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Full list of properties for sale in France
A guide to accessing utilities in France
Arranging utility connections in France
You're already overwhelmed with the decision to buy property in France, you've had your exciting vacations to view houses, you've traveled from region to region in search of your own paradise and you're biting your nails to get a ... long and sometimes complicated buying process. When you sign the papers in front of a smiling notary, it's easy to feel like you've done all the hard work and can now settle in and enjoy your new life or vacation home. All that's left are odd little tasks like hooking up electricity, arranging phone service, finding an internet provider, arranging gas, locating water, and, well, I hate to say that, but have you ever thought about sewerage? Suddenly you are overwhelmed with difficulties again, and unless you can find a simple way to deal with it, it can really diminish your planned easy new lifestyle.
It is always useful to speak French
Fluent (or even semi-decent) French speakers should find neither a problem. Yes, the system is different here, but if you speak the language, all you have to do is ask the relevant question in the right place, and you'll solve it. However, the vast majority of Brits moving to France or buying property in France are not experienced linguists, and dealing with utilities seems more complicated than it actually is. If this is your dilemma, don't panic, help is at hand.
Brokers can help connect utilities
Many people have found very simple solutions to these difficulties. Many estate agents, especially those who specialize in helping Britons find and buy property in France, also offer an "after-sales service", which includes helping to hook up all utilities and set up payment methods. This can be a very useful additional feature for many people, but bear in mind that you will eventually need to understand these systems as a broker will not hold your hand forever!
Alternative assistance available for private property buyers
For those who have not bought a home through such a real estate agency, there is another possibility. It is possible to join an agency that does not sell or rent real estate, but provides handheld services itself. You pay a flat fee for this, usually a registration fee and an annual subscription fee, and once you're a member, you can call the agency and ask them to make all these sorts of arrangements for you. They call the energy supplier, make an appointment and advise you on the best way to pay.
Organize information and documents required by utilities
If you decide to take the plunge and arrange everything yourself, the first thing you need to know is that in France it won't happen until you provide the necessary documents. (All the stories you've heard about the French bureaucracy are true!) That's why your first task is to prepare the stack of documents and certificates you need to bring to all your appointments. (Be prepared to still have to go home to collect more papers... it's an unwritten law in France that no matter how many papers and papers you bring to a meeting, you'll almost always need another! ) :
birth certificate
marriage certificate
RIB (Relevé d'Indentité Bancaire). This is a page in your checkbook that contains your bank information.
A copy of your utility bill (if you have one!) or something from your notary proving you have an address in France.
You may not need all of these items, but having them on hand will save you time in the long run.
arrange personally
Make an appointment to come to the respective provider's office, as you will find that things go faster and more successfully if you arrange them in person rather than trying to get them over the phone or email. (If you're making an appointment over the phone and your French is poor, it may be helpful to write down what you're going to say first and have an idea of the language you're going to hear, e.g. day of the week, appointment time, etc.)
Electricity in France
Electricity in France is usually supplied by the state-owned company EDF (Electricité de France). EDF always owned and operated the electricity infrastructure network, but since 2007 the company has had to allow other suppliers to use its network. While EDF remains France's largest electricity supplier, there are about nine other companies to choose from. Comparison sites such as www.energie-info.fr can help you decide which company to use.
If you are moving into a property that was previously occupied by someone else, make sure that the meter reading is taken before the contract starts to avoid paying someone else's electricity bill. It may be wise to schedule a reading yourself. This is called a Relevé Special. If the property has existing stock, you pay a fee (frais d'access) to use it. (It's not expensive, currently around €15.) Payment of your bill is usually and easiest done by direct debit (prélèvement automatique) and can be arranged at your first appointment, as long as you have the relevant paperwork! During this first conversation you also determine the desired rate. There are different rates from which to choose and it is important to choose the one that best suits your needs. The most popular tariff is the off-peak option, which works by providing cheap electricity at times you choose from a list provided by the company. That's fine, as long as you remember to do laundry, dishes, boil water, etc. during off-peak hours!
French power
The electricity supply in France also differs from that in the UK. Many older homes only offer low power, perhaps as low as three or six kilowatts. (Power supplies in France are available in 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 24 or 36 KW.) You may need to upgrade the power to meet the demands of modern life! There is a cost to this, however, and it can add up to 40% of your overheads. If you are connecting electricity to a new or renovated building that was previously without electricity, you should discuss the costs with your electricity supplier.
natural gas supply in france
Grid gas is usually only available in cities. The main supplier is GDF (Gaz de France) linked to EDF, but there are others as well. The system for connecting to GDF and opening an account is essentially similar to the above. This can be arranged if your home is located in a city with a gas connection and you do not have a gas connection. For this price you should contact GDF as it may vary from property to property.
