Practical

French mushrooms poisoned my friend - learn to be careful

Columnist Sue Adams gives advice on sourcing wild champignons

‘Death tax’ bank fees now capped in France

Certain cases exempt from charges for closing a deceased individual’s account

French census 2026: how it works, questions asked and must you answer?

National survey creates a snapshot of life in France in order to plan budgets and organise services

practical

Public transport, roads, tap water: French residents’ priorities for local spending in poll

Majority of people experienced infrastructure issue in last year

When should you avoid doing DIY in France

Columnist Nick Inman helps you decide when to contact - and to wait for - a professional

New health fee: which countries have a bilateral social security agreement with France?

Some retirees living in France on ‘visitor visas’ may soon face proposed new charge

Kidnappings prompt company privacy reform

Company owners can now hide their personal address details

Map: How French groundwater levels are faring in November

Replenishing begins but remains below 2024 levels

How to check your driving licence points online in France

French licences have 12 points on them which can be removed following driving offences

Speed camera along famous Nice coastal road changes location (again)

Mobile camera has been set up in several spots since May

Saharan sand to cover cars and buildings in western France

Storm in Spain will bring sand grains as far north as Brittany

Are annual boiler checks obligatory in France?

Insurance companies may reference your boiler in their documentation

What is considered a ‘modest income’ in France?

12.6% of people were in this category in 2021, according to recent research

Will estranged grandchild inherit part of my father's French estate? - Partner article

Expert international legal advice may be necessary, and controversial 2021 inheritance changes affects wills

‘Some French residency renewals are so slow they are expired by time received’ - Amnesty International

Charity argues for abolition of precarious one-year cards for non-EU workers and criticises ‘dysfunctional’ residency card system

How to save money on pet care in France

From vet bills to food here is how to keep outgoings down for your pets

Is it a good idea to change car insurance providers regularly in France?

Changing can save you hundreds, but a new poll shows many are missing out

Six key points about 2025 French property market identified by notaires

Economic uncertainty and lack of investment threaten re-stablisation of market at wider level

Assurance vie beneficiary clauses: clear wording is everything - Partner article

Increasing cases where heirs are left frustrated due to problems with this detail

Must you clear fallen leaves from your garden outside your home in France?

In most cases it is not legal to burn leaves once they have been raked up

Private radar cars begin to patrol roads in the Alpes-Maritimes

Three unmarked vehicles cover 2,500 km of roads along an initial 44 routes

What are the rules on metal detecting in France?

Focus on protecting potential archaeological finds means lack of clarity for amateurs

Are there duties payble on personal items when moving away from France?

A relief on customs duties is available for certain possessions

What do I need to do if my partner dies when we are at our second home in France?

Several steps must usually be taken in first 24 hours

Can I contest a failed roadworthiness test in France?

All test centres work with a mediator to resolve disputes

What are EDF ‘red days’ and how could they increase your French energy bill?

Special tariffs scattered across winter months can see electricity costs triple

Can you check if someone has made a will in France?

A national will register can be consulted by anyone providing certain information is given

Can I take my small pot pension from the UK early while living in France?

The UK has specific rules relating to pensions worth no more than €10,000

French house prices: see how your area fares in new notaire data

Caen, Grenoble and Reims saw significant rises in a year whilst Lyon, Bordeaux and Montauban saw drops

Struggle to find tradespeople for home repairs in France, survey finds

67% of respondents believe 'the government could implement more measures to improve the situation'

Tests underway on French motorway into recharging electric vehicle as you drive

‘World-first’ scheme sees quicker charging times than traditional methods

French second home tax: over 1,600 communes opt for additional levy

Communes deemed to face housing shortage can opt for surtax of up to 60% more on top of taxe d'habitation bill

Dover port pauses EES border check rollout for car travellers

Port says it is ready but it is awaiting go-ahead from French authorities

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

Including the start of more Entry/Exit System checks, Armistice Day and changes for Ryanair passengers

French GDP growth higher than expected despite political upheaval

Exports and aerospace industry helped spur 0.5% increase, with France on track to exceed 2025 forecasts

How to buy a 2025 remembrance poppy in France

The Royal British Legion has several branches in the country. You can also buy a French bleuet

Are there noise rules for motorcycles in France?

