Grand crème, café crème, au lait: how to order coffee in France? We explain the subtle distinctions between the various terms used in cafés
Photos: the best English bookshops in Paris according to Vogue France From ‘chic’ historic addresses to ‘cutting edge publishing houses’, find your favourite
How do new French life expectancy stats compare with US and UK? We also look at other data in the new official population report
People in France living longer in good health - and for longer than in UK and US New official data also shows a rise in the number of years of good health before disability begins to affect quality of life
Does France still shut down for the month of August? It is best to avoid doing certain tasks during the summer months
Brazilian discount chain Atacadão opens in France for bulk buys The store, which is owned by Carrefour, promises to offer items up to 10-15% cheaper than in regular supermarkets
How much money do people in France need to live well? What is the role of money in well-being and how much do people need on average, new poll asks
Five things they do not tell you about partying in France A humorous look at the unspoken rules when you ‘faire la fête’
Life expectancy in France hits a record - and births plummet People in France can now expect to live the longest ever from birth, but the birth rate is dropping, and the population is ageing overall
Learn from the French: how Christmas étrennes gifts work While étrennes are not an obligation, our French writer says it could be considered rude not to give anything but who should you give to and how much?
‘Running our Normandy camper van site is a holiday that never ends’ A couple’s determination to beat French bureaucracy and open their dream camper van site pays off
Why are essential items so expensive in France? This is not the first time, in 2019, food products and non-alcoholic beverages were 15% more expensive in France than the EU average
Five good news articles from France including a great door idea We also look at haircuts for the homeless and a Harry Potter-style Rentrée….Here are five good news stories to take you into the weekend
From Renaissance to Hockney - 12 Spring exhibitions to see in France A snapshot of this year’s cultural scene also takes in exhibitions of the Ancient Greeks and Egyptians as well as putting the Normans in their place
Motorcyclists fill potholes with Easter eggs to protest French roads Campaigners want to highlight what they see as the ' oeuf-ul ' state of the country’s roads
Why are so many people in France living to 100 now? New figures show France has seen a sharp rise in the number of people becoming centenarians. We break down the data and explore why
Could national service soon be mandatory in France? The government is said to be considering a trial of universal national service in term time for high school students. The first experiments could begin next year
France's 'best places to live': how is your town or village rated? Pyrénées-Atlantiques and Calvados are the most praised departments. The listing, now in its fourth year, uses criteria set by the public and official statistics
People in France are living longer in good health, study finds The data shows an improvement when compared to the same report in 2008
‘France’s favourite village’: See 14 contenders for this year’s vote Feast your eyes on the 2023 shortlist with criteria combining visual beauty and historical charm
MAP: See how life expectancy rates vary across France Recent figures show people live on average longer than in many other western countries; women in France fare particularly well
We French are not lazy, that’s not what today’s strikes are about The belief that a separate ‘French way’ exists is still deep-rooted collectively in our minds
Fuel aid, pension strike action, tax credits: The week ahead in France This week (January 16-22) will also see the start of the famous Dunkirk carnival
France’s regulated winter sales: start and end dates for 2023 Les soldes d’hiver mainly take place over a six-week period which is set nationally rather than decided by individual brands
How much money do you need for a ‘decent life’ in France? We speak to the economist who calculated the monthly income needed for couples, families, single or retired people
Has your area of France gained or lost inhabitants in recent years? New statistics for 2014-2020 show a slowdown in population growth but not evenly across the country. Paris has lost tens of thousands of residents
Energy, Linky, post: Thirteen changes affecting life in France in 2023 We look at gas and electricity price caps, how digital postage will work and more
Brittany town painstakingly recreated in miniature by dedicated couple What started as a helping hand to enhance the local church’s nativity scene became a monumental project involving 50 people
MAP: The French place names you find hardest to pronounce Caen, Pineuilh, Cunlhat: which of our readers' suggestions do you find trickiest to say?
Learn from the French: how to order the perfect baguette Mi-cuite or pas trop cuite? Une ficelle or une flute? The Connexion breaks down the terms often used in French boulangeries
New poll: Most people in France are ‘happy’...but less so than in 2021 Happiness levels are still high, but those struggling financially are less content, amid rising worries over purchasing power, quality of life, climate change, and health
Nantes basilica’s ‘golden angels’ found 13 years after being stolen The statues had been taken down from the church’s spire for renovation works, when they disappeared
Dogs just as numerous as people at French chateau weekend visit The Château d’Ussé is one of the only such attractions in France to allow dogs to walk inside and is keen to encourage canine visitors
French cheesemakers bring out an advent calendar with 24 types to try Each numbered door leads to a different cheese, with the Strasbourg-based makers promising a real tasting experience
France’s favourite brands: Decathlon, Peugeot and E. Leclerc top poll The sports giant topped the podium for the third year running
Updated: Is France in a ‘spiral of chaos and decline’? Your feedback An article on the website of the UK Telegraph claims France has lost control of its borders and French cities are often sites of ‘lawless anarchy.’ Our readers do not generally agree
‘Ghost areas’: The places in France where no one lives There is also a village in France that has only one resident and another just two, a new map shows
French legends part five: Kings and magic – stories from the centre We end our myths and legends’ series with a look at the middle of France from a mysterious boy, to three unfortunate miners and a land of sorcerers
French legends part four: Bluebeard and bears – stories from the west We continue our myths and legends’ series with a look west to a sunken city, the origins of Bluebeard and the popular tale of John the bear
12 million people in France have drunk pesticide-contaminated water Up to 20% of the population – especially in Brittany – has consumed water with potentially dangerous pesticide levels. We ask: should we switch to bottled?