Natural gas supply for French estates
If your home is in a rural area and doesn't have running water gas, you'll need to decide if your gas usage is large enough to require a gas storage tank, or if you can use smaller bottles of gasoline, propane, or butane gas. These portable bottles are readily available at many local stores, including gas stations and garden stores. If you use bottled gas, where you want to store the bottle is an important consideration. Butane should be stored indoors, while propane can withstand higher temperature extremes and can be safely stored outside in a garden shed.
Gas central heating in rural France
Gas central heating in rural areas requires a water tank. Arrangements can be made to rent a storage tank from your supplier (Total and Antargaz supply gas supplies and storage tanks in most areas) which will cost you around EUR 300-400 per year.
French telephone connections
France Telecom is usually your first stop for setting up telephone and internet services in France. Most major offices have English speaking staff and there is even an English speaking hotline (from France) 09 69 36 39 00 or 01 55 78 60 56 (it's a toll free number). If you are calling from the UK, the number to dial is 0033 9 69 36 39 00 or 0033 1 55 78 60 56.
Once you have obtained a telephone number for your telephone/internet subscription, you can use other telephone operators, but you will still have to pay France Telecom for the telephone number. However, if your address is in the "zone de groupage total", you can get numbers and telephone/internet packages from other providers.
French property with existing telephone lines
Setting up phone accounts for properties with existing lines is quick and easy, and unsurprisingly it's best done with the usual visit to the office and the usual bundle of papers! A difference with the British system is that you cannot simply take over the number of previous residents. You will be assigned a new number. As with all other services, don't forget to check that the previous occupant has closed their account before taking over!
Installation of new telephone lines in France
If you are installing new wiring in a home that has not been connected before, you should contact France Telecom for an estimate. You will need to dig trenches of the necessary depth to run the cables (the laws here are very strict on this matter), and you will need to provide details of the number and type of outlets installed in your home.
Internet services in France
Internet service is now provided by France Telecom and other companies. Please check availability in your region as there are still some areas in France with very limited connectivity.
Pay your phone bill in France
Before we leave the topic of telephony, a brief introduction to the billing system. You can pay your bills in a number of common ways, including over the Internet, but make sure you pay your bills on time. France Telecom quickly curbs calls for non-payment, sometimes even before the reminder has been delivered!
French water supplier
Water in France is supplied by private companies. Companies depend on the region in which you live. The largest of these companies are Lyonnaise d'Eaux, Cise and Vivendi. Unlike the UK, most French properties use water on a meter and are charged separately according to consumption. Water tends to be more expensive in France than in the UK, and some areas are much more expensive than others! Most properties can be connected to the mains water system as long as they are not too insulated, but very remote properties may depend on wells for water. If this is the case with the property you are interested in, watch out for the well to run dry in the summer! A new main connection can be expensive because of the need for locks and pipes, so first request a devi (binding offer) from your water supply company. Changing an account from a property seller to a buyer is easy, usually with the requirement that you ensure that the meter is read.
Sewage sorting in France
Finally sewage. In the UK only the most rural homes have septic tanks, but this is not the case in France. Even many village houses will have this sewage system, so as long as you follow some simple guidelines you have nothing to worry about. When buying a property, make sure that the system has been checked and meets all standards. Know what type of system you have, as different types of systems have different requirements. Some need to be emptied every year, others over several years. Use toilet cleaning products designed for septic tanks (fosse septique) as they help the system work properly.
major drainage systems in france
City properties will be connected to the water supply network, the cost of which is usually included in the normal property tax system. Information about this can be obtained from your Mairie. The law states that new homes must be connected to the main sewer where possible and there will be a one-off fee.
time for that drink
So now you're not only the proud owner of a French house, you can also turn on the light, cook, do the dishes, call friends and flush the toilet! Now sit down and pour yourself a glass of wine. After all that work, you deserve it!
Contact:
The company you should contact depends on where you live in France. Too much to cover here, but Pages Jaunes is your phone book equivalent of the UK Yellow Pages. (Pages Jaunes is also accessible on the Internet www.pagesjaunes.fr.) Here you will find detailed information about the supplier. More specific local information about these services, sewage options and associated costs can be obtained from your Mairie or Hotel de Ville (town hall). EDF has a handy website at their headquarters, www.mastered@edf.fr, and the responses from that website are usually very quick and helpful.
