Interviews

YVES Montand, one of France’s best-loved singers and actors – and part of a celebrity couple with actress Simone Signoret – died 25 years ago this month.
Montand, known to many from Berri’s Manon des Sources, was also famous for his political convictions in favour of the disadvantaged. Oscar-winning director COSTA-GAVRAS, who worked with him several times tells the Connexion about his memories of the star

Struggling with arrogant and abrupt locals in the French capital? Comedian Olivier Giraud provides some survival tips in his stand-up show in English, he tells Jessica Knipe

Rarely has a Brit been so well integrated into French society as Martin Walker, author of the Bruno, Chief of Police series. Jessica Knipe visits him at home in Le Bugue to talk Brexit, basset hounds and truffled brie

Freelance lingerie designer Margot Vidgen reveals how her much-travelled lifestyle took her first from Australia to Paris - and now sees her working, from her studio in the French capital, almost exclusively in China

Historic naval port Rochefort in Charente-Maritime is not a native habitat for begonias, but there would be no begonias were it not for Rochefort, which now houses Europe’s most important collection of the genus.

SYLVIE DESCHAMPS fell in love with the art of gold embroidery when still a teenager.
Now the holder of a prestigious Mâitre d’Art title, her needlework impresses Gary Lee Kraut who visits her at Le Bégonia d’Or, her workshop in Rochefort

This month marks the 60th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome – the foundation of what became the EU.
Since 1957 it has led to the passport free zone, a single market and currency, common environmental standards and labour protection and has helped secure peace, but there have been downsides and reforms to strengthen the union may face opposition.
Strasbourg University lecturer in European Politics PHILIPPE JUHEM talks here about the challenges

Forces’ sweetheart Dame Vera Lynn could make recording history on her 100th birthday this month if she breaks her record as the oldest living artist to land a UK No1 album.

Director and teacher Paul Golub, 55, explains his passion for the theatre, and why France is so supportive of the arts

As France remembers the tragic attacks of early 2015 we look back at an interview with store worker Lassana Bathily