Heatwave Alerts, Summer Sales and Inheritance Fees: News Digest

France remains in the grip of an intense June heatwave, with red alerts, water restrictions and wildfire warnings affecting large parts of the country. Property owners are also being reminded of the biens immobiliers declaration deadline, while summer sales begin this week and new consumer rules have come into force for financial services sold online or by phone. There are further updates on inheritance fees, income tax repayments, sick leave, PACS applications, voting registration, Paris transport and busy summer travel dates. Here are the France headlines you need to know this week.

Extreme heat alerts continue across France

France is experiencing one of its most severe June heatwaves on record, with red and orange weather alerts affecting much of the country. Temperatures in some areas have reached, or are forecast to reach, around 40C to 43C, with the heat expected to continue for several days.

Residents and visitors are being advised to avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day, drink water regularly, keep homes cool during the daytime and check on elderly, isolated or vulnerable neighbours and relatives. Local authorities can also carry out welfare checks for vulnerable people who have been added to the heatwave register in their commune.

The heat has also disrupted schools and transport in some areas, while wildfire and pollution risks have increased. Anyone travelling in France should check local weather alerts before setting off.

Water restrictions spread as heatwave continues

Water restrictions and vigilance warnings now affect dozens of departments across France. As of the 23rd of June, restrictions or alerts were reported in 59 departments, with some communes in Pyrénées-Orientales, Cher, Indre, Loiret and Puy-de-Dôme at crise level, the highest category.

Restrictions can affect garden watering, vehicle washing, filling or topping up swimming pools, and other non-essential water use. Rules vary by commune and by water source, so residents and second-home owners should check the VigiEau website using their address before using water outdoors.

Summer sales begin this week

France’s 2026 summer sales begin on the 24th of June and run until the 21st of July in most metropolitan departments. The official sales period starts at 8am, and online retailers must follow the same national dates, regardless of where the company is based.

Different dates apply in Corsica and several overseas territories. In Corsica, the sales run from the 8th of July to the 4th of August. Service Public also reminds shoppers that items in the sales must have been offered for sale for at least one month before the start of the sale period, and retailers must clearly distinguish discounted items from non-discounted stock.

Property owners reminded of the biens immobiliers deadline

Property owners in France have until the 30th of June to update their biens immobiliers declaration if there has been a change in the use or occupancy of their property.

This can include a main residence becoming a second home, a change of tenant, a property becoming vacant, or certain extensions and improvements. A fine of €150 per property can apply in theory, although enforcement this year is expected to focus mainly on large property owners.

Income tax refunds and payment dates confirmed

Following the 2026 income tax declaration campaign, taxpayers in France may either receive a refund or have an outstanding balance to pay, depending on the tax already deducted at source in 2025 and any credits or reductions applied.

Refunds are expected to be made directly into bank accounts between July and August, or by cheque if no bank details are registered. Those with a remaining balance to pay do not need to take action if their bank details are up to date. Amounts of €300 or less will be taken in one payment on the 25th of September 2026, while larger sums will be collected in four instalments on the 25th of September, the 26th of October, the 25th of November and the 28th of December.

Bank inheritance fee rules partly changed

France’s Constitutional Council has removed three situations in which banks had been required to waive succession-related bank fees. These free cases had applied where the deceased was a minor, where the total balance of the accounts and savings products was below €5,965, or where heirs presented certain documents and the succession was not considered complex.

Since the 20th of June, banks are no longer obliged to apply those exemptions. However, the overall cap remains in place: succession-related bank fees are still limited to 1% of the total balance of the deceased’s accounts and savings products, and may not exceed €857 in 2026.

There has also been further clarification around France’s 2021 forced-heirship rule and the way it applies to estates where a foreign inheritance law has been chosen. This is especially relevant for British and other foreign owners of French property who have made wills electing the law of their nationality.

The latest clarification suggests that English-law wills may be exempt from the 2021 French compensatory mechanism because English law includes family provision rules that can offer protection to certain heirs in cases of financial need. However, inheritance planning remains complex, and owners with French assets should review their wills with a notaire or specialist adviser.

Sick leave prescriptions to be capped from September and new rules coming for work accident payments

From the 1st of September 2026, new limits will apply to the duration of sick leave prescriptions in France. An initial arrêt maladie will be limited to 31 days, while each extension will be capped at 62 days. Further extensions may still be possible where medically justified. The change concerns doctors, midwives and dental surgeons who prescribe or extend sick leave.

From the 1st of January 2027, new rules will apply to daily allowances paid during time off work due to a workplace accident or occupational illness. For accidents occurring from that date, daily allowances may be paid for a maximum of four years. If incapacity continues beyond that period, the situation will be treated under the permanent incapacity system instead. Workers who return to work for at least one year may, under certain conditions, be eligible for a new four-year period if a further qualifying accident or illness occurs.

PACS pre-application process made simpler

The online pre-application process for a PACS has been updated in communes that offer the service. The PACS, or pacte civil de solidarité, can be registered at a mairie, by a notaire, or at an embassy or consulate for people living abroad. The updated online service is designed to make the process clearer and simpler, including a personalised memo listing the steps and documents needed before the PACS is registered. Users can check through Service Public whether their commune allows online pre-applications.

Electoral registration rules changing from July

From the 1st of July 2026, the deadline for registering on electoral lists will be the same whether the application is made online or in person at the mairie. The deadline will be the sixth Friday before the relevant election. The change is intended to simplify management of electoral lists for communes. The decree also includes provisions to protect the addresses of people who have been granted certain protection orders.

Businesses reminded to prepare for e-invoicing

Businesses in France are being reminded to prepare for mandatory electronic invoicing. From September 2026, small businesses and sole traders must be able to receive electronic invoices, while larger companies must be ready to both send and receive them. Smaller businesses will be required to issue electronic invoices from September 2027.

The rules may also affect some property-related structures, including certain SCIs, especially where they are subject to VAT or provide furnished holiday lets with hotel-style services. Businesses and property companies should check whether they fall within the new system.

Summer road traffic dates revealed

Drivers planning summer journeys in France should prepare for heavy traffic from early July, with Bison Futé warning of several red and black travel days between July and August. The first major getaway weekend is expected around the 3rd and 4th of July, as school summer holidays begin. The 1st of August is forecast to be the busiest day of the summer, with black warnings for departures nationwide. Heavy traffic is also expected around the 8th of August and the Assumption weekend on the 15th of August.

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