Talking France

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?

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 systemSimon 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.

"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

In this week’s talking points we’ll look at why the French are so down about the Olympics right now. Are they understandably worried that everything’s going to go wrong and it’s going to be a disaster or are they just excelling at that famous Gallic sport of complaining?And we’ll hear the story of France’s famous Michelin guide and who the secret restaurant inspectors are. We also examine the latest row around schools in France and learn about why the euro coins in your pocket are going to look a little different very soon.And we ask the question why in France do political leaders only become liked once they are dead or retired?Host Ben McPartland is joined by The Local France team; editor Emma Pearson, journalist Gen Mansfield and politics expert John Lichfield.To sign up for The Local's Paris Olympics guide weekly newsletter you can click here.Further reading: OPINION: How to be loved by the French people? Retire or dieMeet the new French faces on Euro coinsMichelin unveils 62 newly starred restaurants in France

This week on Talking France we get the lowdown on the European Elections and why in France at least it's looking like it will be a resounding victory for ... Vladimir Putin. We'll also explain why southern France will likely see more deadly floods in future and try to understand why certain French towns are allowed casinos and why others, including Paris, are not.President Emmanuel Macron has angered yet more people in France this week with his latest reform around assisted dying. We'll look at what will change and who's angry about it. And is the most useful place in France your local post office? You can do far more there than just buy stamps and we'll tell you exactly what.Ben McPartland your host is joined this week by The Local France team. As usual Emma Pearson Gen Mansfield and John Lichfield will be doing most of the Talking on this week's Talking France.Essential reading:OPINION: The European elections in France are more than a vote on PutinCan foreign residents in France vote in the European elections?How to register to vote in the European elections in France?14 things you can do at a French post office apart from post letters

In this week's episode of Talking France we'll find out why history was made at the Palais de Versailles and why the famous site is far more than just a tourist attraction. We'll also look at why one American sport has become so popular in France, what foreigners do to blend in with the locals in France and where you can find quality but affordable restaurants near you. And we'll also explore why France has a love for consumer regulations and how they impact shoppers.Ben McPartland your host is joined by the team from The Local France Emma Pearson, Gen Mansfield and John Lichfield.Further reading:Why France's Versailles Palace is far more than just a tourist attractionWhy France is considered 'ground zero' for basketball in EuropeHow foreigners become 'more French' to fit in with life in France?'Bib Gourmand': Where you can find France's bargain Michelin-grade restaurants

Talking France returns for its 11th series with a new jam-packed episode. We will look at whether French farmers are set to reignite their protests, and why Lyon is the one city in France we should all move to plus why President Emmanuel Macron is suddenly suggesting Nato troops could be stationed in Ukraine. And we'll find out why the French tax man might be spying on your Facebook or Instagram accounts and hear some crucial tips for passing the French language test for citizenship.Host Ben McPartland is joined by The Local's editor Emma Pearson, journalist Gen Mansfield and politics expert John Lichfield.Further reading:OPINION: Which side would Le Pen be on in World War III? French history gives a clueREADERS REVEAL: What are the best things about life in Lyon?French tax man given power to go undercover on social media10 tips to help you pass the French language test

This week we explain everything from... France's famous Droit du Sol and why it's caused a political row, to how you could lose your newly acquired status as a French citizen.We look at the struggle of French villages to hold on to their boulangeries, whether the guillotine could ever make a comeback in France and explain why Monaco on the French Riviera is known as a playground for the rich, the famous and the tax dodgers.We also break down the complicated topic of energy ratings for French homes and explain why they are really, really important for both renters and buyers.Host Ben McPartland os joined by The Local France's team of experts Emma Pearson, Gen Mansfield and John Lichfield.Podcast listeners can take advantage of our special offer to join The Local.Further reading:French citizenship: What exactly is France's 'droit du sol'?OPINION: France's Mayotte citizenship plan? It's all in the small printIconic Normandy village searches for a baker320 eaten every second: 6 key facts about the French baguetteWhat do energy ratings mean for French property owners?

On the menu this week we look at whether more French cities will follow the lead of Paris by turning up the heat big fuel guzzling SUV vehicles plus we find out why Eurostar is facing more travel misery.We'll try to understand French waiters - are they just grumpy garçons or serious professionals who get an unfair reputation and answer some of your important questions on the new French language requirements for residency permits and citizenship.And we'll explore whether the French, reputed as being the world's biggest romancers, are actually bothered about Valentine's Day?This podcast is produced by The Local and made possible thanks to our members. If you'd like to join then now's the time you can make the most of a special offer for podcast listeners by going www.thelocal.fr/podcastoffer/Ben McPartland your host is joined by the team at The Local Emma Pearson, Gen Mansfield and politics expert John Lichfield.Further reading:Paris votes in favour of €18-per-hour parking fees for SUVsYour questions answered about the new French language tests for foreignersAll you need to know about the new French language requirementsEES: Eurostar could limit services over new biometric passport checksFrench waiters to race through Paris streets as historic contest returnsHow do the French really feel about Valentine's Day?