HELP GUIDES

Income Tax in France

Healthcare in France

Inheritance Law and Wills in France

Visas and residency cards for France

Practical everyday life

How do people change when they move to France?

From embracing a sportier lifestyle to keeping their brains sharp

READER FEEDBACK: What you wish you had known before moving to France

See recommendations from those who have taken the plunge

How France is trying to combat people’s feeling of loneliness

Social isolation is hitting young people in particular, a study shows - we look at some innovative solutions

Five things they don’t tell you about the President of France

A humorous look at the position and pomp of the Président de la République

Can I write my own will in English in France?

Whatever the language requirements a notaire is not necessarily needed but certain rules must be followed

UK income threshold plan for British-French families called ‘cruel’

People who left the UK to live in France may not be able to return with their family if British visa minimum income levels double, says campaigner

How can I lower the ‘gift’ tax on a present to a relative?

There are certain ways to reduce the tax you need to pay

Is ‘de’ a sign of being from a ‘posh’ or noble French family?

There is often thought to be a certain cachet to having a so-called ‘particule’

You often refer to a ‘parts’ system for tax in France; what is this?

We explain how this and the regime allows married couples and larger families to pay a reduced amount of French income tax

What girls’ and boys’ names are trending for babies in France?

Short and retro names are popular as are regional and mediaeval names

What do I do with my French livret de famille?

If you recently got married in France or obtained French citizenship, you may have received a livret de famille. Here’s what you need to know

In French inheritance law, what is a pacte de famille?

We look at this French inheritance option and when it is advantageous

What happens to a French bank account after a person’s death?

Can a spouse automatically access the funds?

Is it true that there are no incest laws in France?

We look into this topic after reports in the British press this year claiming that France is about to ban incest

France lockdown: Can I write two names on an attestation?

No, you cannot write two or more names on a travel exemption form, even if you live together.

France lockdown: Can I see people in a support bubble?

People who live alone are not allowed to form support bubbles with other households in France. Other forms of support are available.

France deconfinement: Can we have a family meal or party?

A four-date process to ease Covid-related restrictions in France began on May 3, with the goal of dropping most measures, including those for socialising, by the end of June.

What are the rules for children entering France from an amber country?

Do they need to be vaccinated or take a PCR test? Up to what age are they deemed covered by their parents’ vaccination status?

French inheritance and law choice change: Which wills are affected?

A new French law seeking to impose French heirship rules even where people chose a foreign legal system for their estate, continues to cause concern

Why you could be liable for in-laws’ upkeep if they live in France

French law states that you could be financially responsible for your parents, grandparents, stepparents or in-laws as they grow older. We look at the rules behind this and to which relatives it can apply

Interview: Death of French schoolgirl Alisha shows bullying kills

Efforts to crack down on bullying in schools in France have intensified after a teenager was attacked and drowned in the Seine. MP Erwan Balanant discusses his bid to end the problem

French love board games more than any other European country

Lockdown saw a big leap in sales of board games in France – and it was not just traditional favourites that took off

French family fun ideas ... whatever the weather

Samantha David tours the country to find some excellent attractions to entertain youngsters

France lockdown: Can I visit friends and family?

The rules - and the exceptions

British Hosting Organisation seeks families across France

Sponsored article: Becoming a host family for Daily English is an exciting and rewarding experience in many ways. Director Sally Cornan explains

France Paternity leave: new fathers to get double time

A proposal to double paternity leave from 14 days to a month is to be debated this autumn.

Vacances Apprenantes: new educational summer camps in France

Learn about the government's new summer schemes for families who feel their children have missed out on vital schoolwork during the Coronavirus-induced lockdown.

Making sense of Childcare options in France

There are several options for childcare in France and financial help is on hand.

French Pacs still valid in UK after law change?

Will our (mixed-sex) Pacs be recognised by the UK after the recent change in civil partnership law there, meaning it is now open to all couples?

Working as a couple in France

All spouses or partners who carry out work for a family business must now be declared as working and pay into a social security scheme.

Married to a French person: do I need carte de sejour?

I live in France and am British but my wife is French. Will I be automatically entitled to continue living in France after the Brexit trans-ition period or do I have to do something? H.F.

How can we show family link with British nephews?

We have dual French and British nationality and are resident in France. As we have no children, we wish to leave our house and the rest of our possessions to our British nephews and nieces in the UK, but apparently we need to prove that they are directly related. As the livret de famille does not exist in the UK, how can we prove that they are directly related to myself or to my husband? The proof appears to be a requirement for our French wills. A.S.

Life in France for children with learning difficulties

Children with learning difficulties can have a bright future in France – if you’re determined

Do I need French dossier médical partagé for children?

My doctor has suggested that I should create a dossier médical partagé for my child-ren – is it necessary? J.N.

'UK forced adoption punishes parents for no reason'

‘Punishing people for crime they have not committed is wrong’, campaigner insists

New maternity leave pay for independents in France

Paid maternity leave for independent workers has been lengthened so that it now covers the same number of weeks as for salaried employees.

What are French SCI's benefits?

As a married couple, are there inheritance planning advantages to buying a home through an SCI property company? R.C.

All countries ‘should copy’ Poste’s home visit service

Postal services across the world should follow France’s lead and offer visits to elderly residents, says a Connexion reader who lives in Australia and set up regular calls on her father.

Form for under-18s travelling abroad from France

Foreign school trips have long been part of education – but parents should be aware of extra paperwork involved in letting a child travel abroad with a teacher or other adult.

Any payment for doing a stage in France?

My son is applying for work experience to enhance his CV. Can he expect to be paid for a stage work placement?

Becoming French due to French children

What are the rules on French nationality if your children are French? My wife and I have been in France 40 years and our children have been French for more than 25 years. Is there a simple procedure with less paperwork? N.G.

French organisers: families must discuss screen use

Many issues worry parents about their children using the internet, from cyber-bullying, inappropriate images and video, to sorting out real information from “fake news”.

Father-and-son team share growing passion for wood

Becoming a cabinet maker is a calling – a vocation that takes many years of training.

Babies born without arms: Three possible new cases

Authorities investigate another suspected cluster

Does French law take precedence over British law?

My sister has gone through a divorce in the UK. The judge awarded their house in France to him. I read a post which said that French law takes precedence over English law in France and the judge cannot force her to sell. My sister’s ex-husband says that the house is now his and he can do what he wants with it – but would he still need my sister’s permission to sell? He is in the process of selling. P.H.

Constant changes frustrating for parents

The constant tinkering with the school week has left many parents frustrated.

What a difference a half-day makes...

Primary schools nationwide will open for either a four or a four-and-a-half day week from this year’s rentrée in September and where you live will decide your child’s school week, as the final decision is made by your commune and not national authorities.

Deadly Blue Whale Challenge hits France

Social network 'game' from Russia is now claiming French victims