Explore every episode of the podcast Talking France

This week we look at what France would be like in the hands of the far left and its firebrand presidential candidate Jean-Luc Melenchon.

Plus we'll look at some of Mélénchon's plans that would impact foreign residents in France, especially those who are retired.

More strikes and protests have been announced for November - we'll bring you the latest as well as what the government has announced in its bid to restore calm and ease the anger.

We'll also look at why the French are producing so many World War Two films these days. Is it because of the current political climate?

And we'll bring you some exciting news for travellers in France.

Im Ben McPartland and joining me on the journey through France this week are fellow passengers Emma Pearson, Emma Albright and John Lichfield.

Be ready for what's next in France: Listeners can join The Local France for €29.99 / year - introductory offer.

And if any members can help us further and would like to make a donation, you can get more information here - just scroll to the bottom. Thanks to all who have donated.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we'll get the latest on the strikes, protests, marches, clashes and mass use of tear gas that have clouded France in recent weeks and look set to continue as we head towards winter.

We'll find out why it just might be easier to get a doctor's appointment in rural France from now on, but will it stay that way?

We'll also find out where in France the locals are considered to speak the best French.

And why hopefully we'll no longer need to smuggle camembert cheese into the UK in our socks.

Host Ben McPartland is joined by the team at The Local France, Emma Pearson, Emma Albright and politics expert John Lichfield.

Take part: TELL US: What questions do you have about the French presidential election

Cheese poll: What is the best French cheese - vote now

Be ready for what's next in France: Listeners can join The Local France for €29.99 / year - introductory offer.

And if any members can help us further and would like to make a donation, you can get more information here - just scroll to the bottom.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Has calm returned to the streets of France? Can shopkeepers and store owners remove the wooden barricades and metal shutters? What further protests are planned? Will high school students peacefully return to the classrooms next week as the government and the president desperately hope?

Or are we heading for weeks of unrest up until Christmas?

We’ll try to answer these questions in this week’s episode.

Be ready for what's next in France: Listeners can join The Local France for €29.99 / year - introductory offer.

And if any members can help us further and would like to make a donation, you can get more information here - just scroll to the bottom.

And we’ll look at why France’s newest motorway has taken so long to open and why motorists in the south west are vowing not to use it.

And we’ll look at the fine tradition of Halloween in France and some of the spooky and not so spooky things you can do this year.

Host Ben McPartland is joined by The Local’s own team of sorcerers Emma Pearson, Emma Albright and John Lichfield.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In recent days the country has been hit by widespread looting, violent clashes between rioters and police, street protests and just scenes of chaos and conflict.

And the fear is there’s more to come. Not just this weekend, but in the months ahead as we get closer to the presidential election next spring.

Be ready for what's next in France: Listeners can join The Local France for €29.99 / year - introductory offer.

And if any members can help us further and would like to make a donation, you can get more information here - just scroll to the bottom.

We’ll unravel what happened, look ahead to what could still happen yet and explain some of the French protest slogans that have emerged in recent weeks.

And as well as the demonstrations and disorder on the streets France is also embroiled in a crisis of debt, the combination of which, experts say is unprecedented.

We’ll try and explain just how bad things are.

But despite all that, most of life in France is going on as normal this autumn, including some fantastic food festivals all over the country. We’ll give you a taste of the best ones.

Host Ben McPartland is joined by the team at The Local France Emma Pearson, Emma Albright and French politics expert John Lichfield.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we’ll bring you up to date with what some of the French presidential candidates want to do with us foreigners - whether tax us more for working here or just keep us out altogether.

We’ll also hear why the grand old Parti Socialiste won’t have a candidate in next year’s election for the first time since the start of the Fifth Republic in 1958.

We’ll get the latest on the high school student protests and whether the Gilets Jaunes are making a comeback on Saturday plus we’ll explain the pitfalls and even perils of moving to France to set up home with a French partner. Let’s face it , it doesn’t always work out as planned.

REMEMBER: Listeners can join The Local France for €29.99 / year

We’ll try and explain a huge cyberattack on French supermarkets this week that led to millions of euros of food being chucked away and just how to pronounce big brand names in French. No, the French don’t say Ikea, LinkedIn or Uggs.

