Fuel Aid, Notaire Fees and Travel Delays: News Digest

Fuel aid applications are set to open for high-mileage workers, income tax deadlines are continuing by department, and property buyers should be aware that notaire fees have risen in most of France. There are also updates on vacant home taxation, France Identité for French citizens abroad and free Carrefour delivery for over-65s. Meanwhile, EES checks are eased at Dover, a planned Paris airport strike, heat alerts across parts of France, and the return of the Fête des Voisins. Here are the France headlines you need to know this week.

€100 fuel aid applications open on the 27th of May

Applications for France’s new €100 fuel allowance are due to open on the 27th of May via impots.gouv.fr. The aid is aimed at workers living in France who use a personal petrol, diesel or non-rechargeable hybrid vehicle for work or commuting, and who meet income and mileage conditions. To qualify as a grand rouleur, applicants must either travel at least 15km each way between home and work, or drive at least 8,000km per year for professional journeys. The payment was initially expected to be €50, but has since been doubled to €100.

Income tax deadlines continue by department

The paper tax return deadline has now passed, as has the first online deadline for departments 01 to 19 and non-residents. However, many taxpayers still have time to submit their 2026 income declaration online. The deadline is the 28th of May at 11.59pm for departments 20 to 54, including Corsica, and the 4th of June at 11.59pm for departments 55 to 974/976. The 2026 declaration covers income received in 2025.

Notaire fees rise in most French departments

Property buyers in France should note that notaire fees have increased in many departments, after local authorities were given the option to raise their share of property transfer taxes. The departmental element can now rise to 5% until the 31st of March 2028, with the total cost depending on the department, the type of property and the buyer’s situation. Reports indicate that 97 departments have opted to apply higher fees, making it especially important for buyers to check acquisition costs before budgeting for a purchase.

A single tax for vacant homes is coming from 2027

The 2026 finance law will simplify taxation on vacant homes by merging the two existing taxes into a single charge from 2027. At present, empty properties can be subject to either the annual tax on vacant homes or the housing tax on vacant homes, depending on the commune where the property is located. From 2027, these will be replaced by one tax on vacant residential premises, payable by the owner or usufructuary of the property concerned.

May heatwave puts parts of France on alert

France has experienced an unusually intense late-May heatwave, with temperatures climbing well above seasonal norms and hundreds of towns recording their highest-ever May temperatures. Météo-France placed several departments on heat alerts, with residents and visitors advised to avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day, stay hydrated and check on vulnerable neighbours or relatives.

Dover EES checks eased after long queues

French authorities temporarily relaxed some new EU Entry/Exit System checks at Dover after long queues built up during the UK bank holiday getaway. The disruption marked one of the first major holiday tests of the EES system for non-EU travellers entering the Schengen area, including Britons travelling to France. Conventional border checks continued, but French border police eased procedures to reduce processing times.

Paris Charles de Gaulle strike planned for the 18th of June

Travellers are being warned of possible disruption at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport on the 18th of June, after ground staff called a one-day strike. The level of disruption will depend on participation among airport staff, including security, baggage handling, cleaning and retail workers. Passengers flying to or from Paris that day are advised to check their flight status closer to departure.

Higher university fees planned for many non-EU students

From the 2026-2027 academic year, many non-EU international students in France are expected to pay higher university registration fees than French, EU, EEA and Swiss students. Universities will still be able to exempt some students from these higher fees, but a decree published on the 19th of May will restrict the proportion of non-EU students who can be exempted. For 2026-2027, universities will be able to exempt up to 30% of foreign students, falling to 25% in 2027-2028 and then 20% thereafter.

New France Identité procedure for French citizens abroad

French citizens living overseas or abroad can now create their France Identité digital identity by having their identity checked in person at a mairie, embassy or consulate. The change is designed to help people who could not previously use FranceConnect or receive the required registered letter. France Identité can be used to access certain public services, generate proof of identity and store digital versions of documents such as an ID card or driving licence.

Free Carrefour delivery expanded for over-65s

Carrefour has launched Carrefour des générations, a new scheme for over-65s in France at Carrefour Express, City, Contact and Montagne stores. It includes free home delivery from €50 of shopping, clearer labelling for products aimed at older customers, more small-portion products, extra staff assistance and help signing up for loyalty cards. The scheme does not apply to Carrefour hypermarkets or larger supermarkets.

Fête des Voisins returns this Friday

The Fête des Voisins takes place across France on Friday the 29th of May, offering neighbours the chance to get together over an apéritif, shared meal or local gathering. The event began in Paris and has become a nationwide tradition. For newcomers to France, it can be a useful and informal way to meet people locally.

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