When in Rome

Monocle has taken the notion of a spring clean to a new level: we’ve got new printers in Germany, fresh paper stock and an updated design all rolled into one. That’s alongside all the usual features, as well as an in-depth retail survey and a smartly turned-out style directory. Things are hotting up…Available now at The Monocle Shop.

The baguette is fighting back with artisanal valour. Meet Paris baker Christophe Vasseur: he runs successful corner shop Du Pain et des Idées and knows how to make the perfect loaf.

Many seamen see icebreaking as a career pinnacle. We peek into the snug cabins, well-kitted kitchen and memorabilia-filled gym to see what serving on icebreaker ‘Kontio’ is really like. You can also catch up with episode one here.

Finland has obvious natural advantages that have helped it become an icebreaking powerhouse but the country’s dominance in the field is startling. We travel to the Bay of Bothnia to bear witness to the beginning of the icebreaking season. You can also watch episode two here.