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
Why the French don't do spicy food and just how elitist is France?
In this week's new episode we examine why the French can't bear spicy food and take a look at just how elitist the country is especially when it comes to its…
- Talking France
Could France introduce a special second homes visa and what do French airport alerts mean for travel?
Given the number of bomb alerts at French airports and tourist sites is it wise to travel to the country right now? And whilst many dream of retiring to France…
- Talking France
How will France deal with new terror threat and what's the French obsession with rural romance?
What does the heightened terror alert in France mean for those who live here and visitors and why does the government fear there may be more attacks? Plus why…
- Talking France
Is France really overrun with bedbugs and why are second homes being targeted by militants?
This week's episode looks at just how bad the bedbug crisis in France really is and why the insects have become political. It also examines why second homes in…
- Talking France
Does rural France have a crime problem and why do baguettes taste different?
This new episode of Talking France tackles the big issues such as whether rural France has a crime problem and what the French government is going to do about…
- Talking France
France's bedbug invasion, Macron's green conundrum and how to pick a decent French restaurant?
This week's Talking France podcast looks at the explosion of bedbugs in France including on trains and in the cinemas. We delve into French tax laws inspired…
- Talking France
Will France's 'desperate' fuel price plan work and how to end the danger of French hunters?
In this week's show we'll explain the French government's "desperate" measure aimed at bringing down fuel prices, we'll hear about a tragic hunting accident in…
- Talking France
Will immigration row topple Macron's government and how will France's discount rail pass work?
In this week's show we explain why the next big French political flare up looks set to be over immigration rules. We look at how France's planned discount rail…
- Talking France
Why are French property taxes shooting up and what's in store for 'la rentrée'?
French property tax bills have begun to arrive and many property-owners are seeing a steep increase in the fees. We'll explain why and what it means for…
Talking FranceWill riots change anything in France and how quickly can your kids learn French in school?
The violence, looting and arson seen across France in recent nights may have subsided for now but can President Emmanuel Macron and his government heal the…
- Talking France
Is France facing a summer of riots and how water shortages could impact your French holiday?
France is in shock this week and riots have broken out in the suburbs of Paris after the deadly shooting of a teenager by a police officer at close range…
- Talking France
The challenges of life in the French countryside and why France is the best place to get naked
Is life in rural France really that difficult? There are definite challenges and the French government has announced a new plan to rejuvenate countryside…
- Talking France
How bad will water shortages in France be this summer and why are the French so philosophical?
France is facing another summer of drought and water shortages but how bad will the situation get and where in the country is worst affected? Plus John…
- Talking France
Will summer in France be strike free and are there really loopholes in the 90-day rule?
Have pension strikes in France have finally run out of steam and after months of unrest and political wrangling were there any real winners and losers? Mont St…
- Talking France
The rising costs of second homes in France and how Franco-Irish links have strengthened since Brexit
France is home to the most second homes in Europe but why are they increasingly subject to extra costs, particularly in certain parts of the country and find…
- Talking France
Border queues, immigration row and how French cities are pushing out cars
Can France solve the problem of queues at border control before the summer, what's in the new immigration bill that has caused a new political rumpus and why…
- Talking France
French driving laws explained and has Macron made France more attractive?
The French are the second worst drivers in Europe according to a new survey, but there are many rules of the road that need to be observed. Some are more…
- Talking France
The myth about France's 'lazy' workers and Ryanair takes on French air traffic controllers
Is there any truth to the cliché that France's workers are lazy and could Ryanair and Easyjet limit French air traffic control strikes? These are just two of…
- Talking France
How living in France changes you and is 'revolution in the air' after pensions revolt?
Is there a whiff of revolution in the air in France after months of protests and strikes and how does living in the country change your habits? This week we…
- Talking France
France awaits pension verdict, tips for declaring taxes and the importance of French mayors
Welcome to our latest episode of Talking France - a weekly podcast by The Local. If you enjoy the podcast please take the time to leave a review on Apple…
- Talking France
Is now the time to buy property in France, a minister's Playboy scandal and how dangerous is Marseille?
