The French mineral water scandal, Alps travel headaches and solving 'tu' versus 'vous'

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 it. We also look at why people from anglophone countries move to France, why French baguettes taste different and how you can best solve any disputes with your French neighbours.-------Over the next 30 minutes or so of your life we will do our utmost to shed light on the big issues in France right now and delve into some important matters around life in the country.For example, why has the president announced that thousands more gendarmes will be posted to the routes and country lanes of rural France? Is crime really a problem in the countryside or is this a political stunt?And on a different matter, why is the French government interfering with the recipe for baguettes? And thousands of people move to France each year from anglophone countries like the UK, the US, Canada and Australia. But who are they all and why are they coming?And what happens when you fall out with your French neighbour? We’ll look at the best ways to solve a dispute.And after news that Paris has hiked its tourist tax, we’ll find out what exactly is this tax and what’s the money for? Is it spent on cleaning up the dog poo or on customer service courses for waiters?Host Ben McPartland is joined by The Local France’s Editor Emma Pearson and journalist Gen Mansfield as well as our connoisseur of French politics and rural France John Lichfield.Further reading:Does your baguette taste different now?France to post scores of new gendarmerie units to rural areasHow France's new neighbour dispute rules workMAP: Where do all the Americans in France live?Cul: 13 of the best French expressions involving bottoms Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

5 Loka 202330min

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 by an ongoing epic legal battle involving one of the world's biggest art dynasties and look at the dangers of going green for President Emmanuel Macron. We'll explain a controversial motorway in the south west and tips for choosing a decent restaurant in France. ---------On the Talking France menu this week we have a six course meal full of varied dishes that will leave you full to the brim with knowledge of France.For starters we’ve got bedbugs. Yep it seems like nowhere in France is free from the blood-thirsty insects whether it’s trains, cinemas or hospitals. We’ll find out just how bad the infestation is.For a second course we’ll serve up what is possibly one of France’s craziest crime stories and look at what it teaches us about France’s strict inheritance laws. Then we’ll move on to a Brittany seaside town that’s gone British this week.For the main course we’ll look at how President Emmanuel Macron wants to turn France green. From new trains to heat pumps we’ll find out whether his measures are up to scratch and the political dangers involved.And for dessert we’ll look at how, in a country with as many restaurants as France does, you can possibly make sure you are picking a good one? Featuring some handy tips from readers in rural France.And for a digestive we’ll look at some essential abbreviations you need to know if you are texting French people.Host Ben McPartland is joined at the table by The Local France’s journalists Gen Mansfield and Sam Bradpiece as well as politics expert John Lichfield.Further reading:How to avoid bedbugs in FranceDeath and taxes: What you need to know about estate planning in FranceWhy does the French seaside town Dinard host an annual British film festival?OPINION: Macron knows the political dangers of dragging France into a greener futureWhy the new A69 autoroute in south-west France is causing such a row8 tips for finding a good restaurant in FranceFifteen French 'text speak' abbreviations that will help you sound local Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

28 Syys 202333min

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 France and new efforts to crackdown on drunk hunters and we'll reveal just how seriously the French take the subject of health.-----Over the next 30 mins or so we bring you up to date with some of the big issues in France right now and look at how aspects of this country work.Starting with fuel. Filling up your car has become so expensive in France that the government has had to take action. We'll find out what it's done as well as look at what else it has planned for this year's budget.And we'll bring you news of a new Unesco World Heritage site in France and look at some of the others you might not have heard of but really should visit. We'll also explain the upcoming French Senate elections - why they are so important and why ordinary folk can't vote.We will hear about a new attempted crackdown on drunk hunters and also hear about the tragic story of a woman whose French partner was accidentally shot dead by a hunter in rural France just days after she had given birth to their son.And we’ll also explain why you need a signed medical certificate from a doctor to enter a fun run in France.Stay with us to the very end to learn some handy short-cuts for speaking French.Host Ben McPartland is joined this week by the holy trinity of Emma Pearson The Local France's editor, journalist Gen Mansfield and politics expert John Lichfield.Further reading:Five UNESCO World Heritage sites in France you need to visitFrench fuel retailers refuse government plan to sell at a lossOPINION: France's desperate fuel price plan is a sign of tough budget choices aheadThe French abbreviations you need to blend inWhy you need a medical certificate to play sport in France Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

21 Syys 202335min

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 ticket will work and examine the system that allows you to buy a property in France cheaper than market value - if you are prepared to wait. ------We’ve got a strong line up of subjects this week. starting with France’s planned changes to immigration laws. They’ve been on the table a long while, but the plans look likely to cause the next big political flare up in France. We’ll explain all.Now you might know the French name Bernard Tapie but do you know his story? We’ll explain why he’s the subject of a new Netflix series.And ski resorts are closing for good in the Alps and France’s mountain refuges for hikers are also threatened by the warming planet. If you are a fan of Alpine winter or summer holidays then we’ll tell you exactly how you might be affected.France has announced exciting plans to follow Germany by introducing its own nationwide bargain transport pass. We’ll find out the details and hear from our colleague over the border in Germany about how the pass has worked there. We’ll also look at a system that allows you to get a property in France cheaper than market value although there is a downside - you have no idea when you can move in.And stay to the end for our French expression of the week - where we’ll tell you how to complain like the locals.Host Ben McPartland is joined by Editor Emma Pearson, journalist Gen Mansfield and our politics expert John Lichfield. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

