Talking France

Up for discussion this week is the weather, will a town in rainy Brittany run out of water. What’s the situation like everywhere else? Will we all be forced to limit our showers to three minutes soon?

We’ll get the latest analysis on French politics from whether the government can do anything to quell anger around fuel prices or will it all feed Marine Le Pen’s populist campaign and whether shocking anti-semitism allegations directed at her number 2, Jordan Bardella could undermine her run for the Elysée in any way.

Problems with carte de séjour renewals give many foreign residents sleepless nights; We ‘ll get the latest on moves to ease the crisis and hear from several readers who have been badly impacted.

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Plus we’ll find out about where the battlegrounds are in FRance over the planned construction of controversial data centres.

And if a French person ever says sorry to you - we’ll tell you how to respond.

Host Ben McPartland is joined by Emma Albright from The Local France and our French politics expert John Lichfield, plus Katy Wright who’ll join us from Brittany.

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Among the words on everyone’s lips this week in France is - petrol, well and diesel. Yes fuel prices have reached record high levels in France. We’ll get the latest on what the government is doing, where the shortages are and whether the crisis could lead to social unrest and even the return of les Gillets Jaunes - remember them? They could be back.

We’ll also run you through the key numbers of the Pope’s historic visit to Paris this weekend, but should he be allowed to say mass on the Champs-Elysees in secular France?

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We’ve got a great interview with a civil liberties expert to hear about the potential dangers posed by Marine Le Pen and her party and we’ll look at whether competition on the rails in France will bring down the prices of train tickets - including on the eurostar.

And we’ll explain how to use capital letters in French - it’s not as obvious as you think.

I’m Ben McPartland and I’ll be joined for this episode of Talking France by the team at The Local Emma Pearson, Emma Albright and politics expert John Lichfield, plus journalist Katy Wright in Brittany and special guest, the civil liberties expert Rim Sarah Alouane

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This week we dig into one of Marine Le Pen's contentious proposals and find out whether the far right leader would actually be able to favour French citizens over foreign national residents if she became president.

We'll also find out why French schools are struggling to give students a good education and look at the strange story of a train derailment in rural Normandy that left dozens injured. Was it really sabotage and who could have caused it?

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We'll also hear about the best films France has to offer and why foreign movie lovers are drawn to them, and we'll bring you some French language tips that will come in handy in bars and restaurants.

Host Ben McPartland is joined this week by the team at The Local France - Emma Pearson, Emma Albright and politics expert John Lichfield as well as by Katy Wright in Brittany and special guest and French film expert Manon Kerjean.

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On the show this week we'll delve into the almighty squabble that ended with the Eiffel Tower closing this week after angry staff walked out.

We’ll also look at the growing split in the French far right.

Just everything was looking plain sailing for Marine Le Pen on her quest to take the Elysée Palace, could infighting and power struggles undermine her chances?

Listeners of Talking France can take advantage of a special half price introductory offer to get access to all the articles on The Local France - and support the podcast at the same time!Join now for just €29.99/year.

We'll also find out why French people are up in arms about a new tipping trend and what local authorities are doing to enable people to enjoy a mosquito-free apero each day. Can a mayor's bid to ban mossies really work?

And we'll bring you the low down on the French word flipping trick known as verlan - and importantly can non-native speakers like us, actually use it?

Host Ben McPartland is joined by the team at The Local France, Emma Pearson, Emma Albright and politics expert John Lichfield.

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This week we look ahead to the 2027 presidential election which is edging closer. A new poll this week suggested there's only one winner, but could Marine Le Pen trip herself up before she gets over the line?

We'll hear about her latest effort to win voters which has been described as "vile" by some and "populist grandstanding by others".

We'll also find out whether the locals in Brittany, Normandy and other regions of France really do hate Parisians - and why might that be?

Plus we'll bring you a warning over why your French cheese could taste a little different this autumn.

Listeners of Talking France can get access to all the articles onThe Local France news site for just €29.99 a year. Join now.

Host Ben McPartland is joined by The Local's Emma Pearson, journalist Katy Wright in Brittany and our French politics expert John Lichfield in Normandy. 

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Summer is thankfully almost over and September is upon us, which means it's time for a new series of Talking France.

Thanks to you all for tuning in to this podcast, which is produced by the team at The Local France and is a must-listen - so they say - for anyone wanting to follow French news, keep up to date with the major changes to life in France and boost their knowledge of French language and culture.

On this week's episode we'll look at the impact of France's summer from hell, which saw thousands of lives lost amid the frequent and punishing heatwaves, parts of the country left devastated by unforgiving wildfires and then there’s the ongoing drought the impact of which will soon become clear.

We'll also look at the other challenges facing France this September and explain why so many French taxpayers have been targeted by hackers and try to understand why the locals here love to correct our French mistakes - and why we shouldn't be annoyed - even if it can be really bloody annoying.

I'm Ben McPartland your host, and I'm joined for this new series by the old team from The Local France, Emma Pearson and Emma Albright.

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You are listening to a special summer episode of Talking France podcast and it's a pretty solemn episode too given France is in the midst of unprecedented heatwaves, drought and devastating wildfires.

We are recording this at the end of July to bring all you listeners up to date with what's happening in the country right now and look at what might be in store in August. Yep we are still weeks away from the end of summer.

We'll get the latest news on the fires and the heatwaves, explain the impact on travel and holiday plans and we'll find out why the country's politicians are failing miserably right now.

And for anyone in France we'll run you through some vocab that will come in handy if you are in a part of the country affected by the fires.

Host Ben McPartland is joined by The Local France's Emma Pearson, Emma Albright and our French politics expert John Lichfield.

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In this week’s episode of Talking France we’ll look ahead to the holiday season in July and August and spell out exactly what you can expect in France this summer from the weather outlook and wildfire alerts to what will happen in French politics and what to expect if you’re travelling to or within France?

Remember even though Talking France takes a break over the summer our team will still be covering all the essential news in France so make sure to visit thelocal.fr where you can sign up for our daily newsletters.

The Talking France team would like to offer listeners the last chance to join The Local using our half-price introductory offer.Just click on this link to take advantage of it. Members, feel free to pass the offer on to friends and family.

I’m Ben McPartland and I’ll be joined by The Local France’s Emma Pearson and politics expert John Lichfield.

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Welcome to a new episode of Talking France. It’s our penultimate episode before we take a summer break and it’s a jam-packed one full of the latest news, talking points and flare ups from France.

We’ll start with the fall out from the unprecedented and deadly heatwave that hit France in the second half of June.

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Thankfully the weather is slightly cooler as we record this episode, but politicians in the country are still overheating when it comes to what to do - and the focus of everyone’s attention and ire has fallen on… air conditioning.

We’ll explain the row and who is on which side.

We’ll also look at why France is the best place in Europe, perhaps even the world to be a naturist after one member of the Talking France team spent time on a naturist beach in the south of France.

We’ll also get the answers to some key questions about drinking French wine in summer and learn the lingo you need if you are in France in July and August.

Host Ben McPartland is joined by the team at The Local France, Emma Pearson, Emma Albright and our politics expert John Lichfield, plus our wine specialist Caroline Fazeli will be joining us fr

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On this week's show we discuss the heat, yes France and the rest of Europe is in the grip of another brutal heatwave - and it's still only June.

We'll look at the huge impact it's having on daily life in France and why the country isn't better prepared to deal with spells of extreme heat - given we know they are only going to become frequent and even hotter. And we’ll explain some important rules about getting naked when it’s hot in France.

Away from the weather we'll look at why France has 99 players at the World Cup including 54 from the Paris region alone.  Yes it's all about dual nationals - but do some people in France still not accept them playing for the national team?

Listeners of Talking France can get full access to all our articles for just €29.99 a year with our introductory offer.Join today.

And we'll hear from readers about their biggest worries about moving to France from concerns about language and taxes to outright panic over where to find a decent bag of crisps.

And we'll enable you to have a conversation in French about heatwaves and the climate crisis. The words and expressions will, I can assure you, come in handy.

Host Ben McPartland is joined by the team from The Local France Emma Pearson, Emma Albright and politics expert John Lichfield.

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This week we’ll look at whether Emmanuel Macron can land any knock out blows for Europe as he welcomes global leaders including Donald Trump to France for what’s been dubbed as his swansong in the international arena.

And we’ll have answers to two of the big questions visitors to Paris have about the French capital’s transport system, we’ll find out whether it’s true that France has more roundabouts than every other country in the world put together - or something like that. 

And we’ll look at whether Lyon really is the best place in France for a beautiful gastro experience - I’m talking fine dining of course not diarrhoea. 

And we’ll explain how you can get cheap access to hundreds of fantastic cultural sites across France.

Im host Ben McPartland and I’ll be joined by The Local France’s editor Emma Pearson, politics expert John Lichfield and special guest Carolione Fazeli who joins u from Lyon.

The Talking France team would like to offer listeners the chance to join The Local using our half-price introductory offer.Just click on this link to take advantage of it. Members feel free to pass the offer on to friends and family.

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First up this week we'll look at how the killing of a young girl in south west France has sparked nationwide anger and protests and put the French governent under pressure to respond to a growing crisis around sexual violence towards children.