Host Ben McPartland is joined for this episode by the usual suspects from The Local France Emma Pearson, Emma Albright and politics expert John Lichfield.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to a new episode of Talking France, a special episode it turns out, because we find ourselves in the midst of a new major protest movement in France.

This one is being led by high school students, who are fed up with the state of the education system and fear they don’t have much future ahead of them. Their movement, which has seen lycees blockaded, is supported by students, parents, teachers, unions and several political parties.

In the last week or so we’ve seen thousands of young people arrested, we’ve had hundreds of school students, education staff and police officers left injured as violence and vandalism has flared at flash points throughout the country.

It's crunchtime in France. Don't wait to unlock The Local. Join for just €29.99/year

This week we’ve seen tens of thousands take to the streets in a mass demonstration as well as the president calling emergency meetings with his ministers.

This wasn’t meant to be a special episode but these student uprising has caught us by surprise and so we need to breakdown what’s going on, what’s caused it and find out where it’s heading.

To do that I’ll call on the team at The Local France Emma Pearson and Emma Albright, our French politics expert John Lichfield and as well as French education expert and author Peter Gumbel. I’m Ben McPartland your host.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Up for discussion this week is the weather, will a town in rainy Brittany run out of water. What’s the situation like everywhere else? Will we all be forced to limit our showers to three minutes soon?

We’ll get the latest analysis on French politics from whether the government can do anything to quell anger around fuel prices or will it all feed Marine Le Pen’s populist campaign and whether shocking anti-semitism allegations directed at her number 2, Jordan Bardella could undermine her run for the Elysée in any way.

Problems with carte de séjour renewals give many foreign residents sleepless nights; We ‘ll get the latest on moves to ease the crisis and hear from several readers who have been badly impacted.

REMEMBER: Listeners can join The Local France for €29.99 / year

Plus we’ll find out about where the battlegrounds are in FRance over the planned construction of controversial data centres.

And if a French person ever says sorry to you - we’ll tell you how to respond.

Host Ben McPartland is joined by Emma Albright from The Local France and our French politics expert John Lichfield, plus Katy Wright who’ll join us from Brittany.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Among the words on everyone’s lips this week in France is - petrol, well and diesel. Yes fuel prices have reached record high levels in France. We’ll get the latest on what the government is doing, where the shortages are and whether the crisis could lead to social unrest and even the return of les Gillets Jaunes - remember them? They could be back.

We’ll also run you through the key numbers of the Pope’s historic visit to Paris this weekend, but should he be allowed to say mass on the Champs-Elysees in secular France?

JOIN THE LOCAL - Talking France special offer - 50% off - Pay just €29.99/year

We’ve got a great interview with a civil liberties expert to hear about the potential dangers posed by Marine Le Pen and her party and we’ll look at whether competition on the rails in France will bring down the prices of train tickets - including on the eurostar.

And we’ll explain how to use capital letters in French - it’s not as obvious as you think.

I’m Ben McPartland and I’ll be joined for this episode of Talking France by the team at The Local Emma Pearson, Emma Albright and politics expert John Lichfield, plus journalist Katy Wright in Brittany and special guest, the civil liberties expert Rim Sarah Alouane

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we dig into one of Marine Le Pen's contentious proposals and find out whether the far right leader would actually be able to favour French citizens over foreign national residents if she became president.

We'll also find out why French schools are struggling to give students a good education and look at the strange story of a train derailment in rural Normandy that left dozens injured. Was it really sabotage and who could have caused it?

Listeners can join The Local for just €29.99 / year. Join today and support Talking France (and get access to scores of weekly articles)

We'll also hear about the best films France has to offer and why foreign movie lovers are drawn to them, and we'll bring you some French language tips that will come in handy in bars and restaurants.

Host Ben McPartland is joined this week by the team at The Local France - Emma Pearson, Emma Albright and politics expert John Lichfield as well as by Katy Wright in Brittany and special guest and French film expert Manon Kerjean.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On the show this week we'll delve into the almighty squabble that ended with the Eiffel Tower closing this week after angry staff walked out.

