Education: do French schools deserve their harsh reputation?In a system where only God gets top marks we ask an expert if French education really is restrictive or just rigorous
Failing French villages must resist quick wins and plan better futureJournalist Samantha David looks at her home village in France and how local authorities need to work together to create a long term vision
Wimbledon ban on Russian tennis stars is wrong; France has alternativeAn international lawyer argues that Britain’s decision to ban Russian tennis players recalls a dark time in American history. France has declined to ban the players for now
Empty palaces - French president no better than Russian oligarchsJournalist Nabila Ramdani looks at how luxury excess is acceptable in France where the president himself can live like a billionaire
Enjoy your victory, Mr Macron, but you and France face tough times With Le Pen and Mélenchon snapping at his heels, Mr Macron only has five years to create his legacy. Journalist Simon Heffer assesses the recent election and France’s future
‘France has chosen stability but social unrest a real risk in 2024’Political analyst Jean Viard says there are always protests two years after every election - and Mr Macron will have to work hard to limit this
If derelict French barns get roof grants, why not our houses?There are European farming grants for barn roofs and French government grants for insulation and boilers but frustratingly no help to replace the roof on your home in France, writes Samantha David
‘Le Pen’s programme remains far-right despite efforts to soften image’The presidential hopeful’s views on immigration, citizenship, Islam and democracy are all symbolic of a far-right ideology, argue political experts
Covid changed my mind about French healthcare: it is exceptionalWriter Tamara Thiessen says the system is not perfect but has many good points. She also notes the chaos of testing facilities she experienced in her native Australia
Comment: Why don’t the French like the presidents they elect?Most French presidents only survive one five year term before they are voted out, with two notable exceptions
‘We're proud to be voting in France for first time this election’After 30 years in France, journalist Jane Hanks, now has the right to vote as a French national and is taking the responsibility seriously
Comment: Macron election win would prove poor state of French politicsWhen he eventually got around to revealing his manifesto, barely three weeks before the first round, it was fabulously uninspiring
Comment: The Algerian War remains controversial in France 60 years onThe peace treaty was signed on March 18, 1962 but France still feels the impact of the war today
Schadenfreude, secret envy: Why do the French love the British royals?Curiously, French people have little fascination for discreet monarchies such as those of Denmark and Belgium, or the Spanish Crown, which is on permanent probation, writes Nick Inman
France’s cultural and natural variety makes it a tourist hotspotMuseums, galleries, beaches, mountains, canals, hiking, diving, driving…Nick Inman shares his thoughts on why France continues to attract so many holidaymakers
Comment: Why French institutions must stop their daft use of franglaisThe only British member of the Académie française gives us some examples he finds confusing and some he finds pointless
Paris university Russian expert: ‘Putin’s regime is in survival mode’Professor Marie Mendras, at Paris’ Sciences Po University, gives an insight into Vladimir Putin’s mindset and the consequences of the war in Ukraine
Are the British just not serious enough for the French?The French would not have elected Boris Johnson in a million years: A man who treats himself as a joke in le Palais de l’Elysée? Non, non et non. Samantha David shares her thoughts on this cultural difference
Simon Heffer: Macron probably won a second term on February 13Valérie Pécresse has simply failed to inspire
Massive shows of police strength suit Macron for re-election bidNo modern French politician has ever lost an election by being too tough on security, says Nabila Ramdani in her monthly column
When naming places and streets, France should honour women tooOnly 2% of France’s 63,500 place names honour women. Samantha David looks at why women’s role in human history is still underestimated
Has France entered period of decline as some election hopefuls claim?Ahead of the vote in April, Nick Inman shares his opinion on why speaking about decline is not so simple
