French connections: Recent Episodes
FRANCE 24 English
A quirky, insider's guide to understanding France and the French, from the sublime to the ridiculous. Thursday at 1.50 pm. And join us for French Connections Plus on the last Thursday of the month at 4.15 pm.
French people love comic books, known as bandes dessinées. That means that the "BD" industry is booming. Graphic novels are such an important part of French culture that there are several festivals around the country, including the prestigious Angoulême International Comics Festival. In the past few years, the place of women in the comic book world has been in the spotlight. After being underrepresented in the industry for decades, change is now underway. Finally, we take a closer look at France's attachment to satire in the graphic form.
In this edition of French Connections Plus, Genie Godula and Florence Villeminot continue their tour of Paris with a stop in one of the most upscale and least touristy districts of the French capital: the 16th arrondissement. Its wide avenues offer an elegant escape from the craziness of the city. The 16th also boasts incredible architecture, the most museums of any district in Paris and the massive Bois de Boulogne park that's home to the French Open. Join us on a tour of this refined arrondissement, which embodies the timeless elegance Paris is known for.
French is a notoriously hard language to learn. On top of that, the textbook French you learn in a classroom and the everyday French you hear on the street are two very different things. If you want to fit in with the locals, watch this week's French Connections show, where Florence Villeminot fills you in on some slang – and the ubiquitous "verlan" – to spice up your vocabulary. You can say "cimer" later.
Located in the Mediterranean Sea, Corsica is known as the "island of beauty". It's had a tumultuous relationship with the mainland since it became French in the 18th century and separatist sentiment still runs deep. In recent years, there has been growing momentum towards more autonomy for the island, but what would that mean for Corsicans? We take a closer look in this edition of French Connections.
Join FRANCE 24 as we take a look at how we celebrate "Noël", or Christmas, in France. French people tend to have a big family lunch on Christmas Day, but the big event is in fact on Christmas Eve. Called the "réveillon de Noël", it involves eating traditional French dishes like oysters, foie gras, chestnut-stuffed turkey and a delicious log-shaped cake. Essentially, celebrating Christmas in France is all about eating until you pop. Joyeux Noël!
France is famous, and at times infamous, for its bulky bureaucracy. Some go so far as to call it a civil servant’s paradise. French "fonctionnaires" are said to have a sweet deal compared to private sector workers. So just what are the perks? Meanwhile, critics claim the system is bulky and expensive. How much do France’s "fonctionnaires" cost the state? Is the “fonctionnaire bashing” merited?
Notre-Dame Cathedral is reopening to the public after a devastating fire nearly destroyed it in 2019. Much more than a place of worship or a popular tourist destination, Notre-Dame reflects the heart and soul of the capital and in many ways its history mirrors that of the capital. In this show, Florence Villeminot brings you some fun facts about what Parisians lovingly call “la vieille dame” or “the old lady”.
In this French Connections Plus, Genie Godula and Florence Villeminot continue their tour of Paris with a stop in the lesser-known 13th arrondissement. It lies in the southeastern corner of the city and was annexed into the French capital in 1860 by Napoleon III. Most Parisians today know the 13th for its enormous Chinatown or its famous animation school, Les Gobelins. But the area has a lot more to offer and there's an interesting backstory to how it became the capital's 13th arrondissement.
The French have the reputation of being romantic. There’s even the cliché that they are sexually liberated and good lovers. But what are their sex lives really like? The answer is quite surprising. According to a new study by France's National Institute of Health, the French are having sex less frequently and starting later in life than in previous decades. But they are also reporting more sexual satisfaction. In this week's show, Florence Villeminot takes a sneak peek at French bedroom habits.
In this edition of French Connections Plus, Genie Godula and Florence Villeminot continue their tour of Paris with a stop in the eastern 20th arrondissement. They take us to the birthplace of French singing icon Edith Piaf and visit one of the most famous cemeteries in the world, Père-Lachaise – the final resting place of Molière, Chopin, Sarah Bernhardt, Jim Morrison and so many others.
After football and fishing, France's third-favourite pastime is hunting. The ancestral activity is divisive today, with passions running high between those who defend hunting traditions and a growing number of animal rights activists. Though the hunting lobby is strong, a majority of French people have an unfavourable view of hunting. Many are concerned about safety. The government has been on a mission to reduce hunting accidents. But is it working? We take a closer look in this edition of French Connections.
Buckle up! In this week's show, FRANCE 24's Florence Villeminot takes you on a spin to discover driving culture in Paris. The French capital is famous around the world for its beautiful sights and towering monuments, but it also has the reputation of being one of the worst places to drive. Parisian drivers are the first to admit it can be quite a harrowing experience. Over the years, the Paris authorities have taken steps to limit traffic in the capital and on its ring road known as "le périph". Meanwhile, alternative modes of transportation like cycling are becoming easier. So is a transport revolution underway?
The hill of Montmartre is the highest point in Paris. The former suburb of the French capital benefited from the freedom of being outside the city limits, making it a playground for artists, libertines and bons vivants. In this edition of French Connections Plus, Genie Godula and Florence Villeminot uncover the dark history behind the wedding cake basilica of the Sacré-Cœur, visit the oldest vineyard in Paris and learn how to cancan backstage at the Moulin Rouge.
In this week's show, we focus on a stereotype about the French, backed up by statistics: that they are the world champions of pessimism. That cliché seems to have been turned on its head by the 2024 Olympics, when the notoriously cynical French seemed to turn into a celebratory, fun-loving people. It begs the question: are the French suddenly happy? And if not, what are they so glum about and why?
In the wake of snap parliamentary elections called in June, President Emmanuel Macron took his time naming a prime minister. In this week's show, we take a closer look at how France's political institutions work: what are the respective roles of the president and the prime minister? How is power shared at the top? And does the French President have too much power?