We'll also look ahead to 2070 and find out what the French population will look like then, we'll also examine whether France really is home to half of the world's .....roundabouts and we'll risk reawakening a centuries old bloody rivalry in France by asking where's better to live: Normandy or Brittany.

And we'll bring you some essential vocab if you are going to be in France during the football World Cup which kicks off this week. 

Host Ben McPartland is joined as ever by the Team at The Local France - Emma Pearson, Emma Albright, French politics expert John Lichfield who joins from Normandy and special guest Katy Wright who will join us from Brittany.

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On this week's episode we will discuss the trouble you can get into in France for being sexist after one man was fined 55,000 euros for an ungentlemanly outburst.

We'll also find out why dramatic football victories in France end in scenes of violence, how the country is coming to terms with its involvement in the slave trade, but why it's unlikely the French government will be paying any reparations and how France is harnessing the power of the sun to boost its electricity supplies.

And we'll bring you some important French vocab and expressions that will be invaluable if you are travelling around France this summer.

Im Ben McPartland and this week I'll be harnessing the power of Emma Pearson, Emma Albright and our politics expert John Lichfield - who make up the team at The Local France.

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A reminder to listeners that on this podcast we only cover a few of the big talking points each week from France. If you want to stay informed of all the changes in France that affect residents and visitors as well as get some valuable advice and insights from fellow readers then visit thelocal.fr 

Members get unlimited access to all our stories, which this week include articles on everything Americans need to know about driving in France, all the info you need on where and how you can watch the World Cup in France plus an explainer on the best Paris Metro passes to buy if you are visiting the French capital. It’s got a little more complicated since those cute little paper tickets were abolished.

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As we recorded this episode, France is baking under a record-breaking May heatwave that has sadly proved deadly - at least seven people having died in incidents linked to the hot weather.  We’ll get the latest on the weather and find out if it’s a sign that summer will be insufferable in France this year. 

In this week’s show we’ll also hear about how France’s most iconic car is making a comeback and find out why owning a car perhaps isn’t really a necessity anymore if you live in France.

And we’ll get the lowdown on what’s been a mixed week for some of France’s presidential hopefuls.

And we’ll help you express yourself in French when you want to complain about the heat.

Host Ben McPartland is joined by the team at The Local France Emma Pearson, Emma Albright and our politics expert John Lichfield, plus special guest Katy Wright who chimes in from Brittany.

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This week we'll find out why it's all kicked off at the famous Cannes film festival. In one corner of the ring we have hundreds of French film stars, directors and industry staff and in the other corner we have the country's most controversial media tycoon - who we'll explain has his fingers on pretty much everything in France it seems.

We'll also hear what property owners in France need to avoid to prevent the renovation dreams turning into a nightmare, why hundreds of Brits have been refused entry into France in recent months, and why French baguettes, cereals and many other everyday food items are at the centre of a public health crisis.

We'll also bring you some brilliant French words you just can't quite translate, but are really useful for everyday life in France.

Host Ben McPartland will be joined by The Local France's Emma Pearson, Emma Albright and politics expert John Lichfield. And we'll also have a special guest this week Rosie Ellis, who joins us from Brittany.

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This week we’ll find out why France might be about to ditch rent controls in cities including the capital Paris, how foreigners in France have been hit by outages to key French admin websites, the latest on the marathon race to become the next French president and what Emmanuel Macron has been doing with all his spare time these days.

Plus we’ll bring you the story of a 16 million euro French chateau scam involving two British suspects and whilst we are there we’ll explain why France has so many chateaux in the first place.

And saying sorry is something we all must do in life at times whether it’s after going through a red light on a bike, dropping a tray of drinks on a colleague or perhaps reversing into an elderly couple’s car. Well we’ll explain how to apologise in French - because let’s face it, you will need to at some point.

Host Ben McPartland is joined by The Local France’s Emma Pearson and Emma Albright, plus our politics expert John Lichfield and special guest - journalist Katy Wright.

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This week we’ll hear about how France is under siege from mosquitoes and the new and old ways being used to fight back - including what you can do to keep them out of your garden.

We’ll also find out about the parts in France where drivers caught using the mobile phones at the wheel will face stiff new punishments and hear about the parts of the country the French head to if they want good food.

We’ll also get the latest on the 2027 French presidential race and get some French language tips for how to respond when someone thanks you.

I’m Ben McPartland and I’ll be joined by The Local France’s Emma Pearson, Emma Albright and politics expert John Lichfield.

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On this week’s show we’ll find out why a story involving French prosecutors, a rabbit and the US tech billionaire and far right crusader Elon Musk made headlines in France.

We’ll also find out why the rules for driving cars in cities and towns across France look set for a dramatic change and whether the country’s most notorious ring road could be transformed from one of the most polluted spots in France into an urban green paradise.

And as the Middle East crisis continues and fears grow in Europe about jet fuel supplies we’ll look at the chances of flights to France being scrapped this summer. And what about if you want to take the train instead? Will you be able to book the trip?

And stay to the end to find out how the French talk about their hangovers. You’ll certainly learn a handy phrase or two.

Host Ben McPartland is joined by our two brainiacs Emma Pearson and Emma Albright plus our French politics wizard John Lichfield.

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In this week's show we'll find out why the rules around France's sacred May 1st public holiday have sparked a political row to the point where some lawmakers have accused the government ministers of - quote -  "pissing all over us". 

We'll also hear why arguably France's most unique region wants independence, why pictures of far-right presidential favourite Jordan Bardella and his new girlfriend have caused a stir and why France is set to lose 1.7 million children over the next decade.

Plus this week Talking France will have a hairy ending, so be sure to stay with us.

Host Ben McPartland will be joined by The Local France's Emma Pearson, Emma Albright and John Lichfield.

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This week we'll find out whether France is running out of fuel or not and get the latest on how expensive it is to fill up your tank here.

We'll hear about a cautionary tale of how the French tax man caught an apparent 'non-resident' because of all the take away meals he was ordering in France.

And we'll alert you to a few more tax traps you want to avoid in France during declaration season.

We'll also discuss the new plan to cut waiting times for residency cards, why one part of France doesn't have motorway tolls, the latest on the EU's new biometric border checks at French ports and why there's still a clear east west divide in Paris.

Host Ben McPartland is joined by the team at The Local France Emma Pearson, Emma Albright and our politics expert John Lichfield.

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On this week’s show we’ll find out how the war in the Middle East is impacting life in France as fuel prices rise and protests kick off around the country.

What can the government do to ease the crisis?

With the local elections out of the way France’s next election race has begun. It’s the big one - we’ll get the lowdown on the lineup for the 2027 Presidential Election and whether we can already call a winner.

Excitement levels have gone through the roof in France this week and it’s all to do with Celine Dion. Why does the Canadian singer cause such a frenzy here?

And we’ll discuss the best and the worst, most ridiculous, most babyish ways to say hello in French. If you want to know why I’m getting a bit irate, stay with us until the end.

Host Ben McPartland is joined by the team at The Local France: Emma Pearson, Emma Albright and politics expert John Lichfield. 

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We are out earlier than usual this week in order to bring you the results and analysis of the 2026 French local elections.

The definitive second round vote was held on Sunday in thousands of communes across France, from tiny rural villages to the big urban centres like Lyon, Marseille and Paris.

Over the next 20 minutes or so we'll bring you all the key takeaways from the main battle grounds, get some snap analysis from our politics expert and look ahead to what happens next.

Host Ben McPartland is joined by the team at The Local France - Emma Pearson, Emma Albright and John Lichfield.

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The Local’s Talking France podcast is attracting more and more listeners each week and we currently have over 12,000 monthly downloads on average. If your company would like to connect with our international audience and sponsor one of our episodes, please email news@thelocal.fr

This week we are, what the French describe as "l'entre deux tours" which means between two rounds. 

I'm referring to the crucial French local elections that are taking place. We are between the first and the decisive second round on Sunday. There's a lot to decipher amid the political shenanigans that are happening in France right now, but we'll try and clear it all up and look ahead to Sunday's vote.

We'll also head to different parts of France in this week's episode to find out about some great towns to move to - mainly because property there is affordable. 

Have a listen and see which of these less well known French towns takes your fancy.

We'll also discuss the French government's plan to get us all eating well - but do they really expect us to follow their advice?

And one of the many banes of a French language learner's life is the silent letter! Why are there so many, how can we possibly learn them all? We'll get some expert tips and explanations.

I'm Ben McPartland and I'll be joined for this episode of Talking France by the team at The Local, Emma Pearson, Emma Albright and our French politics decoder John Lichfield.

We are recording this on Tuesday March 17th so a Happy St Patrick’s Day to all our Irish listeners both in France and Ireland, I know we have a fair few so a special "Cead Mile Failte" to you all - which means ‘100,000 welcomes’ in Irish.

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This week, well the news in France has been dominated by the war in the Middle East. We'll explain the ongoing impact that the conflict is having on daily life here and we'll look at how President Emmanuel Macron is handling France's role in the crisis.

We'll also focus this week on one of France's most beautiful cities and explore why Americans are moving there in droves.

