Profiles

Connexion journalists profile the people making the news or doing interesting things in France.

The CX symbol denotes subscriber-only articles.

Is there someone you think we should meet and write about? Get in touch at news@connexionfrance.com

Why third position is a good place for these two

Lying behind by Alain Juppé and Nicolas Sarkozy in the opinion polls, Bruno Le Maire and François Fillon are battling for third place in the Républicains’ election for presidential candidate.

Michelle de la Rosa Lewis explains why it could still be important

Published: 1 May 2016

Author: Michelle de La Rosa Lewis

How far from a prison sentence to running for French president? Ask Alain Juppé

More than a decade after his political disgrace, Alain Juppé is a strong contender in the 2017 race for president. Michelle de La Rosa Lewis takes a look at the chequered career of a man who divides opinion

Published: 1 February 2016

Author: Michelle de la Rosa Lewis

François Mitterrand: France's first socialist president who championed the people - and acted like a king

François Mitterrand helped the poor and liberalised the press during his 14 years as president of France - but his detractors labelled him a narcissist

Arch-socialist, scheming opportunist, unapologetic womaniser – former president François Mitterrand continues to divide opinion 20 years after his death. Damien Black examines the faceted life of a great statesman

Published: 1 February 2016

Author: Damien Black

Meet the ex-homeless man who is now housing others

Gilbert Pinteau (centre) with volunteers of the Collectif des SDF de Lille

Finding homes for the homeless is Gilbert Pinteau's life - and he knows their difficulties, having been homeless himself. Samantha David marvels at determination in hard times

Published: 20 January 2016

Author: Samantha David

Dakar Rally is next challenge for man without limbs who swam Channel

Philippe Crozion and trainer Yves Tartarin has assembled a team for the Dakar Rally in 2017. Croizon is aiming to complete the event regardless of his handicap

A man who overcame horrific disability to become a champion for the disabled plans to enter the Dakar Rally next year. Samantha David looks into his new challenge...

Published: 3 January 2016

Author: Samantha David