Welcome to a new episode of Talking France. As always this week, we get stuck into the big issues that are making the news in France. That means finding out…
- Talking France
ANALYSIS: Who is to blame for the turmoil in France and when will calm return? (Bonus episode)
Welcome to a special bonus episode of Talking France. If this is your first time listening to Talking France you should check out our regular weekly podcast…
- Talking France
Why French protests turn so violent and is France a good country for women?
Welcome to a new episode of Talking France, a podcast produced by The Local, made possible by our members. If you like the podcast please take a moment to…
- Talking France
French political crisis deepens and what's so difficult about settling in France?
Welcome to a new episode of Talking France, a podcast by The Local, for anyone interested in what’s going on in France. And right now there’s a lot going on in…
- Talking France
Property tax hikes, swimming in the Seine and just how important is the French language?
There is always a lot to talk about in France and this week’s episode is brimming with important issues and changes that listeners will be keen to know about…
- Talking France
Pension battle set for climax, why the French appreciate privacy and three islands to visit this summer
Talking France is back this week with more analysis on the big news stories in France as well as insights into French culture. To start us off we look at the…
- Talking France
What's wrong with the famed French health service and is France losing its taste for wine?
As is the time honoured tradition on this podcast we bring you up to date with some of the most interesting news stories and changes happening in France…
- Talking France
Why so many Parisians are quitting Paris and how easy is it to become French?
In this episode of Talking France we look into why so many Parisians are choosing to leave Paris to live elsewhere and what are the upsides and downsides to…
- Talking France
Are the French 'ungrateful teenagers', crunch time for strikes and France's beauty spots to avoid?
This week on Talking France we explore why the French public are compared to stroppy teenagers when it comes to their relationship with the state. Are they…
- Talking France
Pension strikes to intensify, Vendée rebels and the myth of the 'sexy French'
On this podcast we bring you up to date with all the big news and changes in France that you should know about. All in roughly 30 minutes. On this week’s…
- Talking France
France’s ‘alarming’ sexism problem, property taxes and what’s next for pension strikes?
As is our duty on this podcast we bring you the main news and talking points from the week in France including of course updates about strikes and protests…
- Talking France
Will mass strikes bring France to a halt in the 'mother of all battles' ahead?
You join us at a really crucial moment, for France, for President Emmanuel Macron, for the French trade unions and of course for anyone living in the country…
- Talking France
France faces major strikes, new French driving laws and the menace of far right violence
It’s the start of a new year, there’s a lot going on in France to catch up with so we have a jam-packed episode featuring the president Emmanuel Macron finally…
- Talking France
What's in store for France in 2023 from travel rules to political flare-ups
This episode of Talking France is dedicated to looking ahead and what’s in store for France and everyone living here in 2023. Will there be surprise elections…
- Talking France
The Macron-Mbappé 'bromance', the best Gallic spirits and what makes a French Christmas?
It's another jam-packed episode on Talking France featuring the aftermath of the World Cup final including why French president Emmanuel Macron was accused of…
- Talking France
Foie gras shortages, Paris cafés battle laptops and why there's more to Brigitte Macron
On this week’s episode of Talking France we find out why certain Paris cafés are banning customers from getting out their laptops. Are they really “squatters…
- Talking France
Explaining France and England's 'sibling rivalry', possible power cuts and the latest on Christmas travel
On this week's show we hear about the real chances of there being blackouts in France this winter and why the French government can't simply blame Vladimir…
- Talking France
How good are French American relations right now, tips for Paris Olympic tickets and why is Alsace so different?
In this week's show we bring listeners up to date with some of the biggest news and talking points in France including President Emmanuel Macron's state visit…
- Talking France
Why France faces a 'cold Turkey' winter and how do French high streets stay independent?
In this week's episode of Talking France we find out why people in the country could be facing a "tsunami" of rising prices in the months ahead. The mayor of…
- Talking France
Why France is facing a ‘dangerous moment’ and who is the ‘French Murdoch’?
