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LIVING IN FRANCE

Desserts, scams and air-conditioning: 6 essential articles for life in France

From summer travel tips to air-conditioning, via scam warnings and and delicious dessert recipes, here are six must-read articles for living in France.

Desserts, scams and air-conditioning: 6 essential articles for life in France
Check out the best French desserts. Photo by CLEMENT MAHOUDEAU / AFP

If you’re planning on taking a road trip in France this summer, there are certain weekends that should be avoided at all cost.

There’s also other things to think about, from city traffic pollution rules to fake police officers and where to find the cheapest fuel.

8 things to know about driving in France this summer

For many, just the mention of the stifling heat and the influx of tourists that take over Paris in August is enough to make them want to leave the city and head for the beach.

But Evie Burrows-Taylor argues that there are good reasons to stay in the city.

7 reasons why you should stay in Paris in August

Let’s be honest. The long sultry days of summer are usually fairly quiet in France, as parliament breaks for the summer and huge swathes of the population head to the beach. But 2022 is not an ordinary year – here’s what changes in August.

What changes in France in August 2022

Sadly, crime never sleeps or goes on holiday… From computer hacking to phone calls, a new report reveals that scams and frauds are unfortunately on the rise in France and the criminals are getting more sophisticated – here are some of the most common frauds to be aware of.

Warning: 6 of the most common scams in France to watch out for

Meanwhile, as the climate and energy crisis continues, officials are starting to act. It will soon be illegal for air-conditioned stores to keep their doors open, while government offices will only be able to put on the cool air if it is hotter than 26C indoors.

How France is legislating the use of air conditioning

But let’s end on a positive note. France is of course the home of patisserie, which means you are spoiled for choice when it comes to rounding off your meal with a sweet treat. Here are some of the best – including how to make them.

8 of the best French desserts (with recipes)

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LIVING IN FRANCE

Préfectures, property and Euro 2024: Essential articles for life in France

Buying a property, préfecture problems, buying and selling concert tickets, how and where to watch Euro 2024 action - plus of course what France's snap elections mean for foreigners in France - are all this week's must-reads from The Local.

Préfectures, property and Euro 2024: Essential articles for life in France

We don’t normally do politics here – the ‘Essentials’ newsletter is supposed to be practical and we usually leave that political sort of thing to editor Emma Pearson and her election bulletins.

But there are some things we can’t ignore. And one is that there’s a snap-election coming up, and there’s a possibility that Marine Len Pen’s far-right Rassemblement National party could do well. So – from visas to cartes de séjour and French language tests – here’s a look at some RN’s policies that could affect foreigners living in France, or hoping to move here someday.

What a far-right prime minister could mean for foreigners in France

There are several things to consider before buying property in France. You may want to visit the area during different seasons to be sure that you enjoy it rain or shine, and you will want to consider how much you would end up paying in property taxes, as well as whether or not it will be a main residence or second home.

And then, there are the extra hurdles for foreigners purchasing property here. Here’s a look at some of the restrictions and challenges you will want to be aware of beforehand.

What restrictions are there on foreigners buying property in France?

Many foreigners have experienced problems with their local préfecture – from long delays in processing applications to difficulty getting appointments and problems in making contact with préfecture staff.

If you’re a non-EU citizen living in France then you will need either a visa or a carte de séjour (residency permit) – and in the early years most people will need to regularly renew their cards – this means that you will have to interact with their local préfecture, or sous-préfecture. Here are a few tips to make the process a little easier on the blood pressure…

Top tips for dealing with delays or problems at your French préfecture

A football tournament kicked off on Friday – you may have heard something about it. From TV schedules to bars, cafés and fan zones, here are your options for watching all matches of the Euro 2024 football tournament in France.

How to watch the Euro 2024 tournament on TV in France

If you are buying or selling tickets to events such as concerts, matches or festivals in France, then there are some rules to be aware of, especially as the Olympic and Paralympic Games approach.

The rules for buying and selling tickets in France

From strike action to Olympic disruption, via ‘black days’ on the roads and the €49 rail pass, here’s a look ahead to what to expect if you’re travelling to, from or within France in summer 2024.

Travel to France: What to expect on roads, rails and airports this summer

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