Utilities in France

Tel: +44 (0) 1225 463752

Welcome to our Utilities in France zone. Our useful guide to setting up your utilities in France, from Oil and wood to Electricity, Gas, Getting a water supply and setting up your telecommunications.

Emergency Numbers

A handy list of important numbers

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Practical Tips

Bright ideas to help you with the everyday tasks of French life

Last Call Return in France
Finding cheap car fuel
Buying second-hand
Buying firewood

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The main supplier of electricity to domestic homes in France is EDF (Electricité de France) which is state owned. Other electricity providers include CNR (Compagnie nationale du Rhône) and Endesa (through SNET). EDF now have an English language page on their website and English speaking staff.

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Factsheet - Telecoms

Useful facts and tips about the phone system in France... "One important reason for considering an alternative to France Telecom is that your account can be managed in English, which for those with little technical French can be a real benefit when faults occur."more...

Gas Supply in France

There are two types of gas supply available: Mains gas (gaz de ville) supplied by Gaz de France (part of EDF), and Bottled gas (propane or butane). Read our useful facts and tips about Mains and Bottled gas.more...

Factsheet - Water

Water is supplied by several different companies in France including Generale des Eaux, Ondeo, Groupe Ruas and Saur. Read our useful facts and tips about water supplies in France.more...

It’s gas and electricity deregulation – but not as we know it

The supply of energy to households in France has now been liberalised, though the restrictions on it means few French residents are likely to swap suppliers. But if they do, the new rules could spell headaches for some homeowners...more...

French Electrical Systems

What makes life more interesting is the fact that you can choose your level of power supply in France! The standard domestic electricity supply in France is single phase 230 volts, 50Hz. It is also common to find a 3–phase 380v distributed supply in larger properties. Read our useful guide about electricity supply in France... more...

Oil & Wood - Factsheet

Oil (fioul) is commonly used in rural areas for powering central-heating systems. Unfortunately it is not cheap, at around €0.40-0.50 per litre, but in many cases if you buy an old house with an oil-fired boiler (chaudiere) you will not have much choice. Read our facts and tips about oil and wood for central heating, stoves and fireplaces.more...

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