If you’ve started the process of settling in France, you’ve probably already heard the word “préfecture” said with a certain tone — somewhere between resignation and dread. The reality is the staff are generally helpful and often the biggest headache is find a place to park. The préfecture is the office that handles your carte…
Proving where you live in France One of my British clients was quite put out recently when their Carte Vitale was refused as a justificatif de domicile (proof of address). “But it’s an official government health card!” he said. “Obviously that proves where I live!” Well, actually, no. It proves that you’re entitled to healthcare…
French healthcare doesn’t cover everything One of the biggest surprises for many newcomers is that French healthcare isn’t entirely free. While the state health system (Assurance Maladie) reimburses a significant proportion of medical costs and prescriptions, it doesn’t usually cover everything. That’s why most French people choose to have a mutuelle (complementary health insurance). It…
Why the French Mairie Isn’t Just a Town Hall Two hats, one office If you’ve recently moved to France, you’ve probably been told to “go to the mairie.” Sensible advice—but the mairie isn’t quite the local government office you might be imagining. What makes the French system unusual is that the maire wears two hats.…