We’ll also look at the growing split in the French far right.

Just everything was looking plain sailing for Marine Le Pen on her quest to take the Elysée Palace, could infighting and power struggles undermine her chances?

Listeners of Talking France can take advantage of a special half price introductory offer to get access to all the articles on The Local France - and support the podcast at the same time! Join now for just €29.99/year.

We'll also find out why French people are up in arms about a new tipping trend and what local authorities are doing to enable people to enjoy a mosquito-free apero each day. Can a mayor's bid to ban mossies really work?

And we'll bring you the low down on the French word flipping trick known as verlan - and importantly can non-native speakers like us, actually use it?

Host Ben McPartland is joined by the team at The Local France, Emma Pearson, Emma Albright and politics expert John Lichfield.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we look ahead to the 2027 presidential election which is edging closer. A new poll this week suggested there's only one winner, but could Marine Le Pen trip herself up before she gets over the line?

We'll hear about her latest effort to win voters which has been described as "vile" by some and "populist grandstanding by others".

We'll also find out whether the locals in Brittany, Normandy and other regions of France really do hate Parisians - and why might that be?

Plus we'll bring you a warning over why your French cheese could taste a little different this autumn.

Listeners of Talking France can get access to all the articles on The Local France news site for just €29.99 a year. Join now.

Host Ben McPartland is joined by The Local's Emma Pearson, journalist Katy Wright in Brittany and our French politics expert John Lichfield in Normandy. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Summer is thankfully almost over and September is upon us, which means it's time for a new series of Talking France.

Thanks to you all for tuning in to this podcast, which is produced by the team at The Local France and is a must-listen - so they say - for anyone wanting to follow French news, keep up to date with the major changes to life in France and boost their knowledge of French language and culture.

On this week's episode we'll look at the impact of France's summer from hell, which saw thousands of lives lost amid the frequent and punishing heatwaves, parts of the country left devastated by unforgiving wildfires and then there’s the ongoing drought the impact of which will soon become clear.

We'll also look at the other challenges facing France this September and explain why so many French taxpayers have been targeted by hackers and try to understand why the locals here love to correct our French mistakes - and why we shouldn't be annoyed - even if it can be really bloody annoying.

I'm Ben McPartland your host, and I'm joined for this new series by the old team from The Local France, Emma Pearson and Emma Albright.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You are listening to a special summer episode of Talking France podcast and it's a pretty solemn episode too given France is in the midst of unprecedented heatwaves, drought and devastating wildfires.

We are recording this at the end of July to bring all you listeners up to date with what's happening in the country right now and look at what might be in store in August. Yep we are still weeks away from the end of summer.

We'll get the latest news on the fires and the heatwaves, explain the impact on travel and holiday plans and we'll find out why the country's politicians are failing miserably right now.

And for anyone in France we'll run you through some vocab that will come in handy if you are in a part of the country affected by the fires.

Host Ben McPartland is joined by The Local France's Emma Pearson, Emma Albright and our French politics expert John Lichfield.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week’s episode of Talking France we’ll look ahead to the holiday season in July and August and spell out exactly what you can expect in France this summer from the weather outlook and wildfire alerts to what will happen in French politics and what to expect if you’re travelling to or within France?

Remember even though Talking France takes a break over the summer our team will still be covering all the essential news in France so make sure to visit thelocal.fr where you can sign up for our daily newsletters.

The Talking France team would like to offer listeners the last chance to join The Local using our half-price introductory offer. Just click on this link to take advantage of it. Members, feel free to pass the offer on to friends and family.

I’m Ben McPartland and I’ll be joined by The Local France’s Emma Pearson and politics expert John Lichfield.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to a new episode of Talking France. It’s our penultimate episode before we take a summer break and it’s a jam-packed one full of the latest news, talking points and flare ups from France.

We’ll start with the fall out from the unprecedented and deadly heatwave that hit France in the second half of June.

SPECIAL OFFER: Listeners can read The Local France for half price - (Introductory offer for new members)

Thankfully the weather is slightly cooler as we record this episode, but politicians in the country are still overheating when it comes to what to do - and the focus of everyone’s attention and ire has fallen on… air conditioning.

