Practical

Explained: What does RTT mean in France?

Discover how 'Réduction du Temps de Travail' can enhance your work-life balance in France

Understand France's inheritance tax rules and nue-propriété

Question relates to situation when holder of a nue-propriété predeceases the holder of the usufruit

French residency cards and obligatory new language tests: list of online resources to help

We look at how you can prepare for TCF and DELF language exams

practical

List: How does France’s inflation rate compare with that of other EU countries?

France recorded lower inflation than both UK and US at beginning of year

Error leaves 75,000 vehicles uninsured in France (drivers unaware)

Uninsured vehicles include HGVs and buses. Drivers should check their policy if insurance was provided by the broker in question

Licence-free car insurance costs are rising in France

Increased sales and accidents drive up insurance premiums for voitures sans permis (VSP)

How to plan for your financial future in France

Effective cross-border tax and succession planning requires keeping up to date with the reforms in both countries and adapting your plans

Map shows location of new toll barrier-free motorways in France (attention you still need to pay)

Drivers without a toll-badge or account have 72 hours to settle up for their trips

Extra aid for people buying an electric car in France

The aid applies to multiple vehicle manufacturers in France

Good news for buyers and sellers as French mortgage rates fall and are open to negotiation

Some banks are offering special mortgage deals as property market recovering – but will this continue?

List: these are the French home improvement works that must be declared

Inform tax authorities separately even if you have construction permit

Can we bring UK digger to France to work on our second home?

There is a time limit on how long machinery can be brought over to avoid import fees

Are patients of a retiring French GP automatically signed up with new doctor?

It can be difficult to find a médecin traitant in some rural areas

What is the best way to deal with ‘stink bugs’ in our French home?

The bugs arrived from Asia and are considered an invasive species

'Nesting swallows have become a pest at my French home'

Columnist Samantha David is irked but the birds enjoy protected status

French acronym explainer: What is ANTS?

The Agence Nationale des Titres Sécurisés is responsible for issuing all important personal documents potentially at risk of fraud or identity theft

France's falling inflation and rising local taxes require particular attention

Proactive financial planning can help you weather the storm

French home energy cheque aid will be sent later in 2025 - who gets this?

Changes mean vouchers can no longer be used for eco-renovations

New car-sharing lanes on Paris ring road and two motorways: how do they work?

Limits will be in place for rush hour traffic with fines of €135 for rule-breakers

Tip to find affordable top-up health insurance in France

Local mutuelles communales schemes can offer cost-effective health coverage for residents

Registering a car at your second home in France: when you need to do this and how

France is a signatory to the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic

9 updates for drivers in France: Toll rises, Paris car-sharing lanes and fines

Including a new car-sharing lane in Paris and the pedestrianisation of Lyon city centre

Remember to check French doctors' Optam contract - or risk paying more

Mutelle top-ups do not necessarily reimburse patients for care from practitioners who have not signed a sector 1 Option de Pratique Tarifaire Maîtrisée

Launch of ‘secure medical prescriptions’ in France for certain painkillers - what are new rules?

Stricter rules are being put in place to fight addiction and falsified prescriptions

Department in Nouvelle-Aquitaine to increase property purchase fees

Local councils have been given ability to raise fees in new budget

Cultural and practical dates in France in March 2025 for your diary

It is carnival season as spring is in the air at last

Court rules that half-built motorway in south-west France is ‘illegal’ and stops work

The government plans to appeal ‘historic decision’ over A69 and has asked for work to continue

Tax, boilers, vehicles: 9 changes in March 2025 in France

The 2025 budget comes into force later than usual

US to offer ‘golden visas’ - does France have a similar programme?

Several European countries offer ‘golden visas’ to investors

What to do in case of a road accident in France

Guide to handling vehicle accidents and insurance protocols, including using the 'constat amiable'

How your Crit’Air car sticker rating correlates with insurance costs

Energy-efficient vehicle owners are unlikely to see cheaper insurance premiums

Are there any ways to reduce notaire fees when buying a property in France?

We look at some less well-known possibilities as tax hike looms

What is a Ghic card and does it work in France

Cards cover medical necessary health costs

French speed radars: can you check if you have a fine online in case missed in post?

Outstanding fines can be found online

Is it possible for French border officials to stop stamping passport as it is almost full?

Passports need one blank page on them when travelling

Is extra insurance for French garden pool required?

Sarah Bright-Thomas of Bright Avocats answers a reader query

Is there a simple renewal process for six-month French visas?

Second-home owners are required to obtain visas for extended visits to properties in France

Is it possible to find French cadastral plans online?

