The election nearly always has two rounds because it is very unusual for any candidate to win an absolute majority, of 50 per cent of the vote plus one.
Check your pockets for French franc bank notes TIME UP! The french franc is no more. Introduced 650 years ago in 1360 by King John II, the last note was exchanged into euros…
Many of those resident in France still need to keep an eye on the UK tax authorities. Here are a couple of important current issues. UK Tax Residence Some will be aware that HMR&C announced…
Making wills in France. Anyone owning property that is governed by French succession law should make a French will. If you die domiciled in England, French succession law will only apply to your land/buildings…
Before doing any business in France, you should carefully research the main issues (outlined below) which are involved. French language, law, local and national bureaucracy, culture and taxes may all be initially unfamiliar, but must…
Climate in the Pyrénées-Orientales The weather in the Pyrénées-Orientales is one of the main attractions for tourists, as well as one of the reasons that a lot of us moved here, along with the incredibly…
New French Driving licences The old pink paper driving licence is to be replaced over several years, starting in 2013 by a new ‘credit card’ style digital licence. New licences will have a photo which…
Electricity and gas for sale Since the 1st July, 2007, the EDF and the GDF no longer have the monopoly on gas and electricity in France. The consumer is able to shop around for cheaper…
Basil Howitt’s report on the fraught and prolonged installation of WiFi in his remote village of Lansac in Le Fenouillèdes “France Télécom can wipe out its reported 70 billion euros of debt at a stroke…
Ex pats to lose state health entitlement [(In his election campaign speech, M. Sarkosy said: “If you feel you are old enough to retire at 53, go ahead, but don’t expect the state to pay…