France's Last Newspaper Hawker Honored by President Macron

The Man Who Cares About The News

Bruno Villeneuve, a veteran newspaper vendor with a big personality, never misses a beat. His pitch is a blur of information, opinion, and mischief. So, when he was honored with the Order of Merit, it came as no surprise to those who know him.

As he stood outside the Le Monde newspaper office each morning, President Emmanuel Macron was one of his regular customers. And despite not being able to meet in person as often since the pandemic, the two remained close. When Macron learned that Villeneuve would be honored for his dedication to informing the public, he made sure he was there, presenting the award himself.

A Lifetime of Service

Villeneuve's commitment to sharing the news with others has made him a beloved figure in France. He has persuaded people to pay for journalism at a time when it has become increasingly difficult to convince people of its value. And his enthusiasm has inspired younger generations to care about the information they consume. Now, at 63 years of age, Villeneuve has finally decided to pass on the mantle to younger newspaper vendors.