Here we are in March. Every month in France brings updates and changes, often involving new measures that can influence daily life, especially in economic and social terms. From education and healthcare to traffic, public transportation, and energy costs, various aspects of life for Parisians—and more broadly, all of France—may be affected by these shifts, which could impact budgets and routines. It's therefore crucial for citizens to stay informed and prepare for these upcoming changes.
So, what's changing in March 2026 across the Île-de-France region and France as a whole? Here’s a look at the new developments scheduled for this month, along with their implementation dates.
Starting March 1, 2026, a €2 fee will be charged on packages valued under €150 that originate from outside the European Union. Notably, this fee applies per individual item: if a single parcel contains multiple declared items, an additional €2 will be added for each one.
The vehicle registration document, also known as the registration certificate, is a mandatory and fee-paying document: in Île-de-France, the cost is 54.95 euros. Starting March 1, 2026, this fee will rise to 68.95 euros.
The increase in car registration fees is not happening across all of France: only specific regions such as Nouvelle-Aquitaine, Corsica, Île-de-France, and Provence-Alpes-C Côte d'Azur are experiencing price hikes.
The maternity record is given to pregnant women to guide and inform them throughout their pregnancy. Starting March 1, 2026, it will also need to include details about the risk of postpartum depression and any vaccines received during pregnancy.
In an effort to cut healthcare costs, patients are now facing higher hospital charges: the daily hospital fee has risen to 23 euros from 20 euros, while the emergency patient fee increased from 19.61 euros to 23 euros. Fortunately, most of these costs are typically covered by patients’ health insurance plans.
Many housing savings plans (PEL) are set to be automatically closed on March 1, 2026. This mainly concerns accounts opened after March 1, 2011, which have a maximum lifespan of 15 years. As 2026 approaches, those opened in 2011 will reach the end of their term and be closed. The funds saved must be temporarily kept in a holding account until the account holders can decide with their bank how to proceed.
Following a series of snowfalls, a prolonged cold spell, and ongoing rain, winter is finally coming to an end! Days are getting longer, and flowers are beginning to bloom again: spring is on its way in France, starting March 20, 2026. However, it's worth noting that the change of seasons doesn't mean the weather will suddenly warm up — keep your coats handy to avoid catching a cold.
Spring Equinox 2026: When Does It Occur This Year? The spring equinox in 2026 will take place on March 20th. The exact moment the day begins — when day and night are roughly equal — is scheduled for 04:45 UTC. This marks the official start of spring in the Northern Hemisphere, bringing longer days and shorter nights.
As the days go by, we are drawing closer to the spring equinox. This year, it will occur on Friday, March 20, 2026. But what exactly is the spring equinox, and why does it happen at precisely 3:45 p.m. this year? Here’s the explanation. [Read more]
After switching to winter time last October, it’s almost time to change the clocks again and move to summer time. Just a quick reminder: we’ll lose an hour of sleep during the last weekend of March, but gain an extra hour of daylight in the evening.
Transportation: Launch of the Express Line 9517 to Roissy CDG Airport — What You Need to Know
With the discontinuation of the RoissyBus shuttle service starting March 1, 2026, a new express bus line is launching! Stops, schedules, fares... here’s everything you need to know about bus 9517, which will connect Argenteuil to Roissy-Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport via Saint-Denis-Pleyel. [Read more]
Time Change 2026: When will we switch to daylight saving time?
The days are gradually getting longer, while the nights appear slightly shorter. Although the switch to daylight saving time is approaching steadily, a little more patience is needed before the clocks change again. The transition to summer time will occur during the night of Saturday, March 28 to Sunday, March 29, 2026. We will lose an hour of sleep and will need to set our clocks forward by one hour. [Read more]
Municipal Elections 2026 in Paris: Your FAQs Answered
As the municipal elections rapidly approach, voters are buzzing with questions: when is voting day, how do you arrange for a proxy vote, how are the mayors of Paris and its districts elected, and other practical details — we've got the answers to all your concerns! [Read more]
Spring Equinox 2026: When Does It Occur This Year?
The spring equinox in 2026 will take place on March 20th. The exact moment the day begins — when day and night are roughly equal — is scheduled for 04:45 UTC. This marks the official start of spring in the Northern Hemisphere, bringing longer days and shorter nights.