France is famous for many things, but one of the first that comes to mind is food. The country boasts hundreds of cheeses, sophisticated dishes and incredible wines, but the cherry on top of French gastronomy is all its delicious desserts. France is a sweet-lover's paradise, with shops full of fabulous pastries at nearly every street corner. Where does this savoir-faire come from? Genie Godula and Florence Villeminot find out more in this episode of French Connections Plus, where they get a class in macaron making from world-famous pastry chef Pierre Hermé.
Pull out your sunscreen, sunglasses and bathing suits, in this week’s show Florence Villeminot and Genie Godula take you to the beach! With its 5,500 kilometers of coastline, France is a beach goers paradise. There is something for everyone, as the mainland is blessed with four distinct coastlines – the North Sea, the English Channel, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Mediterranean Sea. How do French people behave at the beach? What do they eat? And what do they wear (or not wear)?
In this week’s episode, climb aboard an institution in France: the TGV. The high-speed bullet train is an important part of the French landscape that’s been connecting the far flung parts of the country for over 40 years. The first journey of a TGV was inaugurated by President Francois Mitterrand in September 1981. Not only was it an industrial feat, it revolutionised modern train travel and decentralised the country. So what does the TGV of the future look like and can it keep France's state-owned railway company, the SNCF, on track against growing competition?
This week we take a deep dive into the national institution that is France's postal service. The French are very attached to "La Poste", though they love to complain about it too, and its evolution mirrors changes in society. Come rain or shine, postal workers in their trademark daffodil-yellow vehicles have delivered mail 24/7, making them some of France’s favourite people, just after their bakers. But like in other countries, with the development of other forms of communication such as email and text messaging, fewer and fewer people are sending letters. So how is La Poste adapting to these tectonic shifts? FRANCE 24's Florence Villeminot has been finding out.
When you think of Paris, you probably think of the Eiffel Tower, the Seine or the Mona Lisa. But there's so much more to the capital than its greatest hits. In this edition of French Connections Plus, Genie Godula and Florence Villeminot take you to some of Paris's lesser-known tourist attractions that are definitely worth a visit and fill you in on some fun facts and figures about the French capital. They take you on a trip along the Canal Saint-Martin with boat captain Hilbren Buys and also give you the lowdown on some secret treasures just under your feet.
En ce moment, un projet de loi visant à réformer l’audiovisuel public agite les médias français. Nous avons souhaité profiter de cette occasion pour vous rappeler qui nous sommes. Créée en 2006, France 24 fait partie d'une entité plus large appelée France Médias Monde, avec les radios RFI et MCD. Pourquoi la chaîne a-t-elle été lancée ? Quel est notre budget ? Qui nous regarde ? Florence Villeminot et Elisabeth Allain reviennent sur la place de France 24 dans le paysage médiatique et sur la philosophie qui l'anime.
There is currently a debate in France about reforming the country’s public TV and radio stations. We wanted to take this occasion to remind you about who we are and where we come from. Created in 2006, FRANCE 24 is part of a bigger entity called France Medias Monde along with its international sister radio station RFI and the arabic-language radio station MCD. Why was the channel launched in the first place? What is our budget? And who watches us? Florence Villeminot and Genie Godula take a look at how FRANCE 24 fits into the media landscape as well as its driving philosophy.
In this week’s show, we focus on working life in France, or rather the time that French people take off work. The French have the reputation of being on vacation a lot. Compared to other countries, France is very generous when it comes to annual leave. So what's behind this phenomenon? On top of paid holidays, there are extra days off as well. All this begs the question: how does anybody get any work done?
Freshly back from maternity leave, FRANCE 24’s Florence Villeminot shares her insights about having a baby in France. While the number of births in the country is dropping, France remains one of the better performers within the European Union. One of the reasons is its healthcare system, "la Sécurité sociale", which covers the bulk of the cost of having a baby. A key player in the whole process is someone called a "sage-femme" – a little-known profession outside of France. We also look at attitudes towards breastfeeding and an iconic toy that is a must in terms of baby gifts.
While "au revoir" is the most common way to say goodbye in French, we take a look at some of the other ways to bid farewell. From the regional "boujou", to "salut", to "à toute", we look at the spoken – and written – ways of saying goodbye in France. We also dive into some French traditions, from retirement parties to final farewells.
Have you heard of "La France moche", or ugly France? In this episode, we discuss how the expression is often used to describe shopping centres on the outskirts of French towns and cities. We also find out how the government wants to beautify these areas, which are particularly popular with French shoppers.
With more than 3 million private swimming pools, France has more "piscines" than any other nation in Europe. We find out why the sector has been booming for years and how the government is using AI to crack down on illegal pools. We also look into the challenges, benefits and heritage of France's public swimming pools.
With "les Jeux", or the Olympic Games, just around the corner, we discuss France's love of all sorts of other games, from board games, to video games, to betting... to marbles! We also dive into how the quintessentially French game of pétanque came to be.
Whether they're called a "chocolatine" or a "pain au chocolat", a "pain au raisin" or an "escargot", French pastries are meant to taste good! In this edition we explore some of the often confusing – and even potentially embarrassing – terms for French baked goods. We also discover how madeleines were not Marcel Proust's initial choice for his famed novel's voyage back in time.
From crime to legal right to a “liberté”, or freedom, in the French Constitution, we take a look at the evolution of abortion rights in France. We dive into the major events that led to this historic shift. We discuss the Manifesto of the 343, a turning point legal trial, a 1920s contraception law, and how abortion providers once risked the guillotine.
As Paris's Louvre raises its prices, and as prior reservations become increasingly common, we take a look at how to make the most of French museums. We also discuss whether they should be free or not, and we discover some quirky spots to visit too.
In this edition we discuss the many reasons why, according to a recent poll, the French are having less sex. We also discuss the roles that abstinence, pornography, mobile phone use, the #MeToo movement, sex education and an increased openness about sex may have on French people's choices in the bedroom.
In this edition we take a look inside "le portefeuille", or wallet, of French people. From the national healthcare card, "la carte vitale", to ID cards, to France's coins and bank notes, we trace the history of these typically French possessions. We also find out about France's oldest institution: la Monnaie de Paris, where coins are still made.
