport lounges at discounted rates

Bank accounts and loyalty schemes can open doors while you are waiting for your flight

Alarm raised over level of unpaid 'copropriété' fees in France

Authorities urge legal reforms as unpaid service charges suggest €2billion in arrears

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

Renewing residency cards proves slow process for many in France

Connexion readers frustrated by the long, drawn-out process, as complaints rise

Rennes becomes first city in France to limit size of swimming pools

Pools will be limited to 25m3 in size, 15m3 smaller than the average size in France

First legal battles over 2021 French inheritance rules begin

Hundreds of readers - especially Britons and Americans - report stress over effects of the law, which many experts say clashes with EU rules

IRS will no longer accept or issue paper checks: Americans in France affected

Tax payments and refunds must now be made digitally

Takata airbags: 800,000 more vehicles in France affected by ‘stop drive’ alert

You can check if and how your vehicle is affected on a dedicated government website

Strict ‘family visa’ rules for couples returning from France under review in UK

UK government asks the Migration Advisory Committee to investigate

Can six-month visa holders in France get a carte Vitale?

Short-term visitors usually use alternative means of accessing healthcare

Do French emergency numbers work in the UK?

European-wide emergency numbers work in several countries

What are the current rules for children using booster seats in France?

There are strict regulations on booster seat manufacturing

What support is available for people with Alzheimer's in France?

The disease is officially recognised in France as a long-term condition

What help is available to pay for a retirement home in France?

The bills can prove prohibitively expensive without access to tax reductions, reliefs and grants

Graph: New fuel rises in France put in context of recent years

Increase in price comes after several months of falling costs

Is money left to animal charity subject to the 60% tax rate in France?

Not all charities can inherit donations in a will tax-free

Can hedges in French garden be trimmed over summer?

Gardens must be cleared of undergrowth and debris to reduce risk of fires in summer months

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

Insurance rules: Do vehicles not being used need to be insured in France?

Whether a vehicle needs to be insured is not only based on its usage

New agreement needed with EU for visa-free travel for Britons, says UK MP

EU citizens may visit UK for up to six months without a visa, whereas Britons are subject to the standard Schengen area limit of 90 days in any 180-day period.

What are the rules on using air conditioning in your car in France?

Drivers should be careful about using certain features when parked

Beware ‘customs advance’ on deliveries to France

Columnist Nick Inman was surprised by a supplementary delivery charge on his parcel from the UK

Is it difficult to become an English teacher at a university in France?

Most roles last for a maximum of two years

Can renovation costs be deducted from French capital gains tax?

Upon dissolution of a société civile immobilière, property owners must pay French capital gains tax on the increase in value

Table: Rural house price changes across France in 2024 – see how your department fares

Uneven shifts see falls of up to 19% and rises of nearly 12%

Pollution alerts raised in France: how to check if your area is affected and what to do

High temperatures are contributing to the deterioration of air quality across the country

Do high temperatures affect driving rules in France?

Speed limits have been lowered in recent weeks after pollution spikes

Is it possible to get a French phone number before moving to France?

Sim cards can be purchased on arrival at airports

Must authorities be informed over Japanese knotweed infestation in French garden?

Plant is known to cause harm to local ecosystems in France and cannot be bought or sold

Partner article: What are the rules on noise from heat pumps in France?

Heat pumps are popular eco-friendly renovation choice

Good news for drivers crossing into Italy from France as radar rules changed

Radars must be focused on preventing accidents and not generating revenue

Missing letters in France: what to do if your post has not arrived as expected

French postal system rated more efficient than both the UK and the US ones in recent report

Explained: The dos and don'ts of French municipal rubbish dumps

Waste-recycling centres, tips and rubbish dumps are called déchèteries in French

What are arrival timelines for declaring property wealth tax in France?

There is a ‘grace’ period available for wealth held overseas

How to watch the British & Irish Lions Tour of Australia in France

The tour runs from July 19 to August 2 after a warm up match on June 20

Car rentals in France: users provide feedback on sector

Leading consumer association notes drivers are satisfied with vehicles but face issues with contracts and pricing

Explained: Healthcare help for lower-income households in France

The complémentaire santé solidaire system aims to make quality healthcare accessible to all

What are the rules on fitting air conditioning into homes in France?

Work declaration, noise levels, professional certification - we review what is needed

Explained: France’s ‘heatwave plan’ and how it may affect residents

A colour-coded ‘plan canicule’ is launched every summer to help people manage the effects of high temperatures

French MPs vote to ban low-emission zones: what happens now?

‘Simplification’ bill passes after tight vote but matter is far from clear

What you risk if you make too much noise at your French home

Disputes around heightened noise levels are common in France

Where could there be water shortages in France?

The majority of groundwater sources are seeing levels fall as summer begins

French ‘property use’ declaration deadline: who has to submit before July 1?

Declarations have been required since 2023

More Citroën cars in France issued with ‘stop drive’ orders after driver death

Death of a driver in eastern France has been linked to a faulty airbag

French court backs homeowners in capital gains tax dispute over primary residence

No capital gains tax is due on the sale of a person's main home

France’s free blue parking zones: who can use them and for how long

Drivers need a time disc or risk a fine

Can SFR clients claim compensation for France-wide outage on June 16?

