50 journals recommended by our team

We love them for their boldness, their commitments and their aesthetics. Here are our team's favorite publications.

Magazines that fight back

• La Déferlante: Leading publication on feminism, La Déferlante explores each quarter in thematic issues (dreaming, desire, eating, dancing…), the struggles and debates shaking our society and gives voice to those who aren't heard enough in the public sphere: women and gender minorities. We also love their publishing house, which continues telling the story of feminist revolutions. Recommended by Marine Doux.
• Gaze: It was first the covers that captivated me with their beauty, simplicity and power. I was then pleasantly surprised by reading it. I loved immersing myself in this magazine for the strength of its message. The subjectivity of the authors elevates the pages, the stories are original, full of kindness, and the women featured are magnificently highlighted through the female gaze. In short, I love everything. Recommended by Marine Slavitch.
• Censored: A feminist publication that transcends artistic norms to amplify gender minorities over the past 5 years. Each issue explores themes such as violence, the body, ecology, and transmission, bringing together emerging voices and overlooked archives. Adopting original concepts, from treasure hunts to fake administrative reports, the publication builds a living, intimate, and political archive. Known for its distinctive covers, always in service of the issue's message. Recommended by Caroline Fauvel.
• Clio. Femmes, Genre, Histoire : A scholarly journal that examines gender and the place of women across all periods and in all societies — offering a variety of analyses and perspectives on a multitude of questions, themes and practices. Clio allows us to enrich our own understanding through the rigorous and invaluable work of researchers from around the world. Recommended by Pauline Butel.
• Climax: A magazine tackling climate change with a mix of outspokenness, irreverence, and humor. No anxiety-inducing graphs or images of a burning planet here. Instead, comics, photo essays, opinion pieces, and investigations that talk about ecology differently, with refreshing freedom of tone. It's funny, it's fair, and it's interesting. We especially love the always pop and colorful covers. Recommended by Marine Doux.
• Jacobin : Jacobin is an American political magazine based in New York, offering diverse perspectives on politics, economics, and culture. Recommended by Baptiste Thevelein.
• Revue Z: Before it was a magazine, Z is a collective. In its ranks, journalists, layout artists, illustrators who are deserters from traditional journalism. Each year, the team immerses itself for a month in the reality of a territory to take part in its struggles. Recommended by Baptiste Thevelein.
• Socialter : Socialter is a bimonthly print magazine that examines new ideas struggling to emerge in public debate. The magazine aims to repoliticize debate with an emphasis on society's evolution toward greater justice, more democracy, and respect for ecological balance. It moves away from ready-made solutions and dogmatic approaches, favoring an editorial line that questions more than it imposes. Recommended by Baptiste Thevelein.

Publications that enlighten us

• Mosaïque: An inclusive magazine that showcases new voices in rap—something we genuinely needed! We love their fascinating double-sided cover, which highlights both a woman and a man while celebrating the hard work of talented photographers. Inside you'll find in-depth interviews, thematic features, reportage, reviews and investigations into francophone rap, all developed with a strong visual sensibility. Recommended by Caroline Fauvel.
• Sorociné: An independent magazine that explores cinema through a feminist lens. The essence of Sorociné goes beyond the screen, seeking to restore the place of women and minorities in film history. The perfect resource for discovering the work of female filmmakers and questioning, then bringing fresh perspectives to our reading of major works. It's a pleasure to browse the magazine's first two issues and also to discover Sorociné's more recent interviews and reviews, available on their website and as a podcast. Recommended by Mathilde Carlier.
• Audimat: A captivating music review published twice yearly, bringing together diverse essays from authors around the world. What sets it apart? Its format—a colorful pocket-sized book you can take anywhere to explore the aesthetic, historical, and sociological depths of music in all its variety. For its tenth anniversary, the review published an oversized Best-Of edition featuring highlights from its first 15 issues, along with issue 20, which covers: stadium chants, the trajectory of Emo sounds, analysis of "youth" music movements, and the legitimation of disco. Recommended by Caroline Fauvel.
• The European Review of Books: A cultural and literary journal featuring essays, fiction, and poetry. The bonus? Their translinguistic approach. Texts are published in both English and the author's native language. Recommended by Marine Doux.
• Répliques: Répliques is a journal of in-depth interviews about cinema, where directors, technicians, distributors and critics discuss their careers, their methods and their perspective on their own work. Recommended by Baptiste Thevelein.
• Effeuillage: This is the journal of students and faculty from the Master's 2 program in Media and Management at Celsa Sorbonne Université. The journal analyzes the media ecosystem through an academic lens. Recommended by Baptiste Thevelein.
• Fisheye Magazine : Fisheye is a magazine that decodes the world through contemporary photography, while staying attuned to the practices of a new generation of photographers. Recommended by Baptiste Thevelein.
• Monocle: What we love about this British monthly magazine is its ability to tackle political and global issues through long-form journalism, via in-depth investigations and reporting. Recommended by Baptiste Thevelein.

