If Faisal Islam, Ralph Keyes and the New York Times are to be believed, the Trump candidacy and the vote for Brexit show we've entered a post-truth era – a world where emotion and populism win out over facts and experts. But is it true? And do emotional appeals really trump facts and figures?

France’s nocturnal philosophy festivals are letting people engage in weighty discussions from dusk til dawn. With nighttime seen as a chance to tune out of fast-paced daily life, the Night of Philosophy parties are reviving the moments of reflection that plugged-in culture misses out on.

Compared to its neighbouring countries, France has an especially gloomy outlook about globalisation, politics and national security. With so little confidence in the world around them, nationwide malaise has French people looking for ways to escape society.

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?