For the latest in-depth analysis, subscribe to our news service at France Insider.

If you require advice and assistance with the purchase of French property and moving to France, then take a look at the France Insider Property Clinic.

Guide to Public Utilities in France

Welcome to our Guide to Public Utilities in France.

One of the very first tasks of all new international property owners in France is to set up the provision of public utility services to their property, notably for electricity and water.

Unlike in the UK, these basic infrastructure services continue to remain under State control, either via shareholding or regulation, and operate on a quasi-monopoly basis.

The same is true for the French post-office, despite the introduction of limited competition into the sector, primarily as a result of European regulation.

Despite the poor reputation of French bureaucracy, you will find that these services operate in a generally efficient manner, and that the charges you will pay are reasonable by European standards.

In due course we will be adding some information on the provision of internet services in France, although we regularly publish information in our monthly Newsletter. You can sign up to receive the Newsletter into your mail-box each month.