Over by author
Joanna Simm moved to the Languedoc region of South West France in October 2004 and found her property through French Property Links.
your problem...
1. Site visitor asks for voltage (added 08/09/2006)...
Hello, I would like to know what the mains voltage is in France and will our appliances work if we move there? Thank you so much.
Joanna Simm, author of the article above, replied…
We've had no problem using UK appliances here... just change the plug or use an adapter to convert. (French plugs are small round plugs with two pins.) TV, VCR, CD, Hi-Fi, microwave, AGA cooker...everything works fine here. According to my book the voltage is as follows... "Electricity in France is supplied to the house in three separate phases at 380,440 volts which are then split between the three phases at 220/240 volts at 50 Hz (period) Older buildings may have 110/110 stock, though most are now converted.” (David Hampshire, 'Living and Working in France.')
2. Question about English speaking EDF offices (added 7/6/2007)...
How do I contact the English speaking EDF office to resolve my electrical connection issues?
Response from Jo Rhodes, Editor of French Property Links (**Updated 7/10/2008)...
A visitor to our website told us that there is an English speaking EDF helpline that can be called both inside and outside France. The number from the UK is 00 33 (0)5 62 16 49 08.
3. A question about paying utility bills (added on 5/27/2008)...
Hello, do you know if you can pay utility bills in France with an English bill? Or does the account have to be registered in France? Is this the same for all utilities? Thank you.
Jo Rhodes, editor of French Property Links, replied...
Thank you for contacting us. I was in touch with my colleague Joanna who lives in France and she said she was almost certain you would need a French bill to pay all utility bills as you have a RIB (Relevé d'Indentité Bancaire - this is a , the page of your checkbook with your bank details). However, to be 100% sure, as well as contacting the utility directly, ask your estate agent if they are at that stage, as many who specialize in helping Brits find and buy property good in France, also offer "after sales". , including help connecting all utilities and setting up payment methods. Or there are companies like Help In France (www.help-in-france.co.uk) that will do the same for you.
Update (added 7/29/15)...
Your answer above seems unlikely to me. RIB only provides bank account details such as name, IBAN and BIC. All UK bank accounts have a name, IBAN and BIC - you just need to request them. The word "RIB" is just short for "bank account information", so write it down on a piece of paper and... voila! Keep in mind that paying your bills this way is costly, but probably not much more than opening a bank account in France, which doesn't come cheap.
4. Question about French wood stoves (added 10-28-08)...
I was wondering if you or any of your readers have any experience installing a wood burning stove in France. Is there a specific registration or paperwork that needs to be signed, such as with gas appliances. In the UK all of these are now strictly regulated by the Building Regulations Doc J and only HETAS registered installers can install and most importantly sign a Building Control Installation Certificate. Is there anything similar in France? Where can I find these regulations?
Jo Rhodes, editor of French Property Links, replied...
Thank you for contacting us. Sorry for the late reply, but I was just asking my colleague in France if she could help you. I'm afraid she knew no rules and said the following:
"We have one and installed it ourselves, we've never heard anything like it in France... but that doesn't mean it doesn't exist. I know you have to sweep or sweep the chimney every year to verify insurance. "
I would therefore recommend contacting a contractor who should be aware of such laws and regulations, or even an architect, perhaps from our services section on the following web page:
https://www.frenchpropertylinks.com/memberscat.asp?category=BUILDERS
https://www.frenchpropertylinks.com/memberscat.asp?category=ARCHITECT
Or there is a town hall near you, they usually know most things. Sorry, we can't help anymore.
(If anyone knows more about this, please contact us. We really appreciate your first-hand information like this.)
5. Question about connecting a tumble dryer (added 05/06/2010)...
We have a house in Brittany and I'm trying to pull out a tumble dryer (a condenser dryer that doesn't require ductwork) that I bought in the UK. On your website you say most washing machines in the UK work just by changing the plug. Can I use an adapter instead of changing the plug? Am I right in assuming that since the voltage in France is 230 there will be no problem.
Jo Rhodes, editor of French Property Links, replied...
Thank you for contacting us. I contacted my colleague in France and she said the following:
"As far as I know, it should be fine. It's all we've done, and in some cases we're still doing it 6 years later!"
I hope this is helpful.
6. Question about the use of French devices in the UK (added 22 July 2010)...
Hi - I currently live in France and will be returning to the UK soon. I've been in France for a few years and brought some electrical appliances such as TV, washing machine and fridge and was wondering if these things will work in the UK? Do I just have to change the plug or is it not that easy?