But we'll start this week by bringing you the latest on France's key local elections, look at where the tight races are and what they mean to the French people.

Plus stay with us to the end and we'll bring you all the French lingo you need to understand les elections municaples.

I'm Ben McPartland your host and I'll be joined as usual by the team at The Local France, Emma Pearson, Emma Albright and politics expert John Lichfield.

Bonjour to all our regular listeners, thanks for sticking with us. And a warm bienvenue to any new listeners tuning in. Just in case you weren't aware this podcast is produced by the team at The Local France and is only possible thanks to our paying members, so please join and help us continue to bring you the big talking points from France each week as well as dozens of weekly articles on thelocal.fr

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France right now is pretty much either water or under metres of snow, depending on where you are in the country so we'll start by getting the latest on the extreme weather that continues to lash the country.

The big story in France this week has been the killing of a young far-right activist in Lyon after violent clashes that have been blamed on a group on the extreme left. We'll look at all the reaction and finger-pointing that has followed and the fears there may be more violence to come as we head towards the 2027 presidential election.

We'll also hear the stories of young people and pensioners who have been denied French citizenship because of tightened rules around income and bring you the final details about a new healthcare fee many foreigners in France will have to pay in future.

And we'll explain why the upcoming salon d'agriculture is such a key date in the French cultural and political calendar - even if there are no cows this year.

And there's nothing worse for French learners than being betrayed by all those false friends, but why are there so many of them? We’ll find out.

Host Ben McPartland is joined as usual this week by the team at The Local France, Emma Pearson, otherwise known as EmmaP - Emma Albright, otherwise known as Emma A and our politics expert John Lichfield.

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On the agenda this week, we’ll find out if anyone can beat likely far-right candidate Jordan Bardella to be the next president of France. He’s flying in the polls, he’s flying on tiktok, but will he fly into the Elysee? 

We’ll also get the lowdown on private beaches in France. How come there are so many when all beaches are meant to be public?

And the government has the country’s sacred summer holidays in its sites. Could they finally be cut?

We’ll also hear about the downsides of benign bilingual French and English and why the French government is writing to young people to ask them to have more sex - and eat less meat.

Host Ben McPartland is joined by the team at The Local France Emma Pearson, Emma Albright and John Lichfield.

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This week we start off with some explosive news from France before we hear why authorities on a picturesque island off France's west coast are offering second home owners thousands of euros for their properties and look at why houses have become so expensive in places like the famous Il de Ré.

And we'll look at how speed cameras are getting flashier in France and try to understand why everyone, in rural parts of the country especially, hate them to the point of burning them down.

We'll also explain why there's been a big drop in the number of foreigners becoming French, but why there's been a big rise in the number of Americans moving across the Atlantic to set up home in France.

And we'll help you reveal the animal in you by teaching you some must-know French expressions...

Host Ben McPartland and I'll be joined by the team at The Local France, Emma Pearson, Emma Albright and John Lichfield.

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Up this week we'll look at what's at stake in the upcoming local elections in France and whether French voters really care. And we'll look ahead to the French presidential election to see whether anyone can unite the left... and whether French voters really care.

We'll also look at why kids have been banned from some first class trains in France and whether France, on the whole, is less child-friendly than other countries. We'll hear about the move in the country to avoid American tech companies and indeed other US brands and we'll look forward to some of the best and most bizarre festivals in France this year. Stay with us to hear the strangest sound we've ever heard on Talking France.

And we'll see whether us French learners should really be aiming to speak like Edith Piaf.

Host Ben McPartland is joined by the team at The Local France - Emma Pearson, Emma Albright and our politics expert John Lichfield.

You'll find many more articles about France at The Local.fr

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This week we'll look at whether the French government will survive long enough to enjoy the weekend and find out what the French make of all this budget bedlam that's been going on far too long, especially when the world seems to be lurching towards a crisis.

And speaking of that crisis, we'll look ahead to where these mounting tensions between France, Europe and Donald Trump will lead too, and we'll hear from our American listeners in France as to how they are impacted by it all.

We'll also look at how bad a plague hazing is at French universities and get a view on how different the drinking cultures is between French and British students.

And are open fires in cosy homes in rural France soon to be a thing of the past?

And we'll explain some of the weird and wacky noises you'll hear the French make.

Host Ben McPartland is joined this week by the two Emmas : Pearson and Albright and the one John: Lichfield that is.

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This week on Talking France we look at the reasons so many landlords in France get away with renting out hovels - even though there are supposed to be laws against it.

We’ll look at just how safe skiing is in France these days given 6 people, including one Briton, were killed in avalanches over the weekend.

And we’ll look at why France’s leaders are being urged to channel their “inner De Gaule” and stand up to the United States.

And we’ll learn how to talk about the cold weather like a real French person.

Host Ben McPartland is joined by the team at The Local France Emma Pearson, Emma Albright and politics expert John Lichfield.

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This week we’ll discuss the big talking point in France at the start of January 2026, which  is just how did George Clooney and his wife Amal and their kids become French citizens?

George doesn’t seem to be a full time resident in France, nor by his own admission does he speak French very well, nor is he married to a French national, so how did he do it? We’ll find out and look at some of the reactions to Monsieur George Clooney getting a French passport.

We’ll also look at the strikes that are starting to pile up at the start of the year, hear about the French government’s plan to ban young teenagers from accessing social media sites and help you learn some key French strike vocab and importantly how to pronounce it. 

For this new series of Talking France, well it’s a combination of the old and the new, the old, well that’s host Ben McPartland and Emma Pearson The Local France’s editor and John Lichfield our politics expert. And the new, well we’ve got a new member of The Local France team, she’s also an Emma - Emma Albright.

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This is a special episode focussed on looking ahead to next year in France, so you are all aware of what will happen in terms of travel and immigration changes and what might happen when it comes to political crises and elections.

We'll look at all the key changes on the horizon and the key cultural dates to get in your diary for next year.

So sit back, crack open an oyster or two or if you are like me and think oysters are just posh slime that belongs in the sea, then get yourself a glass of vin chaud, and make sure to listen to the end.

Im Ben McPartland and I'll be joined by The Local France's Emma Pearson, Gen Mansfield and John Lichfield.

For all our articles looking ahead to the changes in France in 2026 visit our special 2026 web page.

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This week, we will look at the latest flare up between the government and French farmers, many of whom have been spending recent days blockading motorways or public buildings and basically trying to get the government to listen.

We'll also find out about a significant vote in the French parliament about residency permits and look at the new French Civics Test that will be compulsory in 2026 for citizenship and some residency applicants - and find out how much it costs.

Plus we'll look ahead to Christmas in France this year, will the farmers scupper your travel plans, will there be snow and why has the whole country become obsessed by a wolf.

And we'll have a look at some of the best, worst and most memorable moments in France in 2025.

I'm Ben McPartland and I'll be joined by The Local France's Editor Emma Pearson and our politics expert John Lichfield.

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It seems no one likes dual nationals these days. They are being picked on by politicians in countries across the world. We'll look at whether the rules around dual citizenship could change in France and also remind you of some big changes ahead for anyone planning on becoming French.

We'll also find out why French police and their boss - the French interior minister are up in arms and threatening lawsuits over a board game this Christmas.

We'll catch up with the French PM's efforts to save the government and get a budget through and find out why Americans are obsessed with France.

Im Ben McPartland and I'll be joined by the team at The Local France Emma Pearson, Gen Mansfield and our politics expert John Lichfield.

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This week we have all the latest on the budget showdown in what is a crucial week for the French government. We'll hear about a new high speed train service linking two of France's big cities, but why it isn't quite as direct as it sounds.

We'll examine whether France's ecotax on plane tickets is really leading to airlines cancelling flights and, forget the Nordic countries we'll hear how France is now one of the leading countries when it comes to equality for women, but we'll also reveal a shocking statistic that shows us how much more needs to be done.

We will also explain about how French mayors are taking on noisy tourists and their suitcases.

Host Ben McPartland is joined by the team at The Local France - Emma Pearson, Gen Mansfield and John Lichfield. 

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With French army generals giving speeches about the need to protect ourselves, the president announcing new plans for military service and French authorities telling us we all need to prepare an emergency box with blankets, baby food and board games, this week we'll look at why all the talk of war in France right now?

And could change finally be ahead for the French school calendar. Are they about to cut the big summer holiday? 

The French wine industry is suffering an almighty hangover right now; we'll find out just how bad things are and whether there are any remedies out there that might relieve the crisis.

Plus we'll start the build up to next year's local elections in France, predict who the next mayor of Paris will be and why many communes are struggling to find a mayor altogether.

Host Ben McPartland is joined by the team from The Local France, Emma Pearson, Gen Mansfield and John Lichfield.

A reminder any listeners who aren't a member of The Local can take advantage of a great Black Friday deal and join. Act quick though. The half-price offer will end at the end of November.CLICK HERE to take advantage.

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Take advantage of our half price Black Friday offer and join The Local France today for just €24.99.

This week we'll gaze into our crystal balls and look to the future, to that day, and a momentous day it will be, an occasion where everyone will remember exactly where they were, the day when France agrees its 2026 budget. Unless it doesn't happen.

