Culture

The Dumas clan epitomised French derring-do and prolific creativity, writes Samantha David

Jazz musician Vinx has played with some musical superstars. He tells Jane Hanks about life in the Aude village that he now calls home

A small northern village topped a recent popularity poll. Jane Hanks looks at the long, fascinating history of Cassel

The names of most newspapers relate to a geographical region, a time of day or have some relevance to giving out the news of the moment. An exception is France’s oldest national daily and one of the top selling papers, Le Figaro, which takes its name from literature.

A critical eye on the latest ciné releases

Oscar-winner's two October theatre dates in capital expected to be the hottest ticket in town when box office opens for just two days next week

Some funds from the event will go towards church’s restoration fund

Dutch-born dancer and provocatrice Mata Hari caused scandal in Paris with her so-called spying activity during the First Word War. Samantha David asks which side she was really on and what became of her 

A round-up of news, and those creating ‘le buzz’ in French cultural life

This autumn sees the 90th anniversary of French composer Maurice Ravel’s Boléro, one of the most popular pieces of classical music in the world despite – or perhaps because of – it being so unconventional.