Practical

How to save money on fashion and clothes in France

Growing number of second-hand shops are selling clothes by weight

Many French supermarket loyalty card points expire soon – see dates here

Most points disappear between December and March

Flu epidemic still widespread in France, but pressure on health services eases

Winter infections pass their peak, latest data shows

practical

'Visitor' card holders: what to do if refused 10-year card

Problems arise sometimes when people apply after having had five years in France under cartes de séjour ‘visiteur’

Can Accueil des Villes Françaises help me make friends in France?

Organisation aims especially to help newcomers settle in

How and when to watch the Six Nations rugby for free on French TV

France will play Ireland in the opening match at the Stade de France on February 5

Repayable-on-death equity release loans open again to non-EU retirees

Products have recently started being offered by bank group again after it paused them in 2019

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

The UK's ETA rules are due to start this month

Can small businesses earn interest on deposits in France?

Accounts in France are dominated by government-regulated products such as the Livret A and its higher-paying counterpart, the Livret d’épargne populaire (LEP)

Financial mistakes newcomers to France make – and how to avoid them

Many wrongly assume that the rules broadly mirror those of their home country

What does a French tontine actually look like?

It may be stated in the title section of paperwork

What do I need to do if my pet dies in France?

French regulations require animals to be cremated

Am I being overcharged on savings in France?

A reader writes about income tax demands on interest

What is France’s free ‘pass Culture’ and how is it changing in 2026?

The scheme aims to facilitate young people’s access to culture

How to deal with asbestos in France

As the material ages, it degrades - becoming more likely to release harmful fibres

Do unmarried partners of French and EU citizens have the same rights as married ones?

Freedom of movement rules apply to EU spouses

What rent should I declare on my biens immobiliers declaration?

Data used for an upcoming reevaluation of the valeurs locatives cadastrales of French properties

Why do I struggle to find English-language newspapers in France?

Online versions are widely available

I had no debits taken for French residential tax - what should I do?

Amounts taken depend on how much, and when, you are scheduled to pay

Is there shortcut for six-month French visa application?

Appointments require physical visit to processing centre

Are pet vaccines a legal requirement in France?

Certain vaccinations are mandatory before animals can travel

What the seller of a house in France must leave or remove

There are regulations in place for certain items, others can be subject to agreement

Barking dogs in France: when noise becomes a nuisance and how to take action

There are nearly 7 million dogs in France and their barking is a common problem

Can I charge electric vehicle when parked outside my home?

Rules on parking can also affect those looking to charge electric vehicles

French MPs and Senators agree to scrap low-emission ZFE zones

Agreement on ending of zones dependent on final votes next week

Water-use restrictions lifted for some households in the Pyrénées-Orientales

Rainfall replenishes reservoirs but bans still remain in northern areas

French law on snow tyres criticised as authorities unable to issue fines

Loi Montagne was implemented in 2021 but decree authorising fines to be given is yet to be passed

Poor-quality fibre internet installations remain an issue in France

Stricter measures are announced to improve connection quality

France’s ‘most profitable’ radar flashes 170,000 drivers per year

Radar on motorway between Nice and Antibes has ranked among France’s busiest since 2018 speed limit change on stretch of road

France’s ‘solidarité fiscale’: when you are responsible for your partner’s tax

Couples who are married or in a civil partnership are jointly liable for certain taxes.

How I reinforced my barn's 150-year-old timber beams

Columnist Nick Inman shares his experiences restoring an old French farmhouse

How to plan your finances for the year ahead in France

Finding a long-term strategy that safeguards your security through retirement

Interest rate for Livret A savings accounts in France to drop from February 2026

Lower inflation rate causes decrease

Banking fees in France: nearly €72 a year on average for low use in 2026

Account holders have seen fees increased at levels significantly above inflation

Speed camera in Brittany reinstalled after being burnt three times

Mairie says radar is ‘only response to safety concerns’ by local residents

New ‘click to pay’ options to arrive for online purchases in France

Service will save card details on devices and avoid users having to enter details each time they wish to pay online

I have received a second-home tax bill for my main home in France - what should I do?

