Practical

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

practical

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?

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

Is it possible to register for barrier-free motorway alerts in France with a UK-registered car?

Concessionaires offer alerts notifying drivers when vehicle has passed through such routes

What savings can you make with an heures creuses electricity contract?

Off-peak hours are soon set to change

New cyberattack hits La Poste parcel and banking service

Many services were unavailable for much of New Year’s Day. Personal data is reported to be safe

French minimum wage to increase in January 2026

The ‘Smic’ will not be increased above legal minimum

New Year traffic: list of roads to avoid this weekend

Traffic is expected to pick up as many return from skiing and trips abroad with children back at school on January 5

Is there a way to check official information on French low-emission zones?

The future of ‘ZFEs’ remains unknown, but 25 are currently in place

How to lower the amount you pay for insurance in France

‘Big three’ insurances all set to see costs rise in 2026

Excessive speeding in France can now result in jail sentence

Over 60,000 cases of excessive speeding were recorded last year

Winter sales 2026: when do they start in France and what are the rules

Les soldes d’hiver have fixed dates and limits on stock

How to dispose of your Christmas tree in France in 2026

Dumping an old tree on the pavement, in a park or in woodland is illegal, and can result in a fine

Christmas gifts: from what sum must they be declared to French tax office

The process for declaration is moving fully online from January 2026

New DPE requirements affect 11 million flats in France

Certificates evaluate the energy performance of exterior walls, windows, roofs and shared areas

Millions in France miss out on flight delay compensation

Growing trend of airlines trying to avoid paying out, research finds

When is an Airbnb really a hotel for the French tax office?

Classification as 'non-professional' used to be simplest way to register revenue

What to do if Christmas parcels in France arrive late or damaged?

There are various routes to follow dependent upon the issue

Why up to 200,000 households in France risk paying tax – or paying more – in 2026

Lack of a 2026 full budget has many implications

French government drops controversial VAT reforms for self-employed workers

Proposals will not be included in future budget discussions and current levels will remain in place

Electricity bills to remain stable for most homes in France, says government

Significant rises are not forecast for customers on regulated tariffs in next two years

Six financial checks that every expat in France should do each January

A small amount of organisation now can save considerable stress later

French officials publish reminder on when gifts require formal declaration

New online system will be in place from January 2026

Festive travel reminder for residency card holders as new border checks expand in France

The EU’s Entry/Exit System is being rolled out progressively

Major IT failure hits French banks and La Poste

Personal online spaces and apps have been down since 6am

Small but significant change to French tax website

France flagged as facing problems as airports urge EES changes

Urgent solutions needed to avoid ‘mayhem’, EU told

Cheaper car fuel as French supermarkets launch two-day promotion

Cost-price fuel may also entice buyers into the supermarket

Map: French motorways and major roads to avoid as families head to slopes

Red traffic warnings are in place for Friday December 19

How can I find out who the owner of a property is in France?

There are a few methods you can use to ascertain ownership

Will we have to pay back any of the French Aspa pension top-up money we have received?

Benefit can become repayable after a recipient’s death

Does the French 2021 forced heirship law apply to non-residents’ second homes?

Whether it is applicable depends on the family situation

Are French speed limits lower when it is raining? How severe must weather be?

Several weather conditions affect maximum speeds in France

Is insurance from a GHIC health card sufficient for visiting second home in France?

Health cards provide ‘medically necessary’ coverage

French property market: latest official statistics for 2025

Notaires have presented a ‘cautiously optimistic’ but still-mixed picture

Graph: road fatalities in France in November 2025 higher than previous year

More than 1,200 serious injuries were recorded alongside 270 fatalities

Skiing in France: a mistake could cost you thousands

137,000 winter sports accidents were recorded during the 2023/2024 winter season

What is French ‘forced heirship’ inheritance rule and does it affect me?

Rule has come to the fore following 2021 law changes

France’s Christmas bonus: who receives it, and how much is it in 2025?

Around two million households are eligible for one-off ‘prime de Noël’ payment

Where are lumpy skin disease cases affecting cattle in France?

The outbreak has led to compulsory culls of cattle

Speed radars in France 'vandalised' with Christmas decorations

Farmers protesting ‘Mercosur’ trade deal take festive aim at government

Farmer protests: How to check which French roads are blocked today

Tractor blockades cause disruption to motorways and local traffic

French citizenship: requirements, exceptions and what to expect

An inside guide from one of our team who has recently become French

Sore throat in France: pharmacy tests can see if your need antibiotics

They can determine if you need antibiotics or not

I lost my cat from French home - then the scammers moved in

Connexion reader in south-west France raises the alarm about missing pets after her own disappeared this summer

How to set up a fuse box in a French home

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

How to arrange a green funeral in France

Obsèques écologiques have been slow to gain popularity in the country

Taxe foncière: how to ask for delay, reduction, or cancellation of French property tax

Requests can be made even after the payment date has passed

French MPs vote in favour of automatic renewal of long-term residency cards

Multi-year and 10-year cards would be only be refused in case of legal grounds for refusal

How to save money on your French tax bill by giving to charity this year

Gifts to good causes before January can be declared in your spring 2026 tax return

Are there exemptions for customs duties when importing a car to France from outside the EU?

