French Life

Cultural digest: a round-up of news, and those creating ‘le buzz’ in art, music and film

As a bookseller, nothing annoys Catherine Domain more than when she asks someone entering her shop if she can help and the person responds “Just browsing”

Crafts in focus: Apprenticeship with last business standing is the only way to get into this once so popular trade

Tracy Chevalier is one of the most popular contemporary novelists in both France and the UK. On one of her frequent visits across the Channel, she told Jane Hanks about her French roots and writing

Every edition we assess an aspect of the French zeitgeist. This month: the growth of gyms and fitness sessions, by Jane Hanks

A round-up of news, and those creating ‘le buzz’ in art, music and film

Every edition we assess an aspect of the French zeitgeist. This month: the renaissance of vinyl album sales, by Jane Hanks

Cross-cultural consultant Guy Bondonneau (pictured below) tells Jane Hanks that negotiating the minefield of a French meeting is just a matter of understanding some key differences

A plan to get rid of farming smells caused by cow dung in a tourist area has worked 

Play inspired by victim's story wins France’s national theatre award and invites reworking of French rape laws