Published on: October 29, 2026 | Article No: 351 | By: @rprasanth_kumar
November 2026 brings several changes that could affect your household budget, housing, online shopping, driving, employment and retirement in France. From a rise in the gas reference price to new consumer credit rules and winter driving requirements, here are eight important updates explained in simple English.
Whether you are an international student, an employee, a tenant, a driver or a long-term resident, this guide explains what is changing, who is affected and what you should know.
If you have any questions, please feel free to use the comments section at the end of this article.
Topics Covered 📚
- Gas reference price increase
- New €2 processing fee on non-EU imported parcels
- Winter eviction suspension period begins
- Winter tyres or chains requirement
- New consumer credit rules
- Work accident and occupational illness benefits
- Increase in supplementary pensions
- Fuel assistance for eligible high-mileage workers
Gas reference price increase
Effective from 1 November 2026, The French Energy Regulatory Commission (CRE) has announced a 6.6% increase in the average gas reference price, including tax.
|
Gas reference price |
Amount, including tax |
|---|---|
|
October 2026 |
€182.88/MWh |
|
November 2026 |
€194.90/MWh |
|
Increase |
6.6% |
The reference price helps consumers compare gas offers. France no longer has regulated retail gas tariffs, but some commercial contracts are indexed to the monthly reference price.
Who is affected?
- Contracts indexed to the reference price: Your gas charges may increase.
- Fixed-price contracts: This particular reference-price change does not directly affect the fixed price covered by your contract.
The CRE estimates an average increase of approximately €12 on November bills for customers whose offers are indexed to the reference price. It also estimates that the average annual gas bill for 2026 could be around €135 higher than in 2025, assuming prices remain broadly stable for the rest of the year.
What should you do? Check your gas contract to see whether your price is fixed or indexed. Compare available offers before switching suppliers.
New €2 processing fee on non-EU imported parcels
Effective from 1 November 2026, New EU customs measures introduce a processing fee for qualifying online purchases shipped from outside the European Union. The measure is intended to help cover customs processing and control costs as the volume of e-commerce parcels entering the EU increases.
How much will it cost? The French Customs Directorate describes the new €2 processing fee as applying per category of goods in qualifying distance-selling consignments, without a minimum parcel-value threshold.
A separate €3 transitional customs duty has been applied since 1 July 2026 to qualifying consignments valued at €150 or less. That duty is also calculated per category of goods.
For example, consider an online order containing toys, a coat and perfume:
- Three distinct product categories could attract €6 in processing fees from November.
- If the parcel qualifies for the separate €3 transitional customs duty, the duty could add another €9.
- The combined amount would be €15, excluding applicable VAT and other charges.
- This is an illustrative calculation. The precise classification of goods determines the applicable categories.
Who pays? The customs obligations fall on the relevant e-commerce operators, sellers or carriers, depending on the arrangement. The final consumer may see the cost reflected in the checkout price or other charges associated with delivery.
What should you do? Check the final price and import-charge information before ordering from a non-EU marketplace. Do not assume that every parcel will attract the same total charges.
Winter eviction suspension period begins
From 1 November 2026 to 31 March 2027, France’s annual trêve hivernale begins on 1 November. During this period, the physical eviction of tenants from their homes is generally suspended, including in many cases where an eviction order has been issued. The measure is intended to protect people from losing their homes during the winter months.
What tenants should know?
- Physical evictions covered by the suspension are generally postponed until the end of the period.
- Landlords may still initiate or continue legal proceedings.
- Rent remains payable. The winter suspension does not cancel rent arrears.
- Special legal exceptions apply, including certain cases involving squatters and specific court orders.
- The rules can differ according to the occupant’s legal status and the circumstances of the case.
What should you do? If you receive an eviction notice, seek appropriate legal or housing advice. Do not assume that the winter period automatically resolves your situation.
Winter tyres or chains requirement
From 1 November 2026 to 31 March 2027, Drivers travelling in certain mountain areas of France must comply with seasonal winter-equipment requirements. The rules apply in designated communes across mountain regions, including the Alps, Corsica, the Massif Central, the Jura, the Pyrenees and the Vosges.
What equipment do you need? For most passenger cars, you can generally comply through one of these options:
- Option 1: Four suitable winter tyres. Fit four tyres suitable for winter driving that bear the recognised 3PMSF symbol, depicting a mountain with three peaks and a snowflake.
- Option 2: Snow chains or snow socks. Carry suitable removable anti-skid devices that can equip at least two driving wheels.
An M+S marking alone does not qualify as an equivalent to the required winter equipment under the current rules. Tyres without the recognised 3PMSF marking may still be used, but additional equipment is required where the rules apply.
