Culture / Media
Press gang
For a nation founded on the libertarian spirit, France’s media has traditionally kept a respectful distance when reporting on those in power. But recent high profile exposés are pushing the debate back into the spotlight…
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Culture / Magazines
XXI marks the spot
With no advertising, no marketing and limited online presence, the success of ‘XXI’ magazine has proven that readers do not need much persuasion to pay for beautifully presented, long-form journalism.
Design / Interior design
Office colony
Paris-based architects Ciguë were tasked with turning an apartment from a design disaster into a space suitable for three firms to work in. They went one step further and made the bespoke furniture too.
Edits / Food & Drink
Breakfast at Frédéric's
Frédéric Malle is a perfumier who knows his croissants, which is why he chose the Café de Flore in Paris – the hang-out of French philosophers in years gone by – for his ‘last meal’. He owns three shops in Paris and his…
Affairs / Urbanism
Paris: global city
From international diplomacy to setting benchmarks in urbanism, from investing in culture to protecting a rich mix of independent businesses, Paris has become a hothouse for fresh thinking. That’s why we have made it our…
Edits / Food & Drink
Simple supper
The bistro Vivant Table is testament to the owner’s cosmopolitan upbringing, with its organic, fuss-free Italian and French food.
Culture / Arts
Monocolumn
Thursday 18 April
The real deal
A visit to Paris is not complete without enjoying some art and new works from Australian hyper-realist sculptor Ron Mueck are putting a spring in the city's step.
Business / Food & Drink
Beurre necessity
The Echiré cooperative has been churning out butter for more than a century. It must have been doing a good job too, as some of the world’s best restaurants won’t use anything else. Monocle looks at what makes Echiré a…
Business / Craft
Craft work
Hermès is one of the most recognised fashion houses in the world. But as a family-run business with a focus on craft, the current men in charge prefer to manage by looking inwards rather than chasing markets.
Business / Business Hubs
Going south
Montpellier is the fastest-growing city in France and for Monocle it ranks as one the best cities for business. It supports new ventures, with many hi-tech companies setting up there, and has an enviable quality of life to…
Edits / Property
Les Batignolles
Once the stamping ground of Impressionist painters, this 17th arrondissement neighbourhood is attracting a new wave of residents fleeing the overpriced centre and seeking some old-fashioned charm.
Affairs / Politics
Play it again
French accordion player Yvette Horner harks back to another age. Hers is a nostalgic repertoire that draws on the countryside as a source of inspiration. Yet despite the years, her shock of orange hair and desire to play…
Edits / Food & Drink
First Service
As president of the International Tennis Federation, Francesco Ricci Bitti spends much of his time travelling, courting oligarchs to invest in tennis. Wherever he pitches up, however, he opts for simple fare such as that…
Business / Industry
Making Scents
A centre of perfume making for centuries, the town of Grasse in the South of France is holding on to its reputation as fragrance capital of the world by developing new technology alongside time-honoured traditions.
Affairs / Economics
Bienvenue en Inde
Nestled in a corner of India is a town of pétanque and pâtisseries: Pondicherry is home to 7,000 French expats. It’s a microcosm of the flourishing business ties between France and India, but is it ready for major economic…
Affairs / Politics
Monocolumn
Tuesday 3 January
Change is the only certainty in world politics
If 2011 was all about unexpected changes in leadership, with dictators toppled and autocrats teetering, 2012’s leadership shifts should be a bit more predictable.
Affairs / Defence
Monocolumn
Monday 18 February
History repeating
Though each new conflict is unique, France's previous experience with insurgents could help it today in Mali.