Culture

World War One exhibition reveals how pets provided comfort in the French trenches

Photographs, diaries and stories illustrate how dogs and cats supported soldiers in the Great War

British couple brings French village together with bilingual pantomime

Christmas show supported by local mairie

Journées nationales de l’architecture: free events in France

Participants can attend thematic events, urban walking tours and practical workshops from October 15-18

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The US authors finding literary success in France

French publisher champions writers tackling difficult themes

Podcasts to improve your French this autumn

Listening to podcasts is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in French culture

French films and series to watch in October

Diversify your vocabulary and boost your French this month

Things to do this month in Brittany, Rouen, Paris and Verdun

Discover October events in France, from Halloween at a Brittany château and Rouen's funfair to the Cézanne exhibition in Paris and the Verdun museum

What is France’s new heritage pass and is it the same as the National Trust pass in UK

The pass offers access to a range of heritage sites

European Heritage Days 2026: ideas for visits in France

Over 28,000 events are set to host visitors for free on September 19 and 20

Bayeux Tapestry on display at the British Museum: things you may not know about iconic artefact

The woven work - which may not be that French after all - is set to feature in a dedicated exhibition from September 10 - July 11

Five films and series to watch in September to improve your French

Sports documentary, comedies, and France’s most anticipated flick of the year included in busy month

Things to do this month in Lille, Deauville and many heritage sites around France

Enjoy European Heritage Days, Crémieu’s medieval festival, Lille’s Braderie and American films in Deauville

August 15 bank holiday in France: what is celebrated and will shops be open?

Many workers in France will not benefit from an extra day off this year

Things to see and do this month in Arles, Paris, Metz, Castelnaudary and more

Our pick of events, from the Arles photography festival and Paris museum events to the Mirabelle plum fair in Metz and the Castelnaudary cassoulet festival

Connexion readers recommend more French novels for summer

Modern fiction joins classics in a fresh selection of novels to improve your French

'Bardcore' band turns modern pop hits into medieval French music

Modern minstrels Courseval perform their songs in old French

Stand-up comedian speaks into a microphone at Countdown Comedy Club stage

Tough crowd? British comedian Charlie Stevens on making Angers laugh

Comic's English-language stand-up show was the city's first

Test your knowledge: fun French facts

Test yourself with intriguing facts about France's cultural heritage, including Salvador Dalí's inspiration, André Malraux's adventures and Henri Matisse's art

The Grand Palais in Paris lit up at night beside a wet, reflective street.

French museums open free for European Night this Saturday May 23

From pyjama parties to lightsaber workshops, find events and participating museums near you

May 1: who do French people give muguet to?

We speak to young people in France about the tradition of giving lily of the valley flowers on Labour Day, and how it can be hierarchical between grandmothers, mothers and daughters

April 25 is Independent Bookshop Day in France

Almost 700 retailers are participating and will offer visitors a free book created especially for the occasion

What happens in France on May 1?

The day is associated with lily of the valley, workers’ rights, and a celebration of patriotism (by some)

Four men with instruments pose around a classic white car outside an old stone building.

How joining a band can build your community in France

16% of citizens play an instrument ‘often’ or ‘from time to time’

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French graveyard ‘safari’ brings history to life

Père Lachaise tour guide Thierry Le Roi talks about the privilege of sharing the cemetery’s stories

Judy and Dave Kashoff, whose journey inspired her book Five, Ten, or Never

'I moved to France and wrote my first book'

These Connexion readers have put pen to paper since moving to France

Eating faux-pas: habits to avoid when dining in France

From ignoring fellow guests to taking too much cheese, we take a look at the no-nos when dining in France

Visit the Titanic at Paris and Bordeaux exhibitions

Two shows use immersive projections and virtual reality to take visitors back in time

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European TV is a necessary cultural corrective

Columnist Nick Inman argues for a more open-minded approach to viewing

Easter traditions across France: from rattles and hooded processions to giant omelettes

Regional Pâques celebrations highlight France’s cultural diversity

Burgundy’s Route du Cassis: a 55km journey of blackcurrants and culture

Enjoy liqueurs, jams, and more on this gourmet trail leading from Dijon to Nuits-Saint-Georges

How does France’s April Fools’ Day differ from the UK or US?

Explore the origins of the day and its traditions

Five famous April Fools' pranks played on the French public

French media outlets and transport companies have pulled some classic ‘poissons d’Avril’ - here are five of the best

Three reading recommendations: books about France in English

Lovers of French history will enjoy these historical and romantic works

Five French films and series to watch in March

Improve your French language skills and culture knowledge with this month’s films and series

Costume, music, floats: where to see France’s vibrant carnival parades

Celebrate the end of winter with feasting and fun at a carnival near you

February events in France: Art, agriculture, and festivals

Discover the reopening of Bonnat-Helleu Museum, Paris International Agricultural Show, Menton's Citrus Festival, and Matisse exhibition in Bordeaux

La Chandeleur: French ‘Pancake Day’ is on February 2

When, why and how France celebrates this centuries-old Christian Candlemas crêpe tradition

What is France’s free ‘pass Culture’ and how is it changing in 2026?