We'll also explain why a small mass held for 20 people in France kicked off an almighty political storm this week - and a criminal probe - and look at the relentless march of fast food in France and the apparent sad demise of traditional restaurants.

We'll also reveal why you all need to be well behaved on flights from France in future and we'll say prayers for the Louvre.

Im Ben McPartland and i'll be joined as usual by The Local France's elite team of specialist gossipers, blabberers and jibber-jabberers Emma Pearson, Gen Mansfield and politics expert John Lichfield.

READ MORE:OPINION: A far-right President Bardella of France? It could happen

From new flights to public holidays, we have in depth coverage of everything that will change in France in 2026

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This week we’ll bring you up to date on the crucial 2026 budget that’s edging its way through parliament and look at what it might mean for you, plus news on the strikes that lie ahead in France.

We’ll find out about a plan to make American retirees pay into the French health system to guarantee they can get care, plus look at the impact of airbnb around France. Has it turned rural villages into ghost towns? And we’ll explain why the Paris catacombs have closed for five months

Host Ben McPartland is joined by the team behind The Local France website - Editor Emma Pearson, journalist Gen Mansfield and French politics expert John Lichfield.

Further reading:

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We simply cannot not discuss the 88 million euro jewellery heist at France's most famous museum The Louvre in this week's episode. How could it happen? Some blame lax security, others blame funding cuts, some blame Macron of course, whilst our politics expert recons France just has too much treasure to look after it all. 

And France's government is hanging by a thread. Can it get a vital budget through parliament before Father Christmas comes?

And we'll find out France's new civics test for residency and citizenship applicants is all about and find out about France's cycling boom and why there's a new move to keep bikes off the pavements.

And we'll explore how to make the best impression if you're invited into a French home.

Host Ben McPartland is joined by The Local France's Emma Pearson, Gen Mansfield and John Lichfield.

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You'll be glad to know things have become just a little clearer since last week when it comes to what is going on in France. Just a little.

We have a new government, we kind of have a new prime minister, we've had a major retreat by the French president Emmanuel Macron, and we have a crucial few weeks ahead of us in France, during which, I don't think it's an exaggeration to say,  the future of the country is at stake.

We'll bring you all the latest of course on the chaos and crisis in French politics.

And we'll find out why thousands of Parisians have been sent text messages warning them of a catastrophic flood and look at the latest battle to protect the treasured French cheese Camembert.

And we'll give you the rundown on the best places in France to see incredible street art. It's not the Louvre of course.

Host Ben McPartland is joined once again by The Local France's Emma Pearson, Gen Mansfield and John Lichfield.

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Talking France is back with a new episode, slightly earlier than planned because France has another meltdown. Forgive us for the title, but listen to the episode and you'll understand why we chose it.

Even in a country that has made its name as Europe's political madhouse over the last year or so, this latest crisis took us all by surprise.

Yes, France's new prime minister quit this week, just hours after naming his government. The country still doesn't have a budget and it's drowning in debt. What the heck is going to happen next? We'll look into our crystal ball.

Away from politics we'll find out where all the eggs have gone in France, if it's Ok to be late when meeting French people and we'll tell you all you need to know about France's sacred "secu" - that's the social security system that looks after us all.

Host Ben McPartland and I'll be joined as usual by The Local France team: Emma Pearson, Gen Mansfield and politics expert John Lichfield.

READ MORE:

OPINION:France is in a dark place, it may get darker

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A former French president is set to spend some time behind bars in prison, quite a bit of time actually. Yes Nicolas Sarkozy, remember him, he’s been up to no good. Again. We'll hear about France's reaction to poor old Sarko being sent down and ask why are France's centre-right, law and order loving, politicians so... crooked? (Not all of them of course)

We'll also lament the demise of Paris's, perhaps even the world's most famous avenue - The Champ-Élysées. Is it now the worst street in the French capital?

We'll get the latest on the anti-government protests and strikes and find out if France will ever actually get one - a government that is.

We'll explore a must-visit French world heritage site in Dordogne and bring you up to date with France's roll out of the EU’s new border checks this autumn. Do Brits really need to prove they have medical insurance to get into the country?

Host Ben McPartland is joined by The Local France's Emma Pearson, Gen Mansfield and John Lichfield.

Further reading:

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This week we’ll look at whether France’s new prime minister can do anything to appease the obstinate opposition in parliament and whether he’s got any chance of calming the growing anger on the streets.

We’ll also find out why protests in France always spark a row over numbers, how Americans are being ripped off in Paris, why the French state may no longer pay for your 18-day trip to a thermal spa and why bullfighting is still legal in parts of France.

And stay to the end to find out how the French are obsessed with sexing up their film titles in English.

Host Ben McPartland is joined as ever by the team at The Local France, Emma Pearson, Gen Mansfield and John Lichfield.

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On this week's show we'll bring you up to date with the turmoil in France, which shows no sign of calming down. The country has another new PM, but another day of strikes, protests and potential clashes looms large. Is there any way the crisis can be resolved?

France's tax man is well nourished but there's a new plan gaining popularity that would see the country's richest pay more. But who's behind it and could it become law?

We'll also hear what you think of the French schools system? Is it rigid and old fashioned or does it help to produce well behaved, polite kids?

We'll look ahead to some of the best events in France this autumn and reveal whether the French really are better at making babies than the rest of Europe.

Host Ben McPartland is joined by the team at The Local France: Emma Pearson, Gen Mansfield and politics wizard John Lichfield.

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The French government has collapsed again after Prime Minister François Bayrou lost a vote of confidence in parliament on Monday night.

We've been here before of course, but the latest French political crisis feels even more fraught with President Emmanuel Macron running out of options and numerous strikes and opposition movements lined up for the days ahead.

What happens now? What happens in France when there's no government? What will happen to Macron himself? We'll try to answer all these questions over the next 25 minutes or so, but let's start with a look at what happened on Monday night.

Emma Pearson, Gen Mansfield and John Lichfield have easily survived a no confidence vote to be here with us to bring us all the latest news and analysis. Ben McPartland is your host.

Essential reading:

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Be warned, France’s strike calendar for September is quickly filling up as various unions announce industrial action that could impact, well, pretty much all aspects of life in France. We’ll look at just how much disruption and political discord lie ahead over the next few weeks in France.

And remember this could be the last Talking France episode with Francois Bayrou as Prime Minister. We’ll explore whether France has simply become ungovernable these days.

We’ll also find about one French town that has slapped a ban on people buying up property to be used as a second home. Could this be the star of a nationwide trend?

And speaking of homes, a story on The Local France has gone viral in recent weeks about a French town selling homes for just one euro. But surely there’s a catch? We’ll find out. 

And the big exposé this week is to reveal which of France’s smelly cheeses is the king of stench, the most pungent of them all. The competition is tough but we’ll name the winner.

Im Ben McPartland and with me this week will be the team from The Local France, Emma Pearson, Gen Mansfield and John Lichfield.

Essential reading:

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So summer's almost over, but it's been an eventful one in France. We'll bring you up to date with what's been happening. But the thrust of this week's episode and the reason we've started the new series a week earlier than planned is that France has, once again, been plunged into, yep you can guess what I'm going to say next: a new political crisis.

The country is facing "great danger" says the PM Francois Bayrou, but is the country listening to him? We'll get all the news and analysis on the latest turmoil to hit Emmanuel Macron's government and find out what's going to happen next.

And one of the big subjects our team has been covering in recent weeks has been a major change to France's citizenship rules that has left a lot of readers anxious.

We'll explain all.

They say never change a winning team, so for this new series I've decided to stick with the same line up that has made Talking France THE podcast to listen to if you're interested in France... With me once again will be Editor Emma Pearson, journalist Gen Mansfield and French politics guru John Lichfield. Ben McPartland is your host.

Thanks for joining us for a new series of Talking France.

We hope you all had a fantastic summer wherever you were.

As a reminder, just in case you might have forgotten during the heatwaves, this is a podcast produced by the team at The Local France, thanks to our paying members, so if you like what you listen to, please sign up via The Local.fr and help keep Talking France going.

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This final episode of the season is all about looking ahead to the summer in France. And it plans to be a hot one, in more ways than one with a raft of possible transport strikes ahead that could impact your holidays.

We'll get all the latest on industrial action, some possible political turbulence as well as look ahead to some major summer events in France and find out just how extreme the heatwaves are going to be.

And to do all this host Ben McPartland calls on The Local's editor Emma Pearson and politics expert John Lichfield. 

Extra reading:

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This week we'll find out about how toxic green algae on Brittany's famously picturesque beaches claimed the life of a French jogger and perhaps others plus the role French farming and even the state played in his death.

We'll also look at the far less sparkly side of France's prestigious Champagne industry that's exposed how badly grape pickers are treated and bring you all the details about how you can take a swim in the Seine in the heart of Paris this summer.

And we'll explore why France has avoided the kind of anti-tourism protests seen in Spain and look at some of the famous French sites that have been hit by over-tourism and offer you some fantastic alternatives instead.

Host Ben McPartland is joined by the team at The Local France - Emma Pearson, Gen Mansfield and John Lichfield.

