Culture

Photos: the best English bookshops in Paris according to Vogue France

From ‘chic’ historic addresses to ‘cutting edge publishing houses’, find your favourite

Why this French department wants to change name and what it could become

Two new names are on the shortlist

Photos: The French destinations named unmissable in 2025 by the New York Times

Two areas in France have been highlighted in the new ranking

practical

Do foreign people living in France get free entry to museums?

France’s ‘national museums’ are run by the state with certain people able to access them for free

Photos: These are France’s top five most visited national monuments in 2024

How many have you been to?

Experts share top five recommendations for discovering French comics as an adult

First-time readers of bandes dessinées might want to start with this list of suggestions

British illustrator is a star in the Franco-Belgian world of comics

We speak to Posy Simmonds MBE, winner of one of the most prestigious awards for graphic novelists

Discover the capital of comics books in the west of France

We hear from the advisers of Angoulême's museum dedicated to the art of la bande dessinée

French cinema’s 2024 performance makes it unique in world

France was the only country in which cinema attendance increased

The world’s oldest cave paintings discovered 30 years ago in France

A special visit is being held at the reproduction of the ‘prehistoric Sistine Chapel’

Train set and other objects belonging to Charles de Gaulle sold at auction

The auction comes after a historical exhibition that included ‘the most important manuscript in French history’ as well as a vintage train set from the Soviet Union

Photos: Magical images as Lyon launches its 25th Fête des Lumières

Stunning light shows take place in the evenings at 32 different venues

Ancient Gaulish village unearthed in south-west France

Discoveries by local farmers spark significant archaeological excavations, revealing a fortified settlement

What are some good radio shows to learn about French culture?

France places pride on its cultural output, and this is reflected on the radio

Learning French: the origins and meaning of impossible n’est pas français

This patriotic proverb was also a presidential campaign slogan

How France's high-rise housing solution to post-war boom became an urban nightmare

The grands ensembles, high-rise public housing units, were meant to provide desperately needed accommodation in big cities in the 1950s but the plan was abandoned only two decades later

Toulouse bishop consecrates the city as mechanical monsters run amok

A controversial street theatre featuring demonic figures prompts some Christian groups to condemn the 'satanic' representations

Five audiobooks to listen to improve your French

Classic works of French literature will deepen your understanding of the country’s culture and enhance your language skills

Minister wants €5 entrance fee for Notre-Dame visitors

Money raised would go towards renovations of other religious sites. Higher ticket prices for non-EU visitors to tourist attractions is also proposed

Who was France’s fiercest female pirate, the ‘Lioness of Brittany’?

After King Philip VI of France executed former noblewoman Jeanne de Belleville's husband for treason during the medieval Breton War of Succession, she turned to piracy to avenge his death

What does the French word ‘wesh’ mean and why is it being used in UK

Discover the origins of this informal interjection that is now part of London slang

Blacksmith’s historic and unusual home for sale in Rouen

The Maison Marrou, an iconic feature of the city of Rouen, is being sold by online auction

Francophonie: countries with the most French speakers apart from France

France is one of the top five most-spoken languages worldwide

Creative workshops boom in France as people flock to write

Millions are finding inspiration and community in affordable, diverse courses across French cities

Michel Blanc, often described as France’s Woody Allen, dies aged 72

The actor became a household name for his performances in the Les Bronzés films

31-year treasure hunt for €150,000 golden owl in France is resolved

Second-longest treasure hunt in world ends after statue unearthed in France

Strikes, French property tax deadlines: Key dates in October

The month sees several administrative changes - as well as a celebration of French architecture

Van Gogh’s final years exhibition extended for another year

It will be closed from September 30 to October 18 for additional works to be hung

Foires et fêtes d'automne: get ready for feasting, fun and French food at its finest

Mellow fruitfulness awaits as French towns and cities play host to celebrations of local produce and funfairs

Feminist remake of Emmanuelle erotic film opens in French cinemas

‘I was interested in exploring taboo subjects such as women's sexuality and nudity’ against the backdrop of the #MeToo movement, says the leading actress

Favourite monument in France: which won the 2024 contest?

The rather unusual ‘monument’ won out over chateaux, a villa, and grand gardens

Has tomb of French poet Joachim du Bellay been found 500 years on?

Some researchers are convinced that the tomb belongs to the ‘missing’ Renaissance poet

Which iconic French brands are the most beloved?