We’ll explain the row and who is on which side.

We’ll also look at why France is the best place in Europe, perhaps even the world to be a naturist after one member of the Talking France team spent time on a naturist beach in the south of France.

We’ll also get the answers to some key questions about drinking French wine in summer and learn the lingo you need if you are in France in July and August.

Host Ben McPartland is joined by the team at The Local France, Emma Pearson, Emma Albright and our politics expert John Lichfield, plus our wine specialist Caroline Fazeli will be joining us fr

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's show we discuss the heat, yes France and the rest of Europe is in the grip of another brutal heatwave - and it's still only June.

We'll look at the huge impact it's having on daily life in France and why the country isn't better prepared to deal with spells of extreme heat - given we know they are only going to become frequent and even hotter. And we’ll explain some important rules about getting naked when it’s hot in France.

Away from the weather we'll look at why France has 99 players at the World Cup including 54 from the Paris region alone.  Yes it's all about dual nationals - but do some people in France still not accept them playing for the national team?

Listeners of Talking France can get full access to all our articles for just €29.99 a year with our introductory offer. Join today.

And we'll hear from readers about their biggest worries about moving to France from concerns about language and taxes to outright panic over where to find a decent bag of crisps.

And we'll enable you to have a conversation in French about heatwaves and the climate crisis. The words and expressions will, I can assure you, come in handy.

Host Ben McPartland is joined by the team from The Local France Emma Pearson, Emma Albright and politics expert John Lichfield.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we’ll look at whether Emmanuel Macron can land any knock out blows for Europe as he welcomes global leaders including Donald Trump to France for what’s been dubbed as his swansong in the international arena.

And we’ll have answers to two of the big questions visitors to Paris have about the French capital’s transport system, we’ll find out whether it’s true that France has more roundabouts than every other country in the world put together - or something like that. 

And we’ll look at whether Lyon really is the best place in France for a beautiful gastro experience - I’m talking fine dining of course not diarrhoea. 

And we’ll explain how you can get cheap access to hundreds of fantastic cultural sites across France.

Im host Ben McPartland and I’ll be joined by The Local France’s editor Emma Pearson, politics expert John Lichfield and special guest Carolione Fazeli who joins u from Lyon.

The Talking France team would like to offer listeners the chance to join The Local using our half-price introductory offer. Just click on this link to take advantage of it. Members feel free to pass the offer on to friends and family.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

First up this week we'll look at how the killing of a young girl in south west France has sparked nationwide anger and protests and put the French governent under pressure to respond to a growing crisis around sexual violence towards children.

We'll also look ahead to 2070 and find out what the French population will look like then, we'll also examine whether France really is home to half of the world's .....roundabouts and we'll risk reawakening a centuries old bloody rivalry in France by asking where's better to live: Normandy or Brittany.

And we'll bring you some essential vocab if you are going to be in France during the football World Cup which kicks off this week. 

Host Ben McPartland is joined as ever by the Team at The Local France - Emma Pearson, Emma Albright, French politics expert John Lichfield who joins from Normandy and special guest Katy Wright who will join us from Brittany.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's episode we will discuss the trouble you can get into in France for being sexist after one man was fined 55,000 euros for an ungentlemanly outburst.

We'll also find out why dramatic football victories in France end in scenes of violence, how the country is coming to terms with its involvement in the slave trade, but why it's unlikely the French government will be paying any reparations and how France is harnessing the power of the sun to boost its electricity supplies.

And we'll bring you some important French vocab and expressions that will be invaluable if you are travelling around France this summer.

Im Ben McPartland and this week I'll be harnessing the power of Emma Pearson, Emma Albright and our politics expert John Lichfield - who make up the team at The Local France.

