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...
Jul 01, 2024•24 min•Season 12Ep. 10
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...
Jun 24, 2024•27 min•Season 12Ep. 9
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 Emm...
Jun 17, 2024•32 min•Season 12Ep. 8
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 sp...
Jun 10, 2024•19 min•Season 12Ep. 7
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 e...
Jun 05, 2024•38 min•Season 12Ep. 6
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 th...
May 30, 2024•35 min•Season 12Ep. 5
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, s...
May 22, 2024•33 min•Season 12Ep. 4
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 ...
May 16, 2024•35 min•Season 12Ep. 3
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 th...
Apr 30, 2024•36 min•Season 12Ep. 2
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 ...
Apr 25, 2024•34 min•Season 12Ep. 1
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 Fre...
Apr 11, 2024•38 min•Season 11Ep. 7
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 be...
Apr 04, 2024•37 min•Season 11Ep. 6
"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...
Mar 28, 2024•34 min•Season 11Ep. 5
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...
Mar 21, 2024•34 min•Season 11Ep. 4
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...
Mar 14, 2024•33 min•Season 11Ep. 3
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...
Mar 07, 2024•31 min•Season 11Ep. 2
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 Mc...
Feb 29, 2024•34 min•Season 11Ep. 1
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 h...
Feb 15, 2024•37 min•Season 10Ep. 6
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 ...
Feb 08, 2024•34 min•Season 10Ep. 5
The country’s farmers are staging a siege of Paris and no one quite knows how it’s going to play out, how long this siege will last for, or whether the country is headed for some serious unrest… again. We explain all the latest developments for you. And a big law change affecting foreign residents in France has seen the government toughen the French language requirements for certain residency permits and for gaining French citizenship. It's caused a bit of a stir but we run through exactly what ...
Jan 30, 2024•33 min•Season 10Ep. 4
This week we explain the anger among French farmers that has led them to block motorways across the country. Who's to blame, how long will the road blocks go on for and how will it be resolved? We'll also look at why President Emmanuel Macron's suggestion the French need to be making more babies has caused a bit of uproar and why the French are making so many films but not as many babies. We will also reveal the one département in France that has no train services but is well worth a visit - if ...
Jan 25, 2024•38 min•Season 10Ep. 3
In this week's episode we look at what's ahead for the next three years of Emmanuel Macron's presidency given that he has a new prime minister and a new government in place. We also find out where France's most expensive autoroutes are, explore the part of the country the French dream of moving to and also explain the key differences between public and private schools in France. And the big question we ask this week is whether it's really OK to ask for a doggy bag in a French restaurant. Host Be...
Jan 18, 2024•34 min•Season 10Ep. 2
In this special episode to kick off series 10 of Talking France we answer a selection of questions from our listeners including: Do the French have no sense of humour? Why are there so many speed cameras in France and what's the best way to learn French? Our politics expert John Lichfield also answers a couple of reader questions including the big one: Can anyone stop Marine Le Pen becoming the next president of France? And much, much more... Podcast listeners can become members of The Local for...
Jan 10, 2024•32 min•Season 10Ep. 1
This special episode of Talking France is dedicated entirely to looking ahead so you know what to expect in France in 2024. We'll try and answer some of the big questions about what lies ahead including what could cause the next political crisis in France and will it lead to strikes and street protests? Will Paris be ready for the Olympic Games and is it best just to avoid France all together next summer? We'll also look at what is the big change for travel that could cause big queues at French ...
Dec 27, 2023•29 min•Season 9Ep. 8
France's controversial immigration bill has passed through parliament. It's been hailed as a victory for the ideas of the far right but just how bad is it for immigrants in France? We also look at whether France can still call itself a "Catholic" country and where in the country public transport is free and why. Podcast listeners can become members of The Local for just €1 for the first month by clicking here . ------- After Emmanuel Macron was elected president of France he vowed to battle agai...
Dec 21, 2023•32 min•Season 9Ep. 7
On this week’s episode of Talking France we look what happens next France’s latest political crisis, we explain the downfall of France’s most famous actor and also find out whether French schools could soon introduce compulsory uniforms. We'll explain the huge increase in the number of solar farms in France and look at whether it's gone down well in rural France. We also have explanation for how we can tell the thousands of elected politicians in France apart. It’s something to do with what they...
Dec 14, 2023•27 min•Season 9Ep. 6
On this week's episode we explore whether Paris is a safe city to visit right now, what exactly are France's notorious banlieues and whether they deserve their bad reputation and we'll also look at some of the biggest cliches about the French to see whether there's any truth in them. Are the women all skinny and the men all adulterers? We’ve got the lowdown on France’s latest cheese battle, and if you are spending Christmas or New Year in France we'll explore how the French do the festive season...
Dec 07, 2023•39 min•Season 9Ep. 5
Just how concerned should we be in France over a spike in far right violence after the murder of a young man in a rural village? What are the new international flight and train routes opening in France next year and just how did the French end up with their crazy number system. Should they change it to help us language learners? These are just three of the many questions we will try to answer in this new episode of Talking France. ----- Talking France is a podcast produced by The Local and funde...
Nov 30, 2023•37 min•Season 9Ep. 4
Could we soon see the end of flight cancellations, delays and general travel misery caused by striking French air traffic controllers? Where is this region region in France where the soil is saturated with gems and why don't the French like to talk about money? If you want to know the answers to these questions and find out why the French won't let MEPs leave Strasbourg and learn about the regional stereotypes in France then stay tuned to this latest episode of Talking France, brought to you by ...
Nov 23, 2023•36 min•Season 9Ep. 3
This week our team will bring you up to date on that latest on some important changes to immigration rules in France, including one for British second home owners and look at whether they will actually come into law. Plus we'll look at myths around Napoleon ahead of the new blockbuster film, explain the importance of French patisseries and find out where in France you will live the longest. Plus we need you to fill in this questionnaire about Talking France! ---- Welcome to a new episode of Talk...
Nov 16, 2023•36 min•Season 9Ep. 2
