The 6 Best French Newspapers in English

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There’s so much more to France than the guidebook version I usually cover here on the blog. I’m talking about the less curated side: the politics, the strikes, the cultural debates, and the things French people are actually discussing over their morning coffee.

For that, you need the French press, and France has long had one of the most robust newspaper cultures in the world. Whether you are planning a move abroad, following the European news cycle, or simply want to understand French politics better, local journalism is one of the best windows into daily life in France.

The best part? You don’t need to speak a word of French. I’ve rounded up the six best French newspapers in English below, all available online, so you can stay connected to France from wherever you are. And if you’re in the process of moving there, keep reading—several of these are popular resources for expats and residents too.

1. Le Monde in English

If there is one French newspaper that the world has heard of, it is Le Monde. Founded in 1944 at the personal request of Charles de Gaulle (who wanted a serious French voice to speak to a liberated Europe) Le Monde has spent eight decades earning its reputation as one of the country’s most respected newspapers.

Just as superb is its English-language site that shares world news, cultural criticism, and long-form analysis. You get the latest coverage from France, Europe, and all around the world. If you only read one French newspaper in English, I’d highly suggest starting with Le Monde in English.

2. France 24

France 24 is the closest thing France has to BBC World News or CNN International—a state-funded broadcaster with an extensive global reach and a strong digital presence. Its English-language site combines live television, digital reporting, and lots of short-form video content on news, business, sports and culture. In my experience, it’s one of the fastest and most comprehensive options available in English.

France 24 is part of a larger media group that also runs RFI (Radio France Internationale), which broadcasts in French and 16 other languages. If you’re trying to pick up some French along the way, RFI’s Journal en Français Facile (a daily news podcast in simplified French) is one of the best free resources out there. It’s what I listened to every day when I started learning French.

3. The Connexion

Since 2002, The Connexion has been a popular news source for English-speaking expatriates, homeowners, and visitors in France. It covers all the practical information that can be difficult to find in English: strikes, visa changes, tax rules, property law, healthcare, school enrollment.

If you’re a second-home owner, a recent transplant, or just planning an extended stay, the publication offers plenty of helpful resources. And trust me, if you’re dealing with the French administrative system, these guides can really come in handy!

The Connexion also runs a solid stream of news, interviews, and profiles on French politicians, cultural figures, and current affairs.

4. Mediapart in English

Mediapart is unlike any other publication on this list. Founded in 2008 by former Le Monde editor Edwy Plenel, it is entirely subscription-funded, runs no advertising and has built its reputation on investigative journalism.

Over the years, Mediapart has exposed some of France’s biggest political and financial scandals. Most notably, its reporting uncovered the Cahuzac affair, which forced a sitting budget minister to resign. The publication has also led sustained investigations into far-right extremism, police violence, and corporate corruption.

Its English-language site is a curated selection of its most internationally significant work, accompanied by additional reporting from its anglophone team.

5. The Local

The Local is one of the most popular English-language news outlets in Europe, with nine country editions spanning France, Spain, Germany, Sweden, and more. The France edition covers politics, culture, travel, property, and jobs, but also practical content on visas, healthcare, and French citizenship.

They also have a weekly podcast, Talking France, which breaks down the big news stories and the issues that most affect daily life in the country.

It’s an easy, accessible read whether you’re planning a trip or seriously considering a move to France. I frequently find myself on The Local’s website, especially for expat-related info.

6. Le Figaro in English

Founded in 1826, Le Figaro is one of the oldest newspapers in the world and the oldest in France. It’s considered center-right and traditionally seen as the voice of the French middle and upper classes.

Its English site covers French politics, culture, business, and economics, along with in-depth reporting from their international section. If you want to understand the full spectrum of French opinion, Le Figaro might be an interesting counterweight worth adding to the mix. Even if you don’t agree with its politics, I would suggest exploring more of its cultural coverage as well as French book recommendations.