TheFrenchPaper

TheFrenchPaper was launched in June 2009 by Nicki Wade, who moved to France in 2004. Having created the bi-monthly regional lifestyle magazine Living Poitou-Charentes in April 2008, Nicki felt that "[l]anching something on a much bigger scale seemed the obvious next step".[1] The paper had an initial print run of 35,000 copies (per month), and was available both in newsagents and on subscription.[2]

Nicki Wade described the paper as "[combining] broadsheet sensibilities with magazine values".[3] Edited by Wade's fellow expatriate "freelance writer, journalist and editor" Michael Streeter,[4] theFrenchPaper set out to enable expatriates "to get the most out of life in France".[5] It included features about people, politics, food, wine, property, work, kids, business, country and city living, art, community, history, places, money, building, bureaucracy, jobs, gardening, lifestyle, shopping, and education.[6][7]

The paper comprised two pull-out sections covering "Work and Money" and "Living", with an additional small comic style pull-out for children.[8]

Nicki Wade wrote to the paper's subscribers in August 2011 informing them that theFrenchPaper "[was] suspending publication until further notice with immediate effect".[9][10] Wade informed subscribers that the July 2011 issue was the last, and claimed that while "sales [were] excellent (...) advertising revenues (...) and the rising costs of doing business in France" prevented the publication from being a "viable proposition".[11] Wade also wrote that subscribers would be refunded for outstanding issues by cheque.[12][13]

Since ceasing publication, the paper's website has remained inactive,[14] and there has been some controversy among subscribers commenting on internet forums regarding an alleged lack of refund payments.[15][16]

Official website