Talking France – Details, episodes & analysis

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 elections
• Explained: The French leftist alliance's programme for government
• Hotels, tickets and scams: What to know about visiting Paris for the 2024 Olympics

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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 win
• Who will be France's next prime minister?
• OPINION: France has stepped away from the far-right abyss, but into a political morass

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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 the French government could impose bans on screen time for kids and what exactly is an “integration contract" when it comes to visas or residency permits in France.

Host Ben McPartland is joined this week by The Local France's fountains of knowledge and sound advice, Emma Pearson, Gen Mansfield and politics expert John Lichfield.

Further reading:

• What will EES passport system mean for foreigners living in Europe?
• How France plans to protect kids from too much screen time
• New immigration law: who has to take integration courses in France?
• How will France's free-flow autoroute toll booths work for foreign vehicles?
• 'Ageing well': What is France's new law to protect the elderly and carers?

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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 thing and why? We'll reveal all.

Ben McPartland your host is joined for this new series by our regular team from The Local, Editor Emma Pearson, journalist Gen Mansfield and politics expert John Lichfield.

Welcome to a new episode and new series of Talking France. Thanks to all our regular listeners for tuning in and a big welcome to any new listeners joining us. This podcast is produced by the team at The Local France and while it's free it is only made possible by our paying members. Thanks to all of you who have joined. And a particular thanks to the gentlemen who emailed us to say he had joined The Local to help keep this podcast going. Much appreciated.

Further reading:

• OPINION: No, France is not suffering from an unprecedented wave of violence
• REVEALED: Where foreigners are buying second homes in France
• Brits still buying in France despite a post-Brexit drop in property sales
• France to start scrapping motorway tollbooths
• Is the English language just 'badly pronounced French'?

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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 summer
• French baker starts 'crookie' craze by adding cookie dough to sacred croissant
• Swapping of the guard: French and British troops mark Entente Cordiale
• What are the changes to the 2024 French tax declaration?

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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 change
• What 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 system

Simon 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.

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"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 you
• OPINION: France has been in denial for decades about its 'magic money tree'
• French Riviera's 'train of wonders' to close for 16 months
• VIDEO: 7 of the most beautiful train journeys in France
• How much money do you need to be considered rich in France?
• Everything that changes about life in France in April 2024

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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 die
• Meet the new French faces on Euro coins
• Michelin unveils 62 newly starred restaurants in France

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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 Putin
• Can 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

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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 attraction
• Why France is considered 'ground zero' for basketball in Europe
• How foreigners become 'more French' to fit in with life in France?
• 'Bib Gourmand': Where you can find France's bargain Michelin-grade restaurants

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