The French school system explained

The French school system follows a structure that can feel unfamiliar to families who did not grow up in France. School stages, terminology, and expectations often differ from those in other countries. This guide explains how the French school system is organised, what the main stages are, and what families should expect as children move … Read more

Understanding French payslips (bulletins de salaire)

French payslips, known as bulletins de salaire, can look complex and overwhelming at first. They usually contain many lines of deductions, contributions, and figures that are unfamiliar to people new to the French system. This guide explains how French payslips work, what the main sections mean, and how they connect to taxes, healthcare, and social … Read more

School registration in France: step-by-step

Registering a child for school in France can be stressful but once you are aware it follows simple but formal process that varies slightly depending on the child’s age and where you live. While the steps are generally straightforward, the order and documents required are not always obvious. This guide explains how school registration works … Read more

How the French healthcare system actually works

France has a universal public healthcare system that covers most residents, regardless of income or employment status. It is not completely free, but it is heavily subsidised and designed to ensure access to care for everyone living in France. This guide explains how the French healthcare system actually works in practice, in plain English, without … Read more

How family benefits (CAF) work in France

CAF (Caisse d’Allocations Familiales) is the French public body responsible for paying many family and household benefits. It plays a central role in supporting families, parents, and households living in France. This guide explains how CAF works, what kinds of benefits it manages, and what to expect when dealing with the system. What CAF (Caisse … Read more

Working in France: an overview

Working in France involves a legal and administrative framework that can feel complex if you are unfamiliar with the system. Employment contracts, payslips, taxes, and social contributions all play a role in how work is structured. This guide provides an overview of how working in France typically works, what employees should expect, and how work … Read more