The scheme aims to facilitate young people’s access to culture

Dancers at the Maison Noire Américaine Josephine Baker event

Black history in Paris: the story behind Maison Noire Américaine

An American non-profit is illuminating the legacy and vibrant presence of African-Americans and the African diaspora in France

Eating alone at work in France: are attitudes changing?

Why the social taboo is being reconsidered in the modern workplace

Lubin Goldin (top left) and winning entries for Wildlife Photographer of the Year (11-14) and European Wildlife photographer of the year (14 and under)

French teenager wins top wildlife photography awards for Alpine ibex photos

The Connexion talks to award-winning wildlife 14-year-old photographer Lubin Godin about his process and future plans

January events in France: Le Havre museum, Martin Parr and the Orient Express

Experience culture and history in France this month

Films and series to watch in January 2026 to improve your French

France is a hub of talent when it comes to film and TV, and watching in French can greatly improve your language skills

David Hockney among France’s New Year honours list

Former Normandy resident awarded second grade of honour

‘It’s the place we are happiest’: why George Clooney and family become French

‘My kids have a much better life [and] speak perfect French’, the Hollywood star says

The Tour de France passing in front of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris

Culture, sport and events: What's new in France in 2026

Events include the Tour de France, the Six Nations and new museum openings

Why does eastern France celebrate Saint-Nicolas on December 6?

Father Christmas may be known for his present delivery on December 24, but in the east of France, another bearded figure bearing gifts is celebrated much earlier in the month

5 French films and TV series to watch in December

From comforting comedies to powerful documentaries, there is something for everyone this winter

December events in France: art, fashion and the Titanic

Explore Gustave Courbet's masterpiece at Musée d’Orsay, 1920s fashion at La Piscine, Picasso Museum's expansion, and the Titanic exhibition in Lyon

A view of the chateau, keep, gardens, and river

The Paris region has one of France’s ‘most beautiful’ villages

It is an official ‘plus beau village de France’

Edith Piaf museum planned for French town of Grasse

Building has been identified in the historic heart of the city

Vibrant Montpellier's festivals, beaches and year-round events

From Coeur de Ville en Lumières to Montpellier Danse, plus fabulous beaches, the city is a perfect getaway

Montpellier, a cultural hub with historic universities and diverse museums

Experience the city's diverse heritage and artistic offerings, featuring top museums like Musée Fabre

‘Proud to be French’: Author Ken Follett receives special citizenship

Respect for French culture and traditions made obtaining citizenship easy choice

What is the French Legion of Honour awarded for – and can foreigners receive it?

There is a limit of 100,000 Chevalier in an Order, but only 75 Grand’croix

Locronan: Brittany’s movie-set village with a rich history of its own

Local traditions stemming from Celtic legends are still practised today

Five French films and series to watch in November

Using stories and shows you are already familiar with can be a big help when learning French

November events in France: art, history, and early festive magic

Explore the best cultural events, from John Singer Sargent's exhibition in Paris to festive celebrations at Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte

guillotine on display was constructed in 1872

1872 guillotine on public display at French museum

Execution tool has been on show only three times since France abolished the death penalty in 1981

Residents react to George Clooney’s praise of life in Var

Locals in Brignoles take pride in their most famous neighbour and his love for Provençal life

October events in France: Futuroscope frights, live jazz and a dog museum

Fill your French diary with Halloween thrills, Limoges jazz festival, a virtual botanical garden and more

Heritage Days in France: ideas for visits this weekend plus photos

Over 2,000 sites are set to welcome visitors for free on September 20 and 21

Lyon's Festival of Light: a spectacular celebration of history and culture

Explore the enchanting Fête des Lumières in Lyon from December 5-8

Bordeaux's hidden stories revealed by hand-drawn maps

Architect Nicolas Coury captures Bordeaux's essence through a community-driven, memory-filled map.

Petition against France loaning Bayeux Tapestry to the UK reaches 72k signatures

People are concerned the 11th Century artefact could be damaged during transportation

Why are so many places in Normandy named -ville?

Unique history of region sees many settlements with same name ending

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Key practical and cultural dates for your diary in France for September 2025

Including tax and rental property deadlines as well as several festivals

Six films and TV shows to improve your French this rentrée

From cultural references to new vocabulary, watching films in French is essential for your progress

HPI final season: the end of a French TV phenomenon

Comedy-thriller starring Audrey Fleurot that gripped France airs final episodes

Unmissable September events in France: antiques, art and cinema

Explore top attractions this month, including Lille's antiques fair and Le Havre's art festival

How rap artists are becoming the new French poets

Julien Barret - an author with a particular interest in rap music and the French language - explains how the meaning of words is shaped by culture

Podcasts and exhibitions: four French cultural ideas

Find inspiration for outings and a way to deepen your knowledge of France

Basque houses have timeless appeal, cultural significance, and historic charm

These traditional houses in the western Pyrenees are known as etche or etxe in local dialect

Three French-themed books to read in August

A novel set in Provence, a recipe book and a French language-themed colouring book

Toulouse exhibition celebrates the elegance of French air travel

New exhibition shows off the enduring style of Air France