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LIVING IN FRANCE

BBQ rules, water, and the truth of ‘heavy legs’: 6 essential articles for life in France

What changes in France in July, whether water restrictions will hurt your French holiday, barbecue regs, French schools and non-French pupils, heavy legs and the ‘proposed garden tax’. Here’s our round-up of essential reads from The Local that bust a myth or two about living here…

Published: 2 July 2023 07:57 CEST
BBQ rules, water, and the truth of ‘heavy legs’: 6 essential articles for life in France
Brochettes or not brochettes... We explain the rules on barbecues in France. (Photo by MYCHELE DANIAU / AFP)

Exam results are out; cycling’s Tours de France (both of them – including the long-overdue women’s one) get under way; and the summer holidays start. But also, tax demands start to arrive, there’s an important change to gas tariffs, and news about non-EU bank accounts. That’s right, it’s July and – in France – a new month means new rules.

What changes in France in July 2023

With a significant portion of France under some level of drought alert, many are wondering how water restrictions and other drought-related rules could impact their French holiday this summer.

From advice on showers to rules outlawing barbecues and local restrictions on water use, here is what you need to know.

How could drought and water restrictions impact my French holiday?

The taste of barbecued food is something that we can’t get enough of, but having a BBQ does come with some problems especially if you live in a built-up area. So, as we head into summer BBQ season is approaching, but can you just light your charcoal and go in France, or are there rules to grilling?

The rules of having a BBQ in France

Moving to France with little or no French is a challenge for anyone – but for kids starting at French schools the process can be especially difficult. Or can it? There’s a perception that children simply ‘pick up’ languages with no problem, but in fact it can be quite a difficult process.

So, we spoke to parents who had successfully navigated the school system.

Parents reveal: What to expect when your non-French speaking child starts school in France

Summer’s here in France and – as they song should have gone – the time is right for hearing French women complaining of ‘les jambes lourdes‘ while pharmacies advertise remedies for ‘heavy legs’. So, what’s behind this strange ailment and why do only French women seem to suffer from it?

Why do French women suffer from ‘heavy legs’?

We round-up this week’s essential articles round-up with the answer to one final question that’s been doing the rounds online…

FACTCHECK: Is France about to impose a vegetable garden tax?

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LIVING IN FRANCE

What is France’s ‘citizen service’ and who has to do it?

Although France no longer has compulsory military service, there is still a requirement for a 'citizen service' known as the JDC - and for most younger people this is compulsory, including young foreigners who take French citizenship.

Published: 24 May 2024 17:11 CEST
What is France's 'citizen service' and who has to do it?

France scrapped compulsory military service in 1997 so its teenagers are no longer required to do 10 months of square-bashing, boot polishing and cross country runs.

They are, however, required to do the Journée défense et citoyenneté (JDC) in most cases – although this at least has the benefit of being just a single day.

What is it? 

The JDC is basically a one-day course or learning exercise about your rights and responsibilities as a citizen of France.

You will receive teaching on three main areas;

  • The general issues and objectives of national defence, and on the different forms of commitment required from citizens. This part of the course is usually taught by members of the French military
  • Civics lessons – similar to those given in French schools – based on the Charte des droits et devoirs du citoyen français (Charter of rights and duties of French citizens)
  • Information on equality between men and women, on the fight against sexist prejudice and on the fight against physical, psychological or sexual violence committed within the couple

You will also be given a brief test on your knowledge of the French language. This is for everyone, not just foreigners, and language learners can feel comforted by the fact that plenty of native French people also struggle with the intricacies of their language.

You do not have to pass any kind of exam on the contents of the citizenship course – more on the curriculum here.

The course usually lasts seven and a half hours – basically a standard working day.

Who has to do it?

There are two things that young people in France must do – the recensement citoyen (citizen census) and then, in most cases, the JDC.

The recensement citoyen is compulsory for;

  • Any French citizens who are turning 16 – they must complete the registration within three months of their 16th birthday.
  • Anyone who gains French nationality between the ages of 16 and 25 – they must sign up within a month of getting their citizenship.

It is not required for people older than 25 who gain French citizenship, neither is it required for non-French citizens – even if they are long-term residents in France.

People who fail to complete the recensement citoyen when required cannot be inscribed onto the electoral rolls (and therefore cannot vote), while the certificate of completion is also usually required to enrol for French public exams or administrative exams (eg professional qualifications).

Once you have completed the census, you will then receive notice for the one-day citizenship course (JDC). This is compulsory for most people, although there are exceptions for people who have a disability or a long-term illness.

How do you do it?

First off, the recensement citoyen can be done either online or in person, if you choose the online option it is done at the local mairie.

It’s a relatively simple sign-up process and then you receive the attestation de recensement, which will be required for registering for exams. Once you have completed this, you will automatically be added to the electoral roll once you reach the age of 18.

Once this is completed, you will then receive a convocation (summons) to your one-day JDC. The letter will provide details of how and where to do the course, as well as the options to appeal if you believe you are exempt on the grounds of illness or disability.

It also gives you an autorisation d’absence exceptionnelle – authorisation of absence, which you present to your employer if you are working or an apprentice. They are then legally obliged to give you the day off to attend.

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