Practical

French ‘Brexit’ residency cards up for renewal in 2025: is process known yet?

Holders will be able to upgrade to a ten-year version of the card

The trees in your French garden have a worth - here is how to value them online

Owners of properties can see values rise thanks to trees, similarly to garages or barns

Revaluation of property data used to set local taxes delayed in France but concerns continue

A reform of the valeurs locatives cadastrales, a theoretical annual rental value assigned to every property, has been planned for several years

practical

Recycling in France: How to give your Christmas tree a second life

Old trees can be turned into compost, used to help fight coastal erosion or even make animal feed

Carrefour announces change to loyalty card for shoppers in France

The supermarket chain’s Carte PASS programme is to be modified in January 2025

Why money may be taken by French tax office from your bank account today

If you look at your bank statement it will appear as a debit by the ‘direction générale des Finances publiques’

Today is an EDF ‘red day’ in France: what does it change and when are next ones?

Hundreds of thousands of households could see their electricity costs soar

Improve your French: Our pick of the best language learning apps for 2025

Take your time to find one that suits your language level and goals for writing, listening and speaking

Culture, sport and events: What's news in France in 2025

From Nantes Cathedral's reopening to the Tour de France, explore the major cultural and sporting events shaping France this year.

French visas, EU citizenship case, pension contacts: Updates in brief

Find out about the latest news on Britons living in France attempting to regain their EU citizenship and whether the British pension number has changed

No snow tyre fines in France this winter – but insurers may require them

Tyres are required in mountainous communes, but non-compliance will not be sanctioned

Films and series to watch to improve your French in the New Year

Improving your French can be as easy as settling down in front of the small screen

How are patients affected by the new rise in doctors’ fees in France?

The changes affect GP visits as well as specialist consultations

Money, inheritance, tax, pensions: What's new in France in 2025

European Commission set to decide on French law affecting the wills of resident non-EU nationals including, for example, those from the UK and US, potentially altering inheritance plans

Car fuel sold at cost price at many Intermarché supermarkets today and tomorrow

Many - but not all - stores are taking part - see the list here

900,000 households yet to claim 2024 French energy aid (but it is not too late)

The scheme is scheduled to end on December 31 but could be extended

What fines do motorcyclists risk after trial for ‘inter-filing’ on French roads ends?

A report in 2025 on the trial will set the tone for legalisation of the manoeuvre

Fines levied for failure to declare bank accounts held out of France

Hefty fines can be issued for each account undeclared to tax authorities

Is it difficult to switch home insurance companies in France?

Long-term contracts are more easily cancelled, particularly for renters

Are French tax charges on foreign property rental income correct?

France should award tax credits in some situations

Should my stepchildren have inherited more under French inheritance rules?

French forced heirship rules would apply to UK bank accounts, says Antonia Ridley-Hughes of Ashtons Legal

Is there a healthcare payment option for elderly second home owners in France?

Exploring insurance options and state healthcare access for British expats

Are there rules to follow when changing a vehicle’s numberplate in France?

Plates can be ordered from garages or online

Can French police be contacted from abroad in the case of a burglary?

In some areas officers can check up on your property while you are away

Must I continue paying French property tax for second home sold in January?

Property taxes can be split into ten monthly payments

Have cabin luggage rules changed for French flights in 2025?

A rule change was implemented earlier in the year but then reversed in September

French top-up insurance to increase by 6% in 2025

Ageing population and reduced state coverage cited as some of reasons behind hike

French property: Share of foreign buyers increases for houses - which areas are popular?

Non-French buyers make up more than 10% of purchases of non-new build houses in some departments

Britons, Americans, other non-EU travellers: New problem for digital border checks

Approval is required for the plan to be 'phased in' instead of launched all at once, potentially causing further delays to 'EES' launch

Property sales plummet in France but did any areas resist price drops?

Values have increased in the last ten years across the board despite post-Covid slump in sales

How to get retrospective approval for building works on French home after completion

Unauthorised home improvements potentially lead to problems when selling

Tax points to consider before the start of 2025 in France

If you donate money to certain charities now it can reduce the amount of tax you pay next year

Christmas parties: what are drink-drive limits and breathalyser rules in France?

Rules are stricter than in some parts of the UK

Confirmed: France’s minimum wage will not automatically rise on January 1

Recent increase placed ‘Smic’ above expected inflation levels at the start of the new year

Family benefits in France: new step needed to access online account

Heightened security measure in place following data loss from system hack

French acronym explainer: What is a Pacs?

