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PODCAST

French connections

FRANCE 24 English

A quirky, insider"s guide to understanding France and the French, from the sublime to the ridiculous. Thursday at 1:45pm. And join us for French Connections Plus on the last Thursday of the month at 4:15pm.

news & politics

All Episodes

00:06:35

Let's be 'franc': A look inside French wallets

French connections ·

2024/02/08

In this edition we take a look inside "le portefeuille", or wallet, of French people. From the national healthcare card, "la carte vitale", to ID cards, to France's coins and bank notes, we trace the history of these typically French possessions. We also find out about France's oldest institution: la Monnaie de Paris, where coins are still made.

en

00:07:02

France's falling birth rate: To bébé or not to bébé?

French connections ·

2024/02/01

In 2023, only 678,000 babies were born in France. In this edition of French Connections, we delve into the complex web of reasons for this dip in France's birth rate. We discuss pushback against President Emmanuel Macron's plan to fix a "infertility scourge" and demographically "rearm" the nation with babies. We also find out how France remains a big baby maker compared to other large European countries, and how its bioethic laws could help.

en

00:06:58

Iconic French fashion: From berets to ballerina flats

French connections ·

2024/01/25

From striped tops, to berets, to ballerina flats, this week on French Connections we discuss which clothes are iconically French. We dive into the history of some of these sartorial splendours, as well as the French origins of the word fashion. We also look to the future and explore what the French school uniform could look like.

en

00:06:34

French forests: Putting down roots

French connections ·

2024/01/18

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.

en

00:06:56

Rude or polite? French greetings and how to avoid a...

French connections ·

2024/01/12

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.

en

00:07:10

French resolutions: How France kicks off the New Year

French connections ·

2024/01/04

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.

en

00:06:30

'Le réveillon de Noël': Digging into the French...

French connections ·

2023/12/21

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.

en

00:07:10

Paris transport: Will it be ready for the Olympics?

French connections ·

2023/12/14

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.

en

00:06:30

'Fin d'année' festivities: Exploring France's holiday...

French connections ·

2023/12/07

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.

en

00:06:33

French 'autoroutes': Political scandals, expensive...

French connections ·

2023/11/30

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.

en

00:06:36

French food banks: Charities struggle with increase...

French connections ·

2023/11/23

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.

en

00:07:47

Second-hand success: France's love of used items

French connections ·

2023/11/16

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.

en

00:06:30

'Crème de la crème:' Exploring the world of French...

French connections ·

2023/11/09

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.

en

00:06:38

Trick or...Toussaint: All Saints' Day and France's...

French connections ·

2023/10/26

This week on French Connections, we take a look at the autumn traditions of France. From a quick trip to the countryside, to "La Toussaint" or All Saints' Day, to chestnuts and trick-or-treating, there's plenty happening during the country's autumn break. We also find out why Halloween gets mixed reviews among French people.

en

00:06:29

A look over the counter at French pharmacies

French connections ·

2023/10/19

This week on French Connections we take a look at the little green crosses the dot the French landscape: pharmacies. We find out how French pharmacies are adapting to the current shortage of doctors. We also discuss the reasons why France is facing a shortage of some medication. Plus we take a look at one of many pharmacists' specialties: distinguishing edible mushrooms from toxic ones.

en

00:06:28

Digging into the French lunch break

French connections ·

2023/10/12

With tragic news making headlines, we could all use a break. So this week on French Connections, we're taking a look at the French lunch break. We find out about the surprising origins, the lasting tradition and the myriad of choices for the French midday meal.

en

00:06:29

Don't let the bedbugs bite: France tackles pests...

French connections ·

2023/10/05

From bedbugs to wild boars, this week in French Connections we explore the many species that are considered a nuisance to French people. There's even a term for these species: "les nuisibles". But not everyone agrees on which wild animals, birds and pests should be on the government's list of harmful species. We take a closer look.

en

00:14:49

Discovering France's regions via gastronomy: Lille,...

French connections ·

2023/09/28

Located in the very north of France near the Belgian border, Lille is a thriving international crossroads with a unique personality. The city has many charms, including Europe's largest annual flea market and a gorgeous old town with a mixture of French and Flemish roots. All this history is reflected in a rich culinary scene that includes hearty traditional meals, great local craft beers and iconic desserts. In this episode you'll discover typical dishes like the cheesy "welsh" and learn how to

en

00:06:10

'Non merci' to school bullying in France

French connections ·

2023/09/28

This week we find out why bullying has been making headlines in France. We hear from students, parents, anti-bullying activists and France's education minister on why combating harassment in schools, and online, is one of the government's top priorities.

en

00:05:36

The ins and outs of champagne, France's iconic...

French connections ·

2023/09/21

In this week's edition of French Connections we take a look at how and why champagne continues to be such an iconic, and protected, French wine. We also delve into what happens when there's too much of it and why French people aren't drinking as much wine as they used to.

en

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