French Entrée

Moving to France is an exciting life change, whether you are relocating permanently, buying a second home, or planning a long-term stay. But alongside property searches, visas and removals, one practical area that is often overlooked is insurance. France has a regulated insurance system, and understanding the cover you may need before you arrive can help you avoid costly surprises. From healthcare to property protection, here are five key insurance areas to consider when relocating.

France is currently the world’s number one destination for destination weddings. This is not a temporary trend. It represents a structural shift driven by sustained international demand. The American market is booming. The British market has remained strong for years. Canadian, Dutch and Belgian clients are increasingly active, alongside a highly engaged domestic French market. For investors who understand this sector, acquiring a château today represents a significant strategic opportunity.

French tax season is upon us, and if you are resident in France, you must, by law, file a tax return this May (see our 2026 French tax calendar for the official deadlines). For expats in France, filling in a tax return often means additional requirements, such as declaring overseas bank accounts and worldwide income, or requesting tax credits on overseas pension or rental income. Let’s take a look at the basics of what you’ll need to fill in on your 2026 French tax return – step by step.

The French government is set to hold a final vote tomorrow on localising low-emission zone regulations. From 2027, gas boilers will be prohibited in new buildings. A reminder has also been issued on keeping dogs on leads to protect wildlife during mating season. Meanwhile, SNCF plans to expand rail links into Italy but is facing legal challenges. Here are the headlines from French newspapers this week.

To live in France, you’ll need to learn a lot about its healthcare system, because, for good or bad, it works a little differently from what most are used to. For example, you’ve probably heard about “mutuelle.” Here’s what it actually means for your wallet (and your wellbeing). The French Sécurité Sociale (public healthcare system) is excellent, but it doesn’t cover 100% of your medical costs. While it varies by treatment type, it typically reimburses around 60–70% of the state-set rate.

Thinking of swapping a flat in Fulham for a farmhouse in France? From packing to paperwork, international moves can come with challenges. Trusted movers AnyVan have put together a helpful guide on the most common mistakes to avoid when moving furniture from the UK to France. Here are 5 mistakes to look out for: One of the most common mistakes people make is leaving the move to the last minute.

The window for taxpayers to submit their 2025 income will open this Thursday, France’s departments suffer varying levels of ‘diesel drought’ due to ongoing international conflicts, and new registration rules for UK caravan & trailer drivers in Europe have been launched. Here are the headlines from French newspapers this week. On 9 April, the limited window for taxpayers to file their income tax returns for 2025 will open. The deadlines will vary if you use paper or online declarations.

From annual income tax declarations to property taxes—if you live in France or own property in France, you will receive your fair share of tax bills throughout the year. It is your responsibility to make sure you file your tax return and pay your taxes on time in France, and there are penalties if you miss the deadlines. To help you plan and prepare, our 2026 France tax calendar has all the key dates for your diary.

France is set to miss the deadline for registering travellers in the EES system, while French lorry drivers are protesting over increasing fuel prices, and new residency changes for French citizens will take effect on April 1. Here are the headlines from French newspapers this week. France is expected to miss the EU’s deadline to fully register all travellers under the new Entry/Exit System (EES) due to ongoing technical problems with equipment and software used to collect biometric data.

Vintage clothes shop owner Skye McDonald tells Annaliza Davis about building her business as a teen in Brittany… The French Brit Vintage shop in the corner of the town square in Morlaix, Finistère, is an unexpected burst of colour. Its British-born owner, Skye McDonald, is equally surprising. Aged 26, she has already been running the shop for eight years. “I grew up in Newquay,” she explains, “then, in December 2007, my parents decided to move to Huelgoat in central Brittany.