Shows / Talking France
Talking France
Talking France is The Local’s weekly podcast where we discuss the big news and talking points in France as well as explore and explain the major issues that impact life in the country. We also answer your essential questions and look ahead at what’s coming up.
In each episode presenter Ben McPartland chats about the most important news and must-know information with The Local France’s Emma Pearson and Emma Albright. They are also frequently joined by John Lichfield, a veteran journalist whose…
Episodes
- Talking France
Has France done enough to calm unrest and why is a new autoroute so hated?
Has calm returned to the streets of France? Can shopkeepers and store owners remove the wooden barricades and metal shutters? What further protests are…
- Talking France
What's next for France as disorder and debt plunge country into crisis?
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…
- Talking France
The perils of French lovers and Le Pen's plan for a 'foreigner tax'
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…
- Talking France
'On the brink': Why French high school revolt is not the only problem facing France
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…
- Talking France
Carte de séjour misery, French data centre battlegrounds and Brittany runs low on tap water
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…
- Talking France
French fuel prices risk autumn unrest and the real danger posed by Le Pen
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…
- Talking France
Could France really favour the French over foreigners and who derailed the Normandy train?
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…
- Talking France
New tipping culture drives the French mad and far-right fractures deepen
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…
- Talking France
Le Pen's 'vile' election pledge and why French cheese could lose its taste
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…
- Talking France
Food prices, strikes: How the hellish summer has hit life in France
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…
- Talking France
France ravaged by climate crisis as wildfires and drought blight summer
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…
- Talking France
Heatwaves, wildfires and border delays: What to expect in France this summer
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…
- Talking France
French clash over air conditioning and how France became the best place to get naked
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 France
Is France prepared to face more hellish heatwaves and why the French are ruling the World Cup?
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…
- Talking France
Macron’s swan song, why France is mad for roundabouts and how Lyon became the home of gastronomy
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…
- Talking France
70,000 outstanding complaints: France rocked by scale of child sexual violence
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…
- Talking France
Why the violence after football in France and will the French pay up for slavery role?
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…
- Talking France
How to live without a car in France and are we facing an insufferably hot summer?
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…
- Talking France
France frets over contaminated baguettes and how to avoid renovation nightmares
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…
- Talking France
The €16 million French château scam and why 2027 could be a ‘scary’ year in France?
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…
- Talking France
France's new anti-mosquito measures and where the French go for good food
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…
- Talking France
France takes on Musk and will French airports run out of jet fuel this summer?
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…
- Talking France
France to lose 1.7million children and far right photoshoot causes stir
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…
- Talking France
French tax traps you need to avoid and why Paris is divided in two
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…
- Talking France
Oil crisis fuels French anger and is France sleepwalking into a far-right presidency?
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…
- Talking France
The verdict on what the local election results mean for France
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…
- Talking France
Tense French elections head for super Sunday climax and five French towns worth moving to
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…
- Talking France
Why the French local elections really matter and Macron walks Middle East tightrope
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…
- Talking France
France fears more political violence and record rainfall leaves the country under water
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…
- Talking France
Le Pen faces the end and why France wants less meat but more babies
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…
- Talking France
Why fewer foreigners are becoming French and how to solve France's second home quandary?
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…
- Talking France
Is France becoming less child-friendly and what's at stake in spring's local elections?
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…
- Talking France
Americans in France talk of shame and explaining the strange noises the French make
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…
- Talking France
Is it time for France to channel De Gaulle and stand up to the US?
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…
- Talking France
France takes fight to social media giants and how Les Clooneys became French
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…
- Talking France
What to expect in France in 2026 from travel changes to new immigration rules
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…
- Talking France
French farmers fight to 'stop the slaughter' and what's in store for France this Christmas?
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…
- Talking France
Will France mess with dual-nationals and why do Americans love all things French ?
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…
- Talking France
Are airlines scrapping 'thousands' of flights to France and can a French mayor demand silence in streets?
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…
- Talking France
France wakes up to the threat of war and is French wine industry doomed?
With French army generals giving speeches about the need to protect ourselves, the president announcing new plans for military service and French authorities…
- Talking France
Fast food slowly kills French restaurants and Pétain provokes new rumble in France
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…
- Talking France
France's shock healthcare fee plan and will French PM sacrifice himself?
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…
- Talking France
What the Louvre heist reveals about France and new civics test unveiled
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…
- Talking France
France presses the self-destruct button and Paris prepares for 'flood of the century'
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…
- Talking France
What the f**k is going on in France and where have all the eggs gone?
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…
- Talking France
France shamed by Sarko and is the Champs-Élysées now the worst street in Paris?
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…
- Talking France
What's next for strikes in France and are Americans being ripped off in Paris?
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…
- Talking France
Can France's new prime minister do anything to avoid an autumn of discontent?
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…
- Talking France
France takes another step towards chaos as PM falls and mood of rebellion grows
The French government has collapsed again after Prime Minister François Bayrou lost a vote of confidence in parliament on Monday night. We've been here before…
- Talking France
With another PM doomed and strikes ahead, is France now ungovernable?
Be warned, France’s strike calendar for September is quickly filling up as various unions announce industrial action that could impact, well, pretty much all…
- Talking France
Does France realise the 'imminent danger' it's in?
So summer's almost over, but it's been an eventful one in France. We'll bring you up to date with what's been happening. But the thrust of this week's episode…
- Talking France
From strikes to extreme heat: What to expect in France this summer
This final episode of the season is all about looking ahead to the summer in France. And it plans to be a hot one, in more ways than one with a raft of…
- Talking France
The story of Brittany's killer algae and where you can avoid the tourists in France
This week we'll find out about how toxic green algae on Brittany's famously picturesque beaches claimed the life of a French jogger and perhaps others plus the…
- Talking France
Explaining naughty French politicians and the pros and cons of new Paris airport link
Up this week : It's been another bad week for the reputation of French politicians. We'll discuss why they are so naughty, and when I say naughty I mean…
- Talking France
France shocked by 'senseless' school violence and the inventions you never knew were French
This week we discuss a shocking incident which saw a teaching assistant stabbed to death by a pupil outside a French secondary school, and find out what the…
- Talking France
Has Uber changed France and will smoking ever be banned on café terraces?
This week we'll explain the ongoing and far-from-brotherly dispute behind the different kinds of taxi drivers in France and whether they'll ever declare peace…
- Talking France
What that 'slap' says about the Macrons and French farmers fight the future
In the line up this week we'll explain what prompted the huge reaction to that coming together between Brigitte Macron's hands and Emmanuel Macron's face. You…
- Talking France
France hit by 'sordid kidnappings' and the best place to buy a French second home
This week we'll explain a spate of recent worrying kidnappings in France and what the French government is doing to halt them, plus we'll try and alleviate any…
- Talking France
Will Macron's referendums ever happen and why French bureaucracy is getting easier?
This week we hear about how the unpopular President Emmanuel Macron plans to box himself out of a corner into the centre of the ring and if he’s actually going…
- Talking France
France's plan to save kids from screens and will it get harder to become French?
In the show this week, French interior minister has announced plans to toughen up the requirements for becoming French - including a possible new history and…