Extra reading:

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Up this week : It's been another bad week for the reputation of French politicians. We'll discuss why they are so naughty, and when I say naughty I mean corrupt, rather than bed hopping.

And we'll also bring you the good news that Paris and Charles de Gaulle airport will soon have a direct train link that's been centuries in the making. Although there's some bad news too given how much it's going to cost.

We'll find out why France has been so successful in creating high speed trains and not so good at local rail links, why the French name police are so powerful and whether or not foreigners in France should swear like a local.

Host Ben McPartland is joined by The Local France's mostly foulmouthed duo Emma Pearson and Gen Mansfield as well as the always elegantly spoken John Lichfield.

Extra reading:

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This week we discuss a shocking incident which saw a teaching assistant stabbed to death by a pupil outside a French secondary school, and find out what the government plans to do, to tackle what the president has described as a "senseless wave of violence".

We'll also find out about the efforts Paris is going to to protect the Seine and reveal all about Paris's second, secret river, that may be given a new life.

We'll find out whether flight passengers in France and around Europe are going to lose out through a planned change in the compensation rules and we'll examine the threat of violence linked to far right extremism in France after a Tunisian was murdered in a suspected terror attack.

And stay to the end to see whether you can spot which famous world changing inventions came from France and which very French-sounding creations didn't.

Host Ben McPartland is joined by the team from The Local France: Emma Pearson, Gen Mansfield and politics expert John Lichfield.

EXTRA READING

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This week we'll explain the ongoing and far-from-brotherly dispute behind the different kinds of taxi drivers in France and whether they'll ever declare peace with each other.

We'll examine why France's efforts to clean up the air in its polluted cities might be about to go up in smoke and explain France's new rules on smoking outdoors - and how they will impact both smokers and non-smokers.

And we'll explain the tricky rules around remote working in France with the help of new information sent to us from French tax authorities.

And stay to the end to find out whether French drivers behave better on the roads than their counterparts across Europe and we'll have a handy tip for what to do when you are being tailgated in France.

Host Ben McPartland is joined at the wheel by our team of rogue drivers, Editor Emma Pearson, journalist Gen Mansfield and politics and driving expert John Lichfield.

EXTRA READING:

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In the line up this week we'll explain what prompted the huge reaction to that coming together between Brigitte Macron's hands and Emmanuel Macron's face. 

You must have seen the video by now. We don't know what happened but we do know what happened next.

And from taxi driver blockades to farmers protesting in tractors and mysterious blackouts in the south, we'll bring you the latest on ongoing protests and disruption around the country as well as explain the huge paradox in French food farming.

And on the subject of food, why - if France has the perfect diet and all French people are slim and in shape as the cliche goes - is the government bringing out an obesity plan which many say is long overdue.

We'll also find out about the worst French city to be in during a heatwave and which of the country's famous museums and galleries will be charging non-EU residents more to enter.

Host Ben McPartland is joined by the team at The Local - Emma Pearson, Gen Mansfield and John Lichfield.

Essential reading:

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This week we'll explain a spate of recent worrying kidnappings in France and what the French government is doing to halt them, plus we'll try and alleviate any fears for tourists in Paris after reports of two Americans being attacked by a street vendor wielding mini-Eiffel towers.

We'll also look at how you might be affected by the agreements drawn up in the much-hyped UK - EU post Brexit deal thrashed out this week and compare hospital waiting times around the country.

And stay to the end to find out all about the challenges and benefits of buying a second home in different parts of France and the important factors buyers need to consider before they take the plunge.

But we'll start off the show this week by talking about smurfs!

And to do all this host Ben McPartland will call upon the trusty help of editor Emma Pearson, journalist Gen Mansfield and politics expert and fish fanatic John Lichfield.

EXTRA READING:

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This week we hear about how the unpopular President Emmanuel Macron plans to box himself out of a corner into the centre of the ring and if he’s actually going to hold any of his much talked about referendums.

We’ll also find out about France’s urban rodeos and why they are so popular but also so dangerous.

We’ll hear why the scandalous Dreyfus affair is such a key moment in French history, and why the impact is still being felt today.

We’ll explain why we shouldn’t complain too much about all the bureaucracy in France and the little known rules around what you can bring on the Paris Metro - plants, dogs, suitcases… we’ve cleared it all for you so you don’t get fined.

Host Ben McPartland is joined by the team at The Local France Emma Pearson, Gen Mansfield and John Lichfield.

Further reading:

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In the show this week, French interior minister has announced plans to toughen up the requirements for becoming French - including a possible new history and civics test. We'll look at what he's got in mind for future citizenship applicants and most importantly whether it will actually change anything.

We'll also find out about new proposals in France to get kids off their screens. Could France make Instagram go black and white?

And organised crime has hit the headline in France recently after a string of dramatic attacks on prisons. We'll find out how the government wants to bang up the bandits.

And finally one French city faces an uncertain future because it's apparently built on very holy Swiss cheese and the mayor is worried it's all about to be gobbled up.

Host Ben McPartland is joined by The Local France's Emma Pearson, Gen Mansfield and John Lichfield.

Further reading

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For this week's big talking points we'll look at what's happening on May Day in France, why French bakers are up in arms this year and whether there'll be any riots.

And the future of France is at stake, according to the French PM and he's blaming the French for not working hard enough. We'll find out what needs to happen for France to be saved.

And we'll hear why Americans are all moving to the French Riviera, why French doctors are not helping find a cure for the country's health problems and..... and .... whether ants in France could give you an electric shock.

Yep stay to the end to find out exactly what I'm talking about.

Ben McPartland your host is joined by.... the team from The Local France Emma Pearson, Gen Mansfield and John Lichfield.

Articles to read:

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It might be two years but the race - albeit a marathon rather than a sprint - to be the next president of France has already started. We’ll hear about who’s in the running, who might be out of it, and who has the best chance of winning.

And we’ll tell you why US president Donald Trump is targeting a tiny French overseas territory and why Emmanuel Macron called on French companies to suspend investment in the US. 

We’ll find out about some historic French sites threatened with collapse or disappearing into the sea, like one unique fortress off the west coast that’s housed soldiers as well as tigers, snakes and spiders.

And we’ll explore some rather unknown French laws that come into force this spring that involve anything from garden hedges to dogs. Listen to the end and we might save you from being fined.

Host Ben McPartland is joined by guests Emma Pearson, Gen Mansfield and John Lichfield from The Local France.

Further reading:

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This new episode is not one you want to miss because shockwaves rippled around France this week when it was announced far right leader Marine Le Pen had been banned from standing for political office for the next five years. This could of course rule her out of the 2027 French presidential election.

It's a huge story, it's all kicked off and we'll have all the latest looking at what happens next, what impact will the verdict have on French voters and whether Le Pen can somehow still make it to the starting blocks for that key 2027 election.

And another row has flared up between France and the US this week that has angered many on this side of the Atlantic. We’ll explain what’s ignited that argument.

And away from politics we'll fill you in on the apparent conflict spilling over in French bars and pubs across the country over the size of a beer glass.

And we'll reveal France's favourite French dishes and voted for by ...the French and decide which region of the country can claim to be Queen of cuisine!

Ben McPartland your host is joined as ever by the team at The Local France Emma Pearson, Gen Mansfield and John Lichfield.

Extra reading:

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This week we'll look at a potential earthquake in French politics that could strike next week. That's when far right leader Marine Le Pen will find out whether she's been banned from standing in elections. Could she be banned? Should she be banned? What will happen if she is? We'll delve deep into all of those questions and try to come with some answers.

We'll also find out about McDonald's vision of conquering rural France. Can the US fast food giant win the hearts and stomachs of French villagers?

We'll explain why France is once again arguing over the rules of surrogacy and how the law compares to elsewhere in Europe plus we'll examine whether Ryanair has followed through with its threat to pull out of France.

And we'll tell you the story of how Asterix and Obelix resisted the Romans but conquered France.

Host Ben McPartland and is joined by the team at the Local France, Emma Pearson, Gen Mansfield and John Lichfield, who, if he was a character in Asterix he’d be called Politix.

Related reading:

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This week we look at the earthquake risks in different parts of France after the city of Nice and the surrounding area was recently shaken by a 4.1 magnitude tremor. Scientists say France should expect a big quake one day, but do we know where and when?

We also wade into a new transatlantic war of words over the Statue of Liberty and look at what else France has given the United States over the years.

We explain a new and very innovative plan to combat drought in the south of France and find out when foreigners living here will be able to do most of their admin online like the French are doing more and more with a new digital ID.

And we explain how to avoid being scammed and needlessly paying far too much when getting an ETA visa waiver to go the UK, which will be required from next month.

Host Ben McPartland is joined today by the dazzling duo from The Local France, Emma Pearson and Gen Mansfield.

Useful websites

In this episode, we reference three websites that you may find useful.

Further reading:

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This week we look at how the international crisis is impacting France. 

Is President Emmanuel Macron a war monger and making the most of it all to boost his flagging popularity as his critics say, or is he the right man at the right time to lead France and Europe through increasingly stormy waters. And we look at the battle for French public opinion between Macron and the country’s increasingly influential pro-Russian media baron.

