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 Lichfield explains why France needs to avoid falling into the same trap as the UK did with Brexit and why is France so attached to philosophy?

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Thanks for tuning into a new episode of Talking France, a podcast for anyone who has an interest in France and wants to keep up to date with what’s going on here.

As always, in this week’s show we’ll examine the important news and issues from around France.

First up we find out how ancient stones in Brittany ended up being bulldozed to make way for a DIY store. How can that happen?

We look at what impact the Annecy knife attack has had on politics in France and also for the town itself, where thousands of tourists will descend this summer.

And we find out why the French government is having to give out advice about taking a shower and look at how bad the droughts and heatwaves could be in France this summer.

And there’s a new row about an item of clothing being worn in French schools, we’ll explain all as well as take a look at the story of the man at the centre of it.

And on the subject of French schools, we find out why is the study of philosophy is compulsory for high school students?

Host Ben McPartland is joined by our regular guests Editor Emma Pearson, journalist Gen Mansfield and politics expert John Lichfield.

Further reading:

• OPINION: France should heed warning from UK in letting extremists control asylum debate
• Why Philosophy is compulsory in French high schools
• Pre-historic stones destroyed in Brittany to make way for DIY store
• Hosepipe bans, pools and 4-minute showers - your questions answered on France's drought restrictions
• MAP - Where in France is under water restrictions in June 2023?

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