France calls for easing of tensions with Russia

'Collective punishment': French papers reflect on muted Bastille Day festivities

Space wars: Meet the French soldiers scanning the skies

Qin Gang has not been seen at any diplomatic events for over three weeks, just months after taking on the role. His mysterious absence has underlined the secrecy of Beijing’s top-level politics.

The recent passing of Jane Birkin was a reminder of just how attached French people are to la chanson française, which literally translates to "French songs" but is much more than that. Chanson française is a very distinct genre of music and is intertwined with French culture and history. Several styles of chanson française have emerged over the years, but the defining feature that ties them all together is that it's all about the words. In this episode of French Connections we take you on a musical tour of la chanson française.

China has sacked Qin Gang as foreign minister and appointed his predecessor, Wang Yi, to the post. Qin has not been seen in public since June 25, triggering widespread speculation about his whereabouts.

A hundred years ago, painters, sculptors, writers and musicians battled for gold, silver and bronze at the Olympics. To mark a year until the Paris Games, we're looking at the artistic side of the world's biggest sporting event with an exclusive interview with highly acclaimed theatre director Thomas Jolly, who's in charge of the opening and closing ceremonies.

Bruno Le Maire has said cutting all economic ties with China, as some in the West have proposed, is "an illusion." Germany is among the countries seeking to reduce what it sees as a perilous reliance on the Asian giant.

On tonight's show we bring you an exclusive interview with Niger's exiled Foreign Minister Hassoumi Massaoudou, who maintained that the situation following the July 26 coup d'état was "reversible". Massaoudou condemned the putschists' announcement on Monday that they would prosecute ousted President Mohamed Bazoum for treason, saying the junta had "no legitimacy to try anyone".

"We cannot give Marine Le Pen an inexorable path to power," French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin warned, as speculation grows that he might be vying to succeed Emmanuel Macron.

Protests broke out after it was revealed that the minister had met with her Israeli counterpart, possibly breaking Libyan law. The minister is now facing an investigation.

Niger's military junta on Friday announced ordered French ambassador Sylvian Itte to leave the country within 48 hours. Macron reiterated Paris' support for ousted President Mohammed Bazoum.

France says it will not budge in its refusal to engage with Niger's coup leaders. A month after their takeover, they issued a Monday deadline to the French ambassador to leave their country, but Paris has insisted its envoy will stay put. Also, Africa sets its own stage in Kenya for conversations about its experience of the ravages of climate change. With the first ever Africa climate summit now a week away, we speak to its CEO about the existential stakes faced by the continent.