News Digest: November Changes in France & Happy Halloween

A new red line that’s popping up on motorways across France has drivers talking, but don’t worry – the rules haven’t changed. Instead, the authorities are testing out the use of a bright red line to indicate zones in which it is dangerous – and therefore not permitted – to overtake. The red line works in exactly the same way as the current solid white lines, which prohibits drivers from passing the line or overtaking (similar lines are used throughout the UK and Europe, while in the US, it’s typically a double yellow line).

The new red colour is designed to attract attention and remind drivers not to overtake, with the goal of improving road safety. The lines are currently being trialled on sections of the A10 heading into Bordeaux and along the A7 close to Lyon. Remember, whether or not it’s red or solid white, overtaking in these areas is subject to a fine of up to €135, as well as three points on your licence.

There are two celebrations going off in France this week, and with a bank holiday on Friday, French residents will also enjoy a three-day weekend. Thursday, October 31^st is Halloween in France, and while it’s not celebrated quite as enthusiastically as it is in the UK and the US, celebrations are becoming more widespread with both kids and adults taking part in the fun – read our guide to celebrating Halloween in France.

The day after, November 1^st, is Toussaint or All Saints Day in France, which is a bank holiday or jour férié. Traditionally a Catholic celebration, Toussaint and the following day, known as the “jours des morts”  or All Souls Day, are seen as days of remembrance and a time to visit the graves of lost loved ones. Chrysanthemums (chrysanthèmes) are the symbolic flowers to honour the deceased, so expect to find shops full of them this week.

Make the most of the weekend because it’s back to school on Monday (November 4^th) for schoolchildren around France as the 2-week Toussaint school holidays come to a close.

This Friday, November 1st, marks the official start of the winter period in France and brings with it a few changes. The first, as we mentioned last week, will be the temporary introduction of border checks between France and six of their EU neighbours – make sure you read our article to get up to speed before you travel: EU Border Controls in France: What Changes in November 2024?

Secondly, November 1st sees the start of France’s annual trêve hivernale, the “winter truce” period in which landlords are forbidden from evicting non-paying tenants and utility companies are forbidden from disconnecting services due to unpaid bills.

November also sees a welcome bump in France’s minimum wage (SMIC), which normally doesn’t happen until January but has been brought forward to protect lower-income households from inflation. The net monthly wage now goes up from €1,398.70 to €1,426.67.

Finally, November 1st is also the start of the annual Loi Montagne, which requires all cars to be fitted with winter tyres or snow chains when passing through certain mountainous areas.  The rule applies through to March 31st, and from this year, there is a change to the type of tyres accepted – read the full article here.

Is it coming to the end of the year already?! Our final FrenchEntrée webinar of the year is going to be especially for our American audience (Canadians – a lot of it will probably be relevant for you, too!), so make sure you don’t miss out and sign up today.

Our guest host, Iva Slavtcheva, will be joined by an excellent panel of hosts, including Miranda from Paris Property Group, Thomas from Société de Courtage, Eleonore from Lexidy, and Kelly from Moneycorp to cover everything you need to know about moving to France as an American in 2025. Real estate and the property purchase process, French mortgages, visas and immigration to France, and currency exchange and maximizing your budget – we’ll be covering it ALL!

If you have a question for any of our panellists, you can also send it to us in advance at [email protected]

Moving to France as an American in 2025:Your Essential Guide

Thursday 7th November
6pm ET