News often moves at a rapid pace, making it difficult to keep track of everything. In France, new regulations are introduced every month, each one affecting our daily lives to varying degrees.
Throughout the year, citizens can observe changes across various aspects—be it economic, practical, social, or environmental. From price hikes and new support measures to restrictions, these shifts can sometimes be hard to keep track of. That’s why we provide you with a monthly update on what’s changing in Paris and across France. So, are you curious to find out what’s new this month in February 2026?
This February is renowned for being the shortest month of the year. Nonetheless, the government is rolling out several new regulations starting right from the 1st. We'll keep you updated as these changes unfold, highlighting the measures coming into effect this month. These updates span across various areas such as economic and social issues, traffic, transportation, energy, and environmental policy. Here's what's changing in February 2026:
Good news for households: all electricity supply contracts are set to decrease starting February. Over the course of the year, this price drop is expected to save consumers between 10 and 12 euros.
On the other hand, toll prices are on the rise. According to the highway authority, rates have increased between 0.62% and 1.41%. The biggest hike is in western France, on the Cofiroute network.
Starting February 7, 2026, the process for claiming a refund on tickets will become more complex. Until now, travelers affected by canceled or significantly delayed flights could easily ask the local court for compensation through a straightforward request. From now on, they will first need to undergo a mediation process before filing an individual lawsuit. This new procedure is more time-consuming and more costly for the complainant, as it involves the appointment of a judicial officer.
The municipal elections are scheduled for March 15 and 22, 2026, across France. To cast their ballot and choose the next mayor, residents must be registered on the voter lists of their city or town. Registration can be completed online until February 4, 2026, or in person at the town hall until February 6, 2026. After these deadlines, voters will no longer be able to vote in their place of residence.
Interest rates on savings accounts are on the decline: the rate for the Livret A has dropped to 1.5% from 1.7%, while the rate for the Popular Savings Account (LEP) has decreased from 2.7% to 2.5%.
The consumer advocacy group CLCV has raised the alarm over a general increase in banking fees, averaging around 3%. Specifically, several services are set to become more expensive for customers: on average, account maintenance fees are rising by 6%, card charges are up by more than 2%, and withdrawing cash from a different bank will cost 1.63% more.
Several cigarette brands and packs are set to raise their prices starting February 1st. This includes favorites like Lucky Strikes X Series and X Series Clear, as well as Camel, Winston, Dunhill Silver and Blue, Vogue L’Original Green Ice, Winfield Red, and Gauloises Blondes...
To stay updated on the latest local news and the biggest events happening in Paris and Île-de-France, keep it locked on Sortiraparis.com.
