France could be set to relax its 90-day visa rule for British citizens who own a second home in the country.
British homeowners were hit with post-Brexit restrictions that limit visa-free stays in the European Union to 90 days in each 180-day period.
If Britons want to stay more than 90 days they currently need to apply for a long-stay visa, which costs £99 and involves extensive red tape and interviews with French officials.
This has fuelled discontent among the 86,000 British households with seconds homes across the Channel. Pensioners who used to spend several months in holiday homes are reported to be particularly irritated by the residency restriction.
However, the French Senate has now passed through an amendment that will give British homeowners the right to a long-stay visa.
Martine Berthet, a senator representing Savoie in the French Alps, proposed a change to the rules after receiving complaints from British second homeowners.
She told The Telegraph: "The Britons I have spoken to say that the current system is long-winded, difficult and full of pitfalls."
The senator argued that the rules were preventing Britons from contributing to France's local economies and that this would result in an increase in vacant properties in tourist areas.
Berthet added: "Ties are warming between France and the UK following the royal visit and don't forget, King Charles reserved his only official speech for the French senate. The British are privileged partners of France. History has shown this to be the case."
The amendment will be debated next month in the National Assembly (the country's lower house).