In 2023, only 678,000 babies were born in France. In this edition of French Connections, we delve into the complex web of reasons for this dip in France's birth rate. We discuss pushback against President Emmanuel Macron's plan to fix a "infertility scourge" and demographically "rearm" the nation with babies. We also find out how France remains a big baby maker compared to other large European countries, and how its bioethic laws could help.
From striped tops, to berets, to ballerina flats, this week on French Connections we discuss which clothes are iconically French. We dive into the history of some of these sartorial splendours, as well as the French origins of the word fashion. We also look to the future and explore what the French school uniform could look like.
Into the woods we go on this week's French Connections. Over 30 percent of mainland France is covered by forests. It's the fourth most forested country in Europe. We explore this heritage, why France’s trees are suffering, and how, for some, hugging a tree can do a body good.
Are the French polite? Or are they rude? This week on French Connections we tackle these stereotypes. We also delve into some of the basic etiquette rules that tourists need to know in order to avoid a faux pas. Be it a "bonjour", a "coucou", "la bise" or "un check", we explore the importance – and power – of French greetings.
Bonne année ! Happy New Year! This week on French Connections we take a look at the top New Year's resolutions among the French. We also discuss why some people no longer make them, how Dry January has created political controversy in France and how the tradition of "la galette des rois" (king cake) may be an early temptation to break some of those resolutions.
From oysters to snails to the Provence tradition of 13 desserts, this week on French Connections we take a look at the classic French Christmas meal. Traditionally held on Christmas Eve, it is often a festive, family affair. We also discuss how best to keep family discussions around the dinner table from getting too heated.
Paris is racing against time to get its mass transit system ready for the 2024 Summer Olympics. This week on French Connections, we take a look at the promises that have been kept and those that have fallen to the wayside. We also discuss how much metro tickets will actually cost and how politicians have been voicing concern over whether the French capital will be ready for the world's biggest sporting event.
From hanging Christmas trees from the ceiling to the "Père Fouettard", we take a look at some of France's end-of-year traditions. We also discuss debates over tipping at New Year, nativity scenes in public places and whether presents should be opened on December 24 or 25.
This week on French Connections we take a look at the complex web of "autoroutes", or highways, in France. Over 70 percent of French people stayed in France for their vacations in 2023, and that means most of them hit the road. From its inception in 1927 to controversial toll increases to bumper-to-bumper traffic, we tell you how these highways illustrate so much about French society.
Food insecurity in France is growing. Over the past decade, the number of people asking for help has tripled. On French Connections, we dive into the world of food banks and how these charities are struggling to provide for France's neediest. We look at why critics say the system needs to change. Finally, we end on a positive note, discussing a highly praised French food distribution system: military rations.
France’s passion for ‘occasion,’ or ‘used’ items, is not new, but it is growing by 15 to 20 percent every year. In this week's edition of French Connections, we take a look at how, with inflation and a growing environmental consciousness, French people are increasingly avid buyers of second-hand things.
To add a little sweetness to our week, on French Connections we're exploring how French pastry is evolving. From a female French baker being named the best pastry chef in the world to the origins of the "haute patisserie" trend, to how "pâte à choux" (choux pastry) got its name, we dive into this emblem of French culture. We also take a look at its not-so-sweet side: how many pastries are thought to be home-made but are not.
This week on French Connections, we take a look at the autumn traditions of France. From a quick trip to the countryside, to "La Toussaint" or All Saints' Day, to chestnuts and trick-or-treating, there's plenty happening during the country's autumn break. We also find out why Halloween gets mixed reviews among French people.
This week on French Connections we take a look at the little green crosses the dot the French landscape: pharmacies. We find out how French pharmacies are adapting to the current shortage of doctors. We also discuss the reasons why France is facing a shortage of some medication. Plus we take a look at one of many pharmacists' specialties: distinguishing edible mushrooms from toxic ones.
In this edition of French Connections we explore "la rentrée", the renaissance that takes place after France's summer shutdown. Children return to school, politicians scheme about the year to come and people get back to work after their holidays. While some experience "rentrée blues", others take the opportunity to make a fresh set of resolutions for the year ahead. We take a closer look.
The Seine is literally the center of life in Paris, flowing right through the heart of the capital. Considered one of the most romantic rivers in the world, the Seine is overflowing with history and is a great way to discover the city of light. More recently, officials have given the Seine a facelift, making the banks more accessible and improving the quality of the water. Join Florence Villeminot and Genie Godula for this aquatic episode of French Connections Plus where they dive into the wondrous waters of the river Seine.
The recent passing of Jane Birkin was a reminder of just how attached French people are to la chanson française, which literally translates to "French songs" but is much more than that. Chanson française is a very distinct genre of music and is intertwined with French culture and history. Several styles of chanson française have emerged over the years, but the defining feature that ties them all together is that it's all about the words. In this episode of French Connections we take you on a musical tour of la chanson française.
Olympic fever is starting to crank up, a year ahead of Paris hosting the world's biggest sporting event. The French capital is determined ensure everything will be set fair for the opening ceremony on July 26, 2024. Although authorities say they're confident all the infrastructure will be ready for the Games, a number of challenges remain, particularly on the issue of security. While some promises regarding transport have already been broken, others, like being able to hold events in the Seine, are still on target. We take a closer look in this edition of French Connections.
France's healthcare system is something of an object of fascination abroad and is often held up as an example for its quality of treatment and universality of coverage. But the system is actually facing some major structural problems that have come to a head in recent years. Perhaps the biggest and most urgent problem is a phenomenon the French call "medical deserts". What is a medical desert, where are they located in France, and what is the government doing to try to fix the problem? We take a closer look in this edition of French Connections.
Bordering the French Riviera, Marseille is a one-of-a-kind place in France with a soul of its own. The colourful metropolis is famous for being the sunniest city in the country and a fascinating destination with a rich history. The southern port city has been at the crossroads of trade and immigration since it was first founded in 600 BC. All this has made Marseille into a Mediterranean melting pot with a diverse cultural and gastronomic heritage.