Jo Rhodes, editor of French Property Links, replied...
Thank you for contacting us. I have been in touch with my colleague in France and she says she thinks the items should work in the UK, with an adapter or a replacement plug, although in the UK she herself has only used smaller appliances bought in France without any problems.
7. Sewer question (added 9/16/10)...
Thanks for a very useful website. I've used France Telecom's English language helpline and found them helpful, although it can take a long time to get through. However, they can't handle technical issues, and as far as I know there is no English language helpline (unfortunately!).
Can you tell me where the head of household is responsible for maintaining the sewage system? Was it when the system entered his property or somewhere else? For example, we thought there might be a sewer line under the road outside our house that needed repair. Are we responsible for the cost or utility?
I also believe there is a form of "insurance" (similar to a UK home service company) where you pay a fixed monthly fee to cover the cost of future plumbing repairs, not general maintenance. Any advice you can give me would be greatly appreciated.
Jo Rhodes, editor of French Property Links, replied...
Thank you for contacting us. I suggest you check with your Mairie, he should of course know the rules and regulations for dealing with sewage. They should also be able to advise you on obtaining suitable cover.
Sorry I can't be more helpful.
8. Question about the Infineon water heater (added 7/22/11)...
Do you know if the Infineon tankless water heater is still available? I thought they were made in France.
Jo Rhodes, editor of French Property Links, replied...
Thank you for contacting us. I am in contact with a colleague who lives in France, but I am afraid she does not know the brand. I'm guessing you've tried googling, or another option is to contact the companies listed on our website and see if they know of them, using our services section:
https://www.frenchpropertylinks.com/members.asp
Sorry, we can't help anymore.
9. Question about EDF providing services to apartments (added 3/29/12)...
I know anyone can call EDF and get electricity/gas to an apartment instantly without any documentation. This is real? Are you aware of the written EDF regulations/rules applicable to this request? Do you need to provide proof of your legal rights to this rental agreement?
Jo Rhodes, editor of French Property Links, replied...
Thank you for contacting us. But I'm afraid I don't know the EDF regulations regarding supplying electricity/gas to apartments. I suggest you maybe contact them.
10. Question about water suppliers (added Nov 27, 2012)...
Which company supplies water to Chassieu Lyon France?
Jo Rhodes, editor of French Property Links, replied...
Thank you for contacting us, but I suggest you check with your Mairie as they usually supervise the water supply.
11. Nutrition and Time Scale Questions (added on 12/13/12)...
I bought a house in Castelmoron sur Lot. The building has been vacant for over 30 years. I need to contact the electric company as the property does not have a subscriber unit. Will they provide power as I need power to install temporary lighting and power outlets for renovation. You also have an idea of the time frame for how long they need to be because if I can find a place that can be rented for six to nine months, I hope to start work in March.
Jo Rhodes, editor of French Property Links, replied...
Thank you for contacting us, but I'm afraid I can't answer your question. I suggest you contact your local council, or ask an electrician for advice, perhaps use our business directory.
12. Question about finding English speaking businessmen in France (added 6/19/13)...
Hi - I am about to exchange/sign contracts for our new home in Limousin Beaumont and have a few questions. First. Can I get a list of English speaking sellers in my area? Second, do you know of any information services that can help non-French speakers find online French learning courses or teachers?
Jo Rhodes, editor of French Property Links, replied...
Thank you for contacting us. In our business directory you will find both English-speaking business people and language courses. But for people in your area, you can also contact your municipality, or consult your local newspaper, or ask about your future neighbors. Word of mouth is usually the best way. Otherwise, you can also search online and ask questions in forums, which you no doubt already do.
13. Question about connecting water meters (added 05-07-2014)...
We are connected to mains water but our house is not connected to a water meter. How do we connect? Does the contractor just shut off the water and plug it in, or do we need to get permission from the water company?
Our answer...
Thank you for contacting us. I think you should contact the water company so they know what's going on with the new meter, but you can check with your council and your contractor to see what is commonly done in your area.
14. Visitors to this site try to find English speaking contacts for Veolia (added 5/15/19)…
I have tried to login to the Veolia website to register our Port Launay property with no success. I thought I gave them everything they asked for but when I tried to confirm it said there was an error. I have searched unsuccessfully for an English speaking contact person on the Veolia website. Does anyone have a contact number? Any help is greatly appreciated.
Our answer...
