Le Figaro celebrates its 200th anniversary: a bicentenary of history, modernity and loyal stars at the Grand Palais

In 1826, a new daily newspaper was born in Paris. Two centuries later, Le Figaro celebrates 200 years of existence, a rare anniversary for a newspaper still in business. To mark this historic event, one of the world’s oldest titles is organizing a major **exhibition-debate at the Grand Palais, from January 14 to 16, 2026, combining memory, reflection and celebration. Admission will be free upon registration, with a target of 10,000 visitors per day.

But this bicentenary is not just about revisiting history: it’s also becoming a cultural and social event. On the opening night, a host of celebrities from the worlds of cinema, entertainment and culture flocked to the glass roof of the Grand Palais. Among them, Monica Bellucci, sublime and much applauded, illuminated the evening with her presence, while French actress Isabelle Huppert, an international cinema icon, also honored the event with her participation. Their presence gave the event a special sparkle, transforming the celebration of a newspaper into a cultural extravaganza in its own right.

Between heritage and modernity: a newspaper that spans the centuries

If Le Figaro ‘s formula has evolved over time – from a satirical literary sheet under the Restoration to a modern, all-inclusive daily – it is precisely this capacity to adapt that explains its longevity. Under the leadership of Marc Feuillée, the newspaper has managed to reconcile fidelity to its historical values with digital evolution. Today, digital accounts for more than half of the group’s revenues, but the paper format remains a “trusted medium”, essential in an age of diminishing attention spans.

Originally driven by figures such as Hippolyte de Villemessant, Le Figaro has weathered decisive moments in French history, to the point of making courageous editorial choices – such as suspending publication during the Occupation rather than collaborating under controlled conditions. For Alexis Brézet, Editorial Director, this red thread of freedom is the spirit of the newspaper, which the exhibition at the Grand Palais highlights through documents, archives, personal accounts and debates.

A full cultural program around the newspaper

The exhibition immerses visitors in two centuries of information, with lectures, meetings with authors and historians, and interactive moments to understand the evolution of the press and the role of journalism in democratic societies. Three inaugural evenings precede the event, including a reading of literary texts by actors, offering a dialogue between literature and journalistic news.

In parallel with the physical event, Le Figaro has prepared a series of special publications: dedicated pages in the weekly edition, themed sections, a collector’s special, a special issue of Figaro Magazine and the publication of a commemorative book. All these initiatives will extend the celebration well beyond January.

A forward-looking event

This monumental anniversary is not only a tribute to a prestigious past, but also a strong sign of vitality. With hundreds of thousands of copies distributed every day and hundreds of thousands of subscribers, Le Figaro is demonstrating its ability to remain relevant in an ever-changing media landscape, while attracting the attention of leading personalities.