Some customers are still experiencing issues despite the mobile operator stating its network has been fully operational since midnight June 16

French renovation grants maintained for insulation and boiler replacements

Applications for ‘monogestes’ will not be paused during summer months

French tax authorities increase fraud checks on 2025 income declarations

AI is being used to cross-reference information sent to other government departments

Mandatory electronic billing may cost self-employed in France €600 per year

Withdrawal of previously promised free option jeopardises industry say union leaders

Tips to save money on holidays and travel in France

Connexion readers on how to secure the best deal for your getaway

Partner article: What double tax treaty on inheritance means for Britons in France

One issue affecting UK nationals living in France is determining whether they are impacted by UK inheritance tax, French succession tax, or both

How to deal with shoulder pain in France

Around 20% of adults suffer from it any given day

What to do (and not to do) after a home burglary in France

Around 596 break-ins are reported daily

French beach flags and coloured buoys explained

Emergency services report a sharp rise in drownings and near-drownings in the south

How to restore the brickwork on an old French farmhouse

Columnist Nick Inman charts the ups and downs of renovating a rural property

What is date of Father’s Day 2025 in France and how is it celebrated?

The holiday originates from some clever marketing by a Breton lighter company

What to do with your unused or expired medicine in France

French people are becoming more eco-friendly when disposing of medical tablets, capsules, creams, sprays and more

Dog owners warned to look out for this plant in France to avoid pet injuries

Action can be taken to help avoid these tiny spears which can be fatal to animals in spring and summer

Last few days to make advance payment of CFE tax for businesses in France

The Cotisation foncière des entreprises affects self employed people as well as larger companies

Did you know? These items are banned at a French vide-grenier clear-out sale

You should be aware of prohibited items if planning to declutter this summer

Map: Latest water restrictions across France and how public is affected

A dry spring in the north has left many areas under drought alert

Practical

What is the new ‘shimming’ bank card scam in France and how to protect yourself?

French lawmakers finalise new ‘driving homicide’ offence after campaign by grieving families

People with a second home in France should check their insurance policy

Needle spiking at French festivals: what to watch out for and what to do if targeted

Trending

Air traffic controllers’ strike: Paris and south of France airports to face major disruption

Red heatwave alerts continue as storms sweep across France

Flights, trains, motorways: summer strikes threaten travel in France

Photos: four historic French châteaux on sale for under €1 million

Nine changes for people living in France in July 2025

Stena Line to end popular France-Ireland ferry crossing

France's Favourite Village 2025: when and how to tune in

French car registration documents go digital - but not yet for foreign residents

Flights, trains, motorways: summer strikes threaten travel in France

Key practical dates for your diary in France in July 2025

Key cultural dates for your diary in France in July 2025

Nine changes for people living in France in July 2025

Refuelling your car is cheaper at certain times of the day in France

Tips for keeping your home cool during heatwaves in France

French tests for residency and citizenship made harder by unfamiliar keyboard

Luggage delivery and new regional operator: what is changing for French trains

How you can access French airport lounges at discounted rates

'Ban door-to-door sales in France', says consumer rights group

Will I keep tow trailer and caravan rights when swapping to French driving licence?

What should I do with my old mobile phone in France?

Alarm raised over level of unpaid 'copropriété' fees in France

Graph: See France’s historic debt levels

Could property owners in France be obliged to combat heat in tenanted homes?

French tax website changes the access to personal spaces

Be aware of the rules when driving from France to Italy, Germany or Spain

Surge in private swimming pool ‘squats’ in France

Tips on how to stay cool in France’s heatwave

Renewing residency cards proves slow process for many in France

Rennes becomes first city in France to limit size of swimming pools

First legal battles over 2021 French inheritance rules begin

IRS will no longer accept or issue paper checks: Americans in France affected

Takata airbags: 800,000 more vehicles in France affected by ‘stop drive’ alert

Strict ‘family visa’ rules for couples returning from France under review in UK

Can six-month visa holders in France get a carte Vitale?

Do French emergency numbers work in the UK?

What are the current rules for children using booster seats in France?

What support is available for people with Alzheimer's in France?

What help is available to pay for a retirement home in France?

Graph: New fuel rises in France put in context of recent years

Is money left to animal charity subject to the 60% tax rate in France?

Can hedges in French garden be trimmed over summer?

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

Insurance rules: Do vehicles not being used need to be insured in France?

New agreement needed with EU for visa-free travel for Britons, says UK MP

What are the rules on using air conditioning in your car in France?

Beware ‘customs advance’ on deliveries to France

Is it difficult to become an English teacher at a university in France?

Can renovation costs be deducted from French capital gains tax?

Table: Rural house price changes across France in 2024 – see how your department fares

Pollution alerts raised in France: how to check if your area is affected and what to do

Do high temperatures affect driving rules in France?

Is it possible to get a French phone number before moving to France?

Must authorities be informed over Japanese knotweed infestation in French garden?

Partner article: What are the rules on noise from heat pumps in France?

Good news for drivers crossing into Italy from France as radar rules changed

Missing letters in France: what to do if your post has not arrived as expected

Explained: The dos and don'ts of French municipal rubbish dumps

What are arrival timelines for declaring property wealth tax in France?

How to watch the British & Irish Lions Tour of Australia in France

Car rentals in France: users provide feedback on sector

Explained: Healthcare help for lower-income households in France

What are the rules on fitting air conditioning into homes in France?

Explained: France’s ‘heatwave plan’ and how it may affect residents

French MPs vote to ban low-emission zones: what happens now?

What you risk if you make too much noise at your French home

Where could there be water shortages in France?

French ‘property use’ declaration deadline: who has to submit before July 1?

More Citroën cars in France issued with ‘stop drive’ orders after driver death

French court backs homeowners in capital gains tax dispute over primary residence

France’s free blue parking zones: who can use them and for how long

Can SFR clients claim compensation for France-wide outage on June 16?

French renovation grants maintained for insulation and boiler replacements

French tax authorities increase fraud checks on 2025 income declarations

Mandatory electronic billing may cost self-employed in France €600 per year