French Delights

Restaurants, exhibitions, festivals and more: Le Monde's picks for cultural things to do and see in Paris and across France.

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At the Musée International des Arts Modestes in Sète, mass-market painting goes on show

MIAM, founded by Hervé Di Rosa, presents mostly figurative works, designed to be mass-produced, with two predominant themes: the female figure and landscape.

Published on August 26, 2024, at 1:41 am (Paris), updated on August 26, 2024, at 11:37 am Philippe Dagen

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Rodin Museum sets course for China

In September, a Chinese collector will open a museum dedicated to the French sculptor in partnership with the Parisian establishment.

Published on August 24, 2024, at 5:00 pm (Paris) Roxana Azimi Nicole Vulser

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Lana Del Rey's sophisticated melancholy opens Rock en Seine

The festival in near Paris, running until August 25, welcomed the American singer on Wednesday for the only French date of her six concerts in Europe.

Published on August 22, 2024, at 10:56 am (Paris) Sylvain Siclier

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At Nice Jazz Fest, rapper Nas celebrates a career spanning 30 years

Moved to the end of August because of the Paris Olympics, this increasingly eclectic festival welcomed the son of trumpeter Olu Dara for its opening night.

Published on August 21, 2024, at 5:01 pm (Paris) Stéphanie Binet

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The top music festivals in France between now and the end of August

From jazz in Nice to world music on Tatihou Island, here's Le Monde's pick of the best summer music festivals to enjoy all over France this August.

Published on August 20, 2024, at 4:30 am (Paris) Pierre Gervasoni Patrick Labesse Sylvain Siclier

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Five French coastal gardens to visit this summer

Gardens along the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts often feature exotic plants that thrive in the local climate, and thanks to plentiful spring rains, they are a joy to stroll through in the summer season.

Published on August 19, 2024, at 1:10 am (Paris), updated on August 19, 2024, at 7:47 am Lucien Jedwab

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From Marseille to Paris, our 15 favorite ice creams for a summer refreshment

Whether in cups or cones, with clementine or toasted buckwheat, preservative-free or 100% plant-based, these frozen creations from all over France melted our hearts.

Published on August 15, 2024, at 12:03 pm (Paris), updated on August 21, 2024, at 12:15 pm Gilbert Pytel

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The Maison Elysée, a new Paris tourist attraction

At the end of July, the president's office opened an exhibition space, café and souvenir store on the Rue du Faubourg-Saint-Honoré in Paris, designed to satisfy tourists' curiosity about the presidential palace.

Published on August 13, 2024, at 4:21 am (Paris), updated on August 13, 2024, at 12:11 pm Philippe d’Indevillers

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Le Monde's Paris Olympics guide. Day 17: The end of the race

Need an ally to navigate the Olympics? Whether you're in the French capital for the sport, the culture or the food, Le Monde's English edition has got you covered with a handy guide full of practical information and secret tips.

Published on August 11, 2024, at 5:00 am (Paris) Pierre-Paul Bermingham

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Le Monde's Paris Olympics guide. Day 16: Un, deux, trois, soleil

Need a hand navigating the Olympics? Whether you're in the French capital for the sport, the culture or the food, Le Monde's English edition has got you covered with our guide full of practical information and secret tips.

Published on August 10, 2024, at 5:00 am (Paris) Sinead McCausland

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Le Monde's Paris Olympics guide. Day 15: Food, glorious food

Need a hand navigating the Olympics? Whether you're in the French capital for the sport, the culture or the food, Le Monde's English edition has got you covered with our guide full of practical information and secret tips.

Published on August 9, 2024, at 5:00 am (Paris), updated on August 9, 2024, at 9:29 am Sophie Sassi-Gorman

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Le Monde's Paris Olympics guide. Day 14: Catch me if you can

Need an ally to navigate the Olympics? Whether you're in the French capital for the sport, the culture or the food, Le Monde's English edition has got you covered with a handy guide full of practical information and secret tips.

Published on August 8, 2024, at 5:00 am (Paris), updated on August 9, 2024, at 9:29 am Diana Liu

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Where to lunch, dine or snack in greater Paris? Le Monde's 110 addresses

Fancy a vegan kebab or a melting croque-monsieur? Duck pie or roasted vegetables? Browse our interactive map for our picks of inventive restaurants in Paris and its suburbs.