In this week’s show, buckle your seatbelts as Genie Godula and Florence Villeminot focus on a French institution that, if you’re lucky, you can spot occasionally if you gaze up at the sky. The “Patrouille de France”, the precision aerobatics demonstration unit of the French Air and Space Force, is celebrating its 70th anniversary. What’s so special about the so-called “Grande Dame''? First off, the squad is composed of the crème de la crème of France’s elite air force pilots. But it’s much more than a stunt team, it holds a special place in the hearts and minds of the French.
In this special history episode of French Connections Plus, we put the spotlight on what has come to be seen as a dark period: the Middle Ages. The era known as "le Moyen Âge" in French covered some 1,000 years: ten centuries of political upheaval, royal intrigue, wars, disease and famine. But it was also a rich period of artistic and intellectual development when in many ways France took on the shape it has today. So what's left of this complex chapter of French history? Join Florence Villeminot and Genie Godula as they time-travel back to the Middle Ages in France.
This week we turn the spotlight on perhaps the most French thing of all: the language. If you're learning French, you'll know that it's a complex and rich language that's constantly evolving. So how has French changed in recent years? How does this reflect changes in French society? And how does its standing compare to other languages spoken around the world? In this edition of French Connections, we find out whether the future of the French language is bright.
If you're asked to name a French wine, Bordeaux is usually the first that springs to mind. Wines from the region around the southwestern French metropolis are famous for their complexity, elegance and class. But Bordeaux has so much more going for it than just wine. Join Florence Villeminot and Genie Godula as they discover the history and culture of the city through its gastronomy.
May is a month of celebration in France. The bulk of the country's 11 public holidays fall during May, making it a favourite for employees. Meanwhile, May Day or Workers' Day is an annual bellwether for social relations in the country. This year, trade unions are united and fired up against President Emmanuel Macron for ramming his controversial pension reform through parliament without a vote. They're hoping for mass turnout at rallies to put pressure on the government. Finally, May 1 is also a day to wish your loved ones good luck with a bouquet of the beautiful lily of the valley flower.
In this edition of French Connections, we focus on a debate that comes up repeatedly in France: does the French president have too much power and if so, should France change its current political system, known as the Fifth Republic? Recently, this question has been back in the spotlight after President Emmanuel Macron forced his controversial pension reform plan through parliament without a vote. FRANCE 24's Florence Villeminot has been looking into the arguments for a Sixth Republic in France.
In this special history episode of French Connections Plus, we take a deep dive into "la Belle Époque" or "The Beautiful Era", a period in France history straddling the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. It was a moment of peace and prosperity, technological progress, bubbling creativity and hope in the future. The period also saw deep societal change that laid the foundations of modern-day France. But there was a darker side to "la Belle Époque", as it was marked by great inequality and imperialism. This begs the question: was it really such a beautiful era? We take a closer look.
In this week's show, we take a closer look at money in France, a country where talking about financial matters can be quite taboo. The French have traditionally been big savers. So where does this tendency to stow away cash come from? We put the spotlight on one of the most popular savings options: the Livret A. Created in 1818, eight in ten French people have one of these savings accounts. So who can open one and what's so advantageous about it? We tell you more.
Located in east-central France, the city of Lyon is famous for its food. Join Florence Villeminot and Genie Godula as they go to a typical local restaurant – known as a "bouchon" – which serves traditional Lyonnaise cuisine, hearty meals where offal is a star and wine is served by the pitcher. They also take you to the restaurant of revered French chef Paul Bocuse, who passed away in 2018. We even learn how to cook frogs' legs thanks to Olivier Couvin, the Michelin-starred chef who's continuing Bocuse's legacy today. This edition of French Connections is a chance to bite into Lyon's food culture and unlock the city's history.
For years, France has been proud of a so-called French exception: its high fertility rate. The country has long been the baby-making champion of Europe, but has seen the number of births fall in recent years. So what's the cause of this "baby bust"? And what are the long-term economic and social consequences for the French population? We take a closer look in this edition of French Connections.
This week, we focus on a recurring debate in France: should uniforms be obligatory in schools? The issue has come up again after the far-right National Rally proposed a bill to make uniforms compulsory in public schools. The bill was rejected but not before getting a surprising boost from First Lady Brigitte Macron. So what is the situation in France? Many want to “bring back” the uniform, but there has never been a law for it, not since France became a republic. So why does it keep coming up?
Cette semaine, French Connections se penche sur un stéréotype bien ancré dans les mentalités à l'étranger: les Français ont tendance à faire grève souvent, pour ne pas dire tout le temps. Ce début d’année a été marqué par un mouvement social d’ampleur national contre la réforme des retraites d’Emmanuel Macron. D’autres grèves sont prévues pour les jours qui viennent. Cette réputation est-elle justifiée ? Ou est-ce tout simplement un gros cliché ?
For decades, France has been the world's number one tourist destination, ahead of Spain and the United States. In 2019, nearly 90 million people visited the country. The aim had been to reach 100 million tourists by 2020, but then the Covid-19 pandemic hit. Yet after several tough years, the tourism sector is making a comeback. So what does the future of France's travel trade look like? How can the country avoid being a victim of its success and welcome tourists in a sustainable way? In this episode of French Connections Plus, Florence Villeminot and Genie Godula take a snapshot of France's thriving tourism industry.
This Thursday, much of France is grinding to a halt due to a nationwide general strike over pension reform. It begs the question: is striking typically French? Although French people arguably have striking down to a fine art, on closer inspection, the figures debunk the myth. So why is the stereotype of a nation on strike so hard to shake off? We tell you more in this edition of French Connections.
France's pension system is an emotional and divisive issue. Critics say it's an expensive and complex burden for the French economy, while defenders say it's a treasure that needs protecting. Attempts to reform it (and there have been many) have driven a cross-section of French society into the street and ground the country to a halt. President Emmanuel Macron came to power in 2017 with the promise of streamlining the pension system. His initial plan was sidelined by the Covid-19 pandemic but he's determined to push through changes during his second term. Will he manage where others have failed? We take a closer look in this edition of French Connections.
