Afleveringen
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This week we'll look at a potential earthquake in French politics that could strike next week. That's when far right leader Marine Le Pen will find out whether she's been banned from standing in elections. Could she be banned? Should she be banned? What will happen if she is? We'll delve deep into all of those questions and try to come with some answers.
We'll also find out about McDonald's vision of conquering rural France. Can the US fast food giant win the hearts and stomachs of French villagers?
We'll explain why France is once again arguing over the rules of surrogacy and how the law compares to elsewhere in Europe plus we'll examine whether Ryanair has followed through with its threat to pull out of France.
And we'll tell you the story of how Asterix and Obelix resisted the Romans but conquered France.
Host Ben McPartland and is joined by the team at the Local France, Emma Pearson, Gen Mansfield and John Lichfield, who, if he was a character in Asterix he’d be called Politix.
Related reading:
OPINION: Le Pen's future hangs in the balance, and France is heading for a messy constitutional rowAsterix: Five things to know about France's favourite characterMcDonald's targets French villages with plans for 50 new outletsReader question: Is McDonald's really healthier in France?What are France's rules on surrogacy?What happened Ryanair's threats to pull out of France over 'eco tax'?LISTED: All the new flights to and from France in Spring 2025Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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This week we look at the earthquake risks in different parts of France after the city of Nice and the surrounding area was recently shaken by a 4.1 magnitude tremor. Scientists say France should expect a big quake one day, but do we know where and when?
We also wade into a new transatlantic war of words over the Statue of Liberty and look at what else France has given the United States over the years.
We explain a new and very innovative plan to combat drought in the south of France and find out when foreigners living here will be able to do most of their admin online like the French are doing more and more with a new digital ID.
And we explain how to avoid being scammed and needlessly paying far too much when getting an ETA visa waiver to go the UK, which will be required from next month.
Host Ben McPartland is joined today by the dazzling duo from The Local France, Emma Pearson and Gen Mansfield.
Useful websites
In this episode, we reference three websites that you may find useful.
To look at the risk of earthquakes and other natural disasters near you, try going to the French government website Géorisques.To keep track of water restrictions in France, use the vigieau.gouv.fr website. And finally for the UK's ETA visa waiver, the genuine site can be found here - look out for the prefix www.gov.uk indicating a genuine UK government websiteFurther reading:
MAP: The parts of France most at risk from earthquakesWhere to find France's 12 Statues of LibertyEleven things the French have given AmericaDrought-prone southern France to inaugurate first 'air-to-water' plantWhat is France Identité and can foreigners use it?How to avoid ETA scams for France-UK travelDo Franco-British dual nationals need an ETA to travel to UK?Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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This week we look at how the international crisis is impacting France.
Is President Emmanuel Macron a war monger and making the most of it all to boost his flagging popularity as his critics say, or is he the right man at the right time to lead France and Europe through increasingly stormy waters. And we look at the battle for French public opinion between Macron and the country’s increasingly influential pro-Russian media baron.
We also find out about a move to allow rural French villages to open up new bars and cafes. Will they restore a vital social life to isolated hamlets or simply encourage alcohol abuse among locals.
We also explore how France helps its youngsters become culture vultures and why it's perhaps no surprise that bombs left over from the World Wars are still causing travel chaos decades on, not to mention injuries and even deaths.
And we find out why many Americans in France are angry right now and the reasons why many more of their compatriots are making the move across the Atlantic.
Host Ben McPartland is joined this week by the team at The Local France Editor Emma Pearson, journalist Gen Mansfield and politics expert John Lichfield.
Extra reading:
OPINION: Macron is no warmonger, whatever France’s pro-Putin billionaire saysFrance moves to bring back village bars in bid to boost rural social livesOPINION: Does rural France actually need ‘saving’?What is France’s ‘culture pass’ and how is it changing in 2025?How France is still littered with unexploded bombs from the World Wars‘Trump was final straw’: Why Americans are moving to France‘The US doesn’t care about us’: Americans in France protest planned consulate closuresHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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We start off this week by jumping straight into the increasingly choppy waters of international relations and examine whether France has a strong enough military to help bring peace to Europe and whether Emmanuel Macron has any influence at all over Donald Trump.
We also explain how the UK's new travel authorisation scheme could affect you and your family in France and explain why a 102-year-old Frenchman named Albert is suing the government.
