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discover the best of French and Francophone culture in the United States and Canada.
Analysis of French-American news • French cultural events in the United States and Canada • Interviews with leading intellectuals • Fashion tips • Traditional and contemporary recipes • Reports from across the United States and Canada • Authors’ perspectives on America • Portraits of artists, entrepreneurs, and other French-American personalities • The best of Francophone literature translated into English • French movies and series in theaters and online • French habits and linguistic subtleties • Unique places to visit in France • And so much more…
April 2023
The French Entrepreneurs Caring for the Planet
Ahead of Earth Day, April 22, we profiled five Gallic startups based in the United States and helping biodiversity, fighting against food waste, and curbing global warming. We also sat down with Tristan Grimbert, the French CEO of EDF Renewables North America, one of the leaders on the green energy market in the United States and Canada. Also in this issue, read about the 15-Minute City, a model born in Paris and advocating for livable, sustainable urban centers; discover our profile of Gérard Araud, the former ambassador of France to the U.S. and a sharp observer of international relations; and read our interview with William Christie, the American conductor who has done more than anyone else for the revival of French baroque music.
Featured Articles
BUSINESS
FIVE FRENCH ENTREPRENEURS
Caring for the Planet
Innovation à la française can help biodiversity, limit global warming, and fight against food waste. Here are five profiles of French entrepreneurs who decided to grow their startups in the United States.
By Benoît Georges
GÉRARD ARAUD
Diplomatic Sharpshooter
The former French ambassador in Washington D.C. is a realpolitik supporter, world history connoisseur, admirer of Kissinger, and avid Twitter user, and sees the United States as both a friend and a competitor.
By Jean-Gabriel Fredet
MUSIC
WILLIAM CHRISTIE
“French Classical Music Owes a Lot to American Universities”
American harpsichordist and conductor William Christie has arguably done more than anyone else for the global revival of French baroque music. He now lives in France, but on April 25-26, he will bring his ensemble Les Arts Florissants to Carnegie Hall.
By Martin Gelin
BOOKS
OLIVIER BODART
Biography in Geography
The French artist and writer has been living in North America since 2012, and recently published his second book, Après moi le désert, in France. A thoughtful road trip through the Sonoran Desert of California, blending autofiction and hallucinations.
By Sophie Joubert
Table of contents
FROM THE NEWSDESK
France Rethinks, Once Again, Its Relationship with Africa. By Anthony Bulger
COME ON OUT
French Cultural Events in North America. By Tracy Kendrick
EDITORIAL
INTERVIEW
Julie Taymor: “The Lion King Makes People Laugh from Paris to New York.” By Guy Sorman
THE OBSERVER
Why the 15-Minute City May Be Your Next Home. By Anthony Bulger
BUSINESS
Five French Entrepreneurs Caring for the Planet. By Benoît Georges
THE BRIEF
Tristan Grimbert on Renewable Energy: “There’s So Much to Do!” By Clément Thiery
INTERNATIONAL
HISTORY
Jean Monnet: The Architect of the “United States of Europe” Lives on in Washington. By Roland Flamini
BON APPÉTIT
LIFESTYLE
Ajiri Aki: An American in Paris Unlocks the Secret to Joie de Vivre. By Caitlin Raux Gunther
MUSIC
William Christie: “French Classical Music Owes a Lot to American Universities.” By Martin Gelin
BOOKS
BOOK REVIEW
Kaoutar Harchi: Writing to “Avenge Her Race.” By Sophie Joubert
THE WORDSMITH
Eco-Everywhere! By Dominique Mataillet
