Episodes
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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.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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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.
Extra reading:
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OPINION: Three reasons to be hopeful about France's new prime ministerAfter budget row, French MPs pass 'special law' to keep show on the roadThree arrested for helping foreigners cheat on French language testsTrains, roads and planes: What to know about travel in France over ChristmasForeigners in France face 'national crisis' due to glitches on admin site ANEFHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Missing episodes?
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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.
Extra reading:
OPINION: French politicians are finally talking about compromise and cooperationTaxes, pensions and bills - What France's budget crisis means for your walletUNESCO gives heritage status to Paris' zinc roofs - but is that actually a good thing?OPINION: Your personality changes when you speak another language, but that’s not always a bad thingCOMPARED: The best and worst train operators in EuropeHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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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.
Extra reading
OPINION: Macron will move swiftly, but can the new PM succeed where Barnier failed?Why is Christmas 'secular' in France?France introduces strict new laws on renting out holiday homes10 food and drink treats to sample at French Christmas marketsUK can no longer 'sub-contract' Channel border security to France, says interior ministerHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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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.
Extra reading
OPINION: As court verdict looms, Le Pen now seems willing to bring down French government'After Mazan': France unveils new measures to combat violence against womenParis mayor Anne Hidalgo announces she will not stand for third termMasculine or feminine: How to get the gender of French nouns (mostly) right6 language mistakes that even French people make (including Macron)Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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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.
Extra reading:
OPINION: French farmers are heading for an EU showdown in the New YearWill Marine Le Pen be barred from running for French president in 2027?Tickets and dates: All you need to know about Notre-Dame reopeningPODCAST: Pension strikes to intensify, Vendée rebels and the myth of the 'sexy French'Revealed - the real sex lives of the FrenchYour rights on delayed or cancelled flights in FranceHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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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.
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?Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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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.
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?Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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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.
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 FranceHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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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.
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 cardHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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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.
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 himHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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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.
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 FranceHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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 OlympicsHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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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.
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 morassHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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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.
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 electionHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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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.
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.
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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.
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 calamityHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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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.
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.
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