Certain plans go back to the 1800s

Meningitis cases in France are at ‘exceptionally high’ level

Winter flu cases may be behind current hike with 90 cases recorded last month

Receive parcels for others and earn money in France

Parcel collection platform Welco is focusing on rural communities where the service is most needed

How to save money on train travel in France

If you are planning a trip, try these handy hints to ensure you get the best deals

Language tests for French residency cards: examples of questions asked

Language tests will need to be taken by Britons, Americans and other non-EU nationalities applying for certain cards

French tax allowance for many over-65s is rising

New levels will help to keep income tax bills low for those concerned

Foreign residents of France frustrated by slow progress of inheritance petition

British, US, Irish, and Dutch couples have all told of stress due to 2021 forced heirship law

How many Britons and Americans got their first French visa or residency card in 2024?

Provisional figures for 2024 show around three million were delivered in total to all nationalities

List: Exchange rates for declaring foreign income in 2025 French tax declarations

All foreign income must be converted and declared in euros

‘Careful’ road signs appearing in French towns and villages: what do they mean?

Signs display up to five blue hearts and are source of pride for local communes

Good news for electric car owners in France as thousands more charging stations to be installed

MPs recently rejected plans to bring forward ban on petrol vehicles

French residency card system 'dysfunctional' says immigration lawyer

'If people need lawyers more and more, it means the procedures are more complex so they can’t do it themselves.'

Scotland-France ferry plan faces delays

Grant negotiations with Scottish government stall new ferry service aimed at boosting freight and passenger links between Rosyth and Dunkirk

Watch out for these three letters on French bank transfers - they may indicate a scam

Direct debit deductions made by scammers can go unnoticed amongst legitimate payments

Map: Sale prices of flats across France and how they rose or fell in 2024

Areas including Corsica and Poitiers saw prices rise, but significant falls of nearly -8% elsewhere were recorded

Discover the charm of Menton lemons and how to grow citrons in France

Sue Adams explores the rich history of France's only IGP-recognised lemon, celebrated annually at a vibrant festival

Recap: Recent updates and changes in France you may have missed as of February 2025

Bank fees, healthcare costs, and various changes to public transport usage are among the most noticeable

Speed cameras in France: how do they compare in number to the US and the UK?

More fines are issued per-camera by French radars than many other countries

DIY solar panel installation cost in France set to rise: why and by how much?

Safety reasons are among concerns but grid manager says solar panel fires are extremely rare

How can renovations on French second home reduce capital gains tax?

Reductions related to length of ownership start after five years

Are French vet costs regulated by the government?

There are several ways you may be able to reduce annual fees

Must chimney in French home be swept annually even if it is not used?

Some areas require chimneys to be swept multiple times per year

Education in France: Can children be enrolled part way through school year?

Older children are assessed on their skills before entering the education system

Can French forced heirship rules be bypassed?

Antonia Ridley-Hughes of Ashtons Legal, answers a reader query

Digital health cards, prescriptions, no-show fees: what impacts you as France’s 2025 health budget is finally approved

Healthcare will cost state over €265 billion in 2025 estimates budget

Can UK paper driving licences be used to hire vehicles in France?

Some have highlighted issue of using non-French licences to hire vehicles

Will my daughter have to pay tax on inherited property in France?

The value of a property can often be above tax-free sums on inheritance

When will ‘notaire fees’ for property purchases increase in France?

All departments are likely to vote in favour of raising fees

Faulty airbags: 236,000 Citroen owners in France told to stop using cars

Manufacturer says drivers should check if the airbags could be faulty and if so not to drive the vehicle until repaired

New language tests for French residency cards: Eight key questions

The new rules are expected to come into effect this year

Five ways the latest 2025 budget will impact property owners in France

Changes include increasing notaire fees, tax exemption from property gifts and the extension of the Loc'Avantages rental scheme

Buying a property in France may cost more from April as ‘notaire fees’ allowed to rise

Departments can opt to increase fees by 0.5% under 2025 budget

More French roads set to return to 90km/h speed limit

More than half of departments have overturned 2018 rule change which capped speeds at 80 km/h

Did you know? La Poste will pick up medicines from a pharmacy and deliver them to you

Postal service is one of numerous services that are part of growing medical delivery sector

Beware this ‘bin change’ scam doing the rounds in France

Fraudsters claim to be from local mairie but ask for money on-the-spot

Obligatory new French tests for some residency cards: is level too tough?

The tests are reported to cost around €100 to take

Driver wins French speeding appeal due to radar day and time error

The man was not even on the road at the time stated on the fine

What is the process if Brexit card holder’s passport is stamped by mistake?

