In previous articles, I wrote about how reading is a great way to expand your vocabulary and learn better sentence structures. Reading French newspapers in particular not only helps with your reading comprehension skills, but it also keeps you up to date with what’s happening in French society.
Here in this short article, let’s take a look at the different French newspapers that are perfect for each level so you can find and read French news articles fit for you. So whether you’re currently a beginner, intermediate, or advanced level French language learner, sit back and check out this list!
French Newspapers for Beginners
Pronounced vingt minutes, 20 Minutes is a daily newspaper given for free to commuters in France. It’s called 20 minutes because that should be enough time for one person to read the newspaper from cover to cover!
Mon Quotidien
Mon quotidien is a daily newspaper aimed for children 10-14 years old. The simple format and language being used are especially great for beginners!
You won’t find this newspaper in news stands though; it’s available only through subscription. But for those not in France, you can access the news via their website. For beginner French articles to read, this is the newspaper for you!
French Newspaper for Intermediate Level
Le Parisien
Once known as Le Parisien libéré (The Free Parisian), this newspaper was first published in 1944 by the French Resistance.
Today it covers national and international news, as well as events in Paris and the suburbs. The national edition of Le Parisien is known as Aujourd'hui en France (Today in France). With just the right kind of language and topics, this newspaper should be just right up the alley of intermediate level learners.French Newspapers for advanced learners
Considered as one of the most respected newspapers in the world, Le Monde has been in circulation since 1944, after the Liberation of Paris. Le Monde covers pretty much every topic ranging from current events, economy, world news, culture, and more.
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Founded in 1826, Le Figaro is one of the oldest newspapers in the world, and the oldest in France.
With its conservative stance, it is considered as center-right and its editorial is said to be the voice of the French middle and upper class.
Liberation is the third most notable French newspaper, together with Le Figaro and Le Monde. Popularly known by the French as Libé, this newspaper was founded in 1973 by famous philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre together with journalist Serge July. Its editorial stance is currently centre-left.
Conclusion
There you have it, six high-authority French newspapers with French news articles for learners of all levels. Which one have you read so far and what can you say about it? Do share with everyone in the comments!
See also the following related articles:
30 Common French Expressions Used in Newspapers
How to Read in French Like a Boss
This list also appeared in my book Fluent in French, the Ultimate French Language Study Guide. Get your copy of the e-book and get a chock-full of tips, hacks, and practical guidance on how to learn French. It's free with the Complete Method courses on the Store, such as the one below for Intermediate.
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Here are some FAQs about French Newspapers
What are the major French newspapers?
We have outlined six magnificent newspapers in our article; there is a newspaper for all levels of French, from the beginner to the advanced reader!
Is Le Figaro left or right wing?
It is centre-right, and is a conservative voice for the French middle and upper class.
How many French newspapers are there?
On a national level, we have 16 daily publications, 5 of which are online, 2 of which are completely free. There are 14 weeklies, 1 monthly, and 1 newspaper that publishes once every four years on the 29th of February, a satirical publication called La Bougie du Sapeur.
There are 5 newspapers covering French news in English, and countless regional newspapers are available.
What is the news called in French?
In French, the news can be called les nouvelles, or l’actualité.