We also look at why France hasn't quite experienced the anti-tourism backlash as seen in neighbouring Spain and try to decipher the laws around the hijab as French senators propose another tightening of restrictions around the garment.
Host Ben McPartland and I'll be joined for this new series of Talking France by the team at The Local: Editor Emma Pearson, journalist Gen Mansfield and politics expert John Lichfield.
Extra reading:
EXPLAINED: Does France really have a hijab ban?OPINION: France and the UK may be willing to send troops to Ukraine, but do they have the military strength?Will I need an ETA visa for my French spouse or children?The French cities cracking down on Airbnb with key box bansFrenchman, 102, sues government over WWII forced labour in GermanyWhy is mass tourism such a problem in Spain but not in France?Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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On the menu for this week we'll start off by talking about France's new highly intelligent cat, which Emmanual Macron is hoping will rule the world. Don't worry, we'll explain what I'm on about shortly.
We'll also delve into France's new budget and explain how listeners will be impacted by some of the measures, including why you'll have to pay more for flights in France in the future.
You've all heard of the medieval citadel of Carcassonne but there are some other, less well-known castles in south west France that are also vying for global attention, as we'll explore.
And France's Prime Minister has said he wants to open a discussion about what it means to be French, so we're going to do exactly that.
And finally stay listening until the end to find out what you really shouldn't do on a train in France if you don't want to make international news and more importantly be hit by a steep fine.
Host Ben McPartland will be joined by The Local's editor Emma Pearson, journalist Gen Mansfield and politics expert John Lichfield.
Extra reading:
French train passenger fined €150 for using phone on speaker8 must-visit castles in south-west France (you've probably never heard of)OPINION: AI is unstoppable, so I'd rather it was French than American or ChineseHow France's new eco tax will affect the cost of plane ticketsFrance's PM calls for debate on 'what it means to be French'Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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On the bill this week, we get the latest on the forecast for how long the French PM will last as he tries to navigate the government through evermore turbulent waters.
And speaking of water we'll also hear about a potentially huge scandal involving French eau mineral - or mineral water.
We'll look at potential problems for the thousands of skiers heading to the FRench Alps this February including: ginormous boulders rolling off the mountainside.
And we'll try to solve the age old riddle for French language learners which is whether to use "tu" or "vous". I promise I think we've cracked it.
And it's five years since Brexit but that doesn't mean everything is settled for Brits in France. We'll look ahead to some potential headaches and hurdles in 2025.
Host Ben McPartland is joined by esteemed regular guests this week: Emma Pearson, Gen Mansfield and John Lichfield.
Extra reading:
OPINION: France's crafty PM may just pull off a Columbo-style surpriseWhat to know if you are going skiing in the French Alps this FebruaryHow to check the water quality in your French communeFrance allowed Nestlé to use banned filter for bottled waterWhat are the rules on using 'tu' and 'vous' in modern France?It's five years since Brexit but problems lie ahead for Brits in EuropeHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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This week we'll examine the French President's planned multi-million euro revamp of the world famous Louvre gallery in Paris and also… why is Emmanuel Macron even getting involved in museum refurbishments anyway?
We'll also discuss the end of the internet in France, well not quite, but there are major changes afoot that listeners should be aware of.
And we'll explore France's love-hate relationship with mega cruise ships. They love building them but do French cities still love welcoming them and their thousands of passengers? Resistance appears to be growing against the so-called floating cities.
We'll also find out a strange quirk of French law that could see you in hot water at French motorway toll booths and answer the key question of who decides whether French words are masculine or feminine.
Host Ben McPartland is joined by three people worthy of having their portraits hung in the Louvre: Emma Pearson, Gen Mansfield and John Lichfield.
Extra reading:
France to raise price of Louvre tickets for non-EU visitorsExplained: Will other French museums follow the Louvre in charging more to non-EU visitors?Is France moving towards a ban on cruise ships?Calendar: France begins work to disconnect ADSL internet cablesMacron responds to French driver fined for using phone to pay at tollboothFrench grammar tips: Guessing the gender of nounsHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Donald Trump is back and his mate Elon Musk is doing a lot of talking and gesticulating, but the pair have been fairly quiet about France... so far. We'll examine whether Emmanual Macron has managed to befriend and becalm them or if Trump and co will "crush" France and Europe as the French PM has warned.
