This week, we focus on a French sporting institution that comes around once a year: the Tour de France. It's considered one of the most difficult and most prestigious cycling races in the world. We tell you some of the specifics of the "Grande Boucle", like the different jerseys to look out for. Part of the reason the race is so popular is because the whole atmosphere is electric. But the Tour de France is so much more than just a cycling competition – it's also a celebration of France. 

You might picture the stereotypical French person wearing a beret, with 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 in France, statistics show that their number is in fact dropping dramatically. So what steps has the government taken to get people to stop smoking? We take a closer look in this edition of French Connections

In this edition of French Connections, Genie Godula and Florence Villeminot take you to the oldest district in Paris: the fifth arrondissement. First built by the Romans as part of the ancient city of Lutetia, the 5th is also a very young area, filled with students from several top universities and some of the best prep schools in France. The area is a window into Arab culture as well. It's home to both France's biggest mosque and the incredible Arab World Institute. Join us for a tour of the Latin Quarter and beyond.

For many French people, passing the national end-of-high-school exam, known as the Baccalaureate or "Bac", is an important rite of passage. The French love to brag about the "Bac" and how difficult it is, since this implies French pupils are smart. But with so many people passing the diploma, has it lost its value? Recently, the government completely reformed the Bac to make it a "springboard to success". Will it retain its egalitarian – albeit stressful – appeal? We take a closer look in this edition of French Connections.

France is the birthplace of cinema. Some 130 years later, the love of the silver screen is still very strong. The state has set up a special system to promote, protect and finance French films. Thanks to this system, France releases a large number of quality films that wouldn't otherwise be made, enabling them to compete with Hollywood. Join us as we take a deep dive into le cinéma français.

In this French Connections Plus, Genie Godula and Florence Villeminot continue their tour of Paris with a stop in a once-gritty, now-trendy district: the 12th arrondissement. Situated in the east of the French capital, the area was exempt from taxation for generations, making it a haven for both artisans and incredible markets like the marché d’Aligre, one of the oldest in Paris. The 12th is filled with culture and history as well. The incredible Bastille opera house was built to celebrate the bicentennial of the French revolution, right near the site of the prison where it began. Join us on a tour of Paris's largest arrondissement: the 12th. 

Paris is a popular tourist destination and many people dream about moving to the City of Light permanently. But how much does it actually cost to live in the French capital? Paris is not only the most expensive place to live in France, it’s one of the world’s priciest cities to reside in. Whether it's food, entertainment, healthcare, transport or most importantly housing, the cost of living is high. Why is it so pricey? And what are public officials doing to try to stop the city from turning into a ghetto for the wealthy? We take a closer look in this edition of French Connections.

In this edition of French Connections Plus, Genie Godula and Florence Villeminot continue their tour of Paris with a stop in one the capital’s most sophisticated arrondissements: the 7th. The area is rich with political and military history and filled with monuments like the Eiffel Tower and the gold-domed Invalides, where Napoleon is buried. It’s also rich, full stop! The 7th has been home to the French upper classes since the 17th century and that opulence is reflected in its many mansions that now house embassies and museums. Join us on a tour of the sophisticated 7th arrondissement!

Like other historically Catholic countries, France is a big fan of Easter, which is known here as Pâques. Traditionally, families gather for a big meal that usually involves lamb in some form. French children go on egg hunts, but flying bells – not the Easter bunny – deliver chocolate treats. Meanwhile, public religious ceremonies are common across the country, but how is that compatible with France's strict secular laws? We take a closer look in this edition of French Connections.

Considered the standard bearer for haute cuisine, France's Michelin Red Guide is the oldest hotel and restaurant guide in Europe. Its annual release is like the Oscars of gastronomy, sparking a major media frenzy and fierce debates about which chefs have won and lost the coveted "stars". So how does the guide rate restaurants? And is it too competitive? We take a closer look in this edition of French Connections.