As we invite you to say ‘bonjour’ to our issue devoted to all things French, our editor in chief explains how our latest page-turner owes its beginnings to some pondering in a Parisian bookshop.

Learning a language can be arduous but a dramatic approach is finding a captive audience in Paris.

Private detectives are almost as mysterious as the cases they solve. We go undercover with a Parisian sleuth.

Though it has grown from two staff to 30 in 10 years, Rabih Kayrouz still values close bonds at his Maison.

Jean-Michel Jarre, forefather of electronica, spends his evenings holed up in his Paris loft with a film projector.

Why France? Why not? It’s home to many of our favourite labels, haunts and titles; here are a few.

We eye the future of branding and assess the sartorial statement of the ‘gilets jaunes’. First up: the influence of French words and how to bring people together through a love of good food.

As France reasserts itself on the world stage, we visit the historic naval base at the epicentre of its maritime prowess.

France has kept its former imperial outposts close – but some feel the distance. Are they happy being a part of the fraternity?

French influence spans the globe, be it the wine you drink, the car you drive or the clothes you wear. It’s soft power with a swagger and Breton stripe too.

France has everything covered and here’s the proof: our A-Z of French businesses.

Modern technology has little place at Rivierre, France’s last working nail factory. Workers here have faith in traditional ways – and their century-old machines.

The ‘gilets jaunes’ have had their say but what do other influential voices think should be done to fix France?

France’s aerospace industry is in rude health – so how do airlines and manufacturers on the ground keep hitting the heights?

After switching up its approach, Euronews is in the perfect position to report on Europe’s shifting sands.

Innovative media brands are helping audiences to look up from their screens and find meaningful connections by making them part of the show.

France has an enviable history of nurturing some of the world’s great artists – so these galleries, bookshops and record shops could be hiding the next big thing.

Paris is a hotbed of design, with age-old crafts at its service.

All but destroyed in the Second World War, the town of Royan took inspiration from Brazil when it rebuilt, swapping drab postwar design for colourful modernism.

Good design has helped the Lycée Français International de Hong Kong make the most of its small footprint.

It is integral to French identity but sales of bread are falling and eating habits are changing. We meet the flour-flecked folk offering crumbs of comfort with an artisanal approach.

We take a Sunday amble among the stalls of France’s chicest culinary catwalk: Boulevard Raspail.

The new French menswear magazine with a refreshingly different approach.

Venerable French institution Galeries Lafayette is ripping up the retail rulebook with the opening of its bold new Champs-Élysées branch.

Rising demand for ethical beauty products made without chemicals has brought a firm that perfects the journey from seed to scent into full bloom.

Women staking a claim to power, paper problems in Turkey and a new populist party in Canada.

A triple whammy of headaches for the eurozone and an odd couple get friendly in the Middle East.

Bulgaria beefs up its airforce, Turkey adds to its missile stocks and Greece tightens its coastal security.

Rethinking urbanism in Minneapolis and why students won’t be lighting up in Copenhagen.

A taste of things to come from Lebanon and how Brexit is affecting Frankfurt’s housing market.

A round-up of the best French television, film, music and media. Plus: art from New York and Ukraine.

Rehab cabins and a giant urban sofa.

New openings and three classic recipes.

A round-up from Pitti Uomo, timeless bags from Lucie Cast and some branded kit fit for a president.

From political machinations and getting the hang of thinking like a local to freedom of the press and a love of flirting, our writers reveal what makes France tick.

From the desert to the boardroom, Franco-Syrian businessman Mohed Altrad has built a billion-dollar empire from scaffolding.

Author Leïla Slimani discusses identity, ridiculous people and politics – themes from her own life, as well as her novels.

Illustrator Jacques de Loustal sketches out the dangers of meeting your heroes over lunch and explains why France is in a league of its own when it comes to cartoons.

There’s a homely feel to a lot of the hotels in this month’s round-up. And, in keeping with the theme of this issue, you’ll notice a French ambience – but we’ve taken in Rio, Miami and Bangkok too.

The birthplace of countless couturiers might be known for chic womenswear but its men are masters of dressing down.

Our pick of accessories with a French spin that will ensure every outfit has a certain ‘je ne sais quoi’.

Three French towns to call home.

The French city with a Med flavour that marches to its own exhilarating beat.

A shop that proves ordinary objects can have extraordinary power.

A covetable collection of superior stationery, quirky homeware and fun-loving accessories. Plus some beautifully packaged chocolate for the sweet of tooth (and discerning of taste).

The only address book you’ll need during your French voyage, covering everything from fresh food markets to convivial cocktail bars.

The only French icon for whom a craggy aspect is an asset, Mont Blanc stands alone as Europe’s mightiest mountain. To separate the beauty from the treachery, Monocle straps on its crampons and meets the locals who live in its shadow.