On a slightly less worrying subject we'll explain France's new census that's taking place around the country and why one particular question has caused a rumpus.
And we'll look at a new French law and how it benefits workers in the country, but perhaps not business owners… and find out why France is one of the few countries in the world where cinema numbers are going up and not down.
And we have an important update on the key subject of language tests for citizenship and residency permits that will interest many listeners.
Host Ben McPartland is joined for this week's episode by three of The Local's most astute brainiacs Emma Pearson, Gen Mansfield and John Lichfield.
Extra reading:
Latest: French interior ministry clarifies new language test rules for foreigners in FranceFrance's 2025 census - who will be counted and when?New profit-sharing rules take effect for small businesses in FranceFrance's cinemas show the way in post-Covid recoveryRead more from John LichfieldHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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This week we'll find out why pensioners are to blame for all of France's problems, well not quite, but they are perhaps to blame for all the new prime minister's troubles.
We'll also examine some major travel changes for south west France at a time that could spell both bad and good news for residents there.
We'll get to the bottom of a new driving law in France that's finally come into force this week and look at whether days are numbered for France's tourist information centres as the last one in Paris shuts up shop.
We'll also explain why your carte vitale health card might have stopped working and what you can do about it if it does get refused.
Ben McPartland your host is joined on the Talking France dance floor this week by The Local France's Emma Pearson, Gen Mansfield and French politics expert John Lichfield.
Extra reading:
15 reasons Clermont-Ferrand is the best place in FranceFrance legalises motorbikes and scooters weaving through trafficEasyJet confirms Toulouse base closure as half of summer flights cancelledThe alternative travel options to get to south-west FranceTen reasons to visit France's Auvergne area7 reasons to visit France's 'top city of 2025'What you can do if your French 'carte vitale' stops workingRead more from John LichfieldHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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This week we bring you all the latest on some big changes in France for drivers and look at where in the country you’ll wait the longest for a response from your prefecture. We will of course bring you the latest on the plight of France’s latest government and remind you who the PM is these days.
We also explain the 12 Gallic complaints you’ll need to get through the year in France.
And it’s 10 years since the Charlie Hebdo and HyperCacher supermarket terror attack in Paris. We’ll look at what happened next to the Charlie Hebdo magazine and explain a bit about France’s thirst for satire.
Host Ben McPartland is joined once again by editor Emma Pearson, journalist Gen Mansfield and French politics expert John Lichfield.
Extra reading:
OPINION: Pensioners, not immigrants, are wrecking FranceOPINION: Sadly, the new year in France won't bring an end to 'la zizanie'MAP: The French cities with Crit'Air low emission zones in 2025Revealed: The waiting times at French préfecturesPodcast: How did Jean-Marie Le Pen change France? (from April 2024)Quiz: Can you decipher all 12 of these French complaints?Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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This special episode is dedicated entirely to looking ahead so you know a little about what to expect in France in 2025.
We'll try and answer some of the big questions about what lies ahead. Such as... How many Prime Ministers will France have in 2025? More or less than the 4 it had in 2024? We'll also look at whether there will be more elections this year and more protests and political crises.
We'll look ahead to some big travel changes in Paris, in France and indeed in Europe.
And just as Notre Dame reopens another huge Paris tourist attraction is set to close!
Stay with us and you'll be well prepared for 2025 in France.
Host Ben McPartland is joined underneath mistletoe by our team from The Local France Emma Pearson, Gen Mansfield and politics expert John Lichfield.
To catch up with everything happening in France in 2025 you'll find all our articles under the topic France in 2025.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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In this special episode of Talking France in which we answer some questions about France from listeners of the podcast and readers of The Local.
These questions will cover everything from whether Donald Trump being back in the White House means Marine Le Pen will soon be in Macron’s house - the Elysee palace.
We’ll answer a question on how could France have an energy crisis when it’s got so much nuclear power and whether the country simply spends too much on protecting its population?
We’ll try and explain how Americans can look more… well French in the way they dress and whether foreign residents in the country can get by without speaking French.
And finally we’ll try and answer a good question from a reader about what makes France so great, although we’ll first try and find out if it is actually that great.
