The French have fiercely defended their language for centuries, but via imported TV shows and the internet, English words are infiltrating – 'selfie' and 'troll' now appear in the two most popular French dictionaries. But in a nation with notoriously poor English skills, how can the French adapt?

More and more French people are buying local food from small producers as they strive to become conscientious consumers. Amid this shift, eco-friendly supermarket Biocoop is on the rise. But are sustainable credentials enough to steer shoppers away from the convenience of major chains?

French cuisine has long been associated with strictly kept mealtimes and beautifully set tables. But traditions are evolving, and although half the population eat together, it’s not so much for the food as it is for the company. So what brings French people to the table in 2016?

Major cities in France have long attracted workers, changing industries from agriculture to services and reshaping the country in turn. Yet the rural exodus has halted, with more people now moving to the country. Why are people leaving the city? And what’s to become of the French city-dweller?

As French people look to trim their budgets and spend more free time on home turf, hotels are launching new concepts to cater to these staycationers. So what do they look for in a hotel? How can Gen Y’s expectations be met? And is there a French way of living that can be applied to hospitality?

“Come to Lourdes to say I love you," reads a flyer advertising the couples’ retreats that are so central to the French town’s tourism early in the year. But as visitor numbers continue to fall, the Catholic town is reaching out to a formerly untapped audience – gay couples.

Almost half of French people (47%) are concerned about the depletion of natural resources. To aid this issue, the government is ‘solarising’ over 600 miles of road in the next five years, laying solar panels over existing stretches to create 'eco highways' that can produce power for the country.

What would you do if you had to work more for less money? This is a question faced by many French employees, as the famous 35-hour work week – and 25-day paid holiday – goes under government review. Could it be bonjour to the eight hour work day and au revoir to the two hour lunch?