----

A reminder to listeners that on this podcast we only cover a few of the big talking points each week from France. If you want to stay informed of all the changes in France that affect residents and visitors as well as get some valuable advice and insights from fellow readers then visit thelocal.fr 

Members get unlimited access to all our stories, which this week include articles on everything Americans need to know about driving in France, all the info you need on where and how you can watch the World Cup in France plus an explainer on the best Paris Metro passes to buy if you are visiting the French capital. It’s got a little more complicated since those cute little paper tickets were abolished.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As we recorded this episode, France is baking under a record-breaking May heatwave that has sadly proved deadly - at least seven people having died in incidents linked to the hot weather.  We’ll get the latest on the weather and find out if it’s a sign that summer will be insufferable in France this year. 

In this week’s show we’ll also hear about how France’s most iconic car is making a comeback and find out why owning a car perhaps isn’t really a necessity anymore if you live in France.

And we’ll get the lowdown on what’s been a mixed week for some of France’s presidential hopefuls.

And we’ll help you express yourself in French when you want to complain about the heat.

Host Ben McPartland is joined by the team at The Local France Emma Pearson, Emma Albright and our politics expert John Lichfield, plus special guest Katy Wright who chimes in from Brittany.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we'll find out why it's all kicked off at the famous Cannes film festival. In one corner of the ring we have hundreds of French film stars, directors and industry staff and in the other corner we have the country's most controversial media tycoon - who we'll explain has his fingers on pretty much everything in France it seems.

We'll also hear what property owners in France need to avoid to prevent the renovation dreams turning into a nightmare, why hundreds of Brits have been refused entry into France in recent months, and why French baguettes, cereals and many other everyday food items are at the centre of a public health crisis.

We'll also bring you some brilliant French words you just can't quite translate, but are really useful for everyday life in France.

Host Ben McPartland will be joined by The Local France's Emma Pearson, Emma Albright and politics expert John Lichfield. And we'll also have a special guest this week Rosie Ellis, who joins us from Brittany.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we’ll find out why France might be about to ditch rent controls in cities including the capital Paris, how foreigners in France have been hit by outages to key French admin websites, the latest on the marathon race to become the next French president and what Emmanuel Macron has been doing with all his spare time these days.

Plus we’ll bring you the story of a 16 million euro French chateau scam involving two British suspects and whilst we are there we’ll explain why France has so many chateaux in the first place.

And saying sorry is something we all must do in life at times whether it’s after going through a red light on a bike, dropping a tray of drinks on a colleague or perhaps reversing into an elderly couple’s car. Well we’ll explain how to apologise in French - because let’s face it, you will need to at some point.

Host Ben McPartland is joined by The Local France’s Emma Pearson and Emma Albright, plus our politics expert John Lichfield and special guest - journalist Katy Wright.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we’ll hear about how France is under siege from mosquitoes and the new and old ways being used to fight back - including what you can do to keep them out of your garden.

We’ll also find out about the parts in France where drivers caught using the mobile phones at the wheel will face stiff new punishments and hear about the parts of the country the French head to if they want good food.

We’ll also get the latest on the 2027 French presidential race and get some French language tips for how to respond when someone thanks you.

I’m Ben McPartland and I’ll be joined by The Local France’s Emma Pearson, Emma Albright and politics expert John Lichfield.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week’s show we’ll find out why a story involving French prosecutors, a rabbit and the US tech billionaire and far right crusader Elon Musk made headlines in France.

We’ll also find out why the rules for driving cars in cities and towns across France look set for a dramatic change and whether the country’s most notorious ring road could be transformed from one of the most polluted spots in France into an urban green paradise.

And as the Middle East crisis continues and fears grow in Europe about jet fuel supplies we’ll look at the chances of flights to France being scrapped this summer. And what about if you want to take the train instead? Will you be able to book the trip?

And stay to the end to find out how the French talk about their hangovers. You’ll certainly learn a handy phrase or two.

Host Ben McPartland is joined by our two brainiacs Emma Pearson and Emma Albright plus our French politics wizard John Lichfield.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's show we'll find out why the rules around France's sacred May 1st public holiday have sparked a political row to the point where some lawmakers have accused the government ministers of - quote -  "pissing all over us". 

We'll also hear why arguably France's most unique region wants independence, why pictures of far-right presidential favourite Jordan Bardella and his new girlfriend have caused a stir and why France is set to lose 1.7 million children over the next decade.

