If you are learning French and are looking for creative ways to apply it to your daily life, why not read Francophone online newspapers ? It’s a great way to practice French online, instead of reading the old New York Times, National Post, etc. You’ll thank us when you impress your date with your knowledge of French politics and current affairs.
Being informed about the goings-on in the world is very important. Knowing world news helps you understand economic, cultural, social and political events that could affect you whether you anticipate it or not. You can become more conscious of people’s daily lives in small villages in Asia or Africa and understand how fortunate you are to live in a developed country.
1La Presse/La Presse + (Canada)
La Presse is a French newspaper from Montreal founded in 1884 by William-Edmond Blumhart. This newspaper is now completely online since December 2017. You can get unlimited access to articles online, on your phone with their app and on their tablet edition. This is a more center-right wing newspaper, aiming middle-class federalist Quebecers. There are many sections in this newspaper: arts, sports, business, economy, politics, international news, etc. It is the most read French newspaper in Canada so you know you will read interesting, thought-provoking and intelligent content.
2Le Monde (France)
Le Monde is quite a young newspaper considering France’s long history. Charles de Gaulle (President of France from 1959-1969) requested Hubert Beuve-Méry to start a newspaper after the Germans were driven out of Paris after the end of the Second World War. It is one of the most recognizable and respected newspaper in the world and it is the only French-speaking newspaper you can easily find in non-French-speaking countries. The newspaper has had its fair share of controversies but it is still a very influential newspaper. From political commentaries to sports, culture and science, it’s a great source for French and international news. You can practice French online by reading the articles, but you should know that many of them are only available for (paying) subscribers.
3Le Soir (Belgium)
Le Soir is a daily newspaper founded in 1887 by Emile Rossel and is one of the most popular French newspapers in all of Belgium. It is a more Liberal newspaper that is considered politically-independent, progressive and federalist. During the German occupation in the Second World War, the newspaper published Tintin cartoons. Le Soir is also known to have successfully sued Google for copyright infringement. Again, this newspaper has various sections they call cahier: politics, economy, culture, etc. The newspaper is available online on their website, on their app and on social media so you have no excuse! You can always find a way to get your daily resource of French information and practice French online.