Thank you for contacting us. Have you tried calling them? The person answering the phone may speak some English, so hang up if you really don't understand each other. On the website https://www.service-client.veoliaeau.fr/home.html they give this number 0 969 323 529.
If anyone reading this knows of a better number to use, please contact us.
15. Regarding the use of liquefied petroleum gas in boilers imported from the UK (added 12/11/2015)…
I need to replace my oil fired boiler and was advised to use LPG as it is cheaper and more efficient. It was suggested that he import a boiler from the UK and install it for me, but I am a little apprehensive about repairs and parts if the boiler is not French. I also learned, based on a question on another forum, that if the boiler is in English, there may be problems connecting and disconnecting the LPG container. Can someone please tell me?
Our answer...
Thank you for contacting us. I have also read that it may not be worth getting UK boilers signed in France as French gas regulations are much stricter than UK regulations. You can contact some of the contractors listed in our business directory for advice, or you can ask your local council for advice.
If anyone reading this has any suggestions, please get in touch.
16. Bill Paying Question (added 12/6/15)…
I have inherited an old property in France and would like some information on the best way to pay my taxes and utilities. I have a Santander Zero credit card that I use to pay for everything when we are in France and I have managed to pay EDF's electricity bill with this card. If I could pay my other bills this way I think it would be the best way, but I don't know if I can pay these other bills this way. I currently have a Euro account with Barclays in the UK, so I can transfer money between my GBP account and my Euro account if necessary, but I've recently noticed that the Euro checks I send say "Payable in the UK only". have an account in France but as far as I know it is not easy to fund the account from the UK. I only use this house for vacation for two weeks a year and have no plans to move to France. Any help or ideas are very welcome. Thank you.
Our answer...
Thank you for contacting us. I think you can pay your utility bills with a Santander credit card, but I'm not sure about the tax bill. But as I'm not an expert on these matters, maybe you could try contacting the relevant companies/authorities and ask them, maybe even your council?
If anyone reading this has any advice, please get in touch.
17. Need English phone number for Lyonnaise des Eaux (added 8/21/16)…
Hello - We have just rented our second home in France and the information on this page has been invaluable! I am trying to open an account with Lyonnaise des Eaux for my water bill - does anyone know their English phone number? Any help appreciated! Thank you in advance!
Our answer...
Thank you for contacting us. Have you tried their website, which can be translated into English:
https://www.lyonnaise-des-eaux.fr/fiche/16224/uw-water-abonnement
They list a number to pay bills for non-residents that might be worth investigating: 0 977 40 77 90.
If anyone reading this can help, please get in touch.
refresh...
Thank you very much for your answer - I was able to solve the problem yesterday. The problem is that I don't have a French landline number. So I went first to Orange yesterday (thanks for your website and France Telecom's English number). After clearing the phone lines, you can open a water bill online.
None of this would be possible without the valuable information on your website. So... thanks again!
18. English phone number for Normandy Water Authority required (added 4/12/17)…
Do you have a phone number for The Waterboard's UK office in Normandy?
Our answer...
Thank you for contacting us. I found the following numbers after a quick search online, which might work:
08 00 36 47 75 Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Otherwise you should be able to help Mairie.
19. Question about EDF and installing new cables (added 6/6/17)...
Hello - can someone help? We built an alpine house 50 steps above the road. The EDF meter box that we share with our neighbors is located at street level. We have permission to build a double garage at the foot of our plot (i.e. roadside) and would like to take electricity from the utility box to power the garage to avoid trenching from inside the house to to get power there. The reason a builder wants to run cable from the house to the garage is simply because they don't know how to get the EDF to get the cable out of the box. Although the cost of EDF to do this would be much higher than the cost of digging a trench from the house, we thought it would be best to leave the steep landscape terrain near our house undisturbed. Does anyone know if EDF agrees to this? Thank you very much for reading!
Our answer...
Thank you for contacting us. Have you already tried to contact EDF yourself? There is an English helpline - the following pages can help you choose from the different number options available:
https://en.selectra.info/energy-france/suppliers/edf-customer-service-helpline
If anyone reading this has encountered a similar situation and/or can provide further advice, please get in touch.
your comment...
1. Responses from site visitors to English speaking EDF offices (added 10 Nov 2007)...
I called EDF today. I have basic French but not very smart so I used basic French to ask if anyone spoke English so I could arrange a connection for the house we bought. Sure enough, she said, "Patientez," and within minutes she connected me with someone who spoke some English. Not too difficult. The only thing is that you know the car phone before you talk to anyone. It asks me to choose the service I want, and which department our house is in (French province), but I think, as in the UK, you are faced with, for example, press 6, press press 1, type etc, you can wait without pressing anything, usually you can then talk to people. Then all you have to do is be prepared to say something like "Est-ce-que quelq'un qui parle Anglais?" I think you will be fine and you can contact someone who speaks English.