Host Ben McPartland is asking the questions on behalf of listeners and to answer them we’ll have the three wise men and women from The Local : Emma Pearson, Gen Mansfield and John Lichfield.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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France has a new Prime Minister, just in time for the New Year, but how long will he last for in 2025? France does have a PM but will it get a new government in time for Christmas? A lot has happened in French politics since last week and there’s a lot more that will happen before the end of the year so we’ll break it all down for you.
Away from politics we’ll find out about some foreign residents who’ve been caught with fake French language test certificates. And we’ll run through what to expect in France this Christmas from strikes to topless firefighters.
And we’ll hear how glitches on the French immigration admin website ANEF have been causing a “crisis” for international residents in the country.
It’s another jam-packed episode of Talking France coming up.
And we're appealing to all our listeners this Christmas who haven’t become members. Please consider joining The Local, we really need new members to be able to continue recording these episodes and to be able to carry on writing the dozens of valuable articles the team produces each week about France and the issues facing residents, second home owners and visitors. So please treat yourself and your family this Christmas to a membership of The Local France. If you’re already a member you can also buy a gift membership for the francophile in your life via this link.
Extra reading:
Extra reading
OPINION: Three reasons to be hopeful about France's new prime ministerAfter budget row, French MPs pass 'special law' to keep show on the roadThree arrested for helping foreigners cheat on French language testsTrains, roads and planes: What to know about travel in France over ChristmasForeigners in France face 'national crisis' due to glitches on admin site ANEFHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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This week, we'll get the latest on the ongoing political crisis in France and President Emmanuel Macron's quest to find a government to run the country. Will he succeed in getting a Christmas truce?
We'll find out who the winners and losers are from the fact that France has no 2025 budget and look at who might be to blame for the messy end of year in French politics.
We'll find out what's so special about Paris' roof tops but why you really don't want to be living right under one.
And we'll explore whether our personalities change when we speak French. Do we become more emotional or more likely to have an argument?
And we'll compare how trains in France compare to rail services around Europe and whether they've become too expensive for many people.
Host Ben McPartland is joined by The Local's veritable locomotive Emma Pearson, Gen Mansfield and John Lichfield.
Extra reading:
OPINION: French politicians are finally talking about compromise and cooperationTaxes, pensions and bills - What France's budget crisis means for your walletUNESCO gives heritage status to Paris' zinc roofs - but is that actually a good thing?OPINION: Your personality changes when you speak another language, but that’s not always a bad thingCOMPARED: The best and worst train operators in EuropeHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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France has been plunged into crisis this week. As widely expected the French government has fallen along with Prime Minister Michel Barnier after they lost a no-confidence vote on Wednesday evening.
What happens next? Can the under-pressure President Emmanuel Macron steady the ship or will he jump, as many are calling for. We get all the latest news and analysis on the political chaos.
Elsewhere this week we explain new rules around holiday property rentals in France, we try and understand why advent calendars have become controversial in French schools and look at whether France and the UK are heading for a border showdown.
And we also spell out why you should visit French Christmas markets on an empty stomach.
Host Ben McPartland is joined as usual will be the team from The Local France, Emma Pearson, Gen Mansfield and John Lichfield.
Extra reading
OPINION: Macron will move swiftly, but can the new PM succeed where Barnier failed?Why is Christmas 'secular' in France?France introduces strict new laws on renting out holiday homes10 food and drink treats to sample at French Christmas marketsUK can no longer 'sub-contract' Channel border security to France, says interior ministerHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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France has only had a new government for a couple of months and now it looks like it could lose it - just when it really needs one. We'll find out what's going on and what it will mean for the country and the crucial 2025 budget if the government falls.
We'll also explore how Paris has changed over the last 10 years under mayor Anne Hidalgo, who announced this week she won't run for a third term.
We'll also discuss how a mass rape trial in the south of France that has deeply shocked the country, could bring lasting change to French society and its laws.
And we'll finish by looking at the common grammar mistakes even the French make and whether we language learners really do need to remember whether a noun is masculine or feminine.
Host Ben McPartland is joined as usual by The Local France's editor Emma Pearson, journalist Gen Mansfield, politics expert John Lichfield as well as a special guest feminist journalist Megan Clement.
