France (FR)
France is a unitary semi-presidential republic and the EU's most visited country, renowned for its world-class cuisine and wine, the iconic City of Light that is Paris, the French Riviera, iconic Alpine ski resorts, and a generous social state offering universal healthcare, extensive family benefits, and strong worker protections.
Digital Services
Digital ID, e-government and essential apps in France.
FranceConnect + FranceConnect+
Single sign-on federating 1,400+ public and private online services. FranceConnect uses an existing account (impots.gouv.fr, Ameli, La Poste ID, MSA, Yris); FranceConnect+ (the stronger level, eIDAS substantial) uses L'Identité Numérique La Poste or la nouvelle CNI électronique (since 2021).
How to get it: FranceConnect: visit franceconnect.gouv.fr and log in with any partner account (most French residents already have one via impots.gouv.fr or Ameli). FranceConnect+: (a) visit a bureau de poste with your CNI/passport to activate L'Identité Numérique La Poste — free, 15 minutes; or (b) use your new-format CNI électronique with NFC + France Identité app.
E-Government Portal
https://www.service-public.frFrance ranks among the most digitally advanced in the EU. FranceConnect logs over 1 million people in per day. Most core procedures (tax, health, benefits, pension, driving) are 100% online. Some services (carte de séjour for non-EU residents, notaire acts, succession, marriage) still require in-person visits.
Essential Apps
SNCF Connect
FreeTGV, Intercités, TER, Eurostar tickets + real-time info. Replaced Oui.sncf in 2022.
Bonjour RATP / Île-de-France Mobilités
FreeParis metro/RER/bus/tram real-time + route planner + ticket purchase.
Vélib' / Dott / Tier / Lime
PaidFree-floating bikes and e-scooters in most cities.
FranceConnect
FreeSingle login gateway for public services.
France Identité
FreeActivate the CNI électronique as a digital ID. NFC-capable phone required.
impots.gouv.fr
FreeTax returns, withholding adjustments, payments, property declarations.
Ameli
FreeAssurance Maladie reimbursements, attestations, carte Vitale dématérialisée (rolling out).
Mon Espace Santé
FreeDigital health record (DMP) with prescriptions, labs, and shared data. Opt-in since 2022.
Doctolib
FreeBook GP, specialist, dentist, téléconsultation. Essential in France.
Caf – Mon Compte
FreeManage CAF benefits, APL, RSA, PAJE, declarations.
Lydia / PayLib / Paypal
FreePeer-to-peer instant SEPA transfers — used daily among friends.
Leboncoin
FreeLargest French classifieds — furniture, cars, flats, jobs.
Vinted
FreeSecond-hand clothes — near-daily use across all ages.
ExpatCheapRent
FreeExpat-focused cheap rental finder at expatcheaprent.com — compares listings across major rental portals to help newcomers find affordable apartments.
SeLoger / PAP
FreeApartment search across agencies and direct owners.
Too Good To Go / Phenix / OLIO
FreeRescue surplus food at 60–80% off from bakeries, restaurants, supermarkets.
TousAntiCovid → France Identité Santé
FreeEvolving into the national health-identity app post-COVID.
Service Public
FreeFull list of French administrative formalities, always up to date.
WhatsApp / Signal
FreeWhatsApp is default; Signal gaining ground with privacy-aware users.
Carrefour / Monoprix / Casino apps
FreeLoyalty programmes, weekly promos, online ordering.
Carrying the CNI (physical or digital via France Identité) is increasingly required for online identity checks. NFC-capable phone strongly recommended for FranceConnect+ via CNI électronique. Apple Pay, Google Pay and Paylib (French interbank standard) widely accepted. Sans contact (contactless) up to €50/transaction.