A guide to Pacte civil de solidarité – a civil union

How to plan for a comfortable retirement in France

Rob Kay, regional director at Blevins Franks, offers advice on tax, pensions and planning for retirement

Rise in number of French businesses failing

It means 44,000 jobs will be lost by end of year. We look at what help is available for small business owners

French road sign expands to Spain - but most drivers unaware of its meaning

Road sign is only in use for specific weather conditions

Bees protected from Asian hornet attacks by award-winning French device

Frédérique Ripet has won a top business award for creating a device that protects hives from deadly attacks

Rules relaxed for French salary-savings scheme

Changes mean workers will be able to get hold of funds in more circumstances

New pollution bans from January: Which cars and which cities in France?

Changes mean vehicles with Crit’Air level 3 will be banned in four cities

Fréjus Tunnel that connects France and Italy to close this weekend

The tunnel will close for 12 hours and not the 56 hours originally announced

Is my information safe with French estate agents?

Using major national estate agencies is an option if you need to have more confidence

Do I need to remove a disused septic tank in France after connecting to the mains?

Safety is the number one priority, says Sarah Bright-Thomas of Bright Avocats

Is there financial help to purchase a mobility scooter in France?

Some UK disability benefits remain for Britons living across the Channel

Must I telephone first before going to hospital emergency centre in France?

The health ministry wants to reduce the strain on hospital services

Do foreign savings accounts have to be declared on French tax forms?

Admitting errors may make the authorities more lenient

Do drivers have to change number plates if they move to new French department?

Plates show a regional logo as well as department code - a source of pride for some

What to do if télépéage badge not detected on French free-flow motorway?

Motorway toll badges are a convenient way to pay toll fees on barrier-free motorways

The Code de la route has changed for cyclists in France

New lights have been authorised and cyclists can now (legally) ride side by side in certain circumstances

Call France's laughter hotline to cheer yourself up for free

A unique telephone service offers instant laughter therapy, to promote mental and physical health

IT problems and digitalisation of French residency cards ‘causing issues’

Some applicants reported to face a ‘serious infringement of rights’ during residency process

French grants for home renovations are changing

Act now if you want to fit a wood stove before the MaPrimeRénov grants are reduced in 2025

France ends grants for electric radiator thermostats early due to fraud

The Coup de pouce Pilotage scheme was due to close on December 31

Mentor migrants to success in France

Over-50s are using their expertise to help job-seekers secure jobs through the Duo for a Job programme

English-language Christmas services in France

Anglican services are performed in churches around the country

Confusion as two websites must be used to get a French visa

We explain the process in obtaining a visa online

Fibre internet: Scammers exploit copper line phase-out in France

Telecoms giant Orange issues warning over fraudulent fibre-optic contracts

Do sit-on lawnmowers require insurance in France?

Larger gardens may require tractor-mowers to keep on top of grass

When is a CT roadworthiness test needed to sell a vehicle in France?

Motorbikes also needed a contrôle technique since April 2024

Does French App store work without a French bank card?

The process is similar for users of the Google Play Store

Can France’s prime d’activité benefit boost income of self-employed?

New ‘help’ service also promises assistance to those with low means

Is appointment information automatically added to online French health space?

Documents can be found online for healthcare professionals and patients to see

How does French inheritance tax work for UK heirs?

There are many different aspects to cross-border tax issues

What is the process for wills regarding a shared holiday home in France?

John Kitching, a director of French Law Consultancy Limited, answers a reader query

Inheritance alternatives for non-blood relatives in France

Robert Kent of Kentingtons explains the various options alongside traditional inheritance

This will be the minimum property tax increase in 2025 in France

Communes are likely to add further charges to final bills

Early detection crucial, says expert, as invasive ants plague French homes

We cover tips on how to minimise the risk of pests in your home throughout the year

Tips to avoid French ‘customs charges’ on Christmas cards and gifts

We look at what to do if you are wrongly charged

How to ensure your packages from France arrive in time for Christmas

The deadlines for delivery to the UK and US vary between different services

School holidays, tax deadlines, Notre-Dame: Key dates in France this December

Schools also begin a two-week break as the end of year approaches

US WWI soldier found in France finally buried after 20 years of research

Forensic breakthroughs and dedicated research identified Charles McAllister, who disappeared in 1918

Angry drivers launch court action against 50 km/h speed limit on Paris ring road

Lawyers claim the change was made without necessary prior approval

Christmas trees: Popular varieties in France and what you should expect to pay

When to buy depends if you want a Nordmann fir, a Norway spruce, or an alternative