Outdoor reviews

• Surf Session: a 100% Basque surf review featuring reports from around the world, interviews, and stunning photography. Just what you need to satisfy your hunger for waves and marvel at every page. The plus: editorials that are often very interesting, exploring surf culture, its history, and its own mythology ranging from counter-culture to trendy marketing object. The minus: women are significantly underrepresented. We regret the creation of its female counterpart, Surfeuses, rather than work toward parity in the editorial line. Recommended by Pauline Butel.
• Surfeuses: Obviously, reading Surf Session naturally means reading Surfeuses, created to give women surfers a prominent place and genuine visibility in an industry that remains too male-dominated, and to offer all those in the water a space where they can finally feel represented… There's merit to the idea, but the distinction between the two magazines can be questioned in the same way one might question the similarities between Surfeuses and a traditional women's magazine model with more advertisements and beauty advice. Recommended by Pauline Butel.
• Regain: A quarterly review founded by journalist Daphné Hézard, dedicated to campaigns and the farming and rural world. Recommended by Baptiste Thevelein.
• La Hulotte : Launched from the Ardennes, this publication has been documenting French fauna and flora for over 50 years while educating the general public about it. The « most-read journal in burrows » was certainly that in mine since childhood. I have countless memories of late-night readings, by my bedside lamp, going through the pages of my favourite issues (with particular affection for the special « Honeybees » edition). The texts, captivating and charming, are richly illustrated by the sole hand of the magazine's founder. But if the meticulous preparation of each issue demands time, it is equally the patience of subscribers that is put to the test. « It's ready when it's ready » is a guarantee of quality that applies entirely to La Hulotte. Recommended by Owen Huchon.
• Reliefs: Glaciers, peaks, coastlines, ice shelves… Published as a collection, Reliefs is a biannual magazine for those who love to travel, explore, and connect with the living world. We love the large maps that extend each issue and offer poetic geography. Recommended by Baptiste Thevelein.
• Surf cities : straddling a women's magazine, a travel guide, and a practical surfing guide, Surf cities offers an issue dedicated to Biarritz, Hossegor, and Saint-Anne, three emblematic surf towns in French territory. This magazine issue provides both a social and cultural approach to surfing as well as insider tips (restaurants, cultural venues, shopping, etc.). A great way to get a first taste of local surf culture and discover these iconic cities. Recommended by Pauline Butel.