Plus this week Talking France will have a hairy ending, so be sure to stay with us.

Host Ben McPartland will be joined by The Local France's Emma Pearson, Emma Albright and John Lichfield.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we'll find out whether France is running out of fuel or not and get the latest on how expensive it is to fill up your tank here.

We'll hear about a cautionary tale of how the French tax man caught an apparent 'non-resident' because of all the take away meals he was ordering in France.

And we'll alert you to a few more tax traps you want to avoid in France during declaration season.

We'll also discuss the new plan to cut waiting times for residency cards, why one part of France doesn't have motorway tolls, the latest on the EU's new biometric border checks at French ports and why there's still a clear east west divide in Paris.

Host Ben McPartland is joined by the team at The Local France Emma Pearson, Emma Albright and our politics expert John Lichfield.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week’s show we’ll find out how the war in the Middle East is impacting life in France as fuel prices rise and protests kick off around the country.

What can the government do to ease the crisis?

With the local elections out of the way France’s next election race has begun. It’s the big one - we’ll get the lowdown on the lineup for the 2027 Presidential Election and whether we can already call a winner.

Excitement levels have gone through the roof in France this week and it’s all to do with Celine Dion. Why does the Canadian singer cause such a frenzy here?

And we’ll discuss the best and the worst, most ridiculous, most babyish ways to say hello in French. If you want to know why I’m getting a bit irate, stay with us until the end.

Host Ben McPartland is joined by the team at The Local France: Emma Pearson, Emma Albright and politics expert John Lichfield. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We are out earlier than usual this week in order to bring you the results and analysis of the 2026 French local elections.

The definitive second round vote was held on Sunday in thousands of communes across France, from tiny rural villages to the big urban centres like Lyon, Marseille and Paris.

Over the next 20 minutes or so we'll bring you all the key takeaways from the main battle grounds, get some snap analysis from our politics expert and look ahead to what happens next.

Host Ben McPartland is joined by the team at The Local France - Emma Pearson, Emma Albright and John Lichfield.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Local’s Talking France podcast is attracting more and more listeners each week and we currently have over 12,000 monthly downloads on average. If your company would like to connect with our international audience and sponsor one of our episodes, please email news@thelocal.fr

This week we are, what the French describe as "l'entre deux tours" which means between two rounds. 

I'm referring to the crucial French local elections that are taking place. We are between the first and the decisive second round on Sunday. There's a lot to decipher amid the political shenanigans that are happening in France right now, but we'll try and clear it all up and look ahead to Sunday's vote.

We'll also head to different parts of France in this week's episode to find out about some great towns to move to - mainly because property there is affordable. 

Have a listen and see which of these less well known French towns takes your fancy.

We'll also discuss the French government's plan to get us all eating well - but do they really expect us to follow their advice?

And one of the many banes of a French language learner's life is the silent letter! Why are there so many, how can we possibly learn them all? We'll get some expert tips and explanations.

I'm Ben McPartland and I'll be joined for this episode of Talking France by the team at The Local, Emma Pearson, Emma Albright and our French politics decoder John Lichfield.

We are recording this on Tuesday March 17th so a Happy St Patrick’s Day to all our Irish listeners both in France and Ireland, I know we have a fair few so a special "Cead Mile Failte" to you all - which means ‘100,000 welcomes’ in Irish.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, well the news in France has been dominated by the war in the Middle East. We'll explain the ongoing impact that the conflict is having on daily life here and we'll look at how President Emmanuel Macron is handling France's role in the crisis.

We'll also focus this week on one of France's most beautiful cities and explore why Americans are moving there in droves.

But we'll start this week by bringing you the latest on France's key local elections, look at where the tight races are and what they mean to the French people.

Plus stay with us to the end and we'll bring you all the French lingo you need to understand les elections municaples.

I'm Ben McPartland your host and I'll be joined as usual by the team at The Local France, Emma Pearson, Emma Albright and politics expert John Lichfield.

