Energy ratings, accidents and hiking routes: 6 essential articles for life in France

"How a change in rules could affect your property's energy rating, the mysterious 'quotient familial', the difference between 'c'est' and 'il est', what to do in case of an accident - and France's best hiking and cycling routes revealed in this week's must-reads from The Local. From January 1st, 2026, "the electricity conversion coefficient included in the DPE will be lowered [in France], in line with European standards"."

"Whether you're coming to France on holiday or packing up all your worldly goods with the intention of moving here, you need to know what you can and cannot bring across the border. From cheese to medication, pets to DIY items, there are some limits on what you can bring with you when travelling into France - and the reason for your travel matters, too..."

"To the native English speaker, the concept of two different versions of 'it is' in French can be confusing, particularly when the same phrases can also mean 'this is', 'that is' and 'he/she is'. Here we explain when c'est should be il est.... No one wants to be involved in a road traffic collision, but they do happen and it is best to be prepared."

France will lower the electricity conversion coefficient used in the Diagnostic de Performance Énergétique (DPE) from January 1, 2026, aligning it with European standards and changing some property energy ratings. Administrative processes often require a quotient familial, a tax-based family coefficient used to calculate benefits and eligibility for childcare and other services. French usage distinguishes c'est and il est depending on context and function in a sentence. Drivers involved in road traffic collisions should follow specific steps to document the accident and comply with French procedures. There are recommended hiking and cycling routes across regions. Travel into France is subject to limits on items such as cheese, medication, pets, and DIY goods depending on travel purpose.

Read at The Local France