Magazines you can eat

• Îlots: Each issue of Îlots invites you to explore new culinary and cultural horizons. The magazine weaves connections between plate and landscape, nourishing our senses while encouraging creativity to rethink ecological and food transitions. We're particularly fond of the gift sets that include the magazine, a unique spice blend, and a recipe linked to the issue's theme. Recommended by Marine Doux.
• Culs-de-poule: I don't know much about food (to say the least), even less about cheese, and that didn't stop me from thoroughly enjoying the Culs-de-poule issue on cheesemakers. First off, the concept is brilliant: you discover what it's like to be a cheesemaker through the women who do it via portraits, reportage, career notes and fantastic wordplay like "milky way." Then, the art direction is absolutely sublime and makes the texts easy to read and understand. Once again, here's to women's perspectives. Recommended by Marine Slavitch.
• Whetstone Magazine: Launched in 2017, this magazine is dedicated to telling stories about food in a new way and helps redefine the editorial approach commonly adopted by traditional food press. It emphasizes above all what food has to say and shows how it expresses encounters, relationships, communities, and struggles. Through the stories it features, the magazine does not aim to glorify or idealize food. On the contrary, it doesn't shy away from discussing its excesses, offering a rich and honest perspective. Recommended by Owen Huchon.

Reviews that explore

• Court Circuit: For a year, Metz—the city where I grew up—had a superb independent, socially conscious, artisanal, and visually striking magazine. Then, apparently due to skyrocketing paper costs, Court Circuit went on hiatus. I hope this magazine of in-depth reporting will return. In the meantime, I highly recommend checking out its latest issues, which are timeless reads. Recommended by Marine Slavitch.
• *La Revue écossaise*: Heads up—this is a limited-run magazine, with only six issues! Or perhaps that’s a way to make it immortal? The issues of *La Revue écossaise* are collected like little treasures, designed to help readers discover Scotland or share its wonders with others. So far, only two issues have been published. I love the joy that radiates from the texts and poems, as well as the sense of mystery. In terms of design, the tracing paper on the cover invites readers to lift the veil on this truly unique country. Recommended by Marine Slavitch.
• Pays: I’ll admit, I’m not going to be objective, since *Pays* is a magazine co-founded by friends and two colleagues from *Médianes*. But I never cease to be thrilled by the freedom in the storytelling: here, narrative bursts into interviews, the first person is used at the author’s discretion, there are well-measured touches of humor, and the formats vary and never seem forced. And, of course, I absolutely love the art direction, the infographics, and the map on the cover. Recommended by Marine Slavitch.
• Kometa: A magazine that sheds light on current events from an Eastern European perspective. Featuring prominent authors, in-depth articles, photography, and maps, Kometa transcends borders to fill the gaps in our knowledge of Eastern Europe. The magazine provides a platform for writers who are under threat or in exile, bringing to light intimate stories and fresh perspectives. A thought-provoking and compelling debut issue that already has us looking forward to what’s next. Recommended by Marine Doux.
• Éditions de l’Obsession : Ce magazine se concentre sur les obsessions de toutes sortes, avec des interviews de collectionneurs passionnés par divers sujets, allant des voitures aux vêtements en passant par la vaisselle. Recommandée par Baptiste Thevelein.
• B magazine: Each ad-free issue of B features an iconic brand through vibrant photos and compelling stories about the philosophy behind the brand. It delves into the products, people, challenges, and solutions that drive leading brands. Recommended by Baptiste Thevelein.
• Les Others : Une publication indépendante et biannuelle destinée aux passionnés d’aventure et de photographie. La revue est multidisciplinaire, mêlant photographie, illustration, projets créatifs et récits au long cours. Son objectif est de nous reconnecter à la nature en imaginant une nouvelle définition de l’aventure qui soit plus créative, responsable et accessible. Recommandée par Baptiste Thevelein.
• Départementales: Axel and Fanny’s poetic Tour de France (and even beyond!)—lovers in real life as well as on stage. Twice a year, the magazine charts a new itinerary—somewhere between a dream journal and a travelogue—filled with walks, encounters, meals, and discoveries. It’s a bit like letting yourself be surprised by a journey without a specific plan. You feel as though you’re taking part in the journey as you let the authors guide you. We’re particularly fond of the issue that takes us from Granville to Saint-Malo (you can almost feel the sand beneath your feet). We’re also passionate about the latest issue, “Memories of London,” which helps us rediscover the English capital. Best read under a blanket while listening to the rain fall. Recommended by Mathilde Carlier.
• Are We Europe: A beautiful magazine that explores Europe through the stories of its citizens. Each issue is dedicated to a specific theme—borders, drugs, and the planet are among the most recent topics covered—and features stories by journalists and citizens from across the continent. We love flipping through the magazine to discover personal accounts, gain a better understanding of global issues, and admire its photographs and illustrations. Recommended by Mathilde Carlier.
• Useful: This journal covers topics such as the use of bicycles as a sustainable mode of daily transportation. It explores aspects of the bicycle’s utility, the common good, efficiency, and repairability, as well as topics related to competitive cycling and the history of the bicycle. Recommended by Baptiste Thevelein.
• Sloft: Here, the optimization of living space becomes an ode to aesthetics and efficiency. Faced with the challenges of urban life, Sloft positions itself as a laboratory that reimagines the city through compact living spaces. This collection on contemporary urban life spotlights a passionate new generation dedicated to “better living” and shaping an inclusive, green, and harmonious vision of city life. And it makes you want to repaint your office three times a day. Recommended by Marine Doux.