2. Advice on when to use a helpline in France (added 13/8/13)...
I used English lines from Telecom, EDF (IKEA and Amazon by the way). They are all very helpful and patient. A French friend who works with UK clients said she had problems with the local accent and the non-RP (Received Pronunciation) being taught. Or maybe they understand Berlitz English, the American-accented English spoken by many non-British journalists. I vividly remember a colleague with a very mature South London accent who was hard at work on a digital speech-to-text program. He complained that the machine didn't understand him, and we couldn't bear to tell him that many people in our organization had the same problem. We are Londoners too. If you're dealing with an Anglo helpline in France, keep it simple by proceeding slowly and clearly. This is common sense.
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FAQs
Connecting utilities (water, gas, electricity, telephone and sewage) in France? ›
In France, a property's occupant pays for utilities, as well as telephone, internet and television services, except when renting furnished property on a short-term basis. When a property is rented, the contract specifies the service charges payable on top of the rent.
How do utilities work in France? ›In France, a property's occupant pays for utilities, as well as telephone, internet and television services, except when renting furnished property on a short-term basis. When a property is rented, the contract specifies the service charges payable on top of the rent.
How do I set up utilities in France? ›- proof of identity (passport, residence permit)
- proof of address (justificatif de domicile)
- French bank account details.
- contact information of the previous occupant (if possible)
To get connected, contact the water supplier on the day of the move. Previous owners or tenants can generally provide contact details of their supplier. In most cases, name, address, and bank account details are sufficient to transfer or to set up a new contract.
How do I connect to electricity in France? ›If your property does not currently have an electricity supply you will need to make application for such a supply to EDF (Edenis). The request for a supply is called a demande de raccordement, which can be made by letter or on-line at Demande de prestation liée au raccordement.
Does France have a sewer system? ›Each dwelling must have a non-polluting drainage system. The system is said to be "collective" when the dwelling (or building) is connected to the sewers by a communal drainage system.
How much does it cost to connect mains water in France? ›Costs vary from region to region, but average bills tend to be around €500 annually for the average household.
Will my electric hook up work in France? ›Electric Hook Up
It is essential to have a 2-pin adaptor plug. It is often necessary to use a couple of extra fittings particularly in France, i.e the French-to-CEE17 connector and the reverse polarity connector, available from most caravan dealers and some electrical shops.
If you use a manned booth, fill up as required and then drive up to the booth where you can pay through the little window in cash, card or cheque (French). Lots of fuel pumps have a 24/24 sign – this indicates that you can buy fuel at any time of the day or night – if you have a chip and pin card.
Do you pay water bill in France? ›The typical utility bills you can expect to pay in France are for water, electricity, gas, and internet.
How do I ask for house water in France? ›
The simplest way to order is to say what you want and add s'il vous plait at the end. For example, if you want still water, you can say, De l'eau plate, s'il vous plait.
What is the average electric bill in France? ›Electricity prices for households in France 2010-2022, semi-annually. In the first half of 2022, the average electricity price for households in France amounted to 20.86 euro cents per kilowatt-hour, which was the highest price since at least 10 years.
How much does it cost to connect electricity in France? ›...
How much does electricity account activation cost?
| Enedis Service | Time Delay | Price (incl. VAT) |
|---|---|---|
| Urgent account activation | The same day | From €52,97 to €132.40 |
This means that you will not need a converter or transformer but just a travel adaptor, because France operates on a 230V supply voltage, which is within the 110-240V range that the dual voltage appliance operates on.
What adapter needed in France? ›The best type of electrical outlet adapter to buy for use in Paris and elsewhere in France is Type E, because it accommodates both grounded and ungrounded devices.
How are French houses wired? ›The way in which houses are wired is also different in France. French houses are wired using a point to point electrical pattern rather than the loop (ring main) that we are used to in the UK. The system in France involves a series of spurs running from a distribution box.
How do toilets work in France? ›Most likely, you'll find a regular toilet, but it is also possible that you could find a squat toilet, which is essentially a hole in the floor. For these, you will need to squat and hover to do your business. In public areas, especially parks, you might encounter a sanisette, which is a pod-style public restroom.
Are there toilets in France? ›Public toilets in France are just like any in Europe. They are usually free and generally well-maintained. Typically, only a universally recognized symbol will indicate which to use.