Bonjour to all our regular listeners, thanks for sticking with us. And a warm bienvenue to any new listeners tuning in. Just in case you weren't aware this podcast is produced by the team at The Local France and is only possible thanks to our paying members, so please join and help us continue to bring you the big talking points from France each week as well as dozens of weekly articles on thelocal.fr

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

France right now is pretty much either water or under metres of snow, depending on where you are in the country so we'll start by getting the latest on the extreme weather that continues to lash the country.

The big story in France this week has been the killing of a young far-right activist in Lyon after violent clashes that have been blamed on a group on the extreme left. We'll look at all the reaction and finger-pointing that has followed and the fears there may be more violence to come as we head towards the 2027 presidential election.

We'll also hear the stories of young people and pensioners who have been denied French citizenship because of tightened rules around income and bring you the final details about a new healthcare fee many foreigners in France will have to pay in future.

And we'll explain why the upcoming salon d'agriculture is such a key date in the French cultural and political calendar - even if there are no cows this year.

And there's nothing worse for French learners than being betrayed by all those false friends, but why are there so many of them? We’ll find out.

Host Ben McPartland is joined as usual this week by the team at The Local France, Emma Pearson, otherwise known as EmmaP - Emma Albright, otherwise known as Emma A and our politics expert John Lichfield.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On the agenda this week, we’ll find out if anyone can beat likely far-right candidate Jordan Bardella to be the next president of France. He’s flying in the polls, he’s flying on tiktok, but will he fly into the Elysee? 

We’ll also get the lowdown on private beaches in France. How come there are so many when all beaches are meant to be public?

And the government has the country’s sacred summer holidays in its sites. Could they finally be cut?

We’ll also hear about the downsides of benign bilingual French and English and why the French government is writing to young people to ask them to have more sex - and eat less meat.

Host Ben McPartland is joined by the team at The Local France Emma Pearson, Emma Albright and John Lichfield.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we start off with some explosive news from France before we hear why authorities on a picturesque island off France's west coast are offering second home owners thousands of euros for their properties and look at why houses have become so expensive in places like the famous Il de Ré.

And we'll look at how speed cameras are getting flashier in France and try to understand why everyone, in rural parts of the country especially, hate them to the point of burning them down.

We'll also explain why there's been a big drop in the number of foreigners becoming French, but why there's been a big rise in the number of Americans moving across the Atlantic to set up home in France.

And we'll help you reveal the animal in you by teaching you some must-know French expressions...

Host Ben McPartland and I'll be joined by the team at The Local France, Emma Pearson, Emma Albright and John Lichfield.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Up this week we'll look at what's at stake in the upcoming local elections in France and whether French voters really care. And we'll look ahead to the French presidential election to see whether anyone can unite the left... and whether French voters really care.

We'll also look at why kids have been banned from some first class trains in France and whether France, on the whole, is less child-friendly than other countries. We'll hear about the move in the country to avoid American tech companies and indeed other US brands and we'll look forward to some of the best and most bizarre festivals in France this year. Stay with us to hear the strangest sound we've ever heard on Talking France.

And we'll see whether us French learners should really be aiming to speak like Edith Piaf.

Host Ben McPartland is joined by the team at The Local France - Emma Pearson, Emma Albright and our politics expert John Lichfield.

You'll find many more articles about France at The Local.fr

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we'll look at whether the French government will survive long enough to enjoy the weekend and find out what the French make of all this budget bedlam that's been going on far too long, especially when the world seems to be lurching towards a crisis.

And speaking of that crisis, we'll look ahead to where these mounting tensions between France, Europe and Donald Trump will lead too, and we'll hear from our American listeners in France as to how they are impacted by it all.

We'll also look at how bad a plague hazing is at French universities and get a view on how different the drinking cultures is between French and British students.

And are open fires in cosy homes in rural France soon to be a thing of the past?

And we'll explain some of the weird and wacky noises you'll hear the French make.

Host Ben McPartland is joined this week by the two Emmas : Pearson and Albright and the one John: Lichfield that is.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Talking France we look at the reasons so many landlords in France get away with renting out hovels - even though there are supposed to be laws against it.

We’ll look at just how safe skiing is in France these days given 6 people, including one Briton, were killed in avalanches over the weekend.

And we’ll look at why France’s leaders are being urged to channel their “inner De Gaule” and stand up to the United States.