In this week's French Connections, Genie Godula and French Connections take a closer look at what French law says about abortion and contraception, in light of some new developments. Recently, the government made contraception and condoms completely free for anyone under the age of 26. Meanwhile, the morning-after pill has become free for all women. With abortion rights moving backwards in the US, Poland and Hungary, there have been calls to enshrine these rights in the French constitution. But while a majority of French people support the idea, changing the constitution is a complex affair.
We've talked about the baguette multiple times on French Connections, but this week has seen some exciting news for this quintessential symbol of France. The French baguette has been added to UNESCO's list of cultural treasures known as 'intangible heritage'. The idea of the register is to protect traditions and skills, such as Belgian beer culture or Neapolitan pizza, so they are not lost over time. But if the French baguette is so popular, why does it need protecting? And how do you make a baguette? We take a closer look.
One of the best things about France is its food. Each region has its own culinary wonders that reflect the area's culture and history. Join Genie Godula and Florence Villeminot as they embark on a road trip to discover France's regions through gastronomy. Their first stop is Normandy. Known for its world-famous beaches and towering monuments – like the Mont-Saint-Michel – the region is also a foodie's paradise. From the creamy delight that is Camembert to the apple brandy named Calvados, we take you to discover the region of Normandy through its culinary specialties.
In this week's show we focus on environmental activism in France. The issue has been in the spotlight following a standoff between authorities and environmentalists over the construction of an agriculture water storage project in western France. The local project grabbed national headlines after violent clashes between law enforcement agents and activists. According to Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin, the activists' methods amount to "eco-terrorism". The situation is potentially explosive for the government. Critics say the environmentalist movement is seeing growing extremism within its ranks, but the tradition of environmental activism runs deep in France.
In this episode of French Connections, we put the spotlight on one of France’s most famous national monuments: the Mont-Saint-Michel. "The Medieval City on a Rock" is an architectural marvel in Normandy that attracts around 3 million visitors a year. So what's the history of this mystical place? Mont-Saint-Michel is technically a town, so do people actually live there? And with so many tourists, is Mont-Saint-Michel a victim of its success?
Wherever you go in France, a vast variety of dishes reflect the history and identity of each region. But while the capital is the heart of cultural life in France, with some of the best restaurants in the world, people don't usually associate Paris with a particular dish. And yet, typical dishes and wines do exist from Paris and the wider region! In this episode of French Connections Plus, Florence Villeminot and Genie Godula explore what the French capital has to offer in terms of gastronomical treasures. They also speak to Geoffrey Finch from Paris Wine Walks about the city’s hidden vineyards and the wine revolution underway in and around Paris.
The death of Franco-Swiss filmmaker Jean-Luc Godard earlier this month provoked an outpouring of emotion in France. He was arguably the most iconic member of the French New Wave, one of the most influential movements in film history and one that made a mark on generations of filmmakers around the world. While French cinema has traditionally inspired and fascinated filmmakers abroad, today it needs defending from the bulldozer of major foreign filmmaking machines like Hollywood, as well as streaming platforms. So what does the state do to protect French cinema? We take a closer look in this edition of French Connections.
Despite it being a country that so famously chopped off the head of its own king, many people in France are enchanted by the British monarchy. This fascination was particularly visible when Queen Elizabeth II passed away last week. On top of the official expression of condolences by French President Emmanuel Macron, many ordinary French people were upset at the passing of the monarch. For many, the queen was a symbol of Franco-British friendship and the Entente cordiale. But will the mutual fascination between France and the British monarchy continue with King Charles III? We take a closer look in this episode of French Connections.
It’s grape-picking season! With over 3,000 different types of wine, France is one of the world’s leading wine-producing nations. This year, after a scorching summer, harvests (les vendanges) started in mid-August, a lot earlier than usual, confirming a trend of increasingly early harvests. Scientists say that climate change is affecting not only the date of harvests but the quality of the grapes themselves and the amount of wine produced. In this edition of French Connections we explore the grape harvest, an integral part of France's DNA.
As regular viewers will know, French Connections is all about exploring the intricacies of life in France and tearing apart common clichés about the French. There are indeed many stereotypes. Always fascinating, frequently baffling, France is a country that non-French people often like to reduce to preconceived notions. So what are the prevailing clichés about the French and why is it so hard to shake them off? For this 40th episode of French Connections Plus, Florence Villeminot and Genie Godula bring you a special show on stereotypes about France.
Les Français ont la réputation d’être en vacances tout le temps, mais qu’en est-il vraiment ? Il faut dire qu’il y a une part de vérité dans ce stéréotype : la France est très généreuse quand il s'agit des congés payés. Avec cinq semaines par an, les salariés français sont très bien lotis par rapport à leurs voisins et surtout par rapport aux autres pays de l'OCDE. Alors que font les Français en vacances ? Eh bien pas grand-chose, sauf certains petits forcés à faire des devoirs d’été par leurs parents !
With a minimum of 30 days of paid leave per year, French people have the reputation of being on vacation all the time. During the summer months of July and August, parts of the country virtually shut down. So, what do they do with these cherished “congés payés”?
France is famous around the world for its beautiful sights and delicious food, but it’s also infamous for its aggressive drivers. The French are the first to admit that it can things can get hairy on the roads, especially in Paris. From drivers speeding to those who give the finger, driving in France can be a terrifying experience. In addition, some traffic rules can be downright confusing and getting a licence is something of an obstacle course. In this episode of French Connections Plus, Florence Villeminot and Genie Godula buckle up and explore French driving culture.
This week, we explore the upcoming French legislative elections, the so-called "third round" of the presidential race. This time, French voters are electing 577 MPs to the Assemblée nationale, the lower house of parliament. Though arguably just as important as the race for the Élysée Palace, turnout tends to be lower. So do these elections work? We tell you more in this edition of French Connections.