Does this apply throughout France? No. The obligation applies in designated mountain communes, not across the entire country. Road signs identify the relevant zones.
What should you do? Before travelling to a mountain destination, check the local requirements, your tyre markings and whether your chains or snow socks fit your vehicle.
New consumer credit rules
Effective from 20 November 2026, France is introducing changes to consumer credit regulation to strengthen consumer protection and extend certain requirements to financing products that were previously outside, or only partly covered by, the existing framework.
Which types of borrowing are concerned?The changes cover certain forms of financing, including:
- Mini-loans below €200.
- Certain short-term payment arrangements, including some pay-in-three plans.
- Interest-free or low-cost credit products covered by the reform.
- Certain lease-to-own contracts.
- Consumer loans between €75,000 and €100,000.
The exact requirements depend on the type of product and the applicable legal provisions. Deferred-debit cards remain excluded from the relevant extension.
What does this mean for consumers?The reform strengthens requirements concerning information provided before a contract is signed and the assessment of borrowers’ ability to repay.It is intended to make borrowing costs clearer and help prevent consumers from taking on credit they cannot afford.These changes do not mean that all instalment-payment services are prohibited or that every transaction is subject to identical checks.
What should you do? Before using a loan or buy-now-pay-later service, check the total cost, repayment schedule, late-payment consequences and your ability to meet the repayments.
Work accident and occupational illness benefits
Effective from 1 November 2026, the maximum daily social security benefits for qualifying work accidents, commuting accidents and occupational illnesses are changing for relevant cases.
The maximum daily amounts are:
|
Period of sick leave |
Maximum daily benefit |
|---|---|
|
Days 1-28 |
€65.17 |
|
From 29th day |
€86.90 |
The salary ceiling used to calculate these benefits is also being reduced. This means that employees with higher earnings may receive lower social security daily benefits than under the previous calculation. The actual amount paid depends on the applicable rules and the employee’s circumstances. The reform also includes changes concerning compensation for permanent incapacity in relevant cases.
What should you do? If you experience a workplace or commuting accident, check your entitlement with your employer and CPAM. Do not assume that the published maximum is the amount you will personally receive.
Increase in supplementary pensions
Effective from 1 November 2026, Agirc-Arrco supplementary retirement pensions for private-sector retirees are increasing by 1.4%. In France, eligible private-sector employees generally receive a basic state pension and a supplementary pension through Agirc-Arrco. This adjustment concerns the supplementary pension, not an automatic increase in the basic state pension.
What does the increase mean? The Agirc-Arrco pension point’s service value increases from €1.4386 to €1.4587. For illustration, a supplementary pension of €1,000 per month before the increase would become approximately €1,014 per month, assuming the full 1.4% adjustment applies and no other factors change. Your actual payment depends on your individual pension entitlement.
What should you do? If you already receive an Agirc-Arrco pension, check your payment information. If you are still working, remember that this adjustment concerns supplementary pension payments, not your current salary.
Fuel assistance for eligible high-mileage workers
For October-December 2026: The French government has renewed its €100 fuel assistance scheme for eligible high-mileage workers for October, November and December 2026. Although this is not a measure introduced for the first time in November, it remains relevant to workers who qualify during the period.
Who may qualify? Eligibility depends on several conditions, including income, vehicle-related requirements and the distance travelled. The published criteria include:
- Travelling more than 15 km each way between home and work, or driving more than 8,000 km per year for professional purposes, including commuting.
- Meeting the applicable household income threshold. The reference tax income for 2024 must generally not exceed €22,770 per tax share.
- Meeting the scheme’s other eligibility conditions. Meeting the travel-distance requirement alone does not guarantee eligibility.
How do you apply? Applications for the renewed scheme opened on 27 October 2026. Eligible people who received the earlier assistance may receive the second payment automatically. Other eligible applicants should check their circumstances and apply through the official tax administration process. Deadline: 31 December 2026.
What should you do? Use the official eligibility information before applying and make sure your tax and vehicle details meet the requirements. Not every change affects everyone. Your contract, employment status, location, income and personal circumstances determine which measures matter to you.
Source: Service Public
This article is for general information and is not a substitute for personalised legal, financial, immigration or administrative advice. For official information, consult the government sources before making financial, legal or administrative decisions.
Stay informed about life in France. Follow @prasanth_in_france for practical guides on French administration, work, housing, money and everyday life.
Support This Blog!
If you’ve found my articles helpful and you want to say thanks, a cup of coffee or two is very much appreciated!. Please help keep it going!
