Do self-employed people in France put their personal assets at risk? Rules for self-employed workers are different than for employees
Reduce temperature of French home by one degree to save money and even win gifts One of several ways to reduce electricity usage – and bills – this winter
New €40 fee for exchanging non-French driving licence proposed Incoming fee would apply to all licence exchanges
practical Local officials in south-west France search dumped bin bags to identify culprits Around half of residents yet to collect access cards for new communal bins
Motorway fees to increase in 2026 - see where and by how much Annual increase is lowest for some years
French minimum wage: experts advise annual update for 2026 remain tied to inflation rate 1.4% rise expected to outstrip household cost increase – how does it compare to other countries?
Christmas 2025: festive concerts, carols and markets across France From traditional English-language church services to local Christmas markets and seasonal theatre, here are the highlights of Yuletide events organised by Connexion readers
Key practical and cultural dates for your diary in France for December 2025 Including the day to challenge any mistakes on your property tax (taxe foncière) bill
Christmas warning over French postal customs fees Anyone sending or receiving cards and parcels from abroad during the festive period should take care
Many French bank transfers delayed for four days over Christmas European-wide closure of systems mean payments will not go through until December 28 at the earliest
Travellers to Spain reminded of overtaking rules: French drivers affected Rule change in 2022 set to stay but is unknown by many
What do French notaires do? If you have bought property in France you will have dealt with one. But what else can they help with?
Last few days remaining to modify 2025 tax declaration online in France December 3 closing date for online correction service
I need to leave my husband in France but have no money. What can I do? There are many potential sources of help, by phone or in person
Must residency card holders in France keep three months’ validity on passport? Fast-track and premium renewals are possible
Why hundreds of road signs across France have had flames added to them Signs in at least two dozen departments have been targeted in recent days
New online declarations for taxable gifts in France: what changes? Dedicated website will replace paper declarations and those made via the tax site
Drivers, cyclists and pedestrians warned of major road change in Nice Court rules that widely used one-way seafront road must become two-way
Crédit Agricole customers in France urged to check accounts after payment issues Some scheduled payments did not leave customer accounts
Drivers in France warned to stay vigilant on roads this weekend Winter road safety plan has been launched as icy conditions expected
‘Optimism’ for French property market as demand and prices increase First-time buyers make up over half of all new mortgages as prices slowly rise
Why thousands of parking spaces will soon disappear across France Deadlines for changes from the 2019 Mobility Law are fast approaching
Year-end financial planning in France: key considerations for December Advice on taking stock of your financial position and thinking about any last-minute actions
Property vs capital investments in France – which is better? There are pros and cons to both ways of making your money work
Can you be fined for using a smartwatch when driving in France? Highway Code warns against use of mobile phones, but not smartwatches
Spending time in UK on a French Brexit card: what are the tax implications? Tax residency and right to live in France are two separate issues
Can power of attorney be given to sell French home while abroad? Several regulations were relaxed during the pandemic
My French pensions never go up. How can I check if they are correct? Increases will not be more than the average rise in salaries
Can I ask French police to check on my home when away in winter? Rules are different for main and second homes
Property owners’ tax to rise for 7.4 million French homes Average increases are expected to be €63 and come after a reevaluation of ‘comfort features’ such as indoor toilets
How to reserve a French cemetery plot - and what does it cost? The majority of cemeteries are run by mairies
French mushrooms poisoned my friend - learn to be careful Columnist Sue Adams gives advice on sourcing wild champignons
‘Death tax’ bank fees now capped in France Certain cases exempt from charges for closing a deceased individual’s account
French census 2026: how it works, questions asked and must you answer? National survey creates a snapshot of life in France in order to plan budgets and organise services
Public transport, roads, tap water: French residents’ priorities for local spending in poll Majority of people experienced infrastructure issue in last year
When should you avoid doing DIY in France Columnist Nick Inman helps you decide when to contact - and to wait for - a professional
New health fee: which countries have a bilateral social security agreement with France? Some retirees living in France on ‘visitor visas’ may soon face proposed new charge
Map: How French groundwater levels are faring in November Replenishing begins but remains below 2024 levels
How to check your driving licence points online in France French licences have 12 points on them which can be removed following driving offences
Speed camera along famous Nice coastal road changes location (again) Mobile camera has been set up in several spots since May
Saharan sand to cover cars and buildings in western France Storm in Spain will bring sand grains as far north as Brittany
Are annual boiler checks obligatory in France? Insurance companies may reference your boiler in their documentation
What is considered a ‘modest income’ in France? 12.6% of people were in this category in 2021, according to recent research
Will estranged grandchild inherit part of my father's French estate? - Partner article Expert international legal advice may be necessary, and controversial 2021 inheritance changes affects wills
Can I have both US and French driving licence and use latter at second home? Those obtained from certain US states and other countries cannot be exchanged for one from France
Is it possible to contest property tax bill from French authorities? Taxes are based on property status at start of year
Is there a set date by which I must arrive in France from US on long-stay visa? VLS-TS visas must be validated within three months
‘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
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
How to save money on pet care in France From vet bills to food here is 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 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 duties payble on personal items when moving away from France? A relief on customs duties is available for certain possessions
What do I need to do if my partner dies when we are at our second home in France? Several steps must usually be taken in first 24 hours
Can I contest a failed roadworthiness test in France? All test centres work with a mediator to resolve disputes
What are EDF ‘red days’ and how could they increase your French energy bill? Special tariffs scattered across winter months can see electricity costs triple
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
Can I take my small pot pension from the UK early while living in France? The UK has specific rules relating to pensions worth no more than €10,000
French house prices: see how your area fares in new notaire data Caen, Grenoble and Reims saw significant rises in a year whilst Lyon, Bordeaux and Montauban saw drops
Struggle to find tradespeople for home repairs in France, survey finds 67% of respondents believe 'the government could implement more measures to improve the situation'
Tests underway on French motorway into recharging electric vehicle as you drive ‘World-first’ scheme sees quicker charging times than traditional methods
French second home tax: over 1,600 communes opt for additional levy Communes deemed to face housing shortage can opt for surtax of up to 60% more on top of taxe d'habitation bill
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