Published on August 7, 2024, at 11:00 am (Paris), updated on August 7, 2024, at 2:20 pm Styles desk infographic

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Le Monde's Paris Olympics guide. Day 13: Taiwan's cultural Olympics

Need an ally to navigate the Olympics? Whether you're in the French capital for the sport, the culture or the food, Le Monde's English edition has got you covered with a handy guide full of practical information and secret tips.

Published on August 7, 2024, at 5:00 am (Paris), updated on August 9, 2024, at 9:29 am Diana Liu

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Eight Paris museums and foundations to visit away from the crowds during the Olympics

While many eyes are focused on the Games, museums in Paris, deprived of some of their tourist traffic, offer the best visiting conditions.

Published on August 6, 2024, at 7:59 pm (Paris), updated on August 6, 2024, at 8:54 pm Claire Guillot Sylvie Kerviel Emmanuelle Lequeux

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Le Monde's Paris Olympics guide. Day 12: A tribute to women athletes

Need a hand navigating the Olympics? Whether you're in the French capital for the sport, the culture or the food, Le Monde's English edition has got you covered with a handy guide full of practical information and secret tips.

Published on August 6, 2024, at 5:00 am (Paris), updated on August 9, 2024, at 9:29 am Zorro Maplestone

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Devilish metal music in the spotlight at the Philharmonie de Paris

The capital city's music venue devotes a rich exhibition to the extreme musical genre derived from rock at 'METAL. Diabolus in Musica.'

Published on August 4, 2024, at 11:14 pm (Paris), updated on August 5, 2024, at 8:27 am Franck Colombani

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Le Monde's Paris Olympics guide. Day 10: The Games' dream merchants

Need a hand navigating the Olympics? Whether you're in the French capital for the sport, the culture or the food, Le Monde's English edition has got you covered with a handy guide full of practical information and secret tips.

Published on August 4, 2024, at 5:00 am (Paris), updated on August 9, 2024, at 9:28 am Zorro Maplestone

News

Le Monde's Paris Olympics guide. Day 9: So many finals, so little time.

Need a hand navigating the Olympics? Whether you're in the French capital for the sport, the culture or the food, Le Monde's English edition has got you covered with a handy guide full of practical information and secret tips.

Published on August 3, 2024, at 5:00 am (Paris), updated on August 9, 2024, at 9:32 am Hannah Steinkopf-Frank

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Le Monde's Paris Olympics guide. Day 8: Celebrating one week of the Games

Need a hand navigating the Olympics? Whether you're in the French capital for the sport, the culture or the food, Le Monde's English edition has got you covered with a handy guide full of practical information and secret tips.

Published on August 2, 2024, at 5:00 am (Paris), updated on August 9, 2024, at 9:32 am Hannah Steinkopf-Frank

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Le Monde's Paris Olympics guide. Day 7: Row, row, row your boat

Need a hand navigating the Olympics? Whether you're in the French capital for the sport, the culture or the food, Le Monde's English edition has got you covered with our guide of practical information and secret tips.

Published on August 1, 2024, at 5:00 am (Paris), updated on August 9, 2024, at 9:32 am Sophie Sassi-Gorman

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Le Monde's Paris Olympics guide. Day 6: Looking for an Olympian

Need an ally to navigate the Olympics? Whether you're in the French capital for the sport, the culture or the food, Le Monde's English edition has got you covered with a handy guide full of practical information and secret tips.

Published on July 31, 2024, at 5:00 am (Paris), updated on August 9, 2024, at 9:31 am Diana Liu

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Le Monde's Paris Olympics guide. Day 5: Time to cool off

Need a hand navigating the Olympics? Whether you're in the French capital for the sport, the culture or the food, Le Monde's English edition has got you covered with a handy guide full of practical information and secret tips.

Published on July 30, 2024, at 5:00 am (Paris), updated on August 9, 2024, at 9:32 am Hannah Steinkopf-Frank

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Le Monde's Paris Olympics guide. Day 4: Eyes open

Need an ally to navigate the Olympics? Whether you're in the French capital for the sport, the culture or the food, Le Monde's English edition has got you covered with a handy guide full of practical information and secret tips.

