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LIVING IN FRANCE

Clocks, cars and citizenship: 6 essential articles for life in France

Why the clocks still have to go back, travel changes for non-EU citizens, what might stop you becoming French, who needs snow tyres this winter, and visa rules - they’re all in this week’s must-reads from The Local

Clocks, cars and citizenship: 6 essential articles for life in France
A woman puts snow socks on the tyres of her car. (Photo by Pascal POCHARD-CASABIANCA / AFP)

This weekend marks, once again, the changing of the clocks across Europe – but the EU actually had a plan to end this twice-yearly practice back in 2019. So what happened?

Whatever happened to the EU plan to ditch the changing of the clocks?

Speaking of the EU. Its home affairs ministers has endorsed new dates for the start of operations for new EU border systems. Two changes that will affect travel in and out of the bloc for non-EU citizens – such as Britons, Americans, Australians and Canadians. Here’s how EES and ETIAS will affect you.

EES and ETIAS: What are the big changes for travel in Europe?

You may think that applying for French citizenship will solve a lot of those issues. A word of warning, however. It is a stressful and time-consuming process … but could you really be refused for your political views or if you’re overheard complaining about France? We sort the fact from the fiction.

Why might France refuse your citizenship application?

Winter, so the catchline for the popular sex-and-sorcery fantasy saga goes, is coming. In practical terms, however, that means drivers in certain parts of the country need to be prepared. From November 1st rules requiring motorists to have winter tyres or snow chains apply in certain areas – here’s what equipment you need and where the law applies.

MAP: Where in France do I need snow tyres this winter?

On the one hand, France has a visa system that was last revised well before remote working became an option for most people, on the other hand we have the exponential rise in the number of people working remotely. So, we asked the question: can you work in France on a short-stay visa?

Ask the experts: How do remote working and visitor visas combine?

Linked to that, the prospect of some hope for anyone who owns a second home in France, perhaps. A French Senator is proposing a special visa for people who own property in France – but is it really likely to become a reality?

Will France bring in a visa for second-home owners?

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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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