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Women « Compagnons du Devoir »
For eight centuries, the compagnonnage was exclusively a male domain. Although the doors of the prestigious Compagnons du Devoir have been open to women since 2004, their gradual integration after 800 years of male dominance has been a path strewn with obstacles. Today, women make up around 13% of e...
DIY Aces
DIY is booming! In just one year, sales at specialty stores soared by 20% — a record! And for good reason: this past year, shaped by the health crisis, pushed the French to reconnect with their toolboxes to create a cozy, welcoming home. Some even discovered a newfound passion, despite having no pri...
Failure to Comply: Authority Losing Control
According to figures from the French Ministry of the Interior, one phenomenon is becoming increasingly alarming: the rise in drivers refusing to comply with police orders. Motorists willing to take every risk to evade a police check. Extremely rare just twenty years ago, there is now one such incide...
Leaders in Footwear Craftsmanship
France is one of the biggest shoe-buying countries in Europe! Boots, pumps, sneakers, loafers… 300 million pairs are sold every year. But among all those boxes, only a few are made in France using traditional know-how. Faced with globalization, poor-quality or counterfeit shoes, men and women have c...
Mayotte: 1 Month and 8 Days to Leave
One month and eight days — that is the amount of time families are given, from the publication of a prefectural eviction order, to leave the shantytown where they live before it is demolished by the authorities.
In Mayotte, the enforcement of the ELAN Law aimed at eliminating informal housing has...
The Secrets of the Champs-Élysées
The Champs-Élysées is neither the largest nor the longest avenue in the capital, yet it is said to be the most beautiful in the world. Every day, 300,000 people pass by without realizing that, behind the scenes, men and women work tirelessly to maintain its prestige. How do they do it? What are thei...
Let’s Go to My Aunt’s (The Crédit municipal)
Pawning a valuable item in exchange for immediate cash? For that, people turn to the Crédit Municipal, formerly known as the Mont de Piété. Whether facing financial hardship or an unexpected life event, pawnbroking continues to help around 100,000 clients every year! Since the first branch opened in...
Neighborly Support
In the wake of the lockdown, many local initiatives sprang up to keep communities connected, distribute food, offer lessons, or care for the most vulnerable. But what about today? While many of these efforts have unfortunately faded, nearly 12 million volunteers in France still dedicate themselves e...
Proud of Our Regions
A sense of belonging, attachment to one’s territory: 8 out of 10 French people say they are proud of their region, whether by birth or by choice. Cultural heritage, gastronomy, landscapes, local spirit — all these elements create a shared history and collective identity. For some, this sense of belo...
The A4 Motorway
Stretching over 482 kilometers, the A4 motorway is the third longest in France. It carries one of the densest traffic flows in Europe, with more than 260,000 vehicles passing every day — including over 30,000 trucks.
Its heavy use is a reminder that the A4 is a vital route for transporting both peo...