We focus on one of the most iconic features of life in the French capital: not the Eiffel Tower or Notre-Dame Cathedral, but the Paris underground metro network. How has it evolved since it was first inaugurated 120 years ago? And how is it dealing with current challenges like the growing number of commuters, as well as strike action? In this episode of French Connections Plus, Florence Villeminot and Genie Godula take a trip underground to discover the Parisian metro.
Recent visitors to France will no doubt have noticed the return of foreign tourists. Two years of Covid-19 took a heavy toll on what is otherwise a booming business and an important part of the French economy. Now things appear to be looking up again for the tourist industry. For decades, France has been the number one tourism destination in the world, ahead of Spain and the US. So what explains this lasting success? We take a closer look in this edition of French Connections.
Compared to other industrialised countries, French people tend to live relatively long lives. Currently the oldest person alive in the world is a French woman: a Catholic nun living in the South of France. So what’s the secret? Do long lunch breaks and red wine have something to do with it? What’s the economic impact of an aging population and what can the country do to improve care for a growing number of dependent people?
Presidential elections happen all over the world, but France has its own, unique way of doing things. While there's always some suspense around who will end up in the Élysée Palace, there are some pretty clear rules about getting there: whether it's campaign financing, how much media access the candidates get and how the vote happens on election day. In this episode of French Connections Plus, Florence Villeminot and Genie Godula take a closer look at the protocol governing the French presidential election.
The French presidential election is just around the corner. With the official campaign period in full swing, we explore a particularity of the French electoral system: a candidate's access to mass media. France has a very egalitarian view when it comes to a candidate's access to TV and radio. The idea is for candidates, big or small, to have an equal playing field and for voters to have access to a wide range of ideas. But is this complex system still in step with modern politics?
The first round of the French presidential election is now only a month away. Twelve candidates are vying for the French presidency – a unique, immensely powerful institution. Experts say it's the most powerful office in the democratic world. How much authority and might does France's leader have on the national and international stages, and what are the other perks that come with the top job? In this episode of French Connections Plus, Florence Villeminot and Genie Godula explore the many powers of the French president.
In this edition of French Connections, we look at some of the fallout of the war in Ukraine here in France. Events that would be grabbing headlines have been overshadowed. That’s the case of the beloved Paris Agriculture Fair, although the conflict in Ukraine has got French farmers worried about a rise in the price of grain feed and fertilisers, as well as higher energy prices. Meanwhile, the French presidential campaign, which would normally be the centre of attention, has also been put on the backburner.
In this week's edition of French Connections, we focus on something very important that follows you around your whole life: your name. While names can be a source of pride, they can also be a heavy burden for some. In France, changing your last name could be about to get a lot easier. French lawmakers are debating a bill that would simplify the procedure, especially for people who want to take their mother's last name. We also look at the rules surrounding first names and some French favourites.
France is considered one of the top destinations in the world for winter sports, known as "les sports d'hiver". They're a major part of the country’s tourism industry. Ski culture goes beyond the slopes, and like many things in France, it also involves a lot of food. But has skiing become too expensive? And how can resorts cope with climate change? In this episode of French Connections Plus, Florence Villeminot and Genie Godula slalom the ins and outs of the white gold that is French skiing.
What makes gruyère unique? The mild, smooth and nutty cheese is a staple in Switzerland and France. Like many beloved cheeses, it’s highly protected. In France and Switzerland, to be able to call their cheese "gruyère", producers have to follow strict production rules. French and Swiss gruyère makers had hoped to extend this exclusive right to the name to the US market. But in a major blow, a federal judge ruled that gruyère is generic and can be produced anywhere. French and Swiss producers have vowed to appeal the decision that sets a precedent in a much larger ongoing battle between the US and Europe over food labelling.
For Parisians, the metro ticket is a familiar feature, but one that's gradually disappearing. Public transport authorities in the French capital have started withdrawing the books of 10 cardboard metro tickets known as "le carnet". While the physical paper metro ticket that many Parisians are attached to will not vanish overnight, it's a shift towards a more modern and eco-friendly paperless future. It's not the first time the ticket has evolved. In many ways, the history of the metro ticket mirrors evolutions in French history. We take a closer look in this edition of French Connections.
France's prominent Le Petit Robert dictionary, considered a linguistic authority in the country, recently added a new pronoun to its online edition. The word is "iel", a gender-neutral merging of the masculine "il" (he) and the feminine "elle" (she). This new pronoun, intended for those who identify as neither male nor female, is already used online and by younger generations. But the move to include it in the dictionary provoked a backlash from politicians and linguists. One vocal critic of the new pronoun is French Education Minister Jean-Michel Blanquer. He says it's the latest expression of "wokism" which, he claims, threatens France's universalist model. We take a closer look.
American-born entertainer-turned-resistance fighter and civil rights activist Josephine Baker is the latest to get the ultimate recognition from the French state: entombment in the Pantheon. That begs the questions: what does it take to be a national hero in France?
In this week's French Connections, we're climbing aboard an institution: the TGV. France's cherished bullet train is an important part of the landscape and has been connecting far-flung parts of the country for more than 40 years. The first TGV voyage was inaugurated by president François Mitterrand in September 1981. Not only was it an industrial feat, it also revolutionised modern train travel and decentralised the country. But what does the TGV of the future look like? We take a closer look.
When you picture the French capital, you probably think of beautiful monuments, romantic cafés and pretty parks. But for many tourists in Paris, the city is just too dirty. Whether it’s the urine-soaked streets, ubiquitous dog poop or countless cigarette butts, the reality of everyday Paris is often at odds with the postcard version. Paris authorities pump a lot of money and manpower into keeping the city clean. So what's the problem? Could it be Parisians themselves? In this episode of French Connections Plus, Florence Villeminot and Genie Godula investigate the capital's filthy reputation.
