In January, France passed a new immigration law, which introduced stricter language requirements for foreigners, as well as a new obligation to sign a contract promising to ‘respect the values of the republic’ for those applying for residency cards.

Earlier this week, France’s Journal Officiel published a decree outlining the details for this new contract, which is now in effect.

French immigration law: New carte de séjour rules now in force

France is known for its culinary traditions, with much of the country’s gastronomy involving very healthy doses of butter, cream and other dairy products. Christmas in France is not complete without a seafood platter, and happy hour drinks on a terrasse are usually accompanied by a small bowl of peanuts.

Suffice to say – it can be a bit complicated to travel in France with a serious food allergy. We’ve put together important vocabulary, phrases and steps to take if you believe you are having a reaction in France.

Essential guide for travelling with allergies in France

As Paris gears up for the Olympic Games, one major consideration is security. As a result, in the days leading up to the opening ceremony, large swathes of central Paris (along the Seine river) will be in a security zone that requires a QR code to enter.

Later on, the QR codes will be necessary for those looking to enter the spaces immediately surrounding Games venues.

Explained: How Paris QR codes work during the Olympics

And with the Olympics in full-swing, the capital will be more crowded than usual. As a result, it may be worth-your-while to check out some of the city’s lesser-known museums.

It can be a great opportunity to see the city’s hidden gems, while avoiding large crowds.

5 lesser-known museums in Paris to visit this summer

The temperatures are also rising – both in the capital and across France – and the country is preparing for heatwaves over the summer months.

Heatwaves are accompanied by weather alerts and health warnings from local authorities, and you should take those seriously because French canicules can pose a serious risk to health or even life.

How dangerous are heatwaves in France?

And finally, getting renovation work done can be a more time-consuming process in France than you might have expected. On top of that, it is easy to have language-related miscommunications.

But if the situation seriously deteriorates and you find yourself in a dispute with your contractor, you should be aware of the steps to take and the rights you hold.

What to do in case of a dispute with a tradesperson in France