Who was France’s fiercest female pirate, the ‘Lioness of Brittany’? After King Philip VI of France executed former noblewoman Jeanne de Belleville's husband for treason during the medieval Breton War of Succession, she turned to piracy to avenge his death
What does the French word ‘wesh’ mean and why is it being used in UK Discover the origins of this informal interjection that is now part of London slang
Blacksmith’s historic and unusual home for sale in Rouen The Maison Marrou, an iconic feature of the city of Rouen, is being sold by online auction
magazine Francophonie: countries with the most French speakers apart from France France is one of the top five most-spoken languages worldwide
Creative workshops boom in France as people flock to write Millions are finding inspiration and community in affordable, diverse courses across French cities
Michel Blanc, often described as France’s Woody Allen, dies aged 72 The actor became a household name for his performances in the Les Bronzés films
31-year treasure hunt for €150,000 golden owl in France is resolved Second-longest treasure hunt in world ends after statue unearthed in France
Strikes, French property tax deadlines: Key dates in October The month sees several administrative changes - as well as a celebration of French architecture
Van Gogh’s final years exhibition extended for another year It will be closed from September 30 to October 18 for additional works to be hung
Foires et fêtes d'automne: get ready for feasting, fun and French food at its finest Mellow fruitfulness awaits as French towns and cities play host to celebrations of local produce and funfairs
Feminist remake of Emmanuelle erotic film opens in French cinemas ‘I was interested in exploring taboo subjects such as women's sexuality and nudity’ against the backdrop of the #MeToo movement, says the leading actress
Favourite monument in France: which won the 2024 contest? The rather unusual ‘monument’ won out over chateaux, a villa, and grand gardens
Has tomb of French poet Joachim du Bellay been found 500 years on? Some researchers are convinced that the tomb belongs to the ‘missing’ Renaissance poet
Which iconic French brands are the most beloved? It is likely you have products from at least some of these marques in your home, even if you do not live in France Paris zinc roof workers explain what makes their work so special Guinguettes back in business as French seek the simple pleasures of life Why one Normandy beach has German deckchairs
French team build faithful replica of William the Conqueror’s warship Visitors to the Normandy site can experience a voyage on La Mora in virtual reality Five things they don't tell you about… apéros in France National heritage guardian helps to make history come alive for millions French crafts in focus: The art of leatherwork Five things they do not tell you about summertime in France Rocketing sales lead to new English bookshop in Nice
August 2024: Catch up with French history: 10, 50 and 100 years ago From Macron becoming the fresh face in government, to a tricky balancing act and the first 'Deaflympics'
Profile: Rémi Gaillard, master prankster and the French 'Dom Joly' The internet trickster has had French audiences howling with laughter for more than two decades
France's Fête de la Rosière embraces modern values This traditional festival now celebrates civic engagement, moving beyond its historical focus on virtue
Puy du Fou looks to open sister theme park in UK The French historical park attracted 2.5 million visitors in 2023
How does living in France affect your English? Forgetting some English is more common than you might think - in fact there is even a word for this
Five things to know to understand the French mindset Why being polite means not being too friendly and arriving late is sometimes best
Five things they don’t tell you about… school kermesses in France We look at how fundraisers for the local church turned into annual school parties that are a huge part of French village life
Films and series to watch to improve your French in July Work on your language skills and celebrate the annual Fête du cinéma
Notre-Dame de Paris to reopen in December: what changes are planned? From timed visits to a new designer wardrobe for the priests
Fête du cinéma to open with new adaptation of classic French novel The 2024 event will feature 44 films including a mix of local and international releases
French heavy metal music festival launches kids spin-off Organisers hope special event at Hellfest will inspire interest in the genre for 'the younger generation'
June 2024: Catch up with French history: 10, 50 and 100 years ago From the presidency of François Hollande to that of Gaston Doumergue with an erotic film between them
Fête de la musique 2024: France’s giant June 21 street party Musical performances up and down the country will celebrate the nation’s rich musical heritage
How France's Cluny abbey shone before its downfall Do you know the story behind this majestic abbey's decadence and subsequent demise?
Paul McCartney announces two concerts in France at end of 2024 The events will form part of the Got Back tour which began in 2022
Iconic 'French liberty' painting returns to the Louvre Symbol of France returns to museum after six months of repair work
How you can fly to Nice, Paris, Marseille, or Bordeaux from the cockpit Flight simulators are becoming an increasingly popular activity or gift, as Samantha David found when taking a plane for a virtual spin along the French Riviera
French music legend Françoise Hardy dies at age of 80 The sixties singer was named as one of the best 200 singers of all-time by US magazine Rolling Stone
Watch: the UK and US celebrities that speak excellent French From Johnny Depp to Serena Williams, listen to these English-speaking celebrities who have impressive level of French
5 films and series to watch to improve your French in June From gruelling documentaries to heartwarming comedies, there is something for everyone on our list
4,700 menus showcasing the evolution of French diplomacy up for auction Collection of over 4,700 menus showcases the evolution of French diplomacy
Explore French museums for free this Saturday evening Giant game of Cluedo, escape games and many other unique events on offer as over 1,000 museums stay open late for La Nuit Européennes des Musées
Help choose ‘France’s favourite monument’ Pick your choice and tune in to the live final to see who wins the top spot
PHOTOS: See ideas from Paris' 123rd annual inventors’ contest The ballpoint pen and the potato masher are among previous inventions shown at the Concours Lépine - which will win this year?
