Practical

France heatwave: Minister unveils plan to help homes and cities cope

Measures include support for reversible heat pumps and easing flat renovation rules as France prepares for hotter summers

Man holding a blue French passport beside a small shaggy dog indoors.

‘Last straw’: UK dog owner to sell French home over new pet passport rules

Reader says the extra cost of a UK Animal Health Certificate (AHC) for every trip is too much

The Life Certificates that retired Britons in France need

Issues can arise with the current postal verification system

practical

Water restrictions in France: how to check rules in your area

Measures can affect everything from watering gardens and filling swimming pools to washing vehicles and irrigating crops

Tips to save money on… keeping cool in France

Last June was the second hottest on record as temperatures topped 40C

A view of outdoor wheelie bins on a street in Paris, France

Residents in France face fines of up to €450 if sorting rubbish incorrectly

‘Bin police’ can search waste to ensure recycling is properly carried out

Are French electricity bills set to increase in August?

Increased usage charges will affect bills, but changes elsewhere may lessen impact

a French residence permit or brexit withdrawal card inset against Lyon departmental prefecture

My experience renewing a five-year French ‘Brexit card’

The application process was quick… but the queues were not

A view of a certificat d'enregistrement or carte grise

Driver in south-east France registered car to daughter, 9, to avoid fines

She took father to court after turning 19 and finding out she had €5,000 of penalties

Residents of village in south-west France told to evacuate due to cracks in homes

Landslides risk tearing down most properties

Close-up of a gas stove burner with blue flames around the ring.

France gas prices: all contracts to increase in July

Millions of households on variable-rate gas deals face the biggest rise as France's benchmark gas price increases.

Man in suit with notepad, pen and calculator pointing at a mini house

Do I need to declare loan interest paid to me to French tax authorities?

Reader received payment back on original amount of €7,000 from friend

Why is my French tip no longer taking green waste?

Several communes including major cities have recently changed rules

Screenshot of the French public finance website login page with help links and a tax payment section.

What should you do if you have missed France's tax declaration deadline?

Late declarants face financial penalties

More options now available for home equity release in France

Prêt viager hypothécaire being offered more widely as well as other similar schemes

France travel recap: New flights, ferry routes, airport changes and border rules

Includes new summer flights to Nice from UK and US

Foreign investors pledge more than €90 billion in France

Japanese tech giant eyes France as location of data centres due to its strong energy production

Map: tap water restrictions and warnings by department as of June 2

Find information on restrictions in your commune

Diesel price at lowest since mid-March but do shortages loom?

Fuel supplies may enter ‘red zone’ in July or August due to increased summer usage

Key practical and cultural dates for your diary in France for June 2026

Includes tax deadlines, exams and festivals

Terrace with a swimming pool, loungers, umbrellas and a tiled poolside area in the south of France.

Can you refill a pool during water restrictions and do French authorities run checks?

We look at how swimming pool restrictions are applied during drought periods

French border checks: what is changing over the next few months?

The ETIAS system is set to launch soon

A view of a family with a child packing moving boxes

How long do you have to move your belongings duty free to France?

We look at how the rule on goods brought during a move works in practice

Close-up of a hand holding a French identity card in Paris.

Does taking a test to obtain a French licence make you a ‘new driver’ for insurers?

It is not possible to request a simple exchange of some US driving licences

Can right-hand drive cars be sold in France legally?

French roads are designed with left-hand driving as standard

Close-up,Of,A,House,Model,On,Euro,Bank,Note

How to reduce the running costs of a second home in France

Property taxes, electricity and internet bills can quickly mount up

What should I do if bank card is swallowed by French cash machine?

It is likely that you will get it back but there are several exceptions to this

A view of a private swimming pool at a home

Key points and rules to consider if want a pool at your French home

Taxes, safety measures, running costs are all things you should factor in

Rare blue moon and micromoon visible from France this weekend

The second full moon of the month is on May 31

The real history of Mother’s Day in France

The French Fête des Mères takes place on the last Sunday of May most years

Senior,Couple,Signing,Paper,,Young,Professional,Consultant,Helping,Advising,On

Should we use UK law for our inheritance in France?

French legislation requires a portion of your estate to be left to your children

How can I check if electrical work in French home conforms?

If the local artisan is a qualified electrician it is likely that the work will comply with regulations

Blood donor rules, gas price drop: what changes for residents in France in June 2026

Fuel aid payments will also begin

What happens if elderly parent living with us in France survives us?

It is worth discussing this with other close family members who might be able to help if necessary

TotalEnergies extends fuel cap in France throughout June

Drivers will benefit from current cap at all stations for at least a further month

Neighbours stand and sit around a long table outdoors, talking and eating at a block gathering.

