Podcast
France in focus
Hosted by FRANCE 24 English · EN
An in-depth look at the political and social events shaping France. Monday at 3:45pm Paris time.
12episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
The Bayeux Tapestry's risky journey across the Channel
6d ago00:12:17Tap to summarizeNearly 1,000 years after chronicling the Norman conquest of England, the Bayeux Tapestry is making history once again. The fragile 11th-century embroidery has arrived in London on an unprecedented loan to the British Museum, prompting delight and concern in equal measure. Celebrated as one of Europe's greatest medieval treasures, its journey has reignited debates over heritage, diplomacy and the risks of moving delicate cultural artefacts.
Transcribe →Nice 2016 terror attack: A decade of grief
1w ago00:12:15Tap to summarizeOn 14 July 2016, Nice was hit by the deadliest attack in its history, claimed by the Islamic State group. A truck ploughed into the Promenade des Anglais, striking crowds of spectators who had gathered to watch the Bastille Day fireworks. The attacker killed 86 people and injured hundreds more. Ten years later, our teams returned to the scene of the tragedy to meet survivors and hear their stories.
Transcribe →2027 French elections – France at a Crossroads: Episode 1
2w ago00:12:14Tap to summarizeDates have officially been set for France's 2027 presidential election. With less than a year to go, the country is already gearing up for Emmanuel Macron's successor. FRANCE 24 English and French teamed up to meet voters in the run-up to the crucial poll.
Transcribe →Who is Didier Deschamps, the France coach aiming for a third World Cup title?
Jun 1600:12:00Tap to summarizeDidier Deschamps has been coaching the French men's national football team for 14 years, a record period at the helm. He and his players are now aiming for a third World Cup title. The tournament in the US, Canada and Mexico will be his last competition as head of Les Bleus. France in Focus takes a closer look at the man whose name is synonymous with French football success.
Transcribe →€3,300 for a dress! The Paris Flea Market, where vintage meets luxury
Jun 1200:11:31Tap to summarizeJust outside the French capital sprawls the world's largest antiques destination: the Paris Saint-Ouen Flea Market. It's a timeless escape, and one of the most visited sites in France. We take you on a tour in this edition of France in Focus.
Transcribe →Teens and screens: The smartphone trap
May 2600:12:08Tap to summarizeSmartphones, video games, online homework: screens are everywhere in teenagers' lives. Faced with the risks of addiction and the effects on mental and physical health, some French parents and teachers are pushing back.
Transcribe →Online scams: How our personal data is being used against us
May 1200:12:06Tap to summarizeIn France, a data breach occurs once every hour. In recent months, several public bodies have been affected: La Poste, France Travail and the ANTS, the portal that issues identity documents. This confidential information, which is sometimes highly sensitive, is sold on forums. It's then often purchased by cybercriminals and used to fuel all kinds of scams, including fraudulent operations involving bogus bank managers or brokers. It is often impossible for the victims to discern what is actually fake, and they're then left to deal with the consequences alone.
Transcribe →Toxic beginnings: Babies exposed to pesticides in the womb
May 700:11:11Tap to summarizeThe number of children diagnosed with cancer in France is on the rise. Other serious medical conditions – birth defects, neurodevelopmental disorders and reduced IQ – are following the same alarming trend. Scientists are increasingly pointing to pesticides as a major risk factor. Yet France remains Europe's leading consumer of pesticides and ranks third worldwide. Across the country, parents and doctors are speaking out about the use of pesticides and their impact on the health of children.
Transcribe →Abuse at French after-school programmes: Parents sound the alarm
Apr 2900:12:15Tap to summarizeIn Paris, parents are now dropping their children off at school in a climate of anxiety. For several months, reports of physical and sexual abuse involving nursery school children have been mounting. These cases are said to have taken place during after-school care and lunch breaks, when the children are supervised by non-teaching staff. In 2026 alone, 78 youth workers were suspended in Paris, 31 of them on suspicion of sexual abuse. Warning: viewers may find this report disturbing.
Transcribe →Montparnasse Tower: Paris's most unpopular landmark gets a facelift
Apr 1500:11:57Tap to summarizeFrance's controversial Montparnasse Tower is entering a new era. A stark symbol of post-war modernism in the heart of Paris, the skyscraper inaugurated in 1973 is set to get a facelift. Work is expected to begin this summer and continue until at least 2030. We take a closer look in this edition of France in Focus.
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