This week, we take a step back from the news to focus on a French institution we talk a lot about in the news: the justice system. This might sound like a snooze fest but it is actually very interesting and useful because we talk about the justice system and the courts and trials all the time. We take a look at how it works and walk you through some of the particularities about the French system.

In this French Connections Plus, Genie Godula and Florence Villeminot continue their tour of Paris with a stop in the little-known 11th arrondissement. It's off the typical tourist track, but a favourite for locals. That's because the 11th is undoubtedly one of the coolest parts of town, full of trendy cafés, a dynamic food scene and wild nightlife. It's been a magnet for revellers for centuries, as well as a hotbed of popular revolt. Join us on this discovery tour of Paris's 11th arrondissement – an area that's edgy, vibrant and full of authentic Parisian energy you don't want to miss.

The Louvre museum has been in the spotlight recently following a spectacular jewelry heist, so in this week’s show we wanted to take a step back and take a closer look at the museum itself.The Louvre is the museum of all the superlatives as it is the biggest and most visited in the world. Its collection is truly staggering even if one painting sticks out as a crowd-pleaser: the mysterious Mona Lisa. How much does it cost to operate the museum and is its business model sustainable?

France may be known for its chateaux, cuisine and couture, but it is also quietly home to one of Europe's most varied amusement park industries. France has a network of theme parks – les parcs d'attractions – that in many ways reflect the country's contradictions: you've got global glamour next to local pride, high technology alongside nostalgic myth-making. Buckle up and join us on this wild ride around French amusement parks.

In this week's show, we take a deep dive into freedom of speech. It's been in the news stateside following the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk and the temporary suspension of stand-up comedian Jimmy Kimmel. In France, free speech is seen as a fundamental freedom that dates back to the Revolution of 1789. It is often described as a "liberté surveillée" (a supervised freedom) because while it grants wide-ranging freedom, it also sets strict legal limits. In France, freedom of expression is not absolute. So what are some of the things punishable by French law? We take a closer look.

In this French Connections Plus, Genie Godula and Florence Villeminot continue their tour of Paris with a stop in the 8th arrondissement. It has the most employees in the capital – but the fewest inhabitants! This key business district is renowned for its high-end hotels and boutiques, bringing visitors in from around the world to marvel at France's most luxurious goods. But the area is perhaps best known for having the most beautiful avenue in the world – the famous Champs-Élysées. Join us on this discovery tour of Paris's eighth arrondissement.

In this week's show we put the spotlight on how French institutions work, particularly the role of prime minister. Stuck between an all-powerful president pulling the strings, a turbulent parliament trying to topple you and critical media holding you accountable, some have gone so far as to describe Matignon, the prime minister's residence, as a "hell". So is being PM the toughest job in France? FRANCE 24's Florence Villeminot has been finding out.

This week on 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. While some experience a "rentrée blues", others take the opportunity to make a fresh set of resolutions.

In this edition of French Connections Plus, Genie Godula and Florence Villeminot continue their tour of Paris with a stop in one of the fastest-growing districts in the capital: the 19th. Located in the northeastern part of Paris, you’d be forgiven if you'd never heard of this district as it’s not a popular stop on the tourist track. While it may not have any notable monuments, the 19ème still has so much to offer! It's actually quite the hidden gem, where you can get a genuine taste of Paris in all its diversity. Join us on this discovery tour of Paris's nineteenth arrondissement.

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.