Saw this on the Talking Pictures channel, UK (old films and TV shows). They'd previously shown the entire Rupert Davies shows, 4 series from the 60s, by BBC.
This French version has longer shows, getting on for 2 hours, and padded out with lots of atmosphere and thoughtful looks.
These shows seem fairly faithful to the books, using Prague as a sub for Paris, very dark and grubby (as Prague was when these were made!).
Having said faithful, this story IS about the gangster Palmari, and mistress Aline, it's a mystery whey they also appeared in the 'Maigret on the Defensive' episode (NOT as per the book), perhaps the producer or director owed one a favour? Also we cannot understand why Lucas, I think ever-present in the books, and the other TV adaptations, is hardly in or even mentioned in this French one? His right-hand man, but WHERE is he in this?
Overall though, this series is OK, albeit a bit slower than the Davies or Gambon versions made here. And the subtitles are not an issue! (they help a bit with my long-forgotten schoolboy French!).