What is a French drain toilet? ›A French drain system is a subsurface drainage system that is designed to remove excess water from an area. It consists of a trench that is filled with gravel and a perforated pipe, which is then covered with soil. The perforations in the pipe allow water to enter, and the gravel helps to filter out any debris.
Are utilities expensive in France? ›Cost of domestic bills in France
Paris has basic utility costs similar to the rest of Europe, totaling an average of around €162 a month for an apartment of 85 square meters. Basic utilities in this case refer to water, heating, electricity, and garbage collection.
Can you do your own plumbing in France? ›
Most of the plumbing work can be done by a competent DIYer, although you do need to spend a little time getting to understand the system and materials first. One thing that you must use a professional plumber for, however, is the connection to the house from the main drain.
How much are water bills in France? ›The most economical water
The price of water in Paris is one of the lowest in Île-de-France! For all types of daily use, Paris water costs less than 0,004 euros per litre. At 1er January 2023, the total price per cubic meter of water amounts to €3,83 /m3 VAT Incl. excluding subscription.
If your phone has the 900 and the 1800 MHz networks, it will work in France with your current carrier. Many of AT&T's and T-mobile phones do have these extra networks for international use.
Are plugs different in France? ›French Electric Plugs & Sockets
French electrical plugs & sockets (points) are different from all others: they're hermaphroditic (prongs in both plug and socket). Note how the plug has a hole to receive a prong, and the socket/outlet/point has a protruding prong.
France on the other hand uses 220 volt electricity, which means that your North American electronics cannot be used there. The voltage in France is too high for 120-volt electronics and attempting to use them can result in damaged electronics, electrical shock, or even a fire.
What is regular gas called in France? ›In Europe, regular gas is marked "95" while super or premium gasoline is usually designated "97" or "98." Unleaded gas is called essence, petrol, or benzine, while diesel is known as gasoil, gasol, gaz-oil, gasolio, gasóleo, dieselolie, mazot, motorina, nafta, or just plain diesel (ask about the proper local term when ...
How much is household gas in France? ›Breakdown of residential natural gas price in France 2020-2021. In 2021, the average price of household natural gas in France amounted to 76.8 euros per megawatt-hour, down from 77.1 euros in the previous year. Supply and network costs accounted for the largest share of the natural gas bill.
How much is home gas in France? ›| France natural gas prices | Household, kWh | Business, kWh |
|---|---|---|
| Euro | 0.170 | 0.190 |
| U.S. Dollar | 0.187 | 0.209 |
You can always ask for a carafe of (tap) water in a restaurant, even if the waiter has already offered you still or sparkling mineral water. A carafe of (tap) water is of course complimentary and once you have drunk it, you can ask for another! In France, bread, cutlery, glasses, serviettes … are also complimentary.
How can I get free tap water in France? ›You can get free tap water at all dining establishments
However, be careful of the way that you ask for water in these establishments. If you ask for l'eau, or d'eau, you are likely to get mineral water, which is chargeable and sometimes expensive.
Why is water so expensive in France? ›
This is due to rising energy costs associated with making water drinkable, as well as rises to the price of chemicals used to treat water, such as chlorine and limewater.
Are you supposed to tip in France? ›Tipping in French restaurants and cafés is not expected
This is indicated on the menu or the bill with the phrase “service compris.” Nevertheless, if you have a friendly or efficient waiter, you can leave a small gratuity (un pourboire), but this is by no means required.
If you're sitting down to eat, most French restaurants will bring you a carafe of tap water and a basket of bread as a free addition to the meal. 4. Not mineral – If you're ordering water, however, be careful what you ask for.
Do you need to ask for the check in France? ›French manners: Getting the bill in French
At the end of the meal, you should get the server's attention again with a simple 'excusez-moi' and to ask for the bill specifically, it is 'l'addition s'il vous plait'. If they bring it over straight away after the meal, do not think of it as rude.
Electricity and gas consumption costs were stable, with the average electricity heating bill coming in at €1,750, and gas heating costs an average annual cost of €1,475. The cheapest form of heating was wood, with average heating costs of €769, a decrease of 5% compared to 2016.
How much are utilities per month in France? ›Utility costs will also depend on the size of your property, as well as the climate. For most couples living in a typical village house outside of the coldest alpine regions, gas and electricity costs are likely to be in the region of $50 per month in spring and summer, and around $100 monthly in winter.