How to celebrate the Fête des Voisins in France this Friday

Millions of neighbours across the country are expected to meet on the 26th edition of this friendly festival

Young man with arm cast in sling sitting in a wheelchair indoors

What to do if someone is injured on your property in France

Costs of such an accident can quickly accumulate

Worker using a power drill to demolish an interior wall seen through a hole

Renovating a house in France: the key mistakes to avoid

British architect based in France shares his tips for restoring homes

Close-up of a hand holding a British passport with gold crest on the cover.

Why living in France but investing only in the UK creates risk

It is ill-advised to keep most of your money in one country

Reportages sur la communauté des Hérons : Ici le festival des deux mains au Solilab sur l'île de Nantes.Ici l'association Moneko et sa monnais locale.photo : Marc Roger

Does your French town have its own currency?

There are over 65 of them around the country

Can neighbours in France force you to cut down trees?

Learn about French regulations on trees near property lines

New free-delivery offer available for over-65s at Carrefour stores in France

Scheme promises extra help and easier-to-find products in thousands of local stores

New fuel aid announced for drivers in France: who can claim and how much?

€1.2billion support package announced due to high petrol prices

How to get a Pacs in France and how it differs to getting married

Can foreigners get a Pacs or does one of you have to be French? We review France’s civil partnership

Mature student smiling while writing notes and using a laptop in a classroom.

How to save money on adult learning courses in France

Get help for language classes, employment, and more

A view of a French healthcare charges summary letter

French social charges: who pays, how much, what’s new?

One charge increased for certain types of income in 2026

Where can I find an Asian hornet trap in France if my mairie will not give me one?

When local support is unavailable, there are still practical alternatives

Roadside radar speed camera warning sign against trees and blue sky.

Can speed cameras in France check if a car is insured?

Discover how automated road systems actually work in practice

A stock photo of a WA residency card and a red line drawn between the UK and the EU on a map

When must I update French address on ‘Brexit’ card?

Online portal is available for requesting a change

Explained: campervan ownership in France

Includes prices, parking, models and popular apps

TotalEnergies petrol station with vehicles refuelling at multiple pumps

TotalEnergies announces extra fuel cap in France this weekend amid petrol price highs

Average petrol prices are now higher than TotalEnergies cap

A view of a banner saying 'looking for a GP' in France

France doctor numbers rise again but medical deserts persist, report finds

Projections by the Conseil national de l’Ordre des médecins suggest that the upward trend will continue over the coming decade

Man measuring a wooden frame above a red door inside a conservatory

Secondary glazing vs double glazing: a practical DIY option for French homes

Placing of new windows inside existing ones to give two layers of glass has pros and cons

French minister backs licence suspensions for phone use while driving

The measure could be rolled out nationwide; it is currently being trialled in four departments

A couple calculating taxes in their living room

How long should French bank statements be kept?

Documents can be used as proof in cases of disagreement

A man clearing excess vegetation in a garden

Can I get a tax reduction for employing gardener at second home in France?

Rebate is available to people who employ someone to work at their home via the Cesu system

Do French supermarkets offer home delivery services?

Rural areas may see reduced coverage

54% of French households did not pay income tax in 2025

Income tax brought in a record €95 billion last year despite most homes not paying any

UK government pensions and social charges: has French law changed?

Reader reports being told by an accountant new rules affect this income from 2025

Diesel prices in France rise 40% in one year

Increase caused by Middle East conflict, petrol prices continue to slowly increase

Hand holding a pink French paper driving licence beside a modern plastic licence card near a parked car.

Drivers must now pay €40 to exchange licence for French licence

Change applies to all non-French licences, but rules on when to exchange remain unchanged

Map: Which departments paid the most property tax in 2025?

Average increase of 2.4% but wide variation in total cost

Spring is the season for gathering wild delicacies in France

Things to keep in mind when picking dandelions, nettles, wild asparagus and elderflowers

Can we rent out second SCI home in France?

Short-term furnished rentals via the scheme can create significant tax risks

Is there a work requirement for French citizenship applications?

There are two main paths to citizenship

Are Britons facing delays at French airports due to ETA?

Travel authorisation to enter UK is digitally linked to passports

Must UK authorities be informed if we bring back car from France on visit?

Vehicles should be registered in the country where they are kept

Will my licence be suspended if I use my phone for GPS in France?

We look at how enforcement of latest rules is being applied in practice

Are people fined for public urination in France?

There are specific nationwide laws against the practice

Who will inherit the French holiday home after father’s death?

Learn what inheritance rules apply to a French holiday home after a parent’s death

Buyer disappears after signing property deal in France - should estate agents be liable?

Buyer paid a €10,000 deposit before vanishing

A third of those eligible for French income support are not claiming it

Lack of information and social stigma behind low uptake

Here are the 2026 dates for French income tax payments and reimbursements

Updated tax notice in July or August will inform taxpayers of next steps

Most homeowners in France to be spared property declaration fine

Authorities instead target ‘large property owners’ of more than 200 units

Electricity bills: homes to be selected in France to trial new tariffs

New off-peak hours based on renewable consumption may lead to cheaper bills