We're already into the month of March, with new measures applying to the whole of France. While March is eagerly awaited by many for the arrival of spring, it also has a number of new features and changes in store for our daily lives. The French are likely to be affected by a number of changes in the areas of sales, tobacco, pensions... Let's take a look at the upheavals taking place from March 1, 2024.
Bad news for smokers: tobacco prices are rising again. Depending on the brand, prices are up by 50 to 75 euro cents per pack. The precise list of brands affected is detailed on the French customs website. Lucky Strike, Winfield, Pall Mall, Camel and Gauloises have all seen their prices rise.
From now on, supermarket chains will no longer be allowed to offer promotions of over 34% on non-food products. This law, introduced by Frédéric Descrozaille, a French Member of Parliament, aims to protect small and medium-sized businesses, which would otherwise be the victims of these price cuts orchestrated by the major chains. The law has been heavily criticized by retailers, who believe that the end of promotions will hurt the poorest households in the face of inflation.
Agirc-Arrco is a supplementary pension scheme for employees in agriculture, commerce, industry and the service sector. As of March 1, the amount of pensions paid to each beneficiary could change.
Pensions could fall or rise, depending on the rate of Contribution Sociale Généralisée levied on each retiree. If this rate rises, the retirement pension will probably fall, and vice versa.
Gone are the days of winter, still life and cold: spring arrives in France on March 20, 2024. As a reminder, the change of season doesn't mean a sudden change in the weather: keep your coats ready to avoid a bad cold.
Spring equinox 2024: what does it mean and why does it start on March 20?
The spring equinox begins this year on Wednesday March 20, 2024. But what exactly is the spring equinox, and why does it start this year at precisely 4:06 a.m.? We answer. [Read more]
After switching to winter time last October, it's almost time to switch back to summer time. In concrete terms, we'll have one hour less sleep on the last weekend in March, but one hour more light at the end of the day.
The days are getting shorter and the nights are getting longer: there's no doubt about it, we'll be switching to winter time very soon! On the night of Saturday, October 26 to Sunday, October 27, 2024, we'll gain an hour's sleep and set our clocks back an hour. But hadn't the French and European authorities decided to put an end to this time change? We take a look. [Read more]
Spring equinox 2024: what does it mean and why does it start on March 20?
Time change in 2024: switch to winter time this weekend
