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.

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 beautiful and exciting arrondissements of the capital: the fourth. This district has so much packed into it! It’s where you'll find City Hall, Notre-Dame Cathedral and museums like the Centre Pompidou. The 4th is also home to Le Marais, a trendy neighbourhood known for its historic charm and vibrant cultural scene. Join us as we explore the iconic landmarks and hidden gems in this must-visit arrondissement of the French capital.

This week, we're focusing on citizenship. France is one of the more generous nations in Europe when it comes to granting citizenship to foreigners living there. But what does it take to become one? We break down the different paths to citizenship and the advantages that come once you've jumped through all the administrative hoops.

This week, we take a step back and look at France on the international stage. For a relatively small country, France wields a lot of diplomatic power and has so for centuries. French was once considered the language of diplomacy. But France has arguably been losing ground on the international stage in recent years. Its image has been degraded, for instance, in former colonies in Africa where it was once a key player and this impacts its credibility and influence. It begs the question: is France’s status dropping? How can France continue to matter on the world stage?

In this French Connections Plus, Genie Godula and Florence Villeminot continue their tour of Paris with a stop in the 2nd arrondissement, a district that's always been somewhat sandwiched between the Louvre-focused 1st arrondissement and the Marais. Home to the city's garment district Sentier, show-stopping venues like the Grand Rex and the Opéra Comique, it was also here that you could historically find the most luxurious brothels in the French capital. Join us as we explore the smallest and most eclectic arrondissement of Paris: le deuxième.