We also find out about a move to allow rural French villages to open up new bars and cafes. Will they restore a vital social life to isolated hamlets or simply encourage alcohol abuse among locals.

We also explore how France helps its youngsters become culture vultures and why it's perhaps no surprise that bombs left over from the World Wars are still causing travel chaos decades on, not to mention injuries and even deaths.

And we find out why many Americans in France are angry right now and the reasons why many more of their compatriots are making the move across the Atlantic. 

Host Ben McPartland is joined this week by the team at The Local France Editor Emma Pearson, journalist Gen Mansfield and politics expert John Lichfield.

Extra reading:

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We start off this week by jumping straight into the increasingly choppy waters of international relations and examine whether France has a strong enough military to help bring peace to Europe and whether Emmanuel Macron has any influence at all over Donald Trump.

We also explain how the UK's new travel authorisation scheme could affect you and your family in France and explain why a 102-year-old Frenchman named Albert is suing the government.

We also look at why France hasn't quite experienced the anti-tourism backlash as seen in neighbouring Spain and try to decipher the laws around the hijab as French senators propose another tightening of restrictions around the garment.

Host Ben McPartland and I'll be joined for this new series of Talking France by the team at The Local: Editor Emma Pearson, journalist Gen Mansfield and politics expert John Lichfield.

Extra reading:

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On the menu for this week we'll start off by talking about France's new highly intelligent cat, which Emmanual Macron is hoping will rule the world. Don't worry, we'll explain what I'm on about shortly.

We'll also delve into France's new budget and explain how listeners will be impacted by some of the measures, including why you'll have to pay more for flights in France in the future.

You've all heard of the medieval citadel of Carcassonne but there are some other, less well-known castles in south west France that are also vying for global attention, as we'll explore.

And France's Prime Minister has said he wants to open a discussion about what it means to be French, so we're going to do exactly that.

And finally stay listening until the end to find out what you really shouldn't do on a train in France if you don't want to make international news and more importantly be hit by a steep fine.

Host Ben McPartland will be joined by The Local's editor Emma Pearson, journalist Gen Mansfield and politics expert John Lichfield.

Extra reading:

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On the bill this week, we get the latest on the forecast for how long the French PM will last as he tries to navigate the government through evermore turbulent waters.

And speaking of water we'll also hear about a potentially huge scandal involving French eau mineral - or mineral water. 

We'll look at potential problems for the thousands of skiers heading to the FRench Alps this February including: ginormous boulders rolling off the mountainside.

And we'll try to solve the age old riddle for French language learners which is whether to use "tu" or "vous". I promise I think we've cracked it.

And it's five years since Brexit but that doesn't mean everything is settled for Brits in France. We'll look ahead to some potential headaches and hurdles in 2025.

Host Ben McPartland is joined by esteemed regular guests this week: Emma Pearson, Gen Mansfield and John Lichfield.

Extra reading:

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This week we'll examine the French President's planned multi-million euro revamp of the world famous Louvre gallery in Paris and also… why is Emmanuel Macron even getting involved in museum refurbishments anyway?

We'll also discuss the end of the internet in France, well not quite, but there are major changes afoot that listeners should be aware of.

And we'll explore France's love-hate relationship with mega cruise ships. They love building them but do French cities still love welcoming them and their thousands of passengers? Resistance appears to be growing against the so-called floating cities.

We'll also find out a strange quirk of French law that could see you in hot water at French motorway toll booths and answer the key question of who decides whether French words are masculine or feminine.

Host Ben McPartland is joined by three people worthy of having their portraits hung in the Louvre: Emma Pearson, Gen Mansfield and John Lichfield.

Extra reading:

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Donald Trump is back and his mate Elon Musk is doing a lot of talking and gesticulating, but the pair have been fairly quiet about France... so far. We'll examine whether Emmanual Macron has managed to befriend and becalm them or if Trump and co will "crush" France and Europe as the French PM has warned.

On a slightly less worrying subject we'll explain France's new census that's taking place around the country and why one particular question has caused a rumpus.

And we'll look at a new French law and how it benefits workers in the country, but perhaps not business owners… and find out why France is one of the few countries in the world where cinema numbers are going up and not down.

And we have an important update on the key subject of language tests for citizenship and residency permits that will interest many listeners.

Host Ben McPartland is joined for this week's episode by three of The Local's most astute brainiacs Emma Pearson, Gen Mansfield and John Lichfield.

Extra reading:

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This week we'll find out why pensioners are to blame for all of France's problems, well not quite, but they are perhaps to blame for all the new prime minister's troubles. 

We'll also examine some major travel changes for south west France at a time that could spell both bad and good news for residents there.

We'll get to the bottom of a new driving law in France that's finally come into force this week and look at whether days are numbered for France's tourist information centres as the last one in Paris shuts up shop.

We'll also explain why your carte vitale health card might have stopped working and what you can do about it if it does get refused.

Ben McPartland your host is joined on the Talking France dance floor this week by The Local France's Emma Pearson, Gen Mansfield and French politics expert John Lichfield. 

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This week we bring you all the latest on some big changes in France for drivers and look at where in the country you’ll wait the longest for a response from your prefecture. We will of course bring you the latest on the plight of France’s latest government and remind you who the PM is these days.

We also explain the 12 Gallic complaints you’ll need to get through the year in France.

And it’s 10 years since the Charlie Hebdo and HyperCacher supermarket terror attack in Paris. We’ll look at what happened next to the Charlie Hebdo magazine and explain a bit about France’s thirst for satire.

Host Ben McPartland is joined once again by editor Emma Pearson, journalist Gen Mansfield and French politics expert John Lichfield.

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This special episode is dedicated entirely to looking ahead so you know a little about what to expect in France in 2025.

We'll try and answer some of the big questions about what lies ahead. Such as... How many Prime Ministers will France have in 2025? More or less than the 4 it had in 2024? We'll also look at whether there will be more elections this year and more protests and political crises.

We'll look ahead to some big travel changes in Paris, in France and indeed in Europe.

And just as Notre Dame reopens another huge Paris tourist attraction is set to close!

Stay with us and you'll be well prepared for 2025 in France.

Host Ben McPartland is joined underneath mistletoe by our team from The Local France Emma Pearson, Gen Mansfield and politics expert John Lichfield.

To catch up with everything happening in France in 2025 you'll find all our articles under the topicFrance in 2025.

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In this special episode of Talking France in which we answer some questions about France from listeners of the podcast and readers of The Local.

These questions will cover everything from whether Donald Trump being back in the White House means Marine Le Pen will soon be in Macron’s house - the Elysee palace.

We’ll answer a question on how could France have an energy crisis when it’s got so much nuclear power and whether the country simply spends too much on protecting its population?

We’ll try and explain how Americans can look more… well French in the way they dress and whether foreign residents in the country can get by without speaking French.

And finally we’ll try and answer a good question from a reader about what makes France so great, although we’ll first try and find out if it is actually that great.

Host Ben McPartland is asking the questions on behalf of listeners and to answer them we’ll have the three wise men and women from The Local : Emma Pearson, Gen Mansfield and John Lichfield.

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France has a new Prime Minister, just in time for the New Year, but how long will he last for in 2025? France does have a PM but will it get a new government in time for Christmas? A lot has happened in French politics since last week and there’s a lot more that will happen before the end of the year so we’ll break it all down for you.

Away from politics we’ll find out about some foreign residents who’ve been caught with fake French language test certificates. And we’ll run through what to expect in France this Christmas from strikes to topless firefighters.

And we’ll hear how glitches on the French immigration admin website ANEF have been causing a “crisis” for international residents in the country.

It’s another jam-packed episode of Talking France coming up.

And we're appealing to all our listeners this Christmas who haven’t become members. Please consider joining The Local, we really need new members to be able to continue recording these episodes and to be able to carry on writing the dozens of valuable articles the team produces each week about France and the issues facing residents, second home owners and visitors. So please treat yourself and your family this Christmas to a membership of The Local France. If you’re already a member you can also buy a gift membership for the francophile in your life via this link.

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This week, we'll get the latest on the ongoing political crisis in France and President Emmanuel Macron's quest to find a government to run the country. Will he succeed in getting a Christmas truce?

We'll find out who the winners and losers are from the fact that France has no 2025 budget and look at who might be to blame for the messy end of year in French politics.

We'll find out what's so special about Paris' roof tops but why you really don't want to be living right under one. 

And we'll explore whether our personalities change when we speak French. Do we become more emotional or more likely to have an argument? 

And we'll compare how trains in France compare to rail services around Europe and whether they've become too expensive for many people.

Host Ben McPartland is joined by The Local's veritable locomotive Emma Pearson, Gen Mansfield and John Lichfield.

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France has been plunged into crisis this week. As widely expected the French government has fallen along with Prime Minister Michel Barnier after they lost a no-confidence vote on Wednesday evening.

What happens next? Can the under-pressure President Emmanuel Macron steady the ship or will he jump, as many are calling for. We get all the latest news and analysis on the political chaos.

Elsewhere this week we explain new rules around holiday property rentals in France, we try and understand why advent calendars have become controversial in French schools and look at whether France and the UK are heading for a border showdown.

And we also spell out why you should visit French Christmas markets on an empty stomach.

