Student meals, higher gas prices, driving licenses... What’s changing on May 1, 2026

Starting May 1, 2026, Parisians and Île-de-France residents, along with all French citizens, will face a raft of changes, with notable adjustments for both businesses and individuals. Find out what's changing this May.

Months come and go in France. Regularly, new laws take effect, rules evolve, prices go up or down... But amid the constant barrage of information, it's often hard to keep track of all these changes, even for news enthusiasts!

Moreover, the month of May is packed with public holidays and long weekends, inviting us to unwind and step away from the daily grind. Between two leisurely getaways, it’s easy to miss something important! Fortunately, you’ve found the right page to catch up.

To help you stay informed about developments that affect you, we’ve put together a concise roundup of everything changing as of May 1, 2026 in France. Health, energy, education, social benefits, fuel prices, and administrative procedures — these are the changes you’ll want to know about in the weeks ahead.

Rollout of €1 meals for all students

Starting May 4, 2026, all students will be able to benefit from the 1-euro meal offered in university dining halls. This low-cost option includes a main course and two sides. Students can add extras to complete the offer, which will be charged at the usual prices.

Gas price benchmark set to rise

Because of the conflicts in the Middle East, the reference price for gas is set to rise on average by 15.4%, or an extra €6.19 per month. The increase will affect several million French households, according to the energy regulator CRE.

Deadline for student social files

The Student Social File (DSE) is an online form that lets you apply for scholarships based on social criteria, and for housing in CROUS residences. The deadline to assemble and validate your file is set for May 31, 2026.

Converting a foreign driver's license into a French one now carries a fee

From May 4, 2026, a stamp duty of 40 euros will apply to exchanging a European or foreign driving license for a French one. The exchange is handled online.

The exchange should take place when:

EU or EEA member: your driving licence is no longer valid—it's been lost or stolen and must be replaced; your licence has been withdrawn.
Non-EU licence holder: you have been living in France for more than a year.

With a lighter touch, also explore the new outings and exclusive events awaiting you in Paris and Île-de-France in May 2026.

What’s new in May 2026: releases to discover starting this month in Paris
What’s new in Paris this month? A heads-up for trailblazers: the fresh concepts and openings poised to debut in Paris and Île-de-France in May 2026. [Read more]