France

When France is such a joke, there's nothing else to do but laugh

Despite political crises, a jailed ex-president and the Louvre robbery, the French are looking on the bright side

Pros ‘stealing to order’ in the Great Louvre Robbery

Gems could be recut or broken up in Eastern Europe, but there is hope they can be retrieved intact

Louvre heist was 800 metres from police headquarters

The robbery happened in broad daylight and took just seven minutes

‘Perpetual political crisis’ renews calls for Sixth Republic

As the president names his eighth PM since 2017, the case is being made for a new constitution

Despite trial result, little changes for French women

The only man to challenge his sentence has lost his appeal. But campaigners fear old attitudes remain in place

France’s prime minister resigns… again

Sébastien Lecornu lasted just 27 days in office. His departure suggests France may be ungovernable

Gisèle Pelicot faces more court trauma after appeal

Incredulity at convicted man’s claim that victim’s husband tricked him into raping her, despite evidence

Nicolas Sarkozy’s ‘corruption pact’ and France’s fractious politics

Public trust in politicians was already at rock-bottom in a country on its seventh prime minister in eight years

Football’s toughest spot kick is through a French window

The shootout in a Paris suburb began as a viral trick that Messi fluffed. It’s now a reminder of the pure joy of the sport

France’s political future could be won or lost by bots and memes

The country’s PM has lost a confidence vote, toppling his government – but what comes next may be shaped online

Musée d’Orsay director who achieved his life’s dream

The head of the Paris gallery, who has died aged 58, ‘wanted everyone to be able to access the marvels of art’

France is heading towards political limbo again

An audacious decision by the prime minister means trouble in the Élysée

Just visiting: Marseille

How to make the very most of a weekend in France’s charasmatic second city

Macron wants to bring back French exchanges. Mine was wild

Aged 13, we were unleashed to do as we pleased in the countryside. This may be a bit too ooh la la for some

Arms deals, French mercenaries and a murdered ANC leader

In 1988, Dulcie September said she had uncovered illegal arms deals between France and South Africa. Days later she was dead

France says au revoir to public smoking

This week’s restrictions are the latest step towards the country’s target of creating a tobacco-free generation by 2032

Netflix to carry French TV after landmark deal

Subscribers in France to get access to five TF1 channels in move that may help firm meet legal requirements

French police wade into the small boats battle

Small boats crossing the Channel will be intercepted for the first time under new laws proposed by French ministers