Published on July 29, 2024, at 5:00 am (Paris), updated on August 9, 2024, at 9:31 am Sinead McCausland

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Le Monde's Paris Olympics guide. Day 3: Time to hit the pool!

Need a hand navigating the Olympics? Whether you're in the French capital for the sport, the culture or the food, Le Monde's English edition has got you covered with a handy guide full of practical information and secret tips.

Published on July 28, 2024, at 5:00 am (Paris), updated on August 13, 2024, at 2:45 am Zorro Maplestone

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Stunning flans! Our five favorites in the Paris region

Creamy or light, ultra-vanilla or marbled chocolate, in our selection of Parisian addresses this delight for children and adults alike is available in versions that are classic or innovative, but always succulent.

Published on July 27, 2024, at 2:00 pm (Paris) Gilbert Pytel

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Le Monde's Paris Olympics guide. Day 2: And we're off!

Need a hand navigating the Olympics? Whether you're in the French capital for the sport, the culture or the food, Le Monde's English edition has got you covered with a handy guide full of practical information and secret tips.

Published on July 27, 2024, at 5:00 am (Paris), updated on August 9, 2024, at 9:30 am Sophie Sassi-Gorman

In Maps

Where are the fan zones in and around Paris, to follow the 2024 Olympics for free?

Dozens of Clubs 2024 sites will be open to the general public free of charge in the Paris region during the Olympic Games.

Published on July 26, 2024, at 6:51 pm (Paris), updated on July 29, 2024, at 11:05 am Emma Barets

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Le Monde's Paris Olympics guide. Day 1: Queen Seine

Need an ally to navigate the Olympics? Whether you're in the French capital for the sport, the culture or the food, Le Monde's English edition has got you covered with a handy guide full of practical information and secret tips.

Published on July 26, 2024, at 5:00 am (Paris), updated on August 9, 2024, at 9:30 am Elvire Camus

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This summer in France, science is all around you!

From temporary exhibitions to museums, parks and caves, don't miss these daytime events on land, underground or on the water, as well as nocturnal events to admire beautiful astronomical phenomena.

Published on July 22, 2024, at 5:30 am (Paris) Laure Belot, Francis Gouge, Nathaniel Herzberg and Hervé Morin

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Where are greater Paris' best pastry and bakery shops? Le Monde's 50 picks in one map

A fondant flan? A crispy croissant? A perfect baguette? Explore our interactive map of places to devour them without moderation.

Published on July 21, 2024, at 9:43 am (Paris), updated on July 31, 2024, at 3:36 pm Styles desk infographic

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At the Fondation Vincent Van Gogh Arles, artists are reaching for the stars

The "Van Gogh and the Stars" exhibition, rich with revelations and correlations, delves into the interplay between art and astronomical advancements.

Published on July 20, 2024, at 1:00 am (Paris) Philippe Dagen

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Where to sleep in Paris? A map of Le Monde's top 25 addresses

On vacation in the capital or in the Paris region? Here is our selection of hotels and hostels in interactive map format.

Published on July 19, 2024, at 4:00 am (Paris), updated on July 21, 2024, at 9:40 am Styles desk infographic

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French Touch flies high at one-off concert on roof of Paris airport

Air, Phoenix and other French bands gave a free concert at Paris's Charles de Gaulle airport on Wednesday.

Published on July 18, 2024, at 11:37 am (Paris), updated on July 18, 2024, at 11:40 am Bruno Lesprit

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The Fondation Maeght gets a modern makeover

To mark its 60th anniversary, the temple of avant-garde creation from the 1960s is inaugurating an extension to showcase its permanent collection. Choreographers, fashion designers, DJs and rock and pop stars are also taking part in the revival of this legendary venue in Saint-Paul-de-Vence.

Published on July 17, 2024, at 12:30 pm (Paris) Clément Ghys

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Paris Olympics opening ceremony's writers: 'If it's only there to produce ephemeral glitz, what's the point?'

With the utmost discretion, historian Patrick Boucheron, novelist Leïla Slimani and screenwriter Fanny Herrero worked on a show in 12 tableaux. Together with theater director Thomas Jolly and playwright Damien Gabriac, they unveil the contours and spirit of the July 26 celebration in an exclusive interview.