Dans le pays aux quelque 1 000 fromages, le camembert est l'un des fleurons de la gastronomie française. Mondialement connu, ce délice crémeux est une fierté nationale très appréciée. Chaque minute, 950 camemberts sont vendus en France. Et si le sacro-saint camembert a longtemps été le fromage à pâte molle le plus consommé dans l'Hexagone, il vient d’être détrôné par un autre fromage à base de lait de vache qui vient de l’autre côté des Alpes : la mozzarella. Qu’est-ce qui peut expliquer ce changement dans les habitudes alimentaires des Français ?
This week, we dip into the world of France’s most iconic cheese: le camembert. It’s a national symbol that French people are very proud of, but recently Italian mozzarella outsold camembert in France. Has there been a major change in the hearts and minds of the French? Meanwhile, small and industrial-scale producers of camembert have been waging a war over the brand. What’s the traditional recipe, and how do you choose a good camembert?
France's third-favourite pastime, just after football and fishing, is hunting. The ancestral activity is a divisive one today, with passions running high between those who defend hunting traditions and a growing number of animal rights activists. Though the hunting lobby is strong, a majority of French people have an unfavourable view of hunting. In recent years, hunters have been on a mission to change hearts and minds and defend their rural way of life. So is it working? We take a closer look in this edition of French Connections.
Contraception and abortion are considered fundamental, hard-earned rights in France, where they are sometimes referred to as the habeas corpus of women. But women are still having to defend them today. So what exactly does French law say? What rights do women have and what are they still fighting for? We take a closer look in this week's edition of French Connections.
The Covid-19 pandemic has put vaccine scepticism in the spotlight around the world, especially in France. Even before the epidemic turned our worlds upside down, France was one of the most vaccine-hesitant countries in the world. It’s a real paradox in a nation that was home to scientist Louis Pasteur and his pioneering discoveries in immunology. In this episode of French Connections Plus, Florence Villeminot and Genie Godula take a stab at where this vaccine hesitancy comes from and why it's so hard to cure.
Depuis quelques années, la ville de Paris multiplie les mesures pour réduire la circulation automobile, afin de désengorger la capitale et de limiter la pollution de l'air. Cela rend la circulation encore plus difficile et la colère monte contre Anne Hidalgo, maire de Paris. Une grogne qui n'est pas prête de retomber puisque, depuis le 1er septembre, la limitation de la vitesse de circulation est passée de 50 à 30 km par heure.
With his crooked boxer nose, mischievous grin and ever-present cigarette, Jean-Paul Belmondo was one of the most popular figures of French cinema. With a career spanning 60 years and more than 80 films, he was loved by all generations. For many people, he represented the quintessential Frenchman: charismatic, seductive, classy and laid back. As France holds a national tribute to the actor who died on Monday aged 88, we look a closer look at the life and legacy of the beloved "Bébel".
Paris is famous around the world for its beautiful sights and towering monuments, but it's also somewhat infamous for its driving culture. Parisian drivers are the first to admit that manoeuvring the streets can be quite a harrowing experience. Over the years, Paris's authorities have taken steps to limit traffic in the French capital and encourage alternative modes of transport like cycling. The idea is to make the capital safer while also cutting air pollution, yet this has sparked growing rage among drivers. We take a closer look in this edition of French Connections.
French history has been marked by several bloody revolutions. We often think about the big one in 1789 which profoundly transformed French society and inspired other countries around the world. But other uprisings have shaped modern-day France as well and handed the French somewhat of a rebellious reputation. In this episode of French Connections Plus, Florence Villeminot and Genie Godula unpack the legacy of these revolutions and explore what’s left of France’s revolutionary spirit.
S'il n'y a qu'une seule langue officielle en France – le français –, il y a de nombreuses langues locales. En France métropolitaine, il y a l'alsacien, le basque, le breton, le catalan, le corse et l'occitan, par exemple. On compare parfois la France à une mini-Europe avec une grande diversité linguistique. Il y a également toutes les langues locales dans les territoires d'Outre-mer. Toutes ces langues sont des vestiges de l'histoire de la France et font partie de notre riche patrimoine culturel. Mais l'enseignement de ces langues à l’école peut provoquer de vives débats.
In this week's French Connections show, we find out who you should call if you find yourself in an emergency situation here in France. There's a French particularity here, namely the large number of emergency numbers available. So what are the main emergency numbers? Should France have just one number? Why are firefighters and emergency medics divided over the issue? We take a closer look.
Paris has been a source of fascination for centuries and the French capital is one of the most visited cities in the world. By day or by night, it’s a beautiful city packed with towering monuments, inspiring museums and romantic cafés and yet, tourists often say Paris would be so nice if it weren't for the Parisians. So where does this bad reputation come from? In this episode of French Connections Plus, Florence Villeminot and Genie Godula turn the spotlight on the City of Lights and its peculiar inhabitants: les Parisiens.
In this week's French Connections, we focus on the upcoming regional elections. Traditionally, these polls are not as followed as closely as the presidential or municipal elections. So what's the purpose of them and what power do French regions have? Turnout during regional elections is often low, but this year they're receiving a lot of attention because of their timing – one year before the next French presidential race. We take a closer look at what's at stake.
French is the official language of France, but the country also counts dozens of regional languages. So what are they and who speaks them? While many regional languages are alive and well, time and time again they cause a national debate. Recently a law aimed at protecting regional languages was partially repealed by France's Constitutional Council, which saw it as a threat to national unity. We take a closer look in this edition of French Connections.
You might picture the stereotypical French person wearing a beret, a glass of wine in one hand and a cigarette in the other. But does France deserve its chain-smoking reputation? While many tourists say large numbers of smokers are one of the first things they notice, statistics show their number is dropping dramatically in France. What steps has the government taken to get people to stop? And if more and more people are quitting, why is the cliché so hard to stamp out? Take a puff of France's smoking culture with Florence Villeminot and Genie Godula.
