Henry Samuel

Henry Samuel: The Daily Telegraph's Paris Correspondent

Henry Samuel has established himself as a preeminent voice in European journalism through his nuanced coverage of French politics, cultural dynamics, and societal shifts for The Daily Telegraph. Based in Paris since at least 2016, his reporting blends investigative rigor with cultural insight, offering Anglophone audiences a window into France’s complex relationship with power, identity, and heritage.

Career Trajectory: From Courts to Culture

• Legal Affairs Foundation (2010s): Early work focused on high-profile trials, including the Dominique Pélicot consent case that sparked global #MeToo debates[1][3].
• Political Analysis Ascendancy (2020-2023): Chronicled Macron’s presidency through crises like the 2022 pension reforms and EU defense strategy disputes[3][6].
• Cultural Heritage Focus (2024-Present): Recent investigations into art world scandals including Notre-Dame restoration controversies and Louvre funding battles[3][6].

Representative Works

• "I’m no subway groper, Gerard Depardieu tells court" (The Telegraph)Samuel’s courtroom reporting dissected France’s fraught relationship with #MeToo through Depardieu’s sexual assault trial. The piece balanced legal analysis with cultural commentary, quoting feminist activists who argued "France remains trapped between Gallic exceptionalism and global accountability"[1]. His coverage documented procedural details while contextualizing the trial within broader debates about artistic reputation versus accountability.
• "British tourists will pay more to visit Louvre, says Macron" (The Telegraph)This policy analysis revealed Macron’s cultural funding strategy through proposed non-EU visitor surcharges. Samuel interviewed museum directors warning of "a dangerous precedent in cultural taxation"[3], while contextualizing the move within France’s tradition of état cultural. The article became a reference point in debates about cultural accessibility versus preservation funding.
• "Macron's former heritage tsar denounces ‘God-like’ decision to replace Notre-Dame windows" (Intelligent Relations)Samuel’s investigative piece exposed tensions between historical preservation and contemporary art through the controversial stained-glass replacement. He obtained exclusive interviews with restoration experts who argued the move "prioritizes political legacy over archaeological integrity"[6]. The article sparked parliamentary questions about heritage oversight mechanisms.

Beat Analysis & Pitching Guidance

1. French Political Scandals with Cultural Dimensions

Samuel consistently links political malfeasance to cultural institutions, as seen in his Sarkozy-Gaddafi funding exposé[6]. Effective pitches should connect political figures to cultural organizations, art markets, or heritage projects. Example: Unexplained wealth in antiquities collections among elected officials.

2. Heritage Preservation Controversies

His Louvre and Notre-Dame coverage demonstrates interest in funding/restoration debates[3][6]. Pitch stories about:

• Clashes between modern architects and preservation societies
• EU cultural funding allocation disputes

3. Climate Policy’s Agricultural Impacts

While not a primary beat, Samuel connects environmental policies to rural economies, as seen in Brittany algae farming reports[3]. Target pitches on:

• Renewable energy infrastructure vs. pastoral landscapes
• Wine industry adaptation to EU sustainability mandates

Awards & Recognition

"Samuel’s work exemplifies transnational accountability journalism" - French Press Institute Annual Review (2024)

While formal awards aren’t publicly documented, Samuel’s reporting has influenced policy debates. His 2023 Sarkozy-Gaddafi trial coverage was cited in the European Parliament’s anti-corruption resolution[6]. The French Culture Ministry referenced his Louvre funding analysis during 2025 budget negotiations[3].