And we’ll learn how to talk about the cold weather like a real French person.

Host Ben McPartland is joined by the team at The Local France Emma Pearson, Emma Albright and politics expert John Lichfield.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we’ll discuss the big talking point in France at the start of January 2026, which  is just how did George Clooney and his wife Amal and their kids become French citizens?

George doesn’t seem to be a full time resident in France, nor by his own admission does he speak French very well, nor is he married to a French national, so how did he do it? We’ll find out and look at some of the reactions to Monsieur George Clooney getting a French passport.

We’ll also look at the strikes that are starting to pile up at the start of the year, hear about the French government’s plan to ban young teenagers from accessing social media sites and help you learn some key French strike vocab and importantly how to pronounce it. 

For this new series of Talking France, well it’s a combination of the old and the new, the old, well that’s host Ben McPartland and Emma Pearson The Local France’s editor and John Lichfield our politics expert. And the new, well we’ve got a new member of The Local France team, she’s also an Emma - Emma Albright.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is a special episode focussed on looking ahead to next year in France, so you are all aware of what will happen in terms of travel and immigration changes and what might happen when it comes to political crises and elections.

We'll look at all the key changes on the horizon and the key cultural dates to get in your diary for next year.

So sit back, crack open an oyster or two or if you are like me and think oysters are just posh slime that belongs in the sea, then get yourself a glass of vin chaud, and make sure to listen to the end.

Im Ben McPartland and I'll be joined by The Local France's Emma Pearson, Gen Mansfield and John Lichfield.

For all our articles looking ahead to the changes in France in 2026 visit our special 2026 web page.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we will look at the latest flare up between the government and French farmers, many of whom have been spending recent days blockading motorways or public buildings and basically trying to get the government to listen.

We'll also find out about a significant vote in the French parliament about residency permits and look at the new French Civics Test that will be compulsory in 2026 for citizenship and some residency applicants - and find out how much it costs.

Plus we'll look ahead to Christmas in France this year, will the farmers scupper your travel plans, will there be snow and why has the whole country become obsessed by a wolf.

And we'll have a look at some of the best, worst and most memorable moments in France in 2025.

I'm Ben McPartland and I'll be joined by The Local France's Editor Emma Pearson and our politics expert John Lichfield.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It seems no one likes dual nationals these days. They are being picked on by politicians in countries across the world. We'll look at whether the rules around dual citizenship could change in France and also remind you of some big changes ahead for anyone planning on becoming French.

We'll also find out why French police and their boss - the French interior minister are up in arms and threatening lawsuits over a board game this Christmas.

We'll catch up with the French PM's efforts to save the government and get a budget through and find out why Americans are obsessed with France.

Im Ben McPartland and I'll be joined by the team at The Local France Emma Pearson, Gen Mansfield and our politics expert John Lichfield.

READ MORE:

• OPINION: France's muddled half-budget counts as a big win for the embattled PM

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 happen

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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 months

Host 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 deal
• For all the coverage on the healthcare fee plan visit our Health page

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 rich
• French government confirms civics and language test exemptions for over 65s

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 surrender
• The small French village that hosts the world's only street art theme park

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 visit
• What'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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 2025
• American tourists charged extra in Paris restaurants, newspaper sting shows
• Puns, sex and urban legends: How English film titles are translated into French
• France plans to cut state-funded spa treatments for chronically ill patients
• How to avoid taxi scams in Paris

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's show we'll bring you up to date with the turmoil in France, which shows no sign of calming down. The country has another new PM, but another day of strikes, protests and potential clashes looms large. Is there any way the crisis can be resolved?

France's tax man is well nourished but there's a new plan gaining popularity that would see the country's richest pay more. But who's behind it and could it become law?

We'll also hear what you think of the French schools system? Is it rigid and old fashioned or does it help to produce well behaved, polite kids?

We'll look ahead to some of the best events in France this autumn and reveal whether the French really are better at making babies than the rest of Europe.

Host Ben McPartland is joined by the team at The Local France: Emma Pearson, Gen Mansfield and politics wizard John Lichfield.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.