Is electric heating expensive in France? ›A total 41% of homes in France use electric central heating, which Quelleenergie.fr said cost a annual average of €16.10 per square metre, making it the most expensive heating option.
Why is electricity so expensive in France? ›For the first time in almost 40 years, France has had to buy more electricity from its neighbours (Germany, the UK, and Spain) than it has been able to make itself. These sources include nuclear power, renewable energy, and fossil fuels. This has also pushed the price up.
What is the French electricity grid? ›France's electrical grid is part of the synchronous grid of Continental Europe and due to a historical oversupply of nuclear power it is the world's largest net exporter of electricity. The French nuclear power sector is almost entirely owned by the French government.
Who supplies France with gas? ›EDF, the leading alternative natural gas supplier in France | EDF FR.
What can I not bring to France? ›
- All forms of asbestos fibers.
- All forms of asbestos fibers.
- All products containing the biocide dimethylfumarate (DMF)
- Animal skins.
- Atlantic red tuna fish (Thunnus Thynnus) originating from Belize, Panama, and Honduras.
- Certain U.S. Beef hormones.
- Clocks/watches.
The big difference between an adapter and a converter is electricity. While the purpose of an adapter is to simply help the plugs on your electronics fit into (or more aptly, adapt to the shape of) foreign outlets, a converter's job is to change the voltage found in an outlet to match that of your devices.
Can I charge my iPhone in Europe without a converter? ›Apple iPhones are dual voltage and do not require a converter. Your iPhone will work anywhere in the world with the correct country adapter. Going In Style has made it easy to choose the correct adapter for your iPhone.
Are Type C and F plugs interchangeable? ›A type C plug is slightly thinner than F, so it will fit in both C and F. A type F is slightly thicker than C, so it will only fit in F.
What does a Type E plug look like? ›Type E plugs
Two round pins in a parallel position and one hole above them. In this hole, a third pin will enter that is on the wall plug. It is used in: Morocco, Tunisia and Senegal. Also present in some places in Europe such as France, Belgium, Poland and Slovakia.
European Plugs
The majority of European countries including Spain, France, Italy, Germany and Portugal have outlet sockets that require a two-pin plug known as 'Type C'.
A high number of local councils organise the water distribution service on an inter-communal basis – a Syndicat d'eau. Most properties in France have their water measured by a meter, and are individually charged according to consumption.
Do you get free water in France? ›Ordering bottled water can be pricey, especially in touristy areas. Luckily, there's a way to get water for free in any French restaurant: Instead of asking for de l'eau plate/gazeuse, s'il vous plait, ask for une carafe d'eau. This means “a pitcher of (tap) water”.
Is it cheaper to live in France than the US? ›The USA's national index is 71.05 while the French national index is 74.14. Therefore, the cost of living is 4% higher in France than it is in the USA.
What is the average phone bill in France? ›French mobile phone bills are among the lowest in the world, averaging just under €15 (€14.60) a month. This is according to figures released by the Autorité de régulation des communications électroniques (Arcep) regulator. The regulator confirmed to The Connexion that French prices are among the cheapest in the world.
What is the average gas and electric bill in France? ›
With the average household in France consuming about 4770 kWh electricity (in French) in 2019, the average annual electricity cost in France ranged from 858.64€ - 898.02€, depending on the electricity provider and plan chosen. This works out to an average monthly power bill of about 79€ per month.
Is Health Care Free in France? ›You must have health insurance cover to live in France. State healthcare in France is not free. Healthcare costs are covered by both the state and through patient contributions. These are known as co-payments.
What is the average water bill in France? ›Daily consumption tap water is an average of 120 liters per person, for all uses. Spending in water for a family of 4 is approximately 57 euro/month (17 euros for drinking water). In addition to being the cheapest in Île-de-France, the water of Paris is up to 200 times cheaper than bottled water.
Do you have to pay for water in restaurants in France? ›And don't be shy to ask, restaurants in France must provide free water to clients who ordered a meal, it's the law.
Why is water free in France? ›Throughout Paris, there are green cast-iron fountains that provide free drinking water. They were donated by Englishman Sir Richard Wallace (1818–1890) who was a philanthropist and art collector. He loved Paris and used his own money to provide the people of Paris with drinking water in 1872.
Are toilets free in France? ›Public toilets in France are just like any in Europe. They are usually free and generally well-maintained.
Do the French carry water bottles? ›A lot of Parisians also consume bottled water at home due to taste preferences and health concerns. However, there is no evidence that bottled water is healthier than tap water. Bottled water can be purchased in stores and restaurants throughout the city.