France

France's cultural pass at risk as calls to scrap it grow

President Macron’s flagship youth scheme receives twice as much public funding as the Louvre

Nazi-loot restitutions in France face 'disproportionate delays' due to lack of funds, auditor report says

Despite legislative relaxation, little progress has been made in returning art stolen during the Second World War since the 1950s

Francecomment

Rachida Dati has been reappointed as France's culture minister—but does she have the will to protect heritage?

The debacle over the commissioning of Notre-Dame's stained-glass windows highlights the politician's propensity to ignore expert advice

French heritage sites saw record number of visitors in 2023

More than 46 million people flocked to French museums, monuments and stately homes last year—but social disparities are on the rise, new report says

Medieval Carcassonne laid bare in spectacular restoration

Visitors gain panoramic view of historic French city from upper ramparts after €5m restoration makes full circuit walkable

Obituariesfeature

Remembering Alain Delon, screen idol and dedicated art collector, who has died aged 88

A personal memoir recalling the French actor’s “serious case of collectoritis” that saw him acquiring works by Albrecht Dürer, Théodore Géricault and Georges Braque

Matisse and Bonnard show is the cherry on Fondation Maeght’s 60th birthday cake

Both artists in landmark exhibition were key to the creation of the foundation in 1964

Francenews

Art collection saved from Rouen cathedral blaze, says French culture minister

A fire in the cathedral's spire has been brought under control, saving the landmark which featured in the works of Claude Monet

French culture sector expresses relief after parliamentary elections—but what's next?

After a successful campaign to help block the far-right National Rally from winning a majority, arts bodies, much like the rest of the country, face an uncertain future

French parliamentary elections 2024: candidates outline plans for arts and culture

Rassemblement National, New Popular Front and Renaissance politicians discuss policy areas, closing the Centre Pompidou and free entry to museums

Alexandre Crochet. Additional reporting by Gareth Harris

Non! Artist Shepard Fairey criticises France’s far-right party president for featuring his work in campaign films

The artist’s image of Marianne, a symbol of the French Republic, was featured in two videos posted by the National Rally’s Jordan Bardella

Judith Butler pulls out of Pompidou lectures after Israel-Hamas comments

The Berkeley professor did not want to be a "distraction" to the event in Paris after she was criticised for describing the 7 October attacks as an “act of armed resistance”

A Van Gogh self-portrait goes to Wales

An American almost bought the painting for London’s National Gallery in 1924—but it sold to a French buyer and is now coming to the UK on loan

After two years of tremendous growth, France's art auction market is in decline

Overall auction results are strong—largely thanks to rise of second hand car purchases—but sales of fine art and antiques have fallen significantly from last year

New Notre Dame spire now topped with golden rooster

Unveiling marks milestone in reconstruction of ravaged cathedral

Right-wing veteran Rachida Dati appointed as France's new culture minister

Macron's appointment has taken the culture sector by surprise

Demolition of Marie Curie's Paris laboratory suspended at 11th hour

The move has been welcomed by heritage bodies, but scientists—including Curie's great-grandson—support the construction of a new research centre on the site

Jack Lang is re-elected chair of the Institut du Monde Arabe, securing his fourth term

The 84-year-old—the only candidate in the running— has extended a Palestinian culture season

France simplifies law on restitution of human remains

The prime minister can now approve the return of remains of up to 500 years old, without having to pass a special law

Renaissance nude painting row at French school sparks teacher walkout

Some students were reportedly “disturbed” by Giuseppe Cesari work which depicts bathing nymphs

Louvre raises ticket prices by 30% in Olympics year

The price increase will help to subsidise free entry for some visitors and regulate crowd size

President Macron confirms Notre Dame opening date plus plans for a new museum

While worshippers will be permitted to enter the cathedral by December 2024, a revamp of the surrounding area will continue

Colombian artist Daniel Otero Torres wins French art prize

CPGA-Etant donnés Prize is awarded to artists either from or working in France

Controversy swirls around Centre Pompidou ahead of 2025 closure

Talks between trade unions and the French culture ministry stall as workers fear for their future during the Paris museum’s five-year shutdown

Dealer and furniture expert to go on trial as part of longstanding investigation into forged French furniture

The trial is expected to offer unprecedented insights into the inner workings of the antique furniture market that once took pride of place at Paris's Biennale des Antiquaires

Eva Jospin follows in footsteps of Jeff Koons and Olafur Eliasson with a show at the Palace of Versailles

The French artist will display a tapestry more than 100 metres long inspired by Virginia Woolf

Art Basel increases security for Paris + fair following state of alert in France

Anti-ram barriers will be placed around the venue following a terrorist incident in France, linked to Israel-Hamas war

Material from Christo's wrapped Arc de Triomphe to be recycled for Paris Olympics in 2024

Paris mayor describes project as “a very fine example of the art world’s ability to adapt to climate challenges”