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Sleep advice, smoke alarm rules and caterpillars: 6 essential articles for life in France

James Harrington
James Harrington - news@thelocal.fr
Sleep advice, smoke alarm rules and caterpillars: 6 essential articles for life in France
Processionary caterpillars (Photo by XAVIER LEOTY / AFP)

How to get a better night’s sleep during a heatwave, your questions on moving to France answered, what to know if you’re staying in a French Airbnb this summer, the law on smoke alarms and a cautionary note about processionary caterpillars.

You may have noticed that it’s a bit warm across large parts of France, with the country in the grip of the second dangerous heatwave of the summer, and forecasters predicting it will peak between Sunday and Tuesday.

As well as scorching days, many heatwaves are also characterised by ‘tropical nights’ when the temperature doesn’t drop below 20C. So here are some tips from experts to help you sleep when it’s hot.

‘Don’t sleep naked’ – How to get a good night’s sleep in a French heatwave

From taxes to learning French, via fears of a far-right government, we take a look at what worries people about moving to France.

Taxes, language and crime – Your questions answered on moving to France

Like many countries around Europe, France is clamping down on the rental platform Airbnb, which is accused of creating housing shortages for locals. Here’s what that means if you are planning to stay in one this summer.

What to know if you’re staying in an Airbnb in France this summer

Unlike neighbouring Italy, where smoke alarms are optional (due to the buildings being mainly constructed from stone, according to the Italian government) smoke alarms are required in all French homes.

But what does French law actually say about the installation of smoke alarms in houses and apartments?

Explained: The law on smoke alarms in French homes

EU countries have finally agreed on a raft of reforms around air passenger rights that covers everything from compensation for disruption to seating rules for those travelling with children. So how will the changes impact you and why have airlines reacted angrily?

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What Europe’s new deal for airline passenger rights means for you

Climate change means that the stinging caterpillars can now be found almost everywhere in France, after being confined to certain areas in the south of the country. Here’s what you need to know.

Warnings about processionary caterpillars in France

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