Curfews, Property Tax Deadlines and New Travel Links: News Digest

France is facing renewed unrest following demonstrations over the cost of living and public services, with local curfews introduced in several cities. Meanwhile, property owners face an online tax payment deadline today, President Emmanuel Macron has secured additional diesel supplies from Gulf states, France’s newest motorway is preparing to open, and airlines are adding new routes for the winter season. Here are the headlines you need to know about France this week.

French Property Owners: Online Tax Deadline Is Today

Property owners in France who are liable for taxe foncière (the annual property ownership tax) have until midnight on 20 October to pay online via the French tax website or mobile app. This includes owners who rent out their properties. The amount will be debited from their bank account from 26 October, with the exact date confirmed when payment is registered. The deadline for those paying by other permitted methods was 15 October.

Curfews introduced after violent demonstrations across France

French authorities have introduced localised overnight curfews following violent demonstrations across the country over the weekend. Clashes, looting and damage to shops and public buildings were reported in cities including Paris, Lyon and Marseille, prompting the government to review security measures.

Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said the targeted curfews helped restore calm overnight on Monday and that further restrictions could be introduced where necessary. The demonstrations began with students protesting against deteriorating school conditions but have broadened into wider expressions of anger over the cost of living and public services.

Further demonstrations are expected on Saturday, 24 October. Residents should check local announcements for possible restrictions and disruption to public transport, particularly in larger cities.

Businesses assess damage following weekend unrest

Businesses across France are assessing the damage after widespread looting and vandalism during the weekend demonstrations. Shops, supermarkets, banks and other businesses were among those affected, with concerns about the financial impact on local retailers and small businesses.

The government faces pressure to support affected businesses as they deal with repairs, insurance claims and lost trading. The unrest has also affected cultural attractions in Paris, with protesters blocking the entrance to the Louvre on Monday, resulting in disruption for visitors.

The incidents highlight the potential impact of continued demonstrations on everyday life, businesses and tourism.

Macron secures additional diesel supplies from Gulf states

President Emmanuel Macron has secured commitments for an additional 200,000 tonnes of diesel per month from the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, according to the Élysée Palace. The announcement came during a diplomatic tour of the Gulf as France faces pressure from rising fuel costs and concerns over international energy supplies.

The additional supplies are intended to strengthen France’s access to diesel at a time when disruption to international oil transport has heightened concerns about energy security. However, it remains unclear how quickly the additional deliveries will affect fuel availability and prices at French petrol stations.

Fuel costs have become a central concern for households and businesses, particularly those reliant on cars and road transport.

A69 motorway set to open between Toulouse and Castres

France’s newest motorway, the A69, is nearing its long-awaited opening in south-west France. The 62km route will connect Toulouse with Castres in the Tarn department, giving the town a direct motorway link and potentially reducing journey times for motorists.

The project has been controversial, facing sustained opposition from environmental campaigners and legal challenges over its construction. Supporters argue that the road will improve regional transport links and benefit local businesses, while opponents have raised concerns about its environmental impact.

Drivers planning to use the new route should check the latest opening announcements and toll arrangements before travelling.

New winter flight routes announced from France

Airlines are introducing new routes as their autumn and winter schedules take effect, offering travellers in France additional options for trips across Europe and further afield.

The new services include connections to destinations in Europe, North Africa and North America, with routes varying by departure airport and airline. The changes may be useful for residents planning winter holidays or visits to family abroad, particularly around the Toussaint and Christmas school holidays.

Travellers should check flight dates and operating schedules directly with airlines, as some routes will run seasonally rather than throughout the year.

French mortgage rates edge towards 4%

Mortgage borrowing costs in France have continued to rise since the beginning of September, with some rates approaching 4%, according to recent figures reported by French financial and property publications.

Although the increases remain more moderate than those seen during the 2022 interest rate shock, higher borrowing costs can affect how much prospective buyers are able to borrow and the overall cost of purchasing a property.

For anyone planning to buy a home in France, it is worth comparing offers from several lenders and factoring borrowing costs into the budget before making an offer.

French government bonds attract the nickname ‘Frogs’

French government bonds have acquired the informal nickname ‘Frogs’ among some market commentators. The term refers to ‘France’s Oversized Government and Social Security’ and reflects investor concerns about public spending, social security costs and the country’s growing debt.

The debate comes as the government faces a difficult parliamentary battle over the 2027 budget. France must balance pressure to reduce public spending with demands to maintain public services and support households facing higher living costs.

The outcome of the budget negotiations could have implications for taxation and public spending, making the debate relevant to residents following changes to France’s finances.

Art Basel Paris opens amid wider uncertainty

Art Basel Paris opens to the public from 23 to 25 October, bringing international galleries, artists and collectors to the French capital. The event is a major fixture in Paris’s autumn cultural calendar, but this year’s fair takes place against a backdrop of demonstrations and economic uncertainty.

Gallery owners and collectors will be watching attendance and market activity closely as the art world gathers in Paris. The fair also offers a cultural counterpoint to a week dominated by political tensions and concerns over the cost of living.

Lead photo credit : The iconic Louvre is on the Right Bank of the Seine in the 1st arrondissement