Host Ben McPartland is joined as usual will be the team from The Local France, Emma Pearson, Gen Mansfield and John Lichfield. 

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France has only had a new government for a couple of months and now it looks like it could lose it - just when it really needs one. We'll find out what's going on and what it will mean for the country and the crucial 2025 budget if the government falls.

We'll also explore how Paris has changed over the last 10 years under mayor Anne Hidalgo, who announced this week she won't run for a third term.

We'll also discuss how a mass rape trial in the south of France that has deeply shocked the country, could bring lasting change to French society and its laws.

And we'll finish by looking at the common grammar mistakes even the French make and whether we language learners really do need to remember whether a noun is masculine or feminine.

Host Ben McPartland is joined as usual by The Local France's editor Emma Pearson, journalist Gen Mansfield, politics expert John Lichfield as well as a special guest feminist journalist Megan Clement.

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Protesting French farmers are threatening to cause chaos and the government is struggling to calm their anger. We explain the reasons for their fury and why it's causing France to lose friends in Brussels.

And could Marine Le Pen be barred from standing in the next presidential election? We look at the ramifications of what could be a bombshell court verdict.

We also talk about sex this week or more to the point the changing sex lives for the French and whether those clichés about highly active and adulterous Gallic lovers have any truth to them.

And if you still need satisfying then we've got much more, including a look at the worst airlines for delays in France and why Notre Dame's reopening has caused an unholy row over secularism.

Host Ben McPartland is joined by the team from The Local France. That means Emma Pearson, Gen Mansfield and John Lichfield will be on the mics providing the insight.

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This week we look ahead to winter in France, not the weather or Christmas, but the likelihood of major strikes causing disruption across the country. French farmers, rail unions and pilots have all announced protests and industrial action over the days and weeks ahead. Just how bad could it get?

We also explain why Emmanuel Macron might just have his mojo back thanks to Donald Trump but will he be able to do anything with it in the time he has left as president?

And we find out why France has a gambling problem when it comes to the horses and whether the government really could strip us all of one of our treasured public holidays?

And we explain whether it’s true that one of the many benefits of being in France when you’re elderly is that you can’t be evicted.

Im Ben McPartland your host and I'll be joined by The Local France's Emma Pearson, Gen Mansfield and politics expert John Lichfield.

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To start this news series off we find out how the French President Emmanuel Macron and his government might be feeling about the return of Donald Trump to the White House. And with many Americans apparently taking to Google to find out how they can move to France, we explain if they actually can, and all the pitfalls to avoid if you do.

We also explain why French rail unions are threatening "long and strong" rail strikes this autumn and why the accent in the south west of France is considered sexy - and if it is worth copying if you live there?

We also look at whether Paris's new so-called car ban really is that ambitious and run through some of the key hurdles you need to overcome when buying a property in France.

Host Ben McPartland is joined by the team at The Local France, Emma Pearson, Gen Mansfield and politics expert John Lichfield.

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Up for discussion this week is what's been described as "the most violent austerity plan France has ever seen." We find out just how painful the new budget will be for people in France.

And apart from the budget, there's a planned new immigration bill that could also spell bad news for foreigners in France. We find out more.

And did you know around 150 movies and TV series are filmed in Paris each year? We explain why the film industry means big business in the French capital.

We run through the many different types of parties you can get invited to in France from a dining aperitif to the burial of a young girl's life.

We also explain why doliprane - that's French paracetamol - is giving many in France a huge headache right now.

Host Ben McPartland is joined by The Local France's editor Emma Pearson and politics expert John Lichfield.

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The big news this week in France is that the mythical golden owl, a treasure people in France have been hunting for for three decades, has finally been found. 

If you have no idea what I'm talking about please stay tuned. This week we'll also get the calculator out and find out if France's autumn budget - described as the toughest and most important in 50 years - will solve any of the country's financial problems. Or will it just give you financial problems with major cuts and tax hikes ahead.

We'll also explore the real differences and divisions between Paris and the rest of France whether it's the quality of the healthcare you receive or the salaries you can earn.

The French PM has announced a major change to the carte vitale, those green health cards we all have to carry in France. But how will foreign residents be affected?

And as more Alps ski resorts close their lifts for good, is climate change putting the French off skiing and who will lose out the most?

Host Ben McPartland is joined this week by the team from The Local France, Emma Pearson, Gen Mansfield and politics and budget expert John Lichfield.

Just a reminder that if you like the podcast, please consider becoming a member of The Local France. Not only will you be helping us to be able to continue producing episodes of Talking France, but you'll also get full access to the scores of articles the team produces each week. You can join in just a couple of minutes by visiting The Local.fr.

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Up for discussion this week is the French PM's key policy speech and why it sounded like a wedding speech by a bride's grandfather. Plus, does the PM have a chance of getting anything done and will the gaping hole in the country's money box spell doom for us all here in France?

On a more positive note we'll put France's interior minister to rights by introducing you to some foreign immigrants who really did help make France the country it is today. 

We'll also introduce you to some dinosaurs that made Charente in south western France their home and explore whether a solution has been found to boost public transport in rural France.

And finally French kissing is a subject some of us are experts on here at The Local so we will find out whether the covid pandemic killed off la bise - the french greeting kiss of course.

Host Ben McPartland is joined by the team at The Local France, Editor Emma Pearson, journalist Gen Mansfield and politics and rural France expert John Lichfield.

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In this new episode we take a look at France's new government. It's been dubbed a government of "losers" and we'll get to the bottom of who's in it, how long it might last and whether foreigners in France should be wary of the direction it takes.

We also find out why the Chinese are giving France's cognac makers a huge headache, whether Paris deserves its reputation as the "City of Rats", and look at the future of two important airport hubs in south west France.

And we also find out whether the EU could stub out smoking once and for all on French café terraces.

Host Ben McPartland is joined by my usual cabinet, Emma Pearson our minister of interior and French alcohol, Gen Mansfield, minister for transport and rodents and John Lichfield our secretary of state for the defence... of French politics.

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This week we'll get the latest on the never-ending story that is France's quest to find a new government and find out if the country is facing imminent tax hikes to plug the gaping deficit.

We also look at which are the best cities in France when it comes to having access to everything you need for everyday life. Plus we explore where are the most remote parts of the country where you'll be content if all you need for everyday life is peace and quiet.

We also explain why you might face more border checks travelling within the border-free Schengen zone and why the UK will soon charge foreign visitors around 12 euros.

We hear new French food rules for feeding kids at home and explore and we explore, with the help of our listeners and readers, if croissants and baguettes in France are getting worse!

Ben McPartland your host is joined by our specialist panel of border, food and politics experts from The Local France Emma Pearson, Gen Mansfield and John Lichfield.

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Talking France is back with a new series. This week, we'll bring you right up to date with the political shenanigans in France and examine whether there will be any positive legacy for Paris now the Olympics are over.

Remember the political crisis that was paused over the summer? Well French politicians have pressed the play button again and the drama continues to be gripping. 

We'll run the rule over the new French PM and look ahead to what's coming and how long he'll last in the job.

We'll also look back to the Paris Olympic and paralympic games and examine what, if any, will be the lasting legacy for the French capital - apart from the rings on the Eiffel Tower.

Once again host Ben McPartland will draw on the wisdom of the team at The Local France, Emma Pearson our editor, Gen Mansfield our journalist and John Lichfield our French politics wizard.

If you are a regular listener please consider becoming a member of The Local France to help keep this podcast going and if you have time please leave a review on the platform you use to listen to Talking France. This helps us be found by people looking for podcasts about France.

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In the last episode before the summer break we focus on the post-election political crisis that is gripping France.

We've had the elections, they produced a shock result and although there were some losers - namely Marine Le Pen’s far right which finished third despite pollsters predictions that they would win - there wasn't really a clear winner. So what happens now? When will France get a new government? If its the leftist alliance then what will they do in power?

Or will nothing happen and will frustration among politicians boil over into protests and unrest on the streets this summer?

Surely France can't let that happen because we've got the Olympics coming up and it's vital that it all runs smoothly. But will it all go to plan? We'll find out the latest with the opening ceremony approaching fast.

And away from the political crisis and olympics anxiety we look ahead to this summer in France. 

Ben McPartland your host is joined for one more time by the team at The Local France : Emma Pearson, Gen Mansfield and our French politics guru John Lichfield.

Thanks to all our listeners for tuning in during this latest season. We'll be back in September when no doubt there'll be a lot of talking points to catch up on. In the meantime please consider joining The Local to help us continue producing this weekly podcast about France.

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In this special edition of the Talking France podcast we'll look in detail at the shock results of the defining second round of France’s snap parliamentary elections.

We also get all the reaction from the key players, look ahead at what happens next and get all the analysis from our politics expert John Lichfield.

Host Ben McPartland is also joined by The Local France’s Emma Pearson.

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France has voted in the first round of the snap parliamentary poll - an election considered one of the most pivotal in recent French history.

This week, we explain the results, look ahead at what happens over the next few days and what Sunday's second round will bring. Can the far-right get a majority government or will the so-called Republican Front hold firm once again? President Emmanuel Macron is running out of options but what will he do next?

We'll also explain how the far-right's policies on French preference and dual nationality would impact foreign residents.

To answer all these crucial questions and to help explain the messy state of play in France, host Ben McPartland will call on our team at The Local - Emma Pearson and Gen Mansfield as well as our French politics expert John Lichfield.

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This episode comes at a crucial time in France's recent history. The first round of France's snap parliamentary elections are on Sunday and there couldn't be more at stake. Is France heading for a political earthquake or can President Emmanuel Macron somehow limit the aftershocks and restore some calm?

We'll look at what lies ahead in the weeks and months to come?

Our French politics expert John Lichfield will explain why he thinks France is heading for deep, dark, unchartered waters.

We'll also explore what the parties on the left, right and centre might do if they get to form the next French government and what we can expect to happen during Sunday's first round.

Away from the elections we'll explain the proposed new law in France that is being described as a "ban on second homes" and who and where it will impact the most.

And was all the talk of the Paris Olympics being unaffordable for most just "project fear"? Whether its travel, accommodation or event tickets we'll explain why you could still get to the Paris Olympics without emptying your bank account.

I'm Ben McPartland and I'll also be joined this week by The Local's Emma Pearson and Gen Mansfield.

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We're in the midst of a pretty major political crisis here in France with snap elections coming up so needless to say we have plenty to talk about in this week's episode.

Firstly we bring you right up to date with all the drama, the dodgy deals and shaky alliances, the infighting and betrayals and the pleas for French people to get out and vote.

Our French politics wizard John Lichfield will explain why this election could be more calamitous than Brexit for France and the EU and look at what Emmanuel Macron could do if it all goes wrong for him.

We also look at what exactly a prime minister in France does and what power they have. Plus we try to decipher what it could mean for foreigners in France if that prime minister ends up being a far right one.

And away from French politics we look at the famous sites that authorities warn will be overcrowded this summer and what you can do to avoid them and we also bust the myth about whether France really has a 60 percent inheritance tax rate.

Host Ben McPartland is joined in Paris by The Local's Emma Pearson and Gen Mansfield.

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Welcome to a special episode of The Local's Talking France podcast in which we take a look at the (latest) political crisis in France following the EU election results.

On Sunday night, as the European election results were drifting in French President Emmanuel Macron took everyone by surprise by announcing he was dissolving the French parliament - the Assemblé Nationale - and that new elections would be held in just three weeks time. 

Yep pretty dramatic stuff, which is why we are recording a special politics focussed episode of Talking France this week.

I'm Ben McPartland and joining me to answer the questions of why's Macron done this, what happens next and what are the chances of France ending up with a far right prime minister will be The Local's team Emma Pearson, Gen Mansfield and John Lichfield.

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The talking points from France this week... in no particular order are - Russian meddling in French affairs. Yes France has accused Russia of being involved in a string of recent incidents from fake coffins left at the Eiffel Tower to bedbug invasion rumours. Why would Moscow do this and is it working?

We also find about why the commemorations to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day on Thursday are even more significant this year, why you could be fined in France just for washing your car and we explain why you are likely to be scolded in public by a French person.

And big border changes are coming that will likely affect you so we explain what difference it's all going to make to your journey in and out of France, whether it's by plane, train, automobile or ferry.

Host Ben McPartland is joined by the team from The Local France, Emma Pearson, Gen Mansfield and politics expert John Lichfield.

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On the bill this week we have the European elections. We answer the important questions: Why should we care, how will they affect France and what will they mean for the future? As well as explaining a little bit about the European parliament.

We also look at how new laws aimed at averting dangerous wildfires in France will affect home owners plus explain why hundreds of thousands of home addresses in rural France are changing and what this means for you.

We also find out which politicians are the best to call on in France to get support for any local dispute.

And we explain why some tourists suffer from panic attacks, delusional thinking and hallucinations when they visit Paris. And if there's anything they can do to avoid it.

Ben McPartland your host is joined by The Local's Emma Pearson, Gen Mansfield and politics expert John Lichfield.

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This week we find out why so many workers are going on strike in Paris at the moment. From waste collectors to firefighters - what do they all want, and what's the Olympics got to do with it?

We also explain the crisis in France's overseas territory of New Caledonia, why the president has deemed it necessary to fly there and why France has such a complicated relationship with several far flung parts of the world.

And French star footballer Kylian MBappé has said goodbye to Paris and to France, so we'll explain why everyone, including the mayor and the president, is so upset. 

And in response to a great listener's question we'll try to explain what classic French values are and why you might need to know them - especially if you want to become French.

Host Ben McPartland is joined by Emma Pearson the local France's editor and we also hear from John Lichfield our politics expert.

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This week on Talking France we explore more of the big issues in France such as... who'll actually need a special QR security code during the Paris Olympics, why male motorists in France are being urged to drive like women and why the future is uncertain for Normandy's famous D-Day beaches as the 80th anniversary of the landings approaches.

And is France doomed or is it booming? With the French government bragging about record foreign investment we try and work out whether the country’s economy really is in a healthy condition.

And on the subject of health, why is getting blood tests in France such a confusing process? 

To help answer these questions will be The Local France's special intelligence unit of Emma "the editor" Pearson, Gen, the journalist Mansfield and John the politics, economy and Normandy beaches expert, Lichfield. They'll join host Ben McPartland.

Further reading

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We kick off this week looking at the Féte du Travail on May 1st. Is it still a significant, symbolic day for workers in France or is it just regarded as a bonus day off?

We also look at the big upcoming change for passport checks in Europe. It's called EES and it's almost certain to cause lots of travel issues, which is why we try and answer some of the important questions our readers have about it.

And... we also look at how France plans to take better care of its elderly population, whether the French government could impose bans on screen time for kids and what exactly is an “integration contract" when it comes to visas or residency permits in France.

Host Ben McPartland is joined this week by The Local France's fountains of knowledge and sound advice, Emma Pearson, Gen Mansfield and politics expert John Lichfield.

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This week we explore just how big an issue is youth violence around schools in France. Is it out of control or just being exploited by those pesky politicians?

We explain where foreigners buy second homes in France and why fewer Brits are snapping up properties. We also find out why one French island is taking on Airbnb and look at why drivers on French motorways could soon avoid stopping for the tolls.

And "the English language is just French pronounced badly". Who would say such a provocative thing and why? We'll reveal all.

Ben McPartland your host is joined for this new series by our regular team from The Local, Editor Emma Pearson, journalist Gen Mansfield and politics expert John Lichfield.

Welcome to a new episode and new series of Talking France. Thanks to all our regular listeners for tuning in and a big welcome to any new listeners joining us. This podcast is produced by the team at The Local France and while it's free it is only made possible by our paying members. Thanks to all of you who have joined. And a particular thanks to the gentlemen who emailed us to say he had joined The Local to help keep this podcast going. Much appreciated.

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On this week's Talking France we talk about trains, croissants, the Le Pens, French bashing and the sexy subject of tax declarations in France.

France is about to test a new 49 euro rail pass to encourage people to get onto trains. We explain who can take advantage of it and where you can use it.

Plus it's 120 years of the entente cordiale between France and the UK, we will explore whether there's any real entente between the two countries these days and whether or not it's even cordial. 

And French far right stalwart Jean-Marie Le Pen is a talking point this week. Does he deserve any credit for shaking up French politics in recent decades, or is he just a racist in the right place at the right time…?

And people have been meddling with croissants again! We've had fish-fingers and sausages, what on earth are they putting in these sacred pastries now? I'll give you a clue... it's been called a crookie.

Ben McPartland your host is joined this week by three of the finest minds at The Local France, Emma Pearson, Gen Mansfield and John Lichfield. 

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Up for discussion this week are France's regional airports. Have you flown into or out of the likes of Limoges, Brest or even Bergerac? No doubt these airports are handy but are they really sustainable? 

We also look at how France's official Champagne region is going to grow. Could it include part of England one day? And with the Olympics in sight we'll explain, with the help of author Simon Kuper, how Paris and even Parisians are changing.

And can you really get €6,000 a month in unemployment benefit in France for a whole year? Yes, you can, but perhaps not for much longer with the French government under pressure to make cuts.

And most of the deadly animals in France are in zoos but the numbers of wolves and bears in the wild are growing. We look at where they are and the chances of you encountering one.

Host Ben McPartland is once again joined by The Local France's Emma Pearson and Gen Mansfield as well as French politics expert John Lichfield.

Further reading:

Simon Kuper's book "Impossible City - Paris in the 21st Century" is published on April 11th and is available in all book shops as well as online.

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"It's gone wild," "It's a meltdown" - these were just some of the shocked reactions to news that France is in a fair bit of debt and it's getting worse. We explain how it could affect you and whether the crisis could bring down the French government this summer.

As well as debt, we look at wealth and just how much money you have to have to be considered rich in France. 

And away from money, we'll reveal a few of France's most beautiful train rides, teach you a little about radical French painters and tell you what's going to change in France this April. And if you've never heard of the "Giboulées de Mars" - then find out what they are.

Ben McPartland your host is joined by three volunteers who have kindly offered to help this week: Emma Pearson, Gen Mansfield and Jon Lichfield, otherwise known as The Local France.

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