The story of Brittany's killer algae and where you can avoid the tourists in France
Talking France26 Jun 2025

The story of Brittany's killer algae and where you can avoid the tourists in France

This week we'll find out about how toxic green algae on Brittany's famously picturesque beaches claimed the life of a French jogger and perhaps others plus the role French farming and even the state played in his death.


We'll also look at the far less sparkly side of France's prestigious Champagne industry that's exposed how badly grape pickers are treated and bring you all the details about how you can take a swim in the Seine in the heart of Paris this summer.


And we'll explore why France has avoided the kind of anti-tourism protests seen in Spain and look at some of the famous French sites that have been hit by over-tourism and offer you some fantastic alternatives instead.


Host Ben McPartland is joined by the team at The Local France - Emma Pearson, Gen Mansfield and John Lichfield.


Extra reading:



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

Episoder(162)

ANALYSIS: Who is to blame for the turmoil in France and when will calm return? (Bonus episode)

ANALYSIS: Who is to blame for the turmoil in France and when will calm return? (Bonus episode)

Welcome to a special bonus episode of Talking France.If this is your first time listening to Talking France you should check out our regular weekly podcast which looks at a wide range of news, talking...

1 Apr 202318min

Why French protests turn so violent and is France a good country for women?

Why French protests turn so violent and is France a good country for women?

Welcome to a new episode of Talking France, a podcast produced by The Local, made possible by our members. If you like the podcast please take a moment to leave a review on the platform where you list...

30 Mar 202336min

French political crisis deepens and what's so difficult about settling in France?

French political crisis deepens and what's so difficult about settling in France?

Welcome to a new episode of Talking France, a podcast by The Local, for anyone interested in what’s going on in France.And right now there’s a lot going on in France.For example, an almighty political...

22 Mar 202333min

Property tax hikes, swimming in the Seine and just how important is the French language?

Property tax hikes, swimming in the Seine and just how important is the French language?

There is always a lot to talk about in France and this week’s episode is brimming with important issues and changes that listeners will be keen to know about.As rubbish piles up on the streets of Pari...

16 Mar 202337min

Pension battle set for climax, why the French appreciate privacy and three islands to visit this summer

Pension battle set for climax, why the French appreciate privacy and three islands to visit this summer

Talking France is back this week with more analysis on the big news stories in France as well as insights into French culture.To start us off we look at the state of play with the ongoing French pensi...

9 Mar 202333min

What's wrong with the famed French health service and is France losing its taste for wine?

What's wrong with the famed French health service and is France losing its taste for wine?

As is the time honoured tradition on this podcast we bring you up to date with some of the most interesting news stories and changes happening in France.Including wine. Yes, nothing is more synonymous...

23 Feb 202335min

Why so many Parisians are quitting Paris and how easy is it to become French?

Why so many Parisians are quitting Paris and how easy is it to become French?

In this episode of Talking France we look into why so many Parisians are choosing to leave Paris to live elsewhere and what are the upsides and downsides to this exodus for the French capital.We also ...

16 Feb 202336min

Are the French 'ungrateful teenagers', crunch time for strikes and France's beauty spots to avoid?

Are the French 'ungrateful teenagers', crunch time for strikes and France's beauty spots to avoid?

This week on Talking France we explore why the French public are compared to stroppy teenagers when it comes to their relationship with the state.Are they just a bunch of ungrateful kids or are they r