Living

The French have some very formal rules about manners and etiquette. Avoid embarrassment with this guide to French etiquette and French manners.

From finding a new home to buying a baguette at the boulangerie, here’s what you need to do during your first week in France.

Whether you are relocating to France with kids or planning to start a family there, here’s what to expect when it comes to French parenting.

Explore the different types of spouse visas in France, find out which you’re eligible for, and learn how to apply.

If you’re moving with kids or hope to have a child in your new home, this article on childcare in France explains everything you need to know.

From nurseries and nannies to kindergarten and preschools, learn all there is to know about French daycare.

Learn all about pets in France, including how to find a vet, where to buy supplies like food and toys, and what to do about a lost animal.

Learn whether you can bring your pet with you to France, including information about quarantines, pet passports, vaccinations, and more.

Did you know serving ketchup at schools – the ‘incarnation of Americanism’ – is banned, as is calling a pig Napoleon. Find out more weird, strange and funny French laws that exist today.

In France, showing proof of address (justificatif de domicile) is a common requirement for everyday admin tasks. Expats in France often face a catch‑22: you need proof of address to access a service, but you can’t set up a service without it. However, it is possible to get past the initial roadblock and find the right document. […]

Ready for a day off? Here’s a list of French public holidays, as well as other dates to mark on your calendar in 2024, 2025, and 2026.

Wondering what France has been up to since Waterloo? This article will help you take your knowledge of the French government to this century.

This guide explains what you need to know about the French social security system: who has to pay, how much, what is covered and how to claim your benefits

Whether you need to pay your taxes or apply for social security, read on for more on tax identification numbers (TIN) and other ID in France.

Crises can be scary in any language, but don’t get caught out! Here’s which number and helpline to call in an emergency in France.

Can you pinpoint a pick pocket in France? Know the French legal system, including common crimes in France and where to be most cautious.

We deal with trash every day, but how much do you really know about recycling and waste collection in France? Read on to find out more.

Looking for the best eSIM for France? This 2026 guide compares 5G France eSIM plans, tourist options and how to install them. If you travel overseas regularly, then you’ll know what it’s like to use your phone in another country. You used to have two choices. Using your SIM card from your home country and […]

Even fluent French speakers sometimes have to ask: Comment dit-on…? Our French teacher gives you practical vocabulary for getting your hair done in France.

How to set up essential utility services when living in France, such as electricity, gas and water in your new home in France.

Whether you’re in Paris or Provence, protect your property and treasured possessions with home insurance in France.

This guide explains who can use their mobile in France, how to get a SIM card or mobile contract, plus a list of local mobile operators.

Moving into your new home in France? Get connected with our guide to setting up home phone, internet, and TV in France.

Do your bit for the environment and make your French life greener with our these ways to live more sustainably in France.

Find out how to bring all those delicious French flavors home with our guide to supermarkets and grocery stores in France.

Living in France but not sure where to buy all those French essentials? Find out with our helpful guide to household shopping in France.

Have you recently arrived in France? Make life easier in your new home by downloading these top must-have French apps.

What should you be watching on la télévision française? From international dramas to local news and weather, find out with our guide to TV and radio in France.

Planning your dream French wedding or considering a civil partnership? Discover how to plan the paperwork and ceremony to make it happen.

France is synonymous with romance, but what is dating really like? Learn where to meet singles, what to expect, and how to impress your date.

Find out about the different procedures involved if you need to apply for a divorce in France, including the necessary steps and visa issues.

Having your own vehicle in France is convenient and can help you travel, live, work and study more flexibly if you’re a foreigner or expat in the country. However, buying a car can mean navigating unfamiliar processes, and financial complexities. Can a foreigner buy a car in France, and if so, how? This guide covers […]

We explain all you need to know about driving in France, from getting a driver’s license to learning about road rules, penalties, and more.

From the speedy metro to the humble bus, here’s everything you need to know about French public transportation.

Planning to get behind the wheel in France? Make sure you’re covered with our complete guide to car insurance in France.

Always dreamt of zooming past the lavender fields in Provence? Here’s what you need to know about getting your driving license in France.