France in focus

By FRANCE 24 English

France in focus episodes

July 25, 2023 Paris 2024 Olympics: Meet Margot, the medical student going for gold
One year ahead of France hosting the Olympic Games, we went to meet athlete Margot Chevrier. At 23, she's a pole vaulter for the French national team. The athlete is also in her fifth year of studying medicine in Nice and is getting ready to sit her exams to become a doctor. This high-flyer aims to one day become an Olympic champion. FRANCE 24's Marion Gaudin and Peter O'Brien report.
13 min
July 18, 2023 From monk to mayor: The guardians of France's Mont Saint-Michel
Known as the Wonder of the West, Mont Saint-Michel looks as if it could have been plucked from a fairytale. The religious sanctuary on France's Normandy coast turns 1,000 this year. Since the first stone was laid in 1023, it has been home to monks, monarchs and prisoners; a historic pilgrimage site that welcomes 3 million visitors each year. In this edition we meet some of the people who preserve its magic.
12 min
July 04, 2023 Jean Moulin: The face of the French Resistance
Jean Moulin was one of the many French Resistance fighters who stood up to the Germans during the occupation of France in World War II. A true symbol of the Resistance and the Republic, many streets, schools and universities have been named after the French hero since his death 80 years ago. Moulin continues to be honoured across the political spectrum. FRANCE 24's James Vasina and Florence Gaillard go back in time to tell the story of the man who would become the face of the French Resistance.
12 min
June 27, 2023 Polluted drinking water in France: Are pesticides the new 'forever' chemicals?
Water is a fundamental but fragile common resource that's being increasingly depleted and polluted by human activity. For several months now, traces of a pesticide called chlorothalonil – known as metabolites – have been detected in drinking water all over France, despite the pesticide being banned since 2020. How has France's most strictly controlled substance proven to be so polluted? FRANCE 24's team went to find out.
13 min
June 13, 2023 Ariane: Marking 50 years of European space conquest
Back in the 1960s, the Soviets and Americans were racing to the Moon. Europe did not want to be a bystander in the space race and embarked on the Ariane programme in 1973. We take a look back at how the Europeans launched their space programme. Today, the Ariane-6 rocket's inaugural flight is running three years behind schedule. The European Space Agency hopes it can take off by the end of 2023. FRANCE 24's Shirli Sitbon and Sylvain Rousseau report.
12 min
June 06, 2023 Le Mans turns 100: France's unforgiving 24-hour motor race
It’s one of the most iconic motor races in the world. The "24 hours of Le Mans" race marks a centenary this year. Seven auto manufacturers will be fighting for overall victory with 16 teams represented. The unique race tests its participants' reliability and endurance and encourages innovation. The 13,626km track attracts hundreds of thousands of fans from around the world every year. The endurance classic is both a physical and mental challenge for the drivers; the car that covers the greatest distance in 24 hours wins.
13 min
May 30, 2023 Is France ready for this year’s wildfire season?
2022 was the most devastating year ever for wildfires in France. The Bordeaux region in the country’s south west was especially hard hit. This as the climate emergency seen globally is increasingly making its presence felt in temperate zones. So, how is France now preparing for the summer ahead? Have lessons been learned from last year?
12 min
May 16, 2023 Influencers: France to bring in new law to prevent abuse
France counts approximately 150,000 online influencers. Their work can include product placement, tutorials and even promoting cosmetic surgery. While most influencers struggle to make a living from their craft, some have made it a lucrative business. But sometimes, scams can lurk behind the products being peddled by influencers. French lawmakers are currently examining a bill aimed at regulating the industry. We meet one of the MPs behind the bill and speak to a man who fell victim to a scam promoted by an influencer. We also meet a French content creator who no longer wants to be called an influencer.
13 min
May 08, 2023 Is France failing its rape victims?
According to figures from the French Ministry of Gender Equality, every year in France, 94,000 women report being victims of rape or attempted rape. But in 2021, barely 1 percent of the reported assaults resulted in a conviction. In addition to the emotional and psychological trauma, rape victims also have to deal with an unyielding administrative system and stereotypes, which often affect procedures and verdicts. FRANCE 24's Marie Schuster and James Mulholland report.
13 min
May 01, 2023 From 'Dirty Bertie' to Elizabeth II: The British monarchy's mark on Paris
As the UK prepares to celebrate King Charles III's coronation, we focus on the love affair between the British royal family and Paris, which has been both long and reciprocal. A series of landmarks are dedicated to British monarchs in the capital, such as Avenue Victoria – named after Queen Victoria, who in 1855 made the first state visit to Paris in over 400 years. In 1918, George V Avenue was renamed in honour of the British king for recognition of his role as monarch during World War I.
12 min