Talking France

The Local France
  • 4.6 (45)
  • NEWS COMMENTARY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
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 Genevieve Mansfield. They are also frequently joined by John Lichfield, a veteran journalist whose knowledge of French news and politics is second to none, as well as other expert commentators.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 2 DAYS AGO

    Will France get a Christmas truce and how speaking French affects your personality?

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

    30 min

  2. DEC 5

    What next as France enters the unknown after government collapse?

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

    36 min

  3. NOV 27

    Will landmark rape trial change France and what's next if French government falls?

    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.

    34 min

  4. NOV 20

    French sex lives explained, Notre Dame's unholy row and is Le Pen facing the end?

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

    32 min

  5. NOV 13

    France faces winter of strikes and protests and will Trump revive Macron?

    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.

    32 min

  6. NOV 7

    New French rail strikes protest 'privatisation' and how can Americans move to France?

    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.

    34 min

  7. OCT 17

    How painful will cuts in France be and why's Macron fretting about Emily in Paris?

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

    37 min

  8. OCT 10

    How Paris is different from France and when will French ski slopes close for good?

    The big news this week in France is that the mythical golden owl, a treasure people in France have been hunting for for three decades, has finally been found.  If you have no idea what I'm talking about please stay tuned. This week we'll also get the calculator out and find out if France's autumn budget - described as the toughest and most important in 50 years - will solve any of the country's financial problems. Or will it just give you financial problems with major cuts and tax hikes ahead. We'll also explore the real differences and divisions between Paris and the rest of France whether it's the quality of the healthcare you receive or the salaries you can earn. The French PM has announced a major change to the carte vitale, those green health cards we all have to carry in France. But how will foreign residents be affected? And as more Alps ski resorts close their lifts for good, is climate change putting the French off skiing and who will lose out the most? Host Ben McPartland is joined this week by the team from The Local France, Emma Pearson, Gen Mansfield and politics and budget expert John Lichfield. Just a reminder that if you like the podcast, please consider becoming a member of The Local France. Not only will you be helping us to be able to continue producing episodes of Talking France, but you'll also get full access to the scores of articles the team produces each week. You can join in just a couple of minutes by visiting The Local.fr. Extra reading: OPINION: 50 years of French state over-spending won't be solved in one BudgetGolden owls to fine wines - 5 of France's biggest treasure hunts9 ways Paris is different from the rest of FranceWho will be hit by tax rises in France?France pushes ahead with changes to carte vitale health card Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    36 min
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4.6
out of 5
45 Ratings

About

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 Genevieve Mansfield. They are also frequently joined by John Lichfield, a veteran journalist whose knowledge of French news and politics is second to none, as well as other expert commentators.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    The Local France
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2024
  • Episodes
    107
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2022 The Local Europe AB
  • Show Website
    Talking France

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