Into the woods we go on this week's French Connections. Over 30 percent of mainland France is covered by forests. It's the fourth most forested country in Europe. We explore this heritage, why France’s trees are suffering, and how, for some, hugging a tree can do a body good.

Are the French polite? Or are they rude? This week on French Connections we tackle these stereotypes. We also delve into some of the basic etiquette rules that tourists need to know in order to avoid a faux pas. Be it a "bonjour", a "coucou", "la bise" or "un check", we explore the importance – and power – of French greetings.

Bonne année ! Happy New Year! This week on French Connections we take a look at the top New Year's resolutions among the French. We also discuss why some people no longer make them, how Dry January has created political controversy in France and how the tradition of "la galette des rois" (king cake) may be an early temptation to break some of those resolutions. 

From oysters to snails to the Provence tradition of 13 desserts, this week on French Connections we take a look at the classic French Christmas meal. Traditionally held on Christmas Eve, it is often a festive, family affair. We also discuss how best to keep family discussions around the dinner table from getting too heated.

Paris is racing against time to get its mass transit system ready for the 2024 Summer Olympics. This week on French Connections, we take a look at the promises that have been kept and those that have fallen to the wayside. We also discuss how much metro tickets will actually cost and how politicians have been voicing concern over whether the French capital will be ready for the world's biggest sporting event. 

From hanging Christmas trees from the ceiling to the "Père Fouettard", we take a look at some of France's end-of-year traditions. We also discuss debates over tipping at New Year, nativity scenes in public places and whether presents should be opened on December 24 or 25.

This week on French Connections we take a look at the complex web of "autoroutes", or highways, in France. Over 70 percent of French people stayed in France for their vacations in 2023, and that means most of them hit the road. From its inception in 1927 to controversial toll increases to bumper-to-bumper traffic, we tell you how these highways illustrate so much about French society. 

Food insecurity in France is growing. Over the past decade, the number of people asking for help has tripled. On French Connections, we dive into the world of food banks and how these charities are struggling to provide for France's neediest. We look at why critics say the system needs to change. Finally, we end on a positive note, discussing a highly praised French food distribution system: military rations.

France’s passion for ‘occasion,’ or ‘used’ items, is not new, but it is growing by 15 to 20 percent every year. In this week's edition of French Connections, we take a look at how, with inflation and a growing environmental consciousness, French people are increasingly avid buyers of second-hand things.

To add a little sweetness to our week, on French Connections we're exploring how French pastry is evolving. From a female French baker being named the best pastry chef in the world to the origins of the "haute patisserie" trend, to how "pâte à choux" (choux pastry) got its name, we dive into this emblem of French culture. We also take a look at its not-so-sweet side: how many pastries are thought to be home-made but are not.