14 Syys 202338min

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 homeowners. Plus we will take a look at what this year's "rentrée" will mean for France.---Thanks for joining us for what is the first episode of the autumn, although it feels like the middle of summer in France this week given the scorching temperatures in much of the country.We are all refreshed, rested and slightly sunburned and eager to get going again discussing the big talking points in France as well as decoding some of the important cultural and practical questions around life in the country.There is of course lots to talk about in France now that everyone is back to work, including the country’s politicians, who are already involved in an almighty row about clothes. We’ll start the show this week by looking at what La Rentrée means in France this year. We’ll also explain why property taxes have shot up in France and what that means for homeowners. And the Rugby World Cup kicks off in France on Friday. We’ll get the lowdown on what is a huge event taking place across the country.And we’ll also have news about a well known French film star, who has been in the headlines this week.And stay tuned to the end to find out why the French spend so much time eating and drinking.Host Ben McPartland will be joined once again for this new series by The Local France’s Emma Pearson and Gen Mansfield as well as French politics expert John Lichfield.Articles related to subjects discussed in the podcast:New French property tax bills reveal 'biggest increase in 30 years'OPINION: France's abaya ban cannot be a veil to hide real inequality in schoolsWhy the French spend twice as long eating as Americans Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

7 Syys 202335min

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 scars that have been left in a divided country?John Lichfield and the team at The Local France look at the damage that has been caused after a week of rioting and whether there is any chance of real reform in a country where change is often hard to come by.-----------Welcome to a new episode of Talking France. It’s our final episode of this current series and it’s probably one of the most important we’ve recorded given what’s been happening over the last week across France.In this episode we will obviously be focussing our attention on the social unrest that has followed the police shooting of a teenage driver near Paris last week.Our politics expert John Lichfield will have plenty to say to help explain the rioting, looting of stores, arson attacks on schools and town halls and the frequently violent clashes between youths and French police that have taken place over recent nights across the country. He’ll also look at whether the chaos and disorder will bring about any real change in France.Our team at The Local, Editor Pearson Emma and Gen Mansfield will explain the extent and cost of the destruction as well as look ahead to what might happen next and give some advice for tourists planning on visiting France.And away from the riots they’ll also look into the near future and explain what we can expect in France this summer from drought to traffic jams and from heatwaves to strikes.And we’ll also examine what foreign parents living in France should expect if they put their non-French speaking children in local schools.Thanks to all our listeners for tuning in once again. We hope you’ll find the next 30 minutes or so both interesting and informative.Further reading:OPINION: €1.3 million fund for accused police officer reveals deep divides in FranceRiots could become France's most dangerous crisis in decadesBeat the crowds: 19 alternative places in France to visit this summerMAP: Where in France are water restrictions in place?Parents reveal: What to expect when your non-French speaking child starts school in FranceFor these links for all the latest on the riots in France and all the latest on any strikes in France this summer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

4 Heinä 202332min

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 during a routine traffic stop. Are we set for a repeat of the 2005 violence that spread across the country and lasted for weeks? And much of France is on alert for drought so could water shortages across the country hit your summer holiday plans?----- Welcome to a new episode of Talking France, our penultimate episode before we take a summer break.If you stay with us for the next 30 minutes or so we’ll update you on some of the big talking points in France such as... whether France is facing another nationwide outbreak of rioting as anger grows after French police shot and killed a 17-year-old boy during a traffic stop.We’ll also explain how a controversial choice of chief editor at a Sunday newspaper has caused uproar and try to explain Emmanuel Macron’s new and rather peculiar, even outdated, drugs policy.Plus will the ongoing drought and subsequent water restrictions in place across much of the country affect your summer holiday in France? We’ll explain what you need to know if you are heading on holiday in France over the next few weeks.We’ll also try to explain France’s complicated alcohol rules that means there will be no beer or champagne available in Paris Olympics venues (unless you’re in the posh seats).And we’ll also reveal where the best places in France are, well, at least according to those organising the route for the Olympics torch.Host Ben McPartland is joined by Editor Emma Pearson and journalist Gen Mansfield and joining us as usual from his bastion up in Normandy will be politics and basically all-round expert John Lichfield.Further reading:OPINION: Paris riots could spiral into nationwide violence as seen in 2005MAP: Where will the Olympic torch visit on its journey through France?How could drought and water restrictions impact my French holiday? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

28 Kesä 202338min

Is life in rural France really that difficult? There are definite challenges and the French government has announced a new plan to rejuvenate countryside villages. Also this week we explain why France is the number one country for getting naked, French département numbers and look at why the government is concerned about having too many tourists. ------Welcome back to all our regular listeners. Thanks to those of you who have sent us tweets or emails with feedback, comments and ideas. It’s great to hear from you. And thanks also to those who have taken the time to leave a rating for the podcast. It really does help to spread the word about Talking France.And to our new listeners, well we hope you find the episode informative and perhaps even entertaining. This week we look at rural France. Is it neglected by Paris? Is life there really that tough? The French government has a new plan to rejuvenate la France profonde and we find out all about it.Are there too many tourists in France? The government appears to be a little concerned about certain sites and has a new plan to encourage visitors to go off the beaten track. We explain all and give you a few ideas for alternatives to the hot spots such as the Eiffel Tower or Versailles.And on the subject of famous sites we’ll find out about the latest person to be inducted into the Pantheon in Paris. And what exactly is the Pantheon anyway? We explain all.And we also try to understand why people in France, including foreigners, use numbers to talk about the departement they live in.We also reveal all about France’s thriving nudist community and get to the bottom of when and where you can get naked in France.Ben McPartland your host is joined by The Local France’s editor Emma Pearson, journalist Gen Mansfield and politics expert John Lichfield.Further reading:The biggest challenges of living in rural FranceOPINION: Does rural France really need 'saving'?Bare necessities: The rules for getting naked in FranceBeat the crowds: 19 alternative places to visit in France Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

22 Kesä 202335min