Education, like so many other sectors, has been profoundly affected by the coronavirus pandemic. It's been an unusual year for students, especially high school students getting ready to pass the national school leaving exam known as the "Baccalauréat" or "bac". For exceptional times, the French government has put in place exceptional measures. So what's going to change for this year's bac? And how are students in higher education coping? Is there going to be a "lost generation" of students due to Covid-19? We take a closer look in this edition of French Connections.
This year marks the bicentenary of Napoléon Bonaparte's death, but two centuries on, his legacy remains controversial. Was he a heroic reformer or a racist, misogynistic tyrant? While he contributed massively to the modern French state, there are also darker aspects to his legacy, such as his reintroduction of slavery to islands in the Caribbean and the Indian Ocean in 1802. The debate over how and even whether to commemorate the emperor rages on in France. We take a closer look in this edition of French Connections.
When it comes to taxation, France has a bad reputation. Perhaps that’s because the stereotype is true: French people pay a lot of taxes. In fact, France frequently tops the podium when it comes to the amount of tax taken in compared to the size of the economy. So what are the main taxes that individuals pay? And how do the French feel about this heavy tax burden? In this episode of French Connections Plus, Florence Villeminot and Genie Godula dive into the complex and opaque world of taxation in France.
C’est une fierté française : notre taux de natalité ! En matière de procréation, les Français sont les champions européens, alors même que le taux de fécondité baisse régulièrement en France ces dernière années. Comment expliquer cela ? Et si la courbe des naissances était déjà décroissante, la crise du Covid-19 l’a encore entraîné vers le bas. La France vit-elle un “baby blues”?
France's elite finishing school ENA (National School of Administration) was created in 1945 by Charles de Gaulle with the aim of opening up the country's civil service. Among its illustrious alumni are former presidents as well as countless prime ministers and ministers. Attending ENA is seen as a pathway to power in both the public and private sectors. But over the years, the school's lack of diversity has worsened, leading critics to label it as elitist and out of touch. President Emmanuel Macron, who attended the school himself, has vowed to abolish the institution. So what will replace it? Is this merely a rebranding or will it bring about real change?
L'alliance historique de la France et des États-Unis ressemble à une drôle d’amitié, faite à la fois d’admiration et d’agacement. En dépit de hauts et de bas, la coopération militaire et politique entre les deux démocraties ne s'est jamais démentie.
Dans cette édition de French Connections, Florence Villeminot, journaliste à France 24 et franco-américaine, explore quelques aspects de cette relation passionnelle et passionnée.
C’est un cliché qui colle à la peau des Français : ils auraient tendance à se plaindre. Mais d’où vient cette réputation et, surtout, est-elle avérée ? Les Français sont-ils vraiment les champions du monde des grincheux ? Est-ce un comportement typiquement parisien ? Mais pourquoi râle-t-on ?
Le cliché du Français bougon nous colle à la peau. Mais année après année, études statistiques et sondages le confirment : les Français sont (très) pessimistes. Cela peut paraître incompréhensible pour certains étrangers, étant donné le niveau de vie élevé dans l’Hexagone et l’art de vivre à la française. Alors, comment expliquer cette négativité? Est-ce que ce pessimisme cacherait en fait un certain idéalisme?
On la fait tous les jours, sans franchement le remarquer. La bise, cette coutume typiquement française peut surprendre, intriguer et même dégoûter ! En France, on connaît implicitement le mode d’emploi pour faire la bise, mais pour un étranger cela peut prêter à confusion. Alors comment se fait-on la bise? Et comment est-ce que les habitudes ont évolué au fil du temps?
Le stéréotype du Français sale et crasseux continue à être répandu à travers le monde. D’où vient ce cliché et pourquoi est-il persistant? Si l'hygiène s’est nettement améliorée depuis la fin du 19eme siècle, il est difficile de faire un bilan clair sur la situation actuelle, car les sondages sont contradictoires. Les Français sont-ils réellement fâchés avec leur salle de bain ? Un certain anti-hygiénisme est-il meilleur pour la santé et l'environnement ?
Ils les appellent les "Rosbifs", eux les appellent les "Frogs" : Français et Britanniques ont une relation houleuse, faite d’admiration, d’exaspération et de rivalité réciproques. Avec les tensions autour du Brexit, cette ambigüité est au cœur de l'actualité. Tandis que les demandes de naturalisation de Britanniques installés en France explosent, les Français cultivent un amour secret pour la famille royale. Décryptage avec notre spécialiste de la déconstruction des stéréotypes.
Chaque année, 4 000 animaux envahissent Paris pour le Salon de l’agriculture, un rendez-vous incontournable du calendrier culturel français. Pour la classe politique, c’est un passage obligé qui permet de tester sa popularité. Pour les exploitants, c’est l'opportunité de partager la passion de leur métier. Pour autant, si le monde agricole est mis à l’honneur pendant la période du salon, cela reste une industrie en pleine crise.
Vu de l'étranger, la manifestation est une pratique bien française, elle fait partie de notre ADN. Contrairement au droit de grève, la liberté de manifester n'est pas inscrite dans la Constitution française. Et à chaque "manif" revient la même question : combien sont-ils ? Les chiffres font souvent le grand écart entre la police et les organisateurs. Comment compte-t-on le nombre de manifestants ? Et enfin, à quoi servent réellement ces manifestations ? Sont-elles efficaces ?
Depuis les attentats de 2015, il y a une réappropriation des symboles nationaux français (la Marseillaise, le drapeau tricolore, Marianne). Un phénomène qui s'est poursuivi avec la victoire des Bleus à la Coupe du monde de football. D'où viennent ces symboles ? Et pourquoi cette réappropriation n’est-elle pas évidente pour tous ?
La France est un patchwork d'accents qui témoignent d'une diversité linguistique historique. Mais il existe une discrimination contre les accents : la glottophobie. Comment combattre cette stigmatisation ?
Paris, ville de l'amour, ville-lumière... Mais pas seulement. Arrivés dans la capitale française, beaucoup de touristes déchantent à la vue des poubelles et des crottes de chiens sur les trottoirs.