‘Sound radars’ may soon come into force following trial

Rules around bank overdrafts to be tightened in France

It will be more challenging for new account holders to obtain large overdrafts

Bills for France’s second-home property tax will start to arrive next week

More than 1,600 communes have opted to raise additional rates for the taxe d’habitation this year

How to declare the sale of a car in France - and why it is important to do this

You must complete sale transfer form online or risk receiving the new owner’s driving fines

Wood heating costs rise again this winter - as do the risks for buyers

Over seven million households heat with wood

Can I make a complaint about my neighbour’s poultry farm in France?

It is legal to raise some poultry in your backyard with minimal regulations

Are UK NI top-ups tax deductible in France?

UK pension 'top-ups' can be worthwhile

Inheritance in France: do stepchildren have rights after divorce? - Partner article

It is possible to leave everything to your own children but rules vary depending on the family situation

How can I find a doctor who will accept my Ghic card in France?

The cards help visitors receive ‘medically necessary treatment’

What is an FPS parking fine in France and how can it be contested?

Parking fines have a three-month payment deadline

Drop in French radar fine income in 2024 after damage to cameras

Fixed cameras generated €76 million less revenue than in 2023

Six models of Renault cars recalled in France over fault with handbrake

Issue can see vehicles move when drivers undo seatbelts or try to exit the car. Affected models will be repaired for free

Millions in France to see two tax debits from bank account today

One payment relates to property tax and the other to income tax

Pharmacies in France avoid autumn strike after new government deal

The omnipresent shops offer many essential services

Why glasses cost so much in France – and how to find cheaper options

Price of seemingly similar glasses can vary by as much as double

Self-employed in France can claim state benefits if business fails

Allocation des travailleurs indépendants applies if certain conditions are met

Plan for capital gain tax to apply to some main French homes

Current exemption would only apply after five years of ownership with some exceptions

Could you pass the French civic knowledge exam? Try our quiz

Applicants for certain residency cards and citizenship need to get 80% right after January 1, 2026

Undergrowth clearance rules now in place across Var

New regulations affect most of department but aim to protect biodiversity

Driving licence changes confirmed across EU: France affected

Rules on medical tests, licence renewals and information sharing for serious penalties all updated

I am now registered in EES: What happens next time I cross the Schengen border?

The system is in effect since October 12

Updated: EES and France travel: readers share experiences

Some readers report border police taking fingerprints and photos of faces

What are the proposed changes to child allowance rules in France?

Over two million families could see a change to their allocations familiales if measure is approved

Why are mutuelle and French health insurance not sharing information?

Automatic sharing of information between insurers is common

Neighbour of French home has camera recording our garden – what can we do?

Installation of security equipment recording private areas can infringe privacy

Do we need permission to install pond in garden at French home?

Several planning and environmental factors must be taken into account

Why are authorities asking about our address to join French social security?

Short-term rentals are not always accepted as valid proof of time spent in France

Refuse collection charges in France set to rise amid pollution tax hike

Change estimated to add €40 to €76 to average household bills by 2030

No rise in private sector workers’ supplementary French pension next year

Unions and employers failed to agree on the level of any increase

Long waits reported elsewhere but France limits EES to two hours a day

The French approach has been to start low key and without ‘travel questions’

Clarity needed on new tests for French multi-year residency cards, say applicants

A pass in a new ‘civic’ test is one requirement; we explain what it will contain

French pharmacies attract American visitors with their lower prices

Pharmacists say some tourists are buying medication in France - both prescription and over-the-counter - to save money

Why hundreds of thousands of number plates in France are turning pink

New government measures target temporary plates

Map: check the quality of your tap water in France

We explain how to use the free and interactive online tool

No notaire fee increase for 17 departments in France for property purchases

Higher fees in other areas result in increased cost of €500 per €100,000 when buying a home

Dog owner finds innovative technique in France to help traumatised rescue dog

How the Trust Technique helped one Connexion reader bond with her pet

What is the tontine option for property in France?

Option should be considered if buying for the first time

Is it possible to transfer my apartment to my daughter in France?