Extra reading
OPINION: As court verdict looms, Le Pen now seems willing to bring down French government'After Mazan': France unveils new measures to combat violence against womenParis mayor Anne Hidalgo announces she will not stand for third termMasculine or feminine: How to get the gender of French nouns (mostly) right6 language mistakes that even French people make (including Macron)Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Protesting French farmers are threatening to cause chaos and the government is struggling to calm their anger. We explain the reasons for their fury and why it's causing France to lose friends in Brussels.
And could Marine Le Pen be barred from standing in the next presidential election? We look at the ramifications of what could be a bombshell court verdict.
We also talk about sex this week or more to the point the changing sex lives for the French and whether those clichés about highly active and adulterous Gallic lovers have any truth to them.
And if you still need satisfying then we've got much more, including a look at the worst airlines for delays in France and why Notre Dame's reopening has caused an unholy row over secularism.
Host Ben McPartland is joined by the team from The Local France. That means Emma Pearson, Gen Mansfield and John Lichfield will be on the mics providing the insight.
Extra reading:
OPINION: French farmers are heading for an EU showdown in the New YearWill Marine Le Pen be barred from running for French president in 2027?Tickets and dates: All you need to know about Notre-Dame reopeningPODCAST: Pension strikes to intensify, Vendée rebels and the myth of the 'sexy French'Revealed - the real sex lives of the FrenchYour rights on delayed or cancelled flights in FranceHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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This week we look ahead to winter in France, not the weather or Christmas, but the likelihood of major strikes causing disruption across the country. French farmers, rail unions and pilots have all announced protests and industrial action over the days and weeks ahead. Just how bad could it get?
We also explain why Emmanuel Macron might just have his mojo back thanks to Donald Trump but will he be able to do anything with it in the time he has left as president?
And we find out why France has a gambling problem when it comes to the horses and whether the government really could strip us all of one of our treasured public holidays?
And we explain whether it’s true that one of the many benefits of being in France when you’re elderly is that you can’t be evicted.
Im Ben McPartland your host and I'll be joined by The Local France's Emma Pearson, Gen Mansfield and politics expert John Lichfield.
Extra reading:
OPINION: Trump's win may be bad news for everyone - apart from MacronCould France give up one of its treasured public holidays?Reader question: Is it true that over-65s cannot be evicted in France?Why the tabac is essential to life in France - even if you don't smokeFrench farmers plan new nationwide protestsWhat's behind French rail union's threat of 'longer, stronger' strikes?Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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To start this news series off we find out how the French President Emmanuel Macron and his government might be feeling about the return of Donald Trump to the White House. And with many Americans apparently taking to Google to find out how they can move to France, we explain if they actually can, and all the pitfalls to avoid if you do.
We also explain why French rail unions are threatening "long and strong" rail strikes this autumn and why the accent in the south west of France is considered sexy - and if it is worth copying if you live there?
We also look at whether Paris's new so-called car ban really is that ambitious and run through some of the key hurdles you need to overcome when buying a property in France.
Host Ben McPartland is joined by the team at The Local France, Emma Pearson, Gen Mansfield and politics expert John Lichfield.
Extra reading:
Explained: Paris’ new limits on cars in city centreWhy French sounds so different in the south-west8 things to beware of about ‘cheap French property’ advertsViager: The French property system that can lead to a bargain8 things Americans need to know before moving to FranceEXPLAINED: What type of French visa do you need?Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Up for discussion this week is what's been described as "the most violent austerity plan France has ever seen." We find out just how painful the new budget will be for people in France.
And apart from the budget, there's a planned new immigration bill that could also spell bad news for foreigners in France. We find out more.
And did you know around 150 movies and TV series are filmed in Paris each year? We explain why the film industry means big business in the French capital.
We run through the many different types of parties you can get invited to in France from a dining aperitif to the burial of a young girl's life.
We also explain why doliprane - that's French paracetamol - is giving many in France a huge headache right now.
Host Ben McPartland is joined by The Local France's editor Emma Pearson and politics expert John Lichfield.
Extra reading:
How will France's 'tough' 2025 budget affect you?French unions call strike over Doliprane firm saleTeachers in France threaten strikes until March over budget cutsHow could (another) new immigration law affect foreigners in France?Why is Paris a world leader for film and TV?Apéro to bal: Explaining the different types of parties in FranceHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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