Aesthetics Journals

• The Shelf Journal: This magazine explores the book as an object, the stories it can tell, and the connections it forges with its readers. It takes a closer look at our bookshelves and encourages us to see this object—which can be ordinary or a true work of art—in a new light. Recommended by Maëlle Ledu.
• Graphure et Peintrisme : Une revue qui rassemble des artistes dont la pratique navigue entre différents champs : la peinture, le dessin, le graphisme ou encore la poésie. Une revue pleine de couleurs et de mots, rassemblés dans au sein d’un format inattendu. Recommandée par Maëlle Ledu.
• Les presses du réel: A magazine about drawing and its many forms. Each issue features in-depth interviews with professionals (graphic designers, artists, comic book artists, etc.). I appreciate the neutral tone of the interviews, which lets the interviewees take center stage. This allows readers to discover a wide variety of drawing practices and approaches. Recommended by Maëlle Ledu.
• Kinfolk: I’m not going to lie—I rarely read the actual content in magazines, but I flip through them constantly to check out the layouts and the little graphic gems I can spot here and there. That’s why I love Kinfolk magazine, which features beautiful typefaces and a layout that’s as understated and elegant as it is effective and easy to read. It’s a definite yes. Recommended by Christelle Perrin.
• M, Le Monde’s magazine: We joke about it, but in my opinion, it’s one of the most successful layouts among French weekly magazines. It’s full of finesse, yet it doesn’t waste time (or space) on unnecessary elements. An excellent balance between content and form, and one of my all-time favorites. Recommended by Christelle Perrin.

