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ESSENTIAL FRANCE

Ticks, tax declarations and philosophy: 6 essential articles for life in France

From a health warning about 'giant ticks' to swimming in French lakes, via doing your taxes and then watching the Euros on TV - with a little bit of philosophy thrown in here - here are 6 essential articles for life in France.

Published: 23 June 2024 08:04 CEST
Ticks, tax declarations and philosophy: 6 essential articles for life in France
Ticks are a serious problem in France in the summer, both for humans and pets. Photo by JEAN-CHRISTOPHE VERHAEGEN / AFP

The French health authority has issued a warning about a species of ‘giant tick’ that is now present in southern France. Normal ticks are endemic across the country and can carry some significant health risks, as well as necessitating the painful and nasty process of digging them out of your flesh (or the flesh of your kids/ pets).

What to know about ticks in France and how to avoid them

Horrifying pictures of blisters the size of golf balls on the legs of two unfortunate ‘wild swimming’ fans made headlines in France this week. So is it safe to swim in France’s many picturesque lakes?

Is it safe to swim in French lakes?

Our neighbours in Germany are hosting the Euro 2024 football tournament and things are hotting up (wishing a speedy recovery to Kylian Mbappé’s nose). Whether you have gone native and are supporting France or you have another team to cheer on, here’s how to watch all the matches in France.

How to watch the Euro 2024 tournament on TV in France

It’s nearly deadline time for the 2024 property tax declaration in France – and if you own property here (even if you live in another country) this is something that you are likely to need to know about.

Who is exempt from the 2024 property tax declaration?

A new law went into effect this week that allows pharmacists to dispense antibiotics without prescription in certain cases. Most people will still need a prescription, however, so we’re taking a look at how you can get that if you’re just visiting France or you are not yet registered in the French health system. 

Do I need a prescription for antibiotics in France?

French lycée pupils are into the exam season – commiserations to any parents living with a stressed-out teen – and all of the Bac candidates will be taking a philosophy exam. The subject has been a compulsory part of French schooling since the days of Napoleon.

Building citizens: Why philosophy is compulsory in French schools

(And one extra)

As you may have noticed, there is an election on in France. You can get all the latest election news HERE and you can also sign up to receive by email our bi-weekly election breakdown (more info here). We’re also taking a look at what it would really mean for foreigners in France if the far-right do end up in power.

Meanwhile our Talking France podcast is also discussing all things election related. Listen here or on the link below

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LIVING IN FRANCE

Heatwaves, Paris wages and summer travel: 6 essential articles for life in France

A reminder of what to expect on French roads, rail and airports this summer, the risk of some hot weather this summer, how much you need to earn to make it ‘rich’ in Paris, tiny cars, the people likely to decide France’s parliamentary elections, and a policy that will affect immigrant families that they could vote on

Published: 30 June 2024 08:06 CEST
Heatwaves, Paris wages and summer travel: 6 essential articles for life in France

Coming to a road in France near you soon – a summer holiday tailback… 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

Temperatures may well have dipped a bit by the time you read this – but France does get hot in the summer and officials regularly issue weather alerts when heatwaves strike – so how dangerous are sizzling days in France? And how can you keep safe?

Explained: How dangerous are French heatwaves?

Heatwaves also bring with them insects – especially mosquitoes. In France these now come in types; the ‘classic’ European mosquito and new arrival from Asia the Tiger Mosquito. Both produce very annoying itchy bites, so what are the best ways to get rid of them?

Are anti-mosquito apps really worth using in France?

The higher-paying jobs are heavily concentrated in the French capital, but set against that is the high cost of living – especially the cost of renting or buying a home. So how much do you need to be paid to be considered a ‘high-earner’ in Paris? Turns out, it’s complicated…

What is considered a good salary in Paris?

They’re small and don’t go very fast, but they’re also cheap, easy to park and can be driven by teenagers and people who don’t have a driving licence – welcome to the world of France’s ‘voitures sans permis’.

Meet France’s tiny cars that you don’t need a licence to drive

As you know, we try to avoid elections, here. But sometimes, it’s unavoidable, like this article clarifying a group of people who sound like something out of a Monty Python film … But the ni-nis could end up determining the course of France’s parliamentary elections.

Who are France’s ni-ni people?

Speaking of elections – you can follow all the latest election news (including from Sunday’s first round of polling) HERE, and we will also explain the peculiarities of the French electoral system and what happens next. We will be producing a special episode of the Talking France podcast on Monday. 

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