Gifting only residual ownership is one of many options

French property tax payment deadlines begin today – check your bills for errors

Payment by cash, cheque or bank transfer must be made tonight. Other deadlines fall next week

Practical

French mushrooms poisoned my friend - learn to be careful

‘Death tax’ bank fees now capped in France

French census 2026: how it works, questions asked and must you answer?

Public transport, roads, tap water: French residents’ priorities for local spending in poll

Trending

French census 2026: how it works, questions asked and must you answer?

What is considered a ‘modest income’ in France?

Understanding enantiosemes: words with two, opposite, meanings

Britons lack awareness of their Withdrawal Agreement rights in France, survey finds

Researchers estimate how much a retiree needs to ‘live decently’ in France

New driving app coming soon for Spain-France motorway

Why your parcels may soon become more expensive in France

When should you avoid doing DIY in France

New health fee: which countries have a bilateral social security agreement with France?

Kidnappings prompt company privacy reform

Map: How French groundwater levels are faring in November

How to check your driving licence points online in France

Speed camera along famous Nice coastal road changes location (again)

Saharan sand to cover cars and buildings in western France

Are annual boiler checks obligatory in France?

What is considered a ‘modest income’ in France?

Will estranged grandchild inherit part of my father's French estate? - Partner article

Can I have both US and French driving licence and use latter at second home?

Is it possible to contest property tax bill from French authorities?

Is there a set date by which I must arrive in France from US on long-stay visa?

‘Some French residency renewals are so slow they are expired by time received’ - Amnesty International

Several motorways in France to remove toll tickets, but keep exit barriers

What is an SCI in France – and what are the tax and inheritance risks?

EES checks for car travellers will not start at Dover 'until 2026'

Eurotunnel: EES digital border system on pause for cars coming to France

Energy efficiency ratings affect French property price by up to 25%, notaire data reveals

How to save money on pet care in France

Is it a good idea to change car insurance providers regularly in France?

Six key points about 2025 French property market identified by notaires

Assurance vie beneficiary clauses: clear wording is everything - Partner article

Must you clear fallen leaves from your garden outside your home in France?

Private radar cars begin to patrol roads in the Alpes-Maritimes

What are the rules on metal detecting in France?

Are there duties payble on personal items when moving away from France?

What do I need to do if my partner dies when we are at our second home in France?

Can I contest a failed roadworthiness test in France?

What are EDF ‘red days’ and how could they increase your French energy bill?

Can you check if someone has made a will in France?

Can I take my small pot pension from the UK early while living in France?

French house prices: see how your area fares in new notaire data

Struggle to find tradespeople for home repairs in France, survey finds

Tests underway on French motorway into recharging electric vehicle as you drive

French second home tax: over 1,600 communes opt for additional levy

Dover port pauses EES border check rollout for car travellers

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

French GDP growth higher than expected despite political upheaval

How to buy a 2025 remembrance poppy in France

Are there noise rules for motorcycles in France?

Rules around bank overdrafts to be tightened in France

Bills for France’s second-home property tax will start to arrive next week

How to declare the sale of a car in France - and why it is important to do this

Wood heating costs rise again this winter - as do the risks for buyers

Can I make a complaint about my neighbour’s poultry farm in France?

Are UK NI top-ups tax deductible in France?

Inheritance in France: do stepchildren have rights after divorce? - Partner article

How can I find a doctor who will accept my Ghic card in France?

What is an FPS parking fine in France and how can it be contested?

Drop in French radar fine income in 2024 after damage to cameras

Six models of Renault cars recalled in France over fault with handbrake

Millions in France to see two tax debits from bank account today

Pharmacies in France avoid autumn strike after new government deal

Why glasses cost so much in France – and how to find cheaper options

Self-employed in France can claim state benefits if business fails

Plan for capital gain tax to apply to some main French homes

Could you pass the French civic knowledge exam? Try our quiz

Undergrowth clearance rules now in place across Var

Driving licence changes confirmed across EU: France affected

I am now registered in EES: What happens next time I cross the Schengen border?

Updated: EES and France travel: readers share experiences

What are the proposed changes to child allowance rules in France?

Why are mutuelle and French health insurance not sharing information?

Neighbour of French home has camera recording our garden – what can we do?

Do we need permission to install pond in garden at French home?

Why are authorities asking about our address to join French social security?