Magazines That Surprise Us

• Estrange: The new biannual magazine dedicated to modern mysteries. A space for reflection, wonder, and discovery where we invite you to explore the strangeness of the world around us in all its facets: emerging technologies, new realities, bizarre phenomena, countercultures, science fiction, futurology, film, music, literature, and much more. A world that is transforming at an ever-increasing pace—and one that Estrange is determined to unravel with an open and curious mind! In this first issue, a central question brings together the writings of numerous experts: where is the strange today? Recommended by Pénélope Blanchetête.
• Terrain: Founded by the Ministry of Culture in 1983, the journal Terrain offers a unique perspective on contemporary societies, drawing on ethnography and engaging with other humanities and social sciences. A biannual journal published by the Association Terrain (in print and digital formats), Terrain also offers open-access, continuously updated thematic sections, as well as the blog Carnets de Terrain, a vast digital space for reflection and original research. Recommended by Pénélope Blanchetête.
• Tools: Tools magazine is an annual publication that seeks to promote and explore manufacturing techniques and expertise in the fields of art, design, interior architecture, industry, and even crafts. Each issue is dedicated to a specific manufacturing technique. Recommended by Baptiste Thevelein.
• Contre-Jour: At the intersection of journalism and community education, the biannual magazine Contre-Jour takes root in local communities through workshops or residencies, fostering a dialogue between stories big and small. It works with, alongside, and outside the system. It poeticizes the gaze, shifts perspectives, and explores blind spots. Because in the battle over representations, images and words are valuable tools for reversing the balance of power. Recommended by Pénélope Blanchetête.
• Le Papier déchaîné : L’Association pour l’écologie du livre lance sa première gazette, « Le Papier déchaîné », consacrée à la place du livre au sein de l’écologie. Destinée d’abord aux professionnels du livre, puis à toute personne intéressée, elle vise à sensibiliser, rassembler, fédérer l’interprofession et les lecteurs et lectrices autour de ces enjeux. Elle est disponible dans la plupart des structures régionales pour le livre et consultable en ligne. Recommandée par Pénélope Blanchetête.
• Real Review: Captivated at first sight by its format and aesthetic, I was quickly won over by its content. After the first issue, you find yourself wanting to collect every issue, for both form and substance. Through a diverse range of contributors, Real Review modestly endeavors to define what "it means to live today." Nothing less. Fascinating texts explore culture through the lens of power, domination, progress, and consumerism. Rich editorial work paired with careful attention to illustration makes reading all the more enjoyable. Recommended by Owen Huchon.
• Tèque: The magazine Tèque focuses on technology and our lives with it. This suggests an exploration of technology's impacts and interactions in our daily lives, probably with an approach that goes beyond purely technical aspects to encompass social, cultural, and perhaps even philosophical implications. Recommended by Baptiste Thevelein.
• La Disparition: Here, it's the form that stands out. La Disparition is an epistolary medium that chronicles what is disappearing around us or in our lives: the gangs of El Salvador, the factory, the shame of a woman who had an abortion, the beaches of Alexandria, and even the firmness of my buttocks. Recommended by Baptiste Thevelein.

Magazines selected by our community

• Chabe!: A magazine that allows photographers to show us Lyon and its region differently. The most intimate images reveal the territory's fragilities, but also all its poetry and energy. The photographers' unique perspective on climate change, precarity, the alternative scene, disability, neighborhoods, and social reintegration is put into perspective by journalists from L'Arrière-Cour.
• La Revue dessinée: 200 pages of investigations and reports in comic form created collaboratively by illustrators and journalists. The perfect format to finally understand sometimes very complicated issues.
• Chut!: The quarterly feminist and inclusive magazine exploring technology's impacts on our lives. Special praise for the art direction that highlights illustrators.

Thank you for all your messages that helped us enrich this selection and discover new paper treasures. Your favorite magazine isn't on this list? Don't hesitate to let us know 🙂

To go further

• Weight, texture, ink, finish: a series of practical insights to help you choose your paper.
• On TikTok, Kelsey Russell shares her passion: reading the printed edition of the New York Times. Through her videos, she aims to reconcile the young generation with print journalism.
• We are 59 years after Patrick Drahi. All independent micropublications have vanished alongside the last punks. All of them? No! The fanzine still breathes and is a wonderful source of inspiration for engaged magazines. We reveal the recipe for their potion to help you differentiate yourselves from mainstream publications without erasing your identity.
• Emmanuelle Josse is co-founder of La Déferlante, an independent quarterly magazine and newsletter that recently launched its publishing house. She is the guest on the third episode of the second season of Chemins, Médianes' podcast.
• Lauren Boudard is co-founder of the newsletter TechTrash and Climax, a climate change news newsletter launched in 2021 that became a fanzine the following year. She is the guest on the fifth episode of the second season of Chemins, Médianes' podcast.
• Manon Boquen is the founder of Pays, a print magazine launched in 2020 that explores a new territory every six months. She is the guest on the sixth and final episode of the first season of Chemins, Médianes' podcast.