Rising gas and oil prices have plunged Europe into its worst energy crisis in decades. France has been hit hard, but perhaps not for the reasons you would expect. Nuclear and hydroelectric power, the country's main sources of electricity, are both running out of steam. Has the French energy mix hit a breaking point? We take a closer look in this edition of Down to Earth.

One of the best things about France is its food. Each region has its own culinary wonders that reflect the area's culture and history. Join Genie Godula and Florence Villeminot as they embark on a road trip to discover France's regions through gastronomy. Their first stop is Normandy. Known for its world-famous beaches and towering monuments – like the Mont-Saint-Michel – the region is also a foodie's paradise.

It's one emergency the EU didn’t need. Already dealing with a war on its doorstep, an energy crisis and rising inflation, the handling of the Ocean Viking – a ship carrying migrants rescued in the Mediterranean – starkly showed the limits of European solidarity.

It's nicknamed the intense island. Located 10,000 kilometres from the French mainland, in the Indian Ocean, Reunion Island contains a thousand treasures for the senses. Some 40 percent of the territory is a UNESCO World Heritage site. On the coast, whale song punctuates the missions of oceanographers.

EU interior ministers address Italy-France migration spat and discuss more coordination in migration management

French President Emmanuel Macron is on a state visit to Washington. This week's visit should mark the end of a quarrel between the two countries, and could also underscore a certain Franco-German entente.

French President Emmanuel Macron's state visit to the US is bringing simmering EU-US tensions over economic policy to the boil. At the heart of European criticisms are multi-billion-dollar economic support packages that could be perceived as giving the US an unfair advantage. Also in the show, the US Congress is heeding Joe Biden's call to do whatever it takes to avert a costly railroad shutdown. Plus, French butchers take to the streets to protest the rise in energy prices.

The euro is performing better than expected with annual inflation dropping to 10% in November this year, partly due to energy prices. But experts are not overly optimistic.

England and France set themselves up for a first-ever encounter in the knockout stage of the World Cup after ousting Senegal (3-0) and Poland (3-1) respectively. Will Harry Kane's Three Lions roar when faced with the defending champions? Meanwhile, as Senegal head home, can Aliou Cissé be proud of the Lions of Teranga's performance in Qatar?

Borussia Dortmund and England midfielder Jude Bellingham is among the hottest talents at the Qatar World Cup. The 19-year-old has the world at his feet ahead of the tournament. Back home, his former coaches are as proud as can be.

We look at how the French and British papers are covering their nations' World Cup wins, as well as their future face-off in the quarter-finals. We also discuss the possibility of the Iranian morality police being disbanded. The South African press weighs in the political future of President Cyril Ramaphosa.

It's a school like no other. Since 1822, the Centre of Naval Instruction, in the French port city of Brest, has trained the cadets of the French Navy. Every year, 240 youngsters aged between 16 and 18 join the famous "Mousses School".