How to check water restrictions where you live, finding professional tax advice, holiday destinations and their alternatives, foodie heaven, and the offences that could cost you points on your licence.
Local authorities in parts of south-west France recently imposed water restrictions — and summer in France often means drought, so here’s how to check whether restrictions are in place in your commune before you get into bother for watering your garden, washing your car, or filling your swimming pool.
EXPLAINED: How to check water restrictions in your area of France
There are lots of people advertising their services to help with the annual French tax declaration but you need to make sure that anyone you hire has the right qualifications — here is how to check.
Where can I find professional help with the French tax declaration?
We normally try to steer clear of politics here, in the weekly ‘Essential articles’ corner of The Local, but with the local elections out of the way, attention is turning to next year’s presidential race.
In April and May 2027, French people will go to the polls and pick their next president. There’s still a long way to go, but here’s how the race is shaping up 12 months out.
ANALYSIS: Who’s who in France’s 2027 presidential election race
Travel uncertainty linked to the US-Israeli invasion of Iran, and cost constraints is leading more French people to plan a home-country summer summer holiday in 2026, making French resorts busier than usual. So, with France on course for another bumper year of tourism, the most popular sites are going to be severely overcrowded… Here, then, are some alternatives.
10 alternatives to France’s overcrowded tourist hotspots
When booking a holiday, French people are as likely to take into account the local gastronomy as sightseeing opportunities, according to a study, which has also revealed the preferred destinations of the French for foodie holidays.
REVEALED: Top French destinations for gastronomic tourism
You may have read that several local authorities in the south-west have joined a scheme to suspend the licences of anyone caught using a phone while driving. Here’s a guide to driving offences in France and how many points they will cost you if you have a French licence.
Driving in France: What are the offences that cost you penalty points on your French licence?
