France's storied press in one place: Le Monde, Le Figaro — founded in 1826 — and Libération, Les Echos for business, L'Équipe for sport, BFM and France 24 broadcasting, the mighty regional Ouest-France, and AFP, the world's oldest news agency.
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Frequently asked questions
- What was the first French newspaper?
- La Gazette, founded by Théophraste Renaudot in 1631, was France's first newspaper. Le Figaro, founded in 1826, is the oldest national daily still in print.
- What are the most read newspapers in France?
- Ouest-France is the largest-circulation daily; Le Monde, Le Figaro and L'Équipe lead nationally, with 20 Minutes strong in free distribution.
- What is France's national news agency?
- Agence France-Presse (AFP), founded in 1835 as Agence Havas, is the world's oldest news agency.
France has one of the world's most prestigious and influential newspaper traditions, with a press history stretching back centuries and publications that have shaped political thought and cultural life across the globe. French newspapers are known for their intellectual depth, political engagement, and cultural sophistication, making them essential reading for anyone interested in French affairs, European politics, and global current events from a Francophone perspective.
Among the most widely read French newspapers online is Le Monde, France's newspaper of record and one of the most respected quality newspapers in the world. Le Figaro is France's oldest national daily with a centre-right perspective, while Liberation offers progressive journalism. For business news, Les Echos is the leading financial daily, and sports fans follow L Equipe, the world's most famous sports newspaper. For English-language coverage of France, The Local France and France 24 English provide excellent reporting for international readers.
Looking for newspapers from other European countries? Explore our collection of UK newspapers, German newspapers, Italian newspapers, Spanish newspapers, and our full global directory at Newspapers Online.