Manual stamping of passports will soon be phased out

Practical

Explained: What does RTT mean in France?

Understand France's inheritance tax rules and nue-propriété

French residency cards and obligatory new language tests: list of online resources to help

List: How does France’s inflation rate compare with that of other EU countries?

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French residency cards and obligatory new language tests: list of online resources to help

What are the rules for burning garden waste in France in 2025?

Where are tiger mosquitoes in France as presence increases, and what to do about them

Error leaves 75,000 vehicles uninsured in France (drivers unaware)

Map shows location of new toll barrier-free motorways in France (attention you still need to pay)

What is the best way to deal with ‘stink bugs’ in our French home?

Older drivers in France increasingly want to maintain road skills

Error leaves 75,000 vehicles uninsured in France (drivers unaware)

Licence-free car insurance costs are rising in France

How to plan for your financial future in France

Map shows location of new toll barrier-free motorways in France (attention you still need to pay)

Extra aid for people buying an electric car in France

Good news for buyers and sellers as French mortgage rates fall and are open to negotiation

List: these are the French home improvement works that must be declared

Can we bring UK digger to France to work on our second home?

Are patients of a retiring French GP automatically signed up with new doctor?

What is the best way to deal with ‘stink bugs’ in our French home?

Is it possible to get a carte Vitale in France without a social security number?

Who is affected by France’s latest meningitis vaccination campaign?

Osteoarthritis: Women in France are not requesting the help they need

'Nesting swallows have become a pest at my French home'

What are the rules for burning garden waste in France in 2025?

Is it necessary to sign up to a local déchetterie in France before using it?

Applications for UK ‘ETA’ to open: What does this change for people in France?

Can we gift French property to our daughter?

French property owners and tenants: what are rules for obligatory undergrowth clearance?

French acronym explainer: What is ANTS?

France's falling inflation and rising local taxes require particular attention

French home energy cheque aid will be sent later in 2025 - who gets this?

New car-sharing lanes on Paris ring road and two motorways: how do they work?

Tip to find affordable top-up health insurance in France

Registering a car at your second home in France: when you need to do this and how

9 updates for drivers in France: Toll rises, Paris car-sharing lanes and fines

Remember to check French doctors' Optam contract - or risk paying more

Launch of ‘secure medical prescriptions’ in France for certain painkillers - what are new rules?

Department in Nouvelle-Aquitaine to increase property purchase fees

Cultural and practical dates in France in March 2025 for your diary

Court rules that half-built motorway in south-west France is ‘illegal’ and stops work

Tax, boilers, vehicles: 9 changes in March 2025 in France

US to offer ‘golden visas’ - does France have a similar programme?

What to do in case of a road accident in France

How your Crit’Air car sticker rating correlates with insurance costs

Are there any ways to reduce notaire fees when buying a property in France?

What is a Ghic card and does it work in France

French speed radars: can you check if you have a fine online in case missed in post?

Is it possible for French border officials to stop stamping passport as it is almost full?

Is extra insurance for French garden pool required?

Is there a simple renewal process for six-month French visas?

Is it possible to find French cadastral plans online?

Meningitis cases in France are at ‘exceptionally high’ level

Receive parcels for others and earn money in France

How to save money on train travel in France

Language tests for French residency cards: examples of questions asked

French tax allowance for many over-65s is rising

Foreign residents of France frustrated by slow progress of inheritance petition

How many Britons and Americans got their first French visa or residency card in 2024?

List: Exchange rates for declaring foreign income in 2025 French tax declarations

‘Careful’ road signs appearing in French towns and villages: what do they mean?

Good news for electric car owners in France as thousands more charging stations to be installed

French residency card system 'dysfunctional' says immigration lawyer

Scotland-France ferry plan faces delays

Watch out for these three letters on French bank transfers - they may indicate a scam

Map: Sale prices of flats across France and how they rose or fell in 2024

Discover the charm of Menton lemons and how to grow citrons in France

Recap: Recent updates and changes in France you may have missed as of February 2025

Speed cameras in France: how do they compare in number to the US and the UK?

DIY solar panel installation cost in France set to rise: why and by how much?

How can renovations on French second home reduce capital gains tax?

Are French vet costs regulated by the government?

Must chimney in French home be swept annually even if it is not used?

Education in France: Can children be enrolled part way through school year?

Can French forced heirship rules be bypassed?

Digital health cards, prescriptions, no-show fees: what impacts you as France’s 2025 health budget is finally approved

Can UK paper driving licences be used to hire vehicles in France?