Published on July 16, 2024, at 11:40 am (Paris), updated on July 18, 2024, at 3:55 pm Ariane Chemin Franck Nouchi

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One year after reopening, National Museum of the History of Immigration draws crowds in Paris

The Parisian institution, which took a stand against the far right during the parliamentary elections, saw a dramatic increase in visitors in 2023 but remains underfunded.

Published on July 15, 2024, at 3:59 am (Paris), updated on July 15, 2024, at 10:01 am Roxana Azimi

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Monnaie de Paris exhibition charts design history of Olympic medals

Paris's mint, which has produced the awards for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, presents the evolution of the medals since 1896.

Published on July 12, 2024, at 5:58 pm (Paris) Djaïd Yamak

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A politically charged South American presence at the Festival d'Avignon

One-third of the theater festival's program will be performed in Spanish and will feature the works of Tamara Cubas, Tiziano Cruz and Malicho Vaca Valenzuela who explore the history and aesthetics of the body.

Published on July 9, 2024, at 5:00 am (Paris), updated on August 26, 2024, at 3:14 pm Fabienne Darge

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Dmitri Tcherniakov: 'There's nothing exceptional about the Atreides family, they're people of today'

In an interview, the Russian theatre director, who opened the Festival d'Aix-en-Provence on July 3, explains how he conceived his diptych of Gluck operas around Iphigenia.

Published on July 6, 2024, at 5:30 am (Paris) Marie-Aude Roux

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At Rencontres d'Arles, photography puts on its military fatigues

Matthieu Nicol, a collector of photographs, found images from a US military center advertising military uniforms. The series is on display at the Rencontres d'Arles photography festival.

Published on July 5, 2024, at 8:44 pm (Paris) Clément Ghys

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At Hellfest, extreme music opens up to mainstream rock

Closing the festival on Sunday night, the Foo Fighters, as well as Metallica, Mass Hysteria and Mr. Bungle, left their mark on the 17th edition of the French festival.

Published on July 1, 2024, at 1:41 pm (Paris) Franck Colombani

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Festivals in Avignon, Aix and Arles: In tune with the world

France's three major summer festivals are opening in a troubled political climate. Now more than ever, they are asserting themselves as spaces for communion around art and universal values.

Published on June 29, 2024, at 1:24 am (Paris) Le Monde

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Le Monde's pick of the top summer festivals 2024

Feel the rhythm of electronic music with your toes in the water, listen to the conversation between a violin and a bird: Across France this summer, culture can be best experienced outdoors.

Published on June 25, 2024, at 4:30 am (Paris), updated on June 25, 2024, at 3:25 pm Stéphanie Binet, Rosita Boisseau, Fabienne Darge, Stéphane Davet, Joëlle Gayot, Pierre Gervasoni, Claire Guillot, Patrick Labesse, Emmanuelle Lequeux, Francis Marmande, Marie-Aude Roux and Sylvain Siclier

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In Paris, the Centre Pompidou is about to get renovated: 'We sought to let in as much light as possible'

In an interview with Le Monde, Nicolas Moreau and Hiroko Kusunoki, winners of the competition to redevelop the Parisian building, explain their project.

Published on June 23, 2024, at 4:46 am (Paris), updated on June 23, 2024, at 8:30 am Isabelle Regnier

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More trees, less cars: This is how Paris' Place de la Concorde could be transformed

The Concorde Commission has published recommendations for the square's transformation, which serve as the criteria for an architecture competition. It began in May, with public works due to start in 2026.

Published on June 20, 2024, at 8:50 pm (Paris), updated on June 21, 2024, at 11:42 am Emeline Cazi

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Three gourmet pizza addresses to try in Paris

Featuring sourdough bases and seasonal ingredients, and sometimes even served under a cloche, these premium, indulgent and creative pizzas are a foodie's delight. Here's our selection of three top restaurants in the capital.

Published on June 16, 2024, at 1:00 pm (Paris), updated on June 28, 2024, at 5:06 pm Léo Pajon

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The five best baguettes in the Paris region

These addresses follow the traditional French baguette recipe to a T. With honeycombed crumb, crisp crust and a subtle, sourdough taste, it's a treat from morning to night.