It is likely you have products from at least some of these marques in your home, even if you do not live in France

Paris zinc roof workers explain what makes their work so special

Roofers help maintain Paris’ unique skyline and may soon be on Unesco list

Guinguettes back in business as French seek the simple pleasures of life

The waterside restaurants, sometimes with dance floors and made famous in Impressionist paintings from the late 19th century, are flourishing again

Why one Normandy beach has German deckchairs

These ‘strandkorbs’ are popular and often fully booked - and have history dating back to 1880s

French team build faithful replica of William the Conqueror’s warship

Visitors to the Normandy site can experience a voyage on La Mora in virtual reality

Five things they don't tell you about… apéros in France

Pointers from courses to socially acceptable drinks

National heritage guardian helps to make history come alive for millions

The Centre des monuments nationaux has prepared its historic sites for the global spotlight

French crafts in focus: The art of leatherwork

Atelier Chabert in Nice transforms simple leather into exquisite creations

Five things they do not tell you about summertime in France

Another important insight on French life and culture, this time on how the French make the most of the hottest season

Rocketing sales lead to new English bookshop in Nice

Increasing demand leads to new off-shoot of Librairie Masséna

August 2024: Catch up with French history: 10, 50 and 100 years ago

From Macron becoming the fresh face in government, to a tricky balancing act and the first 'Deaflympics'

Profile: Rémi Gaillard, master prankster and the French 'Dom Joly'

The internet trickster has had French audiences howling with laughter for more than two decades

France's Fête de la Rosière embraces modern values

This traditional festival now celebrates civic engagement, moving beyond its historical focus on virtue

Puy du Fou looks to open sister theme park in UK

The French historical park attracted 2.5 million visitors in 2023

How does living in France affect your English?

Forgetting some English is more common than you might think - in fact there is even a word for this

Five things to know to understand the French mindset

Why being polite means not being too friendly and arriving late is sometimes best

Five things they don’t tell you about… school kermesses in France

We look at how fundraisers for the local church turned into annual school parties that are a huge part of French village life

Films and series to watch to improve your French in July

Work on your language skills and celebrate the annual Fête du cinéma

Notre-Dame de Paris to reopen in December: what changes are planned?

From timed visits to a new designer wardrobe for the priests

Fête du cinéma to open with new adaptation of classic French novel

The 2024 event will feature 44 films including a mix of local and international releases

French heavy metal music festival launches kids spin-off

Organisers hope special event at Hellfest will inspire interest in the genre for 'the younger generation'

June 2024: Catch up with French history: 10, 50 and 100 years ago

From the presidency of François Hollande to that of Gaston Doumergue with an erotic film between them

Fête de la musique 2024: France’s giant June 21 street party

Musical performances up and down the country will celebrate the nation’s rich musical heritage

How France's Cluny abbey shone before its downfall

Do you know the story behind this majestic abbey's decadence and subsequent demise?

Paul McCartney announces two concerts in France at end of 2024

The events will form part of the Got Back tour which began in 2022

Iconic 'French liberty' painting returns to the Louvre

Symbol of France returns to museum after six months of repair work

French music legend Françoise Hardy dies at age of 80

The sixties singer was named as one of the best 200 singers of all-time by US magazine Rolling Stone

Watch: the UK and US celebrities that speak excellent French

From Johnny Depp to Serena Williams, listen to these English-speaking celebrities who have impressive level of French

5 films and series to watch to improve your French in June

From gruelling documentaries to heartwarming comedies, there is something for everyone on our list

4,700 menus showcasing the evolution of French diplomacy up for auction

Collection of over 4,700 menus showcases the evolution of French diplomacy

Explore French museums for free this Saturday evening

Giant game of Cluedo, escape games and many other unique events on offer as over 1,000 museums stay open late for La Nuit Européennes des Musées

Help choose ‘France’s favourite monument’

Pick your choice and tune in to the live final to see who wins the top spot

PHOTOS: See ideas from Paris' 123rd annual inventors’ contest

The ballpoint pen and the potato masher are among previous inventions shown at the Concours Lépine - which will win this year?

Did you know: Priests bless tractors in France

The tradition has its roots in the Rogation days of prayer and fasting in western Christianity - and is gaining in popularity

D-Day commemorations: What events are happening around France?

In France, do you know your porcherie from your pigeonnier?

These traditional structures have helped small-scale farmers source protein for hundreds of years

How to give one hour a month to your local community in France

Volunteers can help with activities ranging from gardening for a neighbour to helping out at a care home

French idea lets you read social media family news in print format

Printed compilation of online activity keeps older generation in touch

Fee to visit Mont-Saint-Michel rejected for other ways to ease crowds

‘People forget that it’s a commune; it’s a village. We can’t just introduce limits and stop citizens from coming and going,’ says the director

Chance to discover France’s opera houses - and music - for free

Opera weekend provides all-ages access to a different cultural world and the different workers behind performances

Five things they don’t tell you about... coffee in France

Adding milk can be more than just a spur of the moment choice in a French café

TV and films to improve your French in May

Star-studded comedies and Olympic Documentary are recent highlights

Museums, mothers and muguet: key dates to note in May in France

Dates of interest to put in your calendar for the next month