Everything Changing in March 2026 in France: Complete Guide
Comprehensive overview of all changes taking effect in March 2026 in France: energy, taxes, benefits, transportation, and more.
What's changing in March 2026?
March 2026 brings many regulatory and economic changes for French people. This comprehensive guide covers all the news that may affect your daily life. Explore our banking section for detailed financial information.
Energy
Visit our complete energy section for detailed guides on all energy topics.
Gas: +5.3% increase
From March 1, the natural gas reference price (PRM) is increasing by 5.3% on average. Read our detailed guide on gas price increase. For a household heating with gas, this represents about €60 more per year.
Electricity: new VNU rates
The Reference Normalized Price (VNU) is updated with slight adjustments. See our electricity prices 2026 guide. The Base rate remains around €0.2516/kWh.
Energy voucher
Distribution of energy vouchers continues until March 31. Check your eligibility if you haven't received yours.
Taxes and levies
Don't forget to check the 2026 tax declaration calendar for important deadlines.
Registration fees
Several regions are revising their registration fee rates. Electric vehicles lose their exemption in some departments.
Property tax
Some municipalities are announcing increases for 2026. Check your local situation.
New taxation of small parcels
Parcels from outside the EU under €150 will be subject to specific customs duties, mainly affecting purchases from Shein, Temu, and AliExpress.
Social benefits
Family allowances
The age increase for family allowance increase is postponed to 18 years (instead of 14). Young people aged 14-17 benefit from a flat amount.
AAH, RSA, APL
A +0.9% increase is planned for April 1. March amounts remain unchanged.
Energy voucher
Last days to use your 2025 energy voucher (valid until March 31).
Banking and savings
PEL closure
PELs over 15 years old face automatic closure. Read our PEL closure guide. Owners should anticipate fund reallocation.
Livret A and LEP rates
Rates remain unchanged in March. Next revision on August 1, 2026.
Bank fees increase
+3% on average for current account fees. Compare alternatives.
Telecommunications
End of ADSL accelerates
New municipalities concerned by copper network shutdown. Check your fiber eligibility.
5G coverage
Network extensions in rural areas. More communes have access to 5G.
Transportation
Fuel
Prices remain volatile. March average expected around €1.75/L for diesel and €1.82/L for gasoline.
SNCF
New TGV timetables take effect. Check your regular routes.
Insurance
Explore our insurance section for comprehensive insurance guides.
Car insurance
New contracts reflect the average +5% increase. Compare before renewal. Read our car insurance 2026 guide.
Home insurance
Increases vary by region according to weather risk (up to +8% in risk zones). See our home insurance 2026 guide.
Health
Health insurance
0.9% increase in reimbursement base. Impact limited on actual expenses.
Hospital expenses
New fixed participation for certain hospital acts.
100% Santé
Wheelchairs and wigs join the 100% covered basket.
Housing
End of winter truce
The winter truce ends on March 31. Evictions can resume from April 1.
MaPrimeRénov'
2026 amounts are in effect. New simplifications for applications.
DPE
New energy performance diagnosis calculation method takes effect.
Calendar of key dates
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| March 1 | Gas +5.3%, new registration fees |
| March 15 | CAF payment for February |
| March 20 | Spring equinox, longer days |
| March 30 | Daylight saving time change |
| March 31 | End of winter truce, energy voucher expiration |
How to prepare?
Energy
- Compare your energy contracts
- Plan renovation work
Taxes
- Anticipate registration fee increases
- Check your local taxes
Savings
- Reallocate your old PEL
- Optimize your savings
Insurance
- Compare before renewal
- Adjust your coverage
Frequently Asked Questions
When exactly does the gas increase take effect?
March 1, 2026, for all consumers on the reference price.
Is changing energy supplier before the increase worth it?
Market offers can be more competitive. Compare to find out.
How do I know if my municipality is affected by ADSL shutdown?
Check the ARCEP tool or contact your municipality.
Are social benefits being increased in March?
No, the increase is planned for April 1 (+0.9%).
When should I change to summer time?
Night of March 29 to 30. At 2am, it will be 3am.
Related Articles
Sources and References
- Service-Public.fr - Official information
- Légifrance - Official texts
- economie.gouv.fr - Ministry of Economy
- CRE - Energy Regulatory Commission
The information provided in this article is for guidance only. Some measures may be subject to adjustments. Check official sources for confirmation.
CheckEverything.fr Editorial Team
Writing and fact-checking
Our editorial team brings together writers specialized in energy, telecommunications, insurance and banking in France. Every article is verified against official French sources (CRE, ARCEP, ACPR, service-public.fr) before publication.
Keywords:
The information provided on this site is for informational purposes only and does not constitute personalized advice. We recommend consulting a professional for any important decision.
Related Articles
PEL: Automatic Closure in March 2026, What to Do with Your Savings?
Old PEL (Home Savings Plans) face automatic closure from March 2026. Here's what to do with your savings and available options.
Small Parcel Tax 2026: Shein, Temu, AliExpress - What's Changing
A new tax on small parcels from China applies in 2026. What it means for Shein, Temu, and AliExpress shoppers.