Published on June 8, 2024, at 7:33 pm (Paris) Gilbert Pytel

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Visiting Rouen during the Normandie impressionniste festival

At the Normandy town's Musée des Beaux-Arts, the work of American painter James Abbott McNeill Whistler (1834-1903) dialogues with works by the artists he influenced. Festival director Philippe Platel revealed his favorite Rouen venues.

Published on June 3, 2024, at 4:37 am (Paris) Julien Thèves

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Centre Pompidou finally turns its attention to comics

With 'Comics on Every Floor,' five simultaneous exhibitions featuring graphic novels, manga and comics celebrate a long-neglected art form in Paris.

Published on June 1, 2024, at 6:21 pm (Paris) Frédéric Potet

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Paris's 'Nuit Blanche': Ten things to do in and around the city during the night-time arts festival

A favorite of night owls, the cultural event is back for a 23rd edition on Saturday, June 1, with free performances and installations focused this year on French overseas territories.

Published on June 1, 2024, at 5:00 am (Paris), updated on June 1, 2024, at 9:33 am Emmanuelle Jardonnet Djaïd Yamak

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Centre Pompidou will start purchasing original comic artworks, says president

In an interview with Le Monde, Laurent Le Bon, the president of the arts center in Paris, states that he would like to have the museum purchase original comics.

Published on May 29, 2024, at 4:05 pm (Paris), updated on May 29, 2024, at 4:12 pm Cédric Pietralunga Frédéric Potet

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Paris by bike: 10 green islands from Porte de Versailles to the Jardins de Luxembourg

Rue de Vaugirard, the longest street in Paris, offers a safe 4-kilometer cycle ride from the 15th to the 6th arrondissement. The route can be enhanced by refreshing breaks in squares with lush vegetation or secluded micro-gardens.

Published on May 27, 2024, at 8:57 am (Paris), updated on May 27, 2024, at 8:57 am Cécile Cazenave

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France's Mobilier National rolls out Notre-Dame choir carpet

Part of this 200-square-meter velvet masterpiece can be seen in the exhibition 'Great Restored Decors of Notre-Dame,' until July 21, in Paris.

Published on May 25, 2024, at 2:59 am (Paris), updated on May 25, 2024, at 10:13 am Véronique Lorelle

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'The Madonna of Chancellor Rolin': The resurrection of a Van Eyck painting at the Louvre

The 15th-century painting, whose restoration has revealed little-known details, is presented in a small but very rich exhibition.

Published on May 23, 2024, at 12:45 pm (Paris) Harry Bellet

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At the Opéra Bastille, the madness of a dreamy 'Don Quixote' in love

Absent from France's premier stage since 2002, Jules Massenet's opera is reborn, served by an accomplished vocal cast and Damiano Michieletto's poetic staging.

Published on May 20, 2024, at 3:22 am (Paris) Marie-Aude Roux

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Paris's Musée de l'Armée traces the history of the duel

An exhibition on show until August documents the codified combat between two individuals, from Antiquity to the present day, in a form of ritualized violence.

Published on May 19, 2024, at 4:17 pm (Paris) Djaïd Yamak

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Eight ideas for European Night of Museums

More than 3,000 museums will open their doors to the public free of charge on May 18. Here are our picks for how to make the most of the night in Paris and the surrounding region.

Published on May 18, 2024, at 5:30 am (Paris) Roxana Azimi, Claire Guillot, Emmanuelle Jardonnet, Sylvie Kerviel and Djaïd Yamak

News

France's La Poste celebrates baguette with bakery-scented stamp

The French post office unveiled on Thursday, the day of the patron saint of bakers and pastry chefs, a scratch-and-sniff post stamp, which costs €1.96.

Published on May 17, 2024, at 8:32 pm (Paris), updated on May 17, 2024, at 8:33 pm Le Monde

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Ten French exhibitions to celebrate 150 years of Impressionism

Seascapes and children's faces, neon lights and airship flights above abstraction: Le Monde's critics have selected 10 must-see places to immerse yourself in the color and light of Impressionism.

Published on May 16, 2024, at 4:00 am (Paris) Harry Bellet, Emmanuelle Jardonnet, Philippe Dagen and Emmanuelle Lequeux

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