Interviews

A lifetime of exploring the planet has led writer Eddy L Harris to France. Jessica Knipe finds out why it was rural Charente that finally made this free spirit stand still

Ben Tibbetts is a professional mountain guide, ski expert, designer and photographer based in Charmonix. He explains the job of a mountain guide’s – and why one is often necessary

American author in Paris Douglas Kennedy tells Jessica Knipe how and why he has become part of the French literary furniture

Fencer Laura Flessel fought for France at five Olympics, winning five medals – including two gold at Atlanta ’96 – and carried the flag at London 2012. Today, she is part of the team bidding to win Paris the 2024 Olympics

Chatting with British writer Stephen Clarke in a cute Parisian café, Jessica Knipe discovers that under his amusing puns lies an incredible wealth of knowledge and expertise about France

Katia Lteif Ward takes delicious gateaux to another dimension with her fantastic designs

Métiers d’art are ancient ...and protected in France

Since having his arms and legs amputated after an accident, Philippe croizon has swum the Channel, swum between five continents, finished the Dakar rally, become a motivational speaker, written books, and met the love of his life. He tells Samantha David his life of happiness was a choice

As part of her mission to fund medical and recreational equipment for youngsters in hospital, leg amputee Valérie Hirsch­field has walked 62km and organised a charity concert to raise money.

European countries are failing to produce enough children to keep their population size constant – but France is the exception. Mum-of-five Gillian Harvey says it’s because big families are so well looked after here