Practical

‘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

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

System removes need for paper tickets but ensures drivers do not forget to pay tolls

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

Mistakes made in setting up the structure may cause issues

practical

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

Digital border checks to start early next year as authorities await approval from French counterparts

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

Discussions said to be ongoing to find the best start date

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

A ban on letting ‘G’ rated properties came into effect this year

Tips to save money on… looking after your pets in France

From vet bills to food, Jessica Jones explains 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 import duties for items when moving back to the UK from France?

A relief on customs duties is available for certain possessions

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

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

Car ownership costs on the rise in France

Up to 80% of monthly household transportation budget goes towards vehicle costs

Heat pumps three times more efficient than oil or gas boilers, French study reveals

Pumps could be an economical and ecologically sound heating solution

What you need to know when collecting rainwater in France

The rules are complex and depend on what you plan to do with it

What happens if a British person dies alone in France with no heirs or will? - Partner article

Rules can be complicated if there are assets in both countries

Can I install a small structure for work use on my land in France? - Partner article

'Garden shed tax' can be levied in certain circumstances

How is capital gains tax calculated for en viager properties in France?

Amount is calculated taking account of both increase in value and ongoing 'rent' income

Registering a used car in France may cost more from 2026. Here’s why

Malus system for heavy and polluting cars will be applied to some older vehicles when sold

‘It’s time’: why we chose to move back to UK from France

Columnist Gillian Harvey reflects on making the big decision

Plastic versus copper plumbing in France

Columnist Nick Inman charts the ups and downs of renovating an old French farmhouse

Why do pensioners get a 10% tax allowance against income in France?

The deduction is applied automatically and does not have to be claimed

How to get help with French admin from France services

Free advice is available on everything from tax queries to job hunting

French home insurance: average costs are on the rise

Location and weather risks biggest contributor to increase

EES rollout: which French border points are affected first?

We look at airports, Dover and other ports and Eurostar passengers and what the process involves, including travel questions

Why French drivers are turning towards long-term car rental

Despite higher costs lease rental now dominates the market

Road accident hotspot in Normandy prompts calls for speed camera action

Local authorities want speed camera installed ‘without consultation’ to be placed in better location

Am I impacted by EES if catching a connecting flight?

We also cover rules for cruises

Map: what are France's groundwater levels at start of autumn 2025 ?

Water-saving measures were in place throughout the summer

Practical

‘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'

Trending

French MPs back new health fee for ‘visitor visas’ and target Americans

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

French weekly weather forecast November 10 - 14: Up to 25C

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

What happens in France on November 11 bank holiday and are shops open?

Nicolas Sarkozy to be released from Paris prison after three weeks

EasyJet offers 17 new winter routes to France, including several from UK

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

Tips to save money on… looking after your pets 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 import duties for items when moving back to the UK 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?

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

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

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

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

French pharmacies attract American visitors with their lower prices

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

Map: check the quality of your tap water in France

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

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

What is the tontine option for property in France?

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

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

Car ownership costs on the rise in France

Heat pumps three times more efficient than oil or gas boilers, French study reveals

What you need to know when collecting rainwater in France

What happens if a British person dies alone in France with no heirs or will? - Partner article

Can I install a small structure for work use on my land in France? - Partner article