Talking France

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.Extra reading:OPINION: Trump's win may be bad news for everyone - apart from MacronCould France give up one of its treasured public holidays?Reader question: Is it true that over-65s cannot be evicted in France?Why the tabac is essential to life in France - even if you don't smokeFrench farmers plan new nationwide protestsWhat's behind French rail union's threat of 'longer, stronger' strikes?

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.Extra reading:Explained: Paris’ new limits on cars in city centreWhy French sounds so different in the south-west8 things to beware of about ‘cheap French property’ advertsViager: The French property system that can lead to a bargain8 things Americans need to know before moving to FranceEXPLAINED: What type of French visa do you need?

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.Extra reading:How will France's 'tough' 2025 budget affect you?French unions call strike over Doliprane firm saleTeachers in France threaten strikes until March over budget cutsHow could (another) new immigration law affect foreigners in France?Why is Paris a world leader for film and TV?Apéro to bal: Explaining the different types of parties in 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

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

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

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?

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?

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