Some UK cars are exempt based on where parts originate

Can adult children be held responsible for the debts of their parents in France?

If the mother or father has died the situation can be complex

Why am I suddenly being charged withholding tax in France?

Upcoming instalments can be viewed through personal space of French tax site

Are new UK pet passports being introduced? Will they be accepted in France?

UK made easier pet travel one aim of talks earlier this year

Does registered mail in France come with insurance? La Poste lost €1,000 package

Complaints can be taken to postal ombudsman

Ferry prices: summer 2026 France-UK crossings

Find out which routes are cheapest and whether night or day travel is best

Work on A69 motorway in south-west France should continue, judges told

Appeals court will rule on the matter in January and usually follows rapporteur advice

Health focus: the winter bronchitis epidemic in France

Up to 10 million people get the acute form every year

Cybercrime rises in France: see some free resources to fight it

Attacks are becoming more numerous, targeted and difficult to detect

Thinking of taking gifts from France this Christmas? Check the rules first

It is illegal to take some common French produce into the UK or US

Last day to benefit from free online call with a French notaire

‘Virtual fair’ provides opportunity to ask notaires about matters relating to property, inheritance etc

I'm worried my dogs will be terrified by French neighbour's fireworks

Columnist Cynthia Spillman recommends some strategies to manage the situation

French contrôle technique test to also check for faulty airbags from January 1, 2026

Vehicles fitted with Takata airbags that are subject to an ongoing stop-drive campaign will fail and be unable to be driven until issue resolved

Practical

What are seatbelt rules on coaches and buses in France?

New night ski train boosts rail travel to French Alps resorts

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

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

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Why was passport stamped when entering France?

New night ski train boosts rail travel to French Alps resorts

Speed, alcohol, drugs: French ski resorts take action

UK-EU talks raise hopes of easing post-Brexit rules for Britons in France

Egg shortages continue in France after bird flu and weather chaos

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

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

Farmer protests to continue despite France opposing Mercosur trade deal

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

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

US special needs trusts and the law in France

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

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

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

Why was passport stamped when entering France?

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

How long must I keep important documents in France?

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

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

France santé promises better GP access

Tips to save money on heating your French home

Interest payment dates for French tax-free savings accounts

Can I ask for branded medicine instead of generic at a French pharmacy?

Do I need the devis to contest French builder’s bad job?

What is diamond sign that has appeared on major road near my French home?

Six ‘black traffic’ days predicted in France for 2026

Is it possible to register for barrier-free motorway alerts in France with a UK-registered car?

What savings can you make with an heures creuses electricity contract?

New cyberattack hits La Poste parcel and banking service

French minimum wage to increase in January 2026

New Year traffic: list of roads to avoid this weekend

Is there a way to check official information on French low-emission zones?

How to lower the amount you pay for insurance in France

Excessive speeding in France can now result in jail sentence

Winter sales 2026: when do they start in France and what are the rules

How to dispose of your Christmas tree in France in 2026

Christmas gifts: from what sum must they be declared to French tax office

New DPE requirements affect 11 million flats in France

Millions in France miss out on flight delay compensation

When is an Airbnb really a hotel for the French tax office?

What to do if Christmas parcels in France arrive late or damaged?

Why up to 200,000 households in France risk paying tax – or paying more – in 2026

French government drops controversial VAT reforms for self-employed workers

Electricity bills to remain stable for most homes in France, says government

Six financial checks that every expat in France should do each January

French officials publish reminder on when gifts require formal declaration

Festive travel reminder for residency card holders as new border checks expand in France

Major IT failure hits French banks and La Poste

Small but significant change to French tax website

France flagged as facing problems as airports urge EES changes

Cheaper car fuel as French supermarkets launch two-day promotion

Map: French motorways and major roads to avoid as families head to slopes

How can I find out who the owner of a property is in France?

Will we have to pay back any of the French Aspa pension top-up money we have received?

Does the French 2021 forced heirship law apply to non-residents’ second homes?

Are French speed limits lower when it is raining? How severe must weather be?

Is insurance from a GHIC health card sufficient for visiting second home in France?

French property market: latest official statistics for 2025

Graph: road fatalities in France in November 2025 higher than previous year

Skiing in France: a mistake could cost you thousands

What is French ‘forced heirship’ inheritance rule and does it affect me?

France’s Christmas bonus: who receives it, and how much is it in 2025?

Where are lumpy skin disease cases affecting cattle in France?

Speed radars in France 'vandalised' with Christmas decorations

Farmer protests: How to check which French roads are blocked today

French citizenship: requirements, exceptions and what to expect

Sore throat in France: pharmacy tests can see if your need antibiotics

I lost my cat from French home - then the scammers moved in

How to set up a fuse box in a French home

How to arrange a green funeral in France

Taxe foncière: how to ask for delay, reduction, or cancellation of French property tax

French MPs vote in favour of automatic renewal of long-term residency cards

How to save money on your French tax bill by giving to charity this year

Are there exemptions for customs duties when importing a car to France from outside the EU?