French legends part three: Devils & dentists – stories from the south We continue our myths and legends’ series with a look south to a devil’s bridge, a healing tooth, two strange creatures and a stone woman
How far can you get by train in five hours from near you in France? You can see the maximum distance you can travel from any of Europe’s stations in one to five hours on a dedicated website – how does your local station do?
‘Surprised, touched’: our French neighbours’ kindness at Queen’s death Connexion readers tell of emails received from French friends and ‘a more gentle approach’ by shop staff after the news broke
100 French sites chosen for restoration in annual ‘heritage mission’ Among the chosen constructions are several dovecotes, a theatre, a stable and a small bridge in Brittany designed by famed architect Gustave Eiffel
Where does the South of France start? Tourism offices share thoughts Some suggest different cities or mountains which could serve as unofficial borders
Calling all pickleball fans: help grow the US craze in France Could enthusiasm from American expats help overcome marketing and cultural hardships here? This week is a big one for the sport in France
People in France are still biggest drinkers of rosé wine in world Adults in France enjoy the equivalent of 20 bottles per year, a new report finds
The legend of the ‘dahu’: the French mountain goat that does not exist The mysterious animal is said to be a kind of mountain goat and is widely spoken about across France and beyond
MAP: France’s most welcoming towns and villages We look at the places rated as being most accessible and interesting to visitors according to users of a leading hotel reservation site
Updated Map: French commune names that sound like something funny From Condom to Bizou, we take a trip around France’s bizarre-sounding towns and villages – now including new reader suggestions
Australian in Paris walks every street to see variety of his district The 36-year-old spent more than two weeks discovering the 20th arrondissement by foot so as to better understand its diverse cultures
French baker’s coloured ‘art’ croissants draw queues round the block A 22-year-old baker who perfected his viennoiserie skills in lockdown once sold his whole stock in 24 minutes due to his colourful and creative designs
From a rented caravan in UK to buying entire French hamlet for €26,000 The married couple are now restoring the historic buildings – including functioning cider press and communal bread oven – to create a gîte complex
What can we do about dogs’ early morning barking near our French home? There are several steps that a resident can take to tackle this situation. We explain
Musician Ben Harper plans to leave 'toxic' US to live in France The singer-songwriter is considering Toulouse, Bordeaux or Paris. He says he is leaving the US due to its ‘backwards’ position on abortion, racism, and guns
Ask a French person: why would bakery not swap my ‘soggy’ pastry? We look at why a reader’s request to swap a pastry resulted in the baker threatening to call the police
‘I returned to UK from France, did not feel at home so came back’ A Connexion reader tells how she enjoyed her new life in Dorset but after time – especially following the Brexit vote – realised her heart was still in France
Can I have an outdoor fire pit or chiminea in my French garden? It is forbidden to burn rubbish on an open fire in a garden but here we look at the rules for these outdoor devices which are mainly used for cooking or heating
Locals clash over win as crowds flock to France's favourite village Bergheim has been buzzing with tourists since its victory but will it lose its local charm over the next few months? Locals give their views
Career change in France: nuclear inspector to yoga teacher ‘The contrast between my old and new job could not be starker’
France’s favourite village announced… but it now fears the crowds Previous winners warn of the double-edged sword of success, which can overwhelm small villages with visitors
Map: See top 50 best French towns and cities to live in in 2022 The majority of towns in the top 20 are in Normandy, Brittany, Pays de la Loire and Nouvelle Aquitaine
Career change in France: from window displays to powerful photography ‘I have found my niche at last’ - Lisa Derevycka, 49, explains her move from a merchandiser for GAP to taking empowering studio photos of women
Have you voted for your favourite French market yet? The fifth annual TF1 competition seeks to ‘celebrate markets and encourage the values that they represent’. Voting is open until June 22
Living in France could cost around €90 a month more due to inflation The main extra costs are due to increased energy costs, fuel prices, and rising supermarket prices, a new study shows
Which French departments have more cows, pigs and sheep than people? See maps made using data collected by France’s national statistics institute
Are your taste buds turning French? You share your thoughts Connexion readers say whether they have adopted French breakfasts, fish and meat dishes, or whether they still prefer milky coffees and bangers and mash
‘France is a cultured country in a sense that Britain is not’ Our reader shares his opinion on why he has benefited from moving from the UK to the operatic hotspot of Hérault
Some Covid rules ease today in France, intensive care numbers stable Hospitalisations are rising in keeping with recent higher case numbers. The number of seriously sick Covid patients remains high but steady
MaPrimeRenov: How to claim grant for energy upgrades in French home The government will introduce new measures to make it easier to access subsidies for improving the energy efficiency of your home. We look at the process
News in brief for Britons in France this December S1 application deadline looming, means testing for EU family returning to UK and more
It is planting season in France: Why plant bare root? Cathy Thompson's tips on bareroot planting in your French garden this autumn
Brittany: Homebuyers sign contracts accepting country life A new clause in contracts for homebuyers in Morbihan confirms they will accept the sights, sounds and smells of country life
