Spotlight on France

RFI English

4.7 (33)
NEWS
UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Interested in France? Let us be your ears and eyes on the ground. Hosts Sarah Elzas and Alison Hird introduce you to the people who make France what it is, and who want to change it - to give you a fuller picture of this country at the heart of Europe. Spotlight on France is a podcast, in English, from Radio France International, out Thursdays.

FEB 13

Podcast: AI 'à la française', immigration fact vs feeling, disability law

A French large language model adds European context and nuance to the dominant artificial intelligence being developped by US tech giants and China. Is France really being "flooded" with immigrants? The numbers say no, but the feeling remains. And the mixed legacy of a landmark law on disability and inclusion, 20 years later.

33 min
JAN 30

Podcast: Budget woes, medical cannabis stalled, French comic who defied Hitler

How France's budget cuts will impact development work abroad and civil society at home. An inconclusive medical marijuana experiment leaves patients in limbo. And how Jewish comedian Pierre Dac used humour in the Resistance.

32 min
JAN 16

Podcast: France Algeria fall out, land of dinosaurs, abortion rights

A big freeze in Franco-Algerian relations as domestic politics drive international diplomacy. France is full of dinosaur bones, but short on paleongolotists to dig them up. And France's law decriminalising abortion turns 50.

35 min
12/19/2024

Podcast: Renaming Tibetan art, Paris region's first olive oil, Comoran independence

Tibetans question why a French museum has renamed its collection of Tibetan art. A group of neighbours south of Paris produce the region's first olive oil. And the independence of the Comoros, without Mayotte.

31 min
12/05/2024

Podcast: Forgotten female war correspondent, lighter French wine, Notre-Dame reopens

Unearthing the story of the woman who documented Charles de Gaulle's liberation of Paris in 1944. The impact of climate change on alcohol content in wine, and how French consumers are reacting. And the reopening of Notre-Dame cathedral, five years after the fire.

32 min
11/21/2024

Podcast: Dictionary wars, France digests Trump, disaster solidarity

Controversy around the latest edition of the Académie Française dictionary. How France is processing the re-election of US President-elect Donald Trump. The first disaster to prompt waves of international solidarity.

32 min
11/07/2024

Podcast: France's packaging problem, spider crab invasion, women's labour rights

After a ban on single-use plastic food containers, France tackles shipping packaging in its fight to reduce waste. A stand-off between mussel farmers and spider crab fishers in Brittany. And the 1924 sardine strike that set the example for women demanding labour rights.

28 min
10/10/2024

Podcast: French song's popularity abroad, screens in school, France's Nobels

Why songs in French are attracting new audiences in non-francophone countries. How are French schools using screens in classrooms? And the history of France's Nobel prizes.

34 min

See All (28)

4.7

out of 5

33 Ratings

Great podcast

10/19/2023

onthecuspp

As an American living in France, I enjoy this podcast! I always learn something new. I wish they would upload more frequently.
Eagle, Idaho

09/24/2020

Aigle1789

Love this podcast!!!
Need more!

09/02/2020

Music Man Rodriguez

I have so enjoyed this show and can’t believe there’s nothing on iTunes since April 30. Please update us on all things French! Thank you!
I love it! A little bit of everything French

07/07/2020

cait1234123

There’s nothing else like it if you want an English-language podcast about France that covers current issues, history, culture—a little bit of everything. The two presenters are also very funny and enjoyable. They are on a break and I really miss it. Come back soon please! Pleaseeee

Interested in France? Let us be your ears and eyes on the ground. Hosts Sarah Elzas and Alison Hird introduce you to the people who make France what it is, and who want to change it - to give you a fuller picture of this country at the heart of Europe. Spotlight on France is a podcast, in English, from Radio France International, out Thursdays.