Practical

Is new healthcare fee for Americans still on the way in France?

Last year French MP told how he put forward plan aimed at ‘visitor visa’ holders

French police issue warning over new ‘fake bank card’ scam

Accompanying letter asks users to set up new card using fake bank website and QR code

Five-year WA card holders in France reminded to apply for renewal in good time

If you obtained your card in 2021, you should apply to renew it two months before the expiry date

practical

How to fit in when you move to France: avoid that ‘expat bubble’

After two decades in central Brittany, Jill Fitzgerald O’Connor wants to help other movers feel part of their new community

Do I need separate caravan insurance in France?

Fixed and mobile models have different rules and coverage

Can EU citizens get French identity cards?

French-issued ID can be useful for some administrative procedures

Can you offer rentals in France when staying on visitor visa?

There are different thresholds for rentals before they are deemed as ‘professional income’

How can I know if speed limit is 80 km/h or 90 km/h on road following changes?

More than 50 departments have partially or fully overturned 2018 law change reducing limits on secondary roads

+39% increase: Paris sees major parking cost changes in 2026

Arrondissements in the east saw the largest increase in costs

Traffic warnings in place this weekend as French school holidays continue

Many drivers will be heading to the Alps leading to congested roads

Private radar vehicles catch 4,000 drivers speeding in south west France in just four months

More than one-fifth of infractions were recorded on Toulouse ring road

Must all properties in France have a ‘smart’ thermostat?

Modern thermostats can automatically set temperatures even when residents are away

Another French region to increase ‘carte grise’ costs in March: what are prices near you?

Seven regions now charge maximum ‘CV’ tax

How to save money on fashion and clothes in France

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

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

Organisation aims especially to help newcomers settle in

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 accurate are time estimates for French hiking paths?

Mathematical formula is basis for sign figures

French visas, cartes de séjour and removals of foreign nationals in 2025

The number of foreigners in France hits its highest level ever

As a US citizen, living in France, why do I still get stuck in non-EU lanes since EES start?

We clarify rules around passport lanes and why they may be slow this year

How to deal with asbestos in France

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

How did George Clooney obtain French citizenship despite speaking little French?

Were 'double standards' involved, or did he follow standard procedure?

Income tax bands in France for declarations in 2026 (for 2025 income)

The thresholds are usually updated each year in line with inflation

Are children living outside of France obliged to look after their parents?

Both parents and children have familial obligations to financially support each other

Travelling during a residency card renewal: how can I show I am exempt from EES?

Tens of thousands of ‘Brexit’ cards are nearing expiry this year

Can I work in France with UK TEFL teaching qualifications after Brexit?

Advice for foreign language teachers seeking employment in France after Brexit.

Could I be forced to sell my house to pay fees if my spouse has to move into nursing home?

Various funding options exist that can help towards costs of residential care

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

Practical

Is new healthcare fee for Americans still on the way in France?

French police issue warning over new ‘fake bank card’ scam

Five-year WA card holders in France reminded to apply for renewal in good time

How to fit in when you move to France: avoid that ‘expat bubble’

Trending

Second death and homes evacuated as Storm Nils batters south-west France

Pistes closed, confinement orders: Alpine resorts deal with avalanche risk

‘Stay home’: Red weather alerts raised as Storm Nils sweeps France

Ryanair axes Dublin-Rodez route but London connection retained

French police issue warning over new ‘fake bank card’ scam

French weekend weather forecast February 14-15: snow returns as temperatures plummet

Is this the end of free mountain rescue in France?

Do I need separate caravan insurance in France?

Can EU citizens get French identity cards?

Can you offer rentals in France when staying on visitor visa?

How can I know if speed limit is 80 km/h or 90 km/h on road following changes?

+39% increase: Paris sees major parking cost changes in 2026

Traffic warnings in place this weekend as French school holidays continue

Private radar vehicles catch 4,000 drivers speeding in south west France in just four months

Must all properties in France have a ‘smart’ thermostat?

Another French region to increase ‘carte grise’ costs in March: what are prices near you?

How to save money on fashion and clothes in France

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Can small businesses earn interest on deposits in France?

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

What does a French tontine actually look like?

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

Am I being overcharged on savings in France?

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

How accurate are time estimates for French hiking paths?

French visas, cartes de séjour and removals of foreign nationals in 2025

As a US citizen, living in France, why do I still get stuck in non-EU lanes since EES start?

How to deal with asbestos in France

How did George Clooney obtain French citizenship despite speaking little French?

Income tax bands in France for declarations in 2026 (for 2025 income)

Are children living outside of France obliged to look after their parents?

Travelling during a residency card renewal: how can I show I am exempt from EES?

Can I work in France with UK TEFL teaching qualifications after Brexit?

Could I be forced to sell my house to pay fees if my spouse has to move into nursing home?

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

What rent should I declare on my biens immobiliers declaration?

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

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

Is there shortcut for six-month French visa application?

Are pet vaccines a legal requirement in France?

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

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

Can I charge electric vehicle when parked outside my home?

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

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

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

Poor-quality fibre internet installations remain an issue in France

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

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

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

How to plan your finances for the year ahead in France

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

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

Speed camera in Brittany reinstalled after being burnt three times

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

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

How can I help my child to integrate in France?

Is buying or renting property better in France?

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

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

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

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

Help available for struggling self-employed workers in France

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

Must restaurants serve you free tap water in France?

Why flying from France is often cheaper than taking the train

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

Relocating to France from the UK - Financial considerations