Talking France

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. 

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.

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

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 monthsHost 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: OPINION: France's embattled PM has won some unlikely victories and may yet get a dealFor all the coverage on the healthcare fee plan visit our Health page

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.READ MORE: OPINION: Louvre jewel theft shows the France is simply too richFrench government confirms civics and language test exemptions for over 65s

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.READ MORE:OPINION - Macron has slammed France into reverse gear with pension surrenderThe small French village that hosts the world's only street art theme park 

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

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:OPINION: Sarkozy case poses a question - why are French conservatives so crooked?Six prehistoric sites in France you have to visitWhat's the deal with EES and medical insurance for British tourists in France?Step-by-step: How to renew the Brexit carte de séjour in France

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.Essential reading:KEY DATES: The strikes planned in France in September and October 2025American tourists charged extra in Paris restaurants, newspaper sting showsPuns, sex and urban legends: How English film titles are translated into FrenchFrance plans to cut state-funded spa treatments for chronically ill patientsHow to avoid taxi scams in Paris