6 Excellent French Newspapers for All Levels
Looking for French newspapers? This list of French newspapers is sorted for you whether you are a beginner, intermediate, or advanced level learner.
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French Newspapers for BeginnersFrench Newspaper for Intermediate LevelFrench Newspapers for advanced learnersConclusionHere are some FAQs about French NewspapersIn 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
20 Minutes
Pronounced vingt minutes, 20 Minutes is a daily newspaper that was long handed out for free to commuters in France (its print edition stopped in 2024, so it is now read online). 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 at children aged 10 to 14. The simple format and language being used are especially great for beginners!
You won’t find this newspaper in newsstands 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 Liberated 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 right up the alley of intermediate-level learners.
French Newspapers for advanced learners
Le Monde
Considered 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.
Le Figaro
Founded in 1826, Le Figaro is one of the oldest newspapers in the world, and the oldest national daily in France.
With its conservative stance, it is considered center-right and its editorial is said to be the voice of the French middle and upper class.
Libération
Libération 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 reputable French newspapers with news articles for learners of all levels.
See also the following related articles:
30 Common French Expressions Used in Newspapers
How to Read in French Like a Boss
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?
France has national and regional daily newspapers, as well as weeklies and monthlies; the number of active titles changes over time. One unusual satirical publication, La Bougie du Sapeur, publishes once every four years, on February 29.
Several newspapers cover 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 informations (les infos for short), or l’actualité.
