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LIVING IN FRANCE

Christmas travel to free French classes: 6 essential articles for France

From travel over the festive period to claiming free language classes and the correct use of the word voilà - here are 6 articles that will come in handy for those living in France, or who visit regularly.

Published: 21 November 2021 11:12 CET
Santa at Strasbourg Christmas market
Will travel be open this Christmas? Photo: Patrick Herzog/AFP

We know that it’s only November, but we’re also aware that many readers are making travel plans for Christmas.

With lockdowns and travel bans, festive visits to family and friends in other countries were impossible for many last year – but will it be any different this year?

As Covid cases rise around Europe, we’re taking a look at the travel latest and whether any extra restrictions are likely to be introduced over the holidays.

Will travel to and from France to open this Christmas?

Assuming travel will be possible, readers going between France and the UK will be faced with their first post-Brexit Christmas, which has an impact both on the treats and presents that you can pack in your suitcase, and the items you can send by mail.

Travel between France and the UK: What can I pack at Christmas?

But there’s still the possibility that the French government might give you a gift – such as some free French classes.

We’re taking a look at the Mon Compte Formation scheme, which allows those working in France to claim a training budget, which for foreigners can be spent on French language classes.

It’s also surprisingly easy to register ever since the creation of an app, so we take you through the process.

How to get the government to pay for your French classes

It probably won’t be on your course syllabus, but do you know how to properly use voilà?

Perhaps one of the best-known French words of all, its day-to-day use in France is somewhat different from its meaning in the English-speaking world and it can be used in a surprising variety of different situations.

How the French really use voilà

Our columnist John Lichfield is also pondering the French language.

Taking a step back from his usual subject of politics, he is considering the changes that have occurred in the French language in his nearly 25 years in the country and the divides that have arisen around some of the ‘new’ words.

OPINION: There’s a new divide in France – between those who say ‘hop’ and ‘toc’

And speaking of John, if you like his pieces you can get them sent directly to your email – sign up here.

This week also saw the three-year anniversary of the first ‘yellow vest’ protest in France.

We take a look at what happened to the movement that once commanded huge numbers of followers and even at one point seemed like it might topple the government.

Whatever happened to France’s ‘yellow vests’?

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PROPERTY

How to ensure your French property is insured for storm damage

Storm Ciaran’s property-wrecking passage through France - with another storm forecast for the weekend - may have many people wondering how comprehensive their insurance cover is. 

Published: 3 November 2023 15:45 CET
How to ensure your French property is insured for storm damage

In the wake of Storm Ciaran, thousands of property owners in France are preparing insurance claims – with initial estimates of the bill for damage between €370 million and €480 million.

Home insurance is compulsory in France, whether you own the property you live in or you rent – and it must include some level of storm damage cover. 

Check also to see if your insurance provides cover in case of a declaration of a catastrophe naturelle.

The garantie tempête (storm guarantee) covers damage caused by violent winds. What constitutes a ‘violent wind’ varies from contract to contract, but there appears to be a widespread consensus of agreement on wind speeds over 100km/h.

In most insurance contracts, this covers damage caused by the storm and within the following 48 hours – so you’re covered if, for example, a tree weakened by the storm comes down within that period and damages your property.

Be aware that, while the storm guarantee automatically covers the main property, it generally only covers any secondary buildings and light constructions – such as a veranda, shed, solar panels, swimming pool or fence – if they are specifically mentioned in the contract. 

The same is true of any cars damaged by debris. A basic insurance contract might not include storm damage, so it is always worth checking.

Damage must be reported to your insurer as quickly as possible. The deadline for making declarations is usually five days after any damage is noticed. This is especially important for second home owners, who may not be at the property when the damage occurs. 

In some cases – such as in the aftermath of Storm Ciaran – insurers may extend the reporting period. But under normal circumstances, it’s five days after the damage has been discovered.

What happens next

To make a claim, the first thing to do is contact your insurer by phone or email. Your insurer will take you through the next steps, but usually you have to send in a declaration – which should include an estimate of any losses and for any repairs, with evidence where possible, such as photographs and any receipts for purchases. 

Your insurer may also request proof of wind intensity, which can be provided for example by a nearby weather station.

The insurance company may appoint an expert to come and assess the damage, so make sure to keep damaged property safe until they arrive, as well as all invoices for any urgent repair work. 

What if you’re a tenant?

If you rent your property, you must report any damage inside the accommodation to your insurer and also notify your landlord so that they can file their own claim. 

In the case of a co-propriete, you must declare damage inside the accommodation to your insurer, while the trustee sends his own declaration to the collective insurance (which sometimes covers the private areas) .

How long does it take for claims to be settled?

Payment of the compensation provided for by the “storm guarantee” depends your home insurance contract. After the insurer has estimated the amount of damage, compensation is generally paid between 10 and 30 days following receipt of the insured’s agreement.

What if we got flooded?

In the case of flooding, you may have to wait for a natural disaster order to be issued. 

Catastrophe naturelle

The ‘state of natural disaster’ is a special procedure that was set up in 1982 so victims of exceptional natural events, such as storms, heavy rain, mudslides and flooding, as well as drought, can be adequately compensated for damage to property.

The government evaluates each area and deems whether it qualifies for the status of catastrophe naturelle (natural disaster). 

Essentially once a zone is declared a natural disaster, victims can claim from a pot of funds created by all insurers. If the zone is not declared a disaster, insurance companies are under no obligation to pay out. 

Under a “state of natural disaster” residents are covered for all those goods and property that are directly damaged by the phenomenon, in this case storms.

It applies to residential or commercial buildings, furniture, vehicles and work equipment that are already covered by insurance policies.

Homes must be already covered by a multi-risk insurance policy for the status of natural disaster to count.

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