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LIVING IN FRANCE

Crit’Air stickers, road signs, and rentrée rules: 6 essential articles for life in France

France’s environmental Crit’Air stickers explained, a new road sign to watch out for, avoiding roaming charges in France, health insurance advice and how to find a really good French restaurant.

Published: 13 August 2023 08:34 CEST
Crit’Air stickers, road signs, and rentrée rules: 6 essential articles for life in France
School's nearly not out for summer... (Photo by JEFF PACHOUD / AFP)

One national UK newspaper reported this week on France’s “Crut’Air” (sic) stickers, warning innocent British motorists that they were ‘an easy target’ for £155 fines (wait till they hear about France’s flight tax plan to pay for the railways).

In this article from the archives, we explain how the Crit’Air (as it is actually named) sticker system works, and how to avoid a fine by going through the simple process of getting one.

Crit’Air: How France’s vehicle emissions stickers work

But there is a new road sign in France that motorists will need to get used to – and ignoring it could land you a fine you could really do without. Readers, we give you the car pool lane sign…

The new French road sign that can net you a €135 fine

More money-saving tips… If you’re visiting France from outside the EU you risk running up a huge phone bill in roaming charges – but there are ways to keep your internet access while avoiding being hit by extra charges.

How to avoid huge ‘roaming’ phone bills while visiting France

France has a problem with food. Its reputation as a global gastronomic giant raises expectations. And if those expectations aren’t met, disappointment follows. Often public ‘French food is overrated’ disappointment.

The problem is that a lot of people visiting France aren’t doing French restaurants right…

8 tips for finding a good restaurant in France

Anyone living in France knows about the importance of getting a carte vitale to access healthcare. Once you have one, you may want to look into getting a complementary healthcare plan, or a Mutuelle. Here is what you need to know about top-up insurance in France.

Health insurance in France: What you need to know about a mutuelle

And finally, as experienced parents of school-age children look longingly at the beginning of September and the blessed release of the rentrée scolaire, those preparing for it for the first time may feel a little nervous about what – officially and unofficially – happens at the school gates and beyond. Don’t worry, we’ve been there. We’ve got your back.

What you need to know if your child is starting school in France

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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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