France wakes up to the threat of war and is French wine industry doomed?

On this podcast we bring you up to date with all the big news and changes in France that you should know about. All in roughly 30 minutes.On this week’s episode we look at the latest skirmishes in the battle between the French government and unions over pension reform in France.The protests appear to be growing in strength and more strikes are planned in February. It’s no doubt a crucial moment in Emmanuel Macron’s presidency but will he prevail?In a very different subject this week we examine whether the French really are rude and abrupt and hear about one of France’s biggest and arguably best theme parks and the new controversial film its produced about the French Revolution.We’ll find out how long foreigners have to work in France to qualify for a French pension and look at where this reputation of the French being sexy comes from and more importantly is there any truth in it?If you like what you hear we'd really appreciate it if you left us a review on Apple Podcasts / Spotify / Google or wherever you listen to Talking France. Alternatively if you have suggestions for the podcast team please email us at news@thelocal.frArticles linked to podcast:ANALYSIS: Who is winning the battle over French pension reform?Calendar: The latest French pension strike dates to rememberPensions: What should I expect if I worked in both France and a non-EU country?OPINION: Who are really the rudest – the French, tourists or Parisians?A small request to all our listeners. If you like what you hear on Talking France please take a minute to review us on the platform you listen to it, whether Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It really helps us grow our audience which is basically what we need to do to be able to keep producing these episodes. Failing that please recommend us to a friend or family member or even on social media. Obviously if you don’t like what you hear please email news@thelocal.fr and tell us why. Thanks to all our listeners who are paying members of The Local. We wouldn’t be able to do this without you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2 Feb 202329min

As is our duty on this podcast we bring you the main news and talking points from the week in France including of course updates about strikes and protests, what’s coming next and whether the strikes are going to hit the winter holiday period.We also examine why retirement in France is so sacred and why the country is such a popular place for foreigners to retire to.The French are known to cherish food, fraternité and pharmacies but they also have a less well known love for comic books. We explain why.And France may have a reputation as the land of romance - and Frenchmen as great charmers - but a concerning new study suggests France is still deeply sexist and many Frenchmen don’t see a problem with that.We also answer a question being asked by property owners in France, hear about two French actors in new films about the French police, and as ever we’ll have some essential life hacks for you.Articles to read:French pension strikes - What to expect on January 31stCalendar - The French pension strike dates to rememberFrance brings in new tax declaration for property ownersMany young Frenchmen say violence against women acceptable, sexism survey reveals Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

26 Jan 202328min

You join us at a really crucial moment, for France, for President Emmanuel Macron, for the French trade unions and of course for anyone living in the country or visiting.That’s because what’s been billed as the ‘mother of all battles’ - is about to begin between unions and striking workers on one side and the French government on the other. At the centre of it all is the government's controversial plans to reform pensions.Will France be brought to a standstill? Who and where will be worst hit by the industrial action? How long will this battle go on for? Can France’s trade unions still put up a fight? Will Macron cave in? How can I avoid disruption if I’m in France? And should I cancel my upcoming holiday in France?Those are just some of the many questions we will try and answer during this week’s episode.Articles for further reading: Calendar: The French pension strike dates to remember10 apps to make your life easier during a French strikeTrains, planes, theatres and schools: The services hit by Thursday's strike in FranceOPINION: Only the power of the street can stop French pension reform Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

18 Jan 202330min

It’s the start of a new year, there’s a lot going on in France to catch up with so we have a jam-packed episode featuring the president Emmanuel Macron finally opening up about his love life, a look ahead to the ski season in the Alps - will there be any snow to ski on and why folk in south west France will be paying more property taxes.And the battle lines have been drawn between the French government and the unions over pension reform which means, strikes. Of course. We have all the latest. We also look at the danger of more violence from far right extremists in France and what changes for drivers in the country in 2023.And stay tuned to the end to find out some handy tips for living in France.I’m joined as usual by Editor Emma Pearson, journalist Gen Mansfield at our office in Paris and our politics expert John Lichfield up in Normandy.The following articles cover the subjects discussed in the episode.France's January pension strikes - what services will be affected?'When you're in love you cannot choose': Macron opens up about falling for BrigitteThe law changes drivers in France need to know about in 2023What can I do if I've booked a French skiing holiday and there's no snow Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

12 Jan 202334min

This episode of Talking France is dedicated to looking ahead and what’s in store for France and everyone living here in 2023.Will there be surprise elections, will there be street protests? There will certainly be price rises and we’ll explain just exactly what will cost you more in France in 2023. And perhaps what could cost less - including property.There will also be big changes for travel, especially for non-EU arrivals in France and we’ll find out whether 2023 will be a good year for public holidays.And next year will also offer up some things to look forward to in France, including the Rugby World Cup.Articles to read:What changes about life in France in 2023Where are French property prices are set to fall in 2023?What foreigners in France need to know about border system changes for travellersFood, fuel and transport: What prices will rise in France in 2023? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

28 Des 202218min

It's another jam-packed episode on Talking France featuring the aftermath of the World Cup final including why French president Emmanuel Macron was accused of being “offside”.Article: ‘Offside’?: Macron’s World Cup final support divides opinionWe tell you how your finances could change in France now that the budget has finally passed and introduce you to the World’s richest man - yep he’s a Frenchman and we’ll also hear about a Frenchwoman who is perhaps the most stereotypical Parisian ever on TV.Did you know that France has 12 different time zones? - We explain why.Article: 'Confetti of an empire': France's overseas territories explainedAnd of course it’s Christmas and in France that means rows about religion, sea food banquets and only one day off.Article: What does laicité (secularism) really mean in France?And to help you digest all this new information we’ll end the episode in good Gallic spirits - stay tuned to the end to find out what I’m talking about.Article: Gallic spirits: 17 of the best French digestifs Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

20 Des 202229min

On this week’s episode of Talking France we find out why certain Paris cafés are banning customers from getting out their laptops.Are they really “squatters who don’t pay their way” as one café owner told us, or just a modern, hi-tech version of a traditional Paris café goer? We hear from both sides of the row.Article: ‘They are squatters’: Are Paris cafés right to clamp down on laptop users?This week France’s traditional centre-right party has elected a new leader who isn’t traditionally centre right at all. We’ll find out more about him and on the subject of politics we’ll also hear how France’s unofficial first lady Brigitte Macron actually fills her days. There is far more to Brigitte than just being “Macron’s former teacher”.It’s almost Christmas so we need to talk about Foie Gras and why there are fears in France of a shortage and also why does France have such strict rules around swim wear - especially for men.Article: Speedos: Why are the French so obsessed with skimpy swimming trunks?And with France playing Morocco in the World Cup semi final we look at the complicated relations between the two countries and why the match meant more than just football.Article: OPINION - French, Moroccan or both? In truth, it’s more complicated than politicians will admitArticle: Celebrations and clashes after France make World Cup final Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

15 Des 202227min

On this week's show we hear about the real chances of there being blackouts in France this winter and why the French government can't simply blame Vladimir Putin and his war in Ukraine.OPINION: France faces the real possibility of power cuts this winter and it can’t blame PutinWe hear about the Frenchman taking on Elon Musk and we also get into the thorny subject of what the French and the English really think of each other including the views of Britain’s ambassador to France. The French phrases you will need for France v England banterIt's nearly Christmas and that means a lot of our listeners and readers will be on the move. We'll explain just what's in store for those travelling over the next few weeks in France and abroad.And on the subject of travel we'll explain why France has banned internal flights between certain French cities.What to expect if you are travelling to France over Christmas Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

8 Des 202232min