Priests prepare to bless hundreds of tractors in France The tradition has its roots in the Rogation days of prayer and fasting in western Christianity - and is gaining in popularity
In France, do you know your porcherie from your pigeonnier? These traditional structures have helped small-scale farmers source protein for hundreds of years
How to give one hour a month to your local community in France Volunteers can help with activities ranging from gardening for a neighbour to helping out at a care home
French idea lets you read social media family news in print format Printed compilation of online activity keeps older generation in touch
Fee to visit Mont-Saint-Michel rejected for other ways to ease crowds ‘People forget that it’s a commune; it’s a village. We can’t just introduce limits and stop citizens from coming and going,’ says the director
Chance to discover France’s opera houses - and music - for free Opera weekend provides all-ages access to a different cultural world and the different workers behind performances
Five things they don’t tell you about... coffee in France Adding milk can be more than just a spur of the moment choice in a French café
TV and films to improve your French in May Star-studded comedies and Olympic Documentary are recent highlights
Museums, mothers and muguet: key dates to note in May in France Dates of interest to put in your calendar for the next month
Opinion: Another week off – how I love living in France One of the many things I adore about the French is their attitude to time off.
How to deal with small French village mentality What can be done when that warm welcome from the locals begins to turn frosty?
Influence of war’s Vichy regime still present in France Legislation introduced by the Vichy regime in World War Two is still being applied in France today according to an expert historian
Blades of Paris Moulin Rouge cabaret club mysteriously fall off It was not a windy night and the blades are checked regularly, say managers
One of France’s main music festivals at risk of closure ‘If nothing changes the 2024 edition could be the last’ say organisers of Les Vieilles Charrues
What is the #PasDeVague movement in France? A new film starring François Civil in cinemas focuses on viral social media movement, but what is it actually about?
Anniversary tributes for Jean de Florette and Manon des Sources author April 18 marks the fiftieth anniversary of Marcel Pagnol’s death. Commemorations celebrating his life and work are taking place around the country
‘Beautiful’ Benjamin Franklin letter from France for sale in US The founding father was in France to garner support for the American revolution
Eating faux-pas: habits to avoid when dining in France From ignoring fellow guests to hogging the cheese board, we take a look at the ultimate no-nos when dining in France.
Why you won’t be hearing church bells much in France for a few days A trip to Rome, a visit to the Vatican, and lots of chocolate eggs: Where the bells go at Easter
La politesse: what habits can make you seem rude to French people? Sometimes it can be all too easy to commit a cultural faux pas without even realising it. We look at some of the most common
French photographer who captured US history gets retrospective in Nice The exhibition details how Henri Dauman made a name for himself without expensive equipment or even press accreditation
American photographer Annie Leibovitz honoured in France The photographer is being inducted into the prestigious Académie des Beaux-Arts in Paris
Chalet from France’s Oscar favourite Anatomy of a Fall is on Airbnb Film fans can stay the night in the chalet, immortalised in one of the year’s biggest French films
What would you include if compiling a quiz about France? Columnist Nick Inman prepares a syllabus to help you become a French quiz whizz
6 films and series for February to improve your French Dramas, thrillers, and cult comedies all make this month’s list
Must I take a course to become a tour guide in France? There are various regulations dependent upon the precise role of a guide
Oscar-nominated Anatomy of a Fall is masterclass in multilingual life The film’s memorable scenes show how speaking multiple languages can be a symbol of compromise, challenges, and power dynamics
Why being punctual is not always polite in France Sometimes being late is good manners as columnist Annaliza Davis finds out
Five things they do not tell you about the bourgeoisie in France From fashion to holidays, we take a humorous look at the bourgeois life
Golden Globes awards for French film Anatomy of a Fall The multilingual drama picked up two awards at the glittering ceremony
Five long weekends and more: see other 2024 changes in France Major war commemorations are being planned in Normandy, the Michelin guide unveils a new 'key' award, and rule changes are on the way for sales of pets
2023 was a good year for French cinemas: The top ten films French-made films also did well during a bumper year for post-Covid cinema seat sales
Paris to have street named after David Bowie (even though UK does not) The iconic name will be formally unveiled next week
Key cultural and sporting events in France in 2024 The Olympics and a Tour de France first are among the highlights of a jam-packed cultural calendar
Bourges is named European Capital of Culture 2028 The capital of Cher was chosen over Clermont-Ferrand, Montpellier and Rouen