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?