Ensure the tax office has the correct personal details

How can I help my child to integrate in France?

Children tend to pick up languages quicker than adults

Is buying or renting property better in France?

Large variations in the respective costs exist between different regions

How can residents complete French census if abroad at the time?

Millions required to complete census across next month

Can I leave my bin outside if it is not a collection day in France?

Communes set local collection days that vary depending on location

French motorway breakdown fees rise in 2026: how does the system work?

Motorway operators are responsible for callouts on roads they control

French woman ordered to pay €6,000 after suing Air France over lost luggage

Recent case sheds light on airline liability and the risks of pursuing legal action

Help available for struggling self-employed workers in France

Three specific schemes launched for individuals running their own businesses who have run into difficulty

French driver fined €135 and has points removed from licence for using phone in parking lot

The move has been criticised for its overly-strict interpretation of driving regulations

Must restaurants serve you free tap water in France?

There are several rules surrounding beverages in French restaurants

Why flying from France is often cheaper than taking the train

Rail travel can be three times more expensive on cross-border routes, says report from French environmental organisation

France’s 2026 census begins: Who must do it and how?

Census is carried out each year but only some residents need to complete it. English-language assistance is available

Relocating to France from the UK - Financial considerations

Financial guidance for Mr & Mrs Thompson who are moving from Gloucester to the west coast of France

France’s ‘garden shed’ tax rates fall for first time in nine years: 2026 rates

Tax is paid on a per m² basis for many property improvements, with fixed values in place for some installations

Driving from France into Switzerland in 2026: latest sticker requirements

Sticker comes in physical or digital format, and failure to have it results in a fine

How I managed to cut the cost of energy bills at my French home

Connexion reader Anthony Powell embraced renewable solutions in years-long renovation project

What are seatbelt rules on coaches and buses in France?

Police have been carrying out spot checks on school buses

New night ski train boosts rail travel to French Alps resorts

Sleeper train leaves Paris Gare de Lyon on Friday evenings, arriving on Saturday morning

New taxi fees for France: examples for Lyon, Nice, Paris

Fees and surcharges are regulated by government, with set prices for popular airport routes

How can I protect my second home in France from mice while I am away?

Pests can enter homes at any period

Farmer protests to continue despite France opposing Mercosur trade deal

French opposition to free-trade deal did not swing scale on key vote

Your neighbour can legally check (part of) your tax assessment in France

There are strict conditions that must be met, however

Commission votes to raise French income tax bands in boost for taxpayers

Measure still faces opposition

US special needs trusts and the law in France

French legal system treats trusts rather sceptically

French mairie offers ‘civil baptisms’ - what are they?

France offers several secular alternatives to religious ceremonies

When my husband dies will I lose access to healthcare in France through his S1?

Settled residents in France can access healthcare through 'Puma' system

Is French ‘malus’ tax being applied to second-hand cars?

Change was included in 2025 budget law

Why was passport stamped when entering France?

EES began rollout in October

Departments in south-west France introduce tougher penalties for mobile phone usage when driving

Measure comes after record numbers of drivers caught using phones on the road

How long must I keep important documents in France?

Tax notices, family records, healthcare….what should you keep and for how long?

Warnings issued in France over rise in QR code scams: How to protect yourself

Fake links and payment traps are increasingly used to steal data as QR codes become more widespread

French tax payment due for nine million households. Will you get it?

Payouts average €600 and will soon be made directly to registered bank accounts

France santé promises better GP access

The initiative aims to improve GP access and reduce wait times in medical deserts across the country.

Tips to save money on heating your French home

From collecting your own firewood to updating your boiler, The Connexion shares tips to keep heating costs down as winter draws in and the temperature plummets