[4] With a degree in journalism, Giesbert debuted at the age of 19 on the literary page of the regional daily newspaper Paris-Normandie, where he published interviews with Louis Aragon, Henry de Montherlant, Jules Romains, Maurice Genevoix, Alain Robbe-Grillet and others.

[7] In 1997, Giesbert hosted the cable television weekly literary program Le Gai Savoir (The Cheerful Knowledge) broadcast on Paris Première.

[6][10] Giesbert was chief executive officer of Le Point from 2000 until 18 January 2014; he remained an adviser to the magazine, continuing to write editorials and articles.

[13][14] From 2012, he also hosted the monthly show Le Monde d'Après (The World After) featuring several guests discussing current news, broadcast on France 3.

[16] In May 2016, Giesbert was awarded the newly created Récamier Prize for his novel, L'Arracheuse de dents (The puller of teeth).