Students taking the baccalaureate exam must complete an essay, choosing amongst several possible philosophical and political themes. France 2 talks with some students about the experience, and asks some prominent politicians what they might have written if presented with the same task.

Meet a group of students as they prepare to take their baccalaureate test, a rite of passage for young French people on the cusp of adulthood. It can be a stressful time, but the students are pacing themselves well.

Henri Cartier-Bresson is arguably France’s most notable contribution to the world of photography.

Public transport has not always been easy for those who use wheelchairs, but the SNCF (French National Railway Company) has been making changes that make for a much more pleasant trip.

Marianne is the symbol of the French Republic and has roots in the revolution of 1789. But are French mayors ready to represent the France of today with a Marianne of color?

A Lockheed P-38 Lightning, last piloted by noted writer Saint-Exupéry, who presumably went down with it on July 31, 1944, has been found and identified off the coast of Marseille. This gives credence to a local fisherman who, six years ago, claimed to have netted the author’s ID bracelet.

In France, one is registered to vote automatically upon reaching voting age.

Mario Canonge is one of the most exciting pianists tickling today’s plastic ivories, and Yabla was lucky enough to have caught him in person.

Mario has been influenced by Martinique, and he discusses what it means to represent and build upon French Caribbean rhythms on the world stage.

Sandra has to end her painting lessons with Marie because she has to go back to Switzerland. But the ladies have developed a great friendship and are planning to see each other again.

Patrice and Sophie gripe about the Paris metro price hike, which they agree is a very bad move. Unfortunately, Patrice has a metro train to catch!

Marie and Sandra decide to experiment with plein air painting, but first Marie must decide on a Paris location as a subject to paint. Which will she pick?

Patrice tells Sophie about the "noble art" of boxing and why it received that name. Then Sophie shares her opinions about the sport.

Before tackling today's art lesson, Sandra and Marie talk about the children's Saturday afternoon class. The kids learned about the trees and plants of Paris and the lesson was a great success!

Sandra tells Marie about a great project she has planned for the children in her Saturday sessions: observational outings in the park to learn about plants, shadows, and light, followed by a drawing session.