What changes for residents in France in February 2026

Several changes take effect in France in February, affecting savings, household bills, transport, health and key administrative deadlines.

Electricity and gas prices

Electricity bills are set to fall slightly. France’s energy regulator, the Commission de régulation de l’énergie (CRE), has proposed a 0.83% reduction in regulated electricity tariffs from February 1.

Similarly, the transmission tariff contribution (CTA) is falling from 21.93% to 15%.

CRE president Emmanuelle Wargon said the change to the regulated tariff could reduce the average bill by around €9 per year (this becomes €12 when combined with the CRE change). While the government is not obliged to follow the recommendation, it usually does.

Regulated tariffs fell in February 2025, but other components of bills increased at the same time, limiting the overall impact.

For gas, the CRE’s monthly benchmark price for residential contracts will fall by around 1.75% in February compared with January. This figure already includes a planned 6.43% increase in excise duties.

The benchmark price is not binding, however, and suppliers are not required to adjust their offers accordingly. Customers may need to compare contracts to benefit from lower prices.

Interest rates fall

The Livret A rate will fall from 1.7% to 1.5%. Interest on the account is calculated twice a month, on the 1st and 15th, meaning the new rate applies immediately.

The cut is slightly less severe than initially expected, after the authorities intervened to prevent a sharper drop linked to low inflation.

The Livret d’épargne populaire (LEP), reserved for lower-income households, will also see its rate reduced, from 2.7% to 2.5%.

Cigarette prices rise again

Many cigarette and rolling tobacco products will increase in price from February 1, following a first round of rises in January.

Prices are set by French Customs and published by decree in the Journal Officiel. Brands affected include Lucky Strike, Rothmans and Dunhill, as well as several rolling tobacco products.

Some products, such as Winston Selection and certain Camel packets, will see small price reductions.

Further tobacco price changes are already scheduled for March, June, September and November 2026, as well as January 2027.

Energy cheque deadline

February marks the closure of the online platform allowing households to claim the chèque énergie, the state-funded energy support payment.

Eligible households who have not yet made a claim are advised to do so before the deadline.

Transport changes

Taxi fares applicable for 2026 come into force, with new nationally set maximum rates.

A new procedure is also introduced for requesting reimbursement for cancelled or significantly delayed airline tickets, aimed at simplifying claims for passengers.

Tolls for French motorways are set to increase on February 1, but the increase will on average be lower than inflation levels from the previous year.

The cost of a journey will increase on average by 0.86%. It comes after several increases in toll costs in previous years: 4.75% in 2023, 3% in 2024, and 0.92% in 2025.

Health and family dates

The winter vaccination campaign against flu and Covid-19 is extended into February.

The Mon Master platform for applications to master’s degree courses for the 2026-27 academic year opens on February 2. 

Dates for the February winter school holidays also apply, varying by education zone.

Elections

February is the deadline to register on electoral lists in order to vote in the March 2026 municipal elections. Only French and EU citizens can vote.

French or EU citizens who have moved recently, or who have never registered in France, should ensure their details are up to date in time.