French connections

Created in the aftermath of World War II, France's social security system has become one of the pillars of French society, providing everything from healthcare and family benefits to pensions. But with an ageing population and mounting deficits, this ambitious model is facing a major financial test. We look at how the system works, why it is so deeply valued by the French and whether the country can afford to keep its promise of protecting everyone – from cradle to grave.

In this edition of French Connections, Genie Godula and Florence Villeminot continue their tour of Paris with a stop in the 18th arrondissement. The district is famous for landmarks like the Sacré-Cœur Basilica and the Moulin Rouge, but in this show we step away from the picture-postcard version of Montmartre and take you to see the rest of the 18th. We visit the vibrant multicultural neighbourhood called the Goutte d'Or, then take you to the largest fabric store in the world and introduce you to some of the 18th's most famous residents over the years. Join us as we explore the lesser-known side of the 18th arrondissement.

France is in the international spotlight as massive student protests show no sign of stopping. Demonstrating is something of a rite of passage for young people in France, a moment when teenagers discover politics and their collective voice. How has this "protest culture" manifested itself in recent French history? And why are some student protests effective at bringing about change and others not? We take a closer look in French Connections.

After football and fishing, France's third-favourite pastime is hunting. The ancestral activity is popular but also divisive, with passions running high between those who defend hunting traditions and a growing number of animal rights activists. Though it's become statistically safer, a majority of French people say they don’t feel secure walking in nature during hunting season. So what steps has the government taken to regulate hunting? And why is the hunting lobby so strong and influential? We take a closer look in this edition of French Connections.

France is gearing up for an election this Sunday, September 27 to renew just about half of the Senate's 348 red velvet seats. The French parliament is the country's bicameral legislature. The lower house (the National Assembly) tends to overshadow the upper house (the Senate). So what does the Senate actually do? Is it a powerful protector of the regions or a retirement club for old, mostly male politicians? We take a closer look in French Connections.

In this edition of French Connections, Genie Godula and Florence Villeminot continue their tour of Paris with a stop in the 3rd arrondissement. This is the quieter, more local side of the Marais and one of the oldest neighbourhoods in the French capital. It's a place where medieval history rubs shoulders with contemporary creativity. From the Knights Templar to fashion designers, from royal prisoners to food lovers – not to mention fascinating and sometimes quirky museums – join us as we wander through the troisième arrondissement.

With a minimum of 30 days of paid leave per year, French people have the reputation of being on vacation all the time. During the summer months of July and August, the country virtually shuts down. So what's behind this phenomenon? And what do they do with all those cherished "congés payés"? We take a closer look.

This week, we take a deep dive into a love affair that rivals France’s passion for wine, cheese and fashion: the French and their pets. Whether furry, feathered or scaly, the affection runs deep. More than half of French households own at least one pet, adding up to an astonishing 75 million animals across the country – meaning pets actually outnumber people in France! While many owners lavish attention on their animal companions, helping drive a booming pet care industry, there is also a darker side: some pets are abandoned, particularly during the summer months.

In this edition of French Connections, Genie Godula and Florence Villeminot continue their tour of Paris with a stop in the 10th arrondissement of Paris. Located in the heart of the Right Bank, it’s one of the most vibrant parts of the capital. A lot of people enter Paris through the dixième, thanks to the city’s two biggest train stations, the Gare de Nord et Gare de l’Est. They, along with the much-loved Canal Saint Martin, have helped turn the 10th into a multicultural melting pot of restaurants, bars, theatres and other hidden gems that capture the essence of real Parisian life.

If you've spent any time in France recently, you'll have noticed it has gotten warmer – especially in French cities. Why do cities suffer more, and what are big urban areas doing to combat the effects of climate change? Finally, how do people keep cool during a heatwave, and why are the French so resistant to air conditioning? We take a closer look in this edition of French Connections.