French connections

France's particular brand of secularism, known as "laïcité", is considered a backbone of the French Republic. And yet this separation of church and state is a touchy subject and often misunderstood. Its backers say it's the glue that lets the French live together in harmony despite their differences, but critics say it's anti-religious and increasingly used to stigmatise Muslims. In this show, we...

In this French Connections Plus, Genie Godula and Florence Villeminot continue their tour of Paris with a stop in the elegant ninth arrondissement . The district is known for its many theatres, like the incredible Palais Garnier, home to Paris's historic opera house. The ninth stretches from the opera house to the foot of Montmartre in the north and it's a shopper's paradise in between. You'll fin...

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,...