It’s Beaujolais Nouveau day, when the 2022 batch of Beaujolais wines hits the shelves. We’ll explain why it’s such a big event – but why it was even bigger in…
- Talking France
France's plans for language tests and new passport controls
As usual this week we will be talking about the main news in France and also digging into some interesting subjects that really help explain the country and…
- Talking France
Will cars always be king in rural France and how angry are the French right now?
This week we head into rural France. Listeners will no doubt know that you absolutely need a car if you're in the French countryside but can President Emmanuel…
- Talking France
Are the French quitting meat and will fuel blockades spark a winter of discontent in France?
In this week's episode we'll discuss the ongoing and worsening fuel crisis in the country. With drivers having to queue for hours to fill up their cars and the…
- Talking France
Macron's big battles, France's 'best coastline' and are the French the world's top strikers?
In the new episode of Talking France, we'll be discussing why storm clouds are gathering over the French parliament and why the next few weeks and months look…
- Talking France
Why France is facing an autumn of strikes and how Brexit derailed Eurostar
In today's episode we'll look at whether France is heading for another wave of strikes and protests prompted by yet another pension reform. Yes, nothing riles…
Talking FrancePODCAST: Macron's mixed fortunes and do French hunters turn rural France into 'wild west'?
In our latest episode of Talking France - a podcast in which our team at The Local, including French politics expert John Lichfield, discuss all things French…
- Talking France
The future of Dijon mustard, French love for royals and is France heading for a 'disastrous' referendum?
On this week's episode we'll discuss everything from France's love for the British queen, problems with French nuclear power, the long-awaited return of Dijon…
- Talking France
What will the energy crisis mean for people in France and does Macron have a plan?
In this new episode of Talking France, our team Emma Pearson, Gen Mansfield and John Lichfield, along with host Ben McPartland explore how the energy crisis…
- Talking France
Travel, politics, Covid-19: What's in store for France this summer?
This is our final episode of Talking France before we, like the rest of France, take a summer break. There is a lot to discuss as we look into what the next…
- Talking France
What next in France’s political crisis and why is everyone taking the train this summer?
SURVEY: Share your feedback on Talking France ___ In a very dramatic week for France, The Local's Talking France podcast is back, digesting the political…
- Talking France
Strikes, regional rivalries and how French cities are adapting to heatwaves
SURVEY: Share your feedback on Talking France ___ As France bakes under an unusually early heatwave, the latest edition of Talking France examines how French…
- Talking France
Why don’t the French seem to care about their crucial parliamentary elections?
SURVEY: Share your feedback on Talking France ___ In this episode of Talking France we'll be looking at the upcoming parliamentary elections - which are…
- Talking France
How worker shortages in France will hit the summer holidays
SURVEY: Share your feedback on Talking France __ The Local's Talking France podcast is back with a look at the burning issues in France this week - from…
- Talking France
How the climate crisis is changing France and French public holidays explained
In this week's Talking France we'll look at what's new in France, which Frenchman is dominating all the headlines and why now is great time to head to…
Talking FranceWhat's next for France after Macron wins re-election?
With the results in and Emmanuel Macron having secured a second term as French president, The Local's Talking France podcast breaks down the results and looks…
- Talking France
Why France will remain divided whoever wins Sunday's crucial second round vote
France will choose its next president on Sunday and the choice for voters is simple: re-elect the incumbent centrist Emmanuel Macron or opt for his…
- Talking France
Macron vs Le Pen - who will win the French presidential election?
Emmanuel Macron and his far-right challenger Marine Le Pen will face each other once again in the second round run off vote in the race for the Elysée. Host…
- Talking France
Could Marine Le Pen become the next French president?
French voters will head to the polls for the first round of voting on Sunday and the election race has suddenly become very interesting. On this week's episode…
- Talking France
French tests for foreigners and how France has changed since 2017
In the latest episode of the Talking France podcast, The Local team plus commentators John Lichfield and Rim-Sarah Alouane look at what the election candidates…
- Talking France
Will the French turn out to vote and what has Macron done for France?
With three weeks to go until the first round of the French election, The Local France team plus guest experts John Lichfield and Adam Plowright discuss…