Talking France

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. Extra reading: OPINION: 50 years of French state over-spending won't be solved in one BudgetGolden owls to fine wines - 5 of France's biggest treasure hunts9 ways Paris is different from the rest of FranceWho will be hit by tax rises in France?France pushes ahead with changes to carte vitale health card Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Extra reading: 'It comes naturally now' - How foreigners in France adapt to la biseImmigration, debt and compromise: The priorities of France's new governmentNew species of dinosaur discovered in south-west FranceWill France's rural rail networks be revived?OPINION: Barnier has a plan for France, if Le Pen will let him Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Extra reading: OPINION: Barnier's fragile and muddled government reflects the France of todayINTERVIEW: 'Bordeaux airport will recover from loss of Ryanair in two years'French cognac makers see red over Chinese tariff threatsParis 'rat-catcher' mayor invited to New York to share tipsIs the EU really going to ban smoking on French café terraces?From calvados to chartreuse: The ultimate booze map of France Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Extra reading: Paris and Milan judged closest in the world to becoming '15-minute' citiesREVEALED: Where are the most remote parts of France?Which French cities have the best local amenities close by?What French doctors say children should eat'Tastes like straw' - French croissants really getting worse?OPINION: Do kids in France get the best school lunches in the world? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Extra reading: John Lichfield: With Michel Barnier as PM France is retreating to the 1950sCan Paris make the Metro fully accessible for those with disabilities? Deals and discounts: How to save money on train travel in France this autumn?The key post Olympics Paris travel changes you need to knowWhat will happen to flights at Bordeaux airport when Ryanair leaves? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. READ MORE: Is France facing a summer of political chaos and unrest?10 maps to help understand France's parliamentary electionsExplained: The French leftist alliance's programme for governmentHotels, tickets and scams: What to know about visiting Paris for the 2024 Olympics Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. READ MORE: What happens next in France after bombshell election results?French far right blasts 'alliance of dishonour' as left celebrates shock winWho will be France's next prime minister?OPINION: France has stepped away from the far-right abyss, but into a political morass Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Related articles: The best France can hope for now is 12 months of turmoilWill the far-right get a majority in the French parliament?What happens next in France's key election as far right leads after first roundWhat is 'national preference' for the French and how would it hurt foreigners?What's at stake for foreigners in France is far-right Jordan Bardella becomes PM?Coalition, resignation or shared rule: The possible outcomes of France's snap election Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Related articles: France has taken leave of its senses and its no laughing matterFrench elections: What does each party's manifesto promise? French election breakdown: TV debates, latest polls and anti-SemitismParis Olympics: The prices to take advantage of as prices fallWhat is France's law to 'ban second homes'? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Related articles What a far-right prime minister could mean for foreigners in FranceFrench election breakdown: Party alliances and the Ciotti soap operaWhat does a French Prime Minister actually do?The 10 French tourist spots most likely to be overcrowded this summerMythbuster: Does France really have a 60 percent inheritance tax rate?OPINION: Macron's election gamble is an invitation to calamity Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Related reading: What happens next as France heads for snap elections?Who can vote in France’s snap parliamentary elections?OPINION: Macron’s election gamble is an invitation to calamityExplained: What happens when French leaders are forced into ‘cohabitation’? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Related reading: What to expect for the 80th anniversary of D-Day in FranceANALYSIS: How serious is Russian interference and disinformation in France?Travel to France: What does EES mean for cross-Channel ferry trips?What will EES mean for travel on 'Le Shuttle' through the Channel Tunnel?The 22 things that are likely to get you a scolding in FranceWhy washing your car in France can lead to a €450 fine Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Related articles: Reader question: Can I approach my French MP for help with a local problem?European elections: What are the 'têtes des liste' in France?What is Paris syndrome and are some nationalities more susceptible?Wildfires in France: What are the new legal requirements for property owners?The one French website you need if you've changed your addressWhat do I do next if my French street name has been changed Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Further reading: How likely is strike chaos during the Paris Olympics?EXPLAINED: What's behind the violence on the French island of New Caledonia?'Confetti of an empire': Understanding France's troubled overseas territoriesEXPLAINED: What are real 'French values'?What are the most overrated tourist attractions in France?Beat the crowds - 19 alternative places to visit in France Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Who will need a QR code to get around Paris during the Olympics?EXPLAINED: How getting a blood test works in FranceWhat to expect for the 80th anniversary of D-Day in FranceOPINION: France's economy is far from doomed, but not quite booming eitherRising sea levels threaten Normandy's historic D-Day beachesCan France confiscate your foreign driving licence? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Further reading: What will EES passport system mean for foreigners living in Europe?How France plans to protect kids from too much screen timeNew immigration law: who has to take integration courses in France?How will France's free-flow autoroute toll booths work for foreign vehicles?'Ageing well': What is France's new law to protect the elderly and carers? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Further reading: OPINION: No, France is not suffering from an unprecedented wave of violenceREVEALED: Where foreigners are buying second homes in FranceBrits still buying in France despite a post-Brexit drop in property salesFrance to start scrapping motorway tollboothsIs the English language just 'badly pronounced French'? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Further reading: France on track to launch €49 rail pass this summerFrench baker starts 'crookie' craze by adding cookie dough to sacred croissantSwapping of the guard: French and British troops mark Entente CordialeWhat are the changes to the 2024 French tax declaration? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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: France to revise official Champagne making area due to climate changeWhat are the most dangerous animals in France?Are France's loss-making regional airports under threat?Just how generous is France's unemployment system?How France plans cuts to its generous unemployment system 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"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. Related articles: How France's bid to tackle 'wild' budget deficit could impact youOPINION: France has been in denial for decades about its 'magic money tree'French Riviera's 'train of wonders' to close for 16 monthsVIDEO: 7 of the most beautiful train journeys in FranceHow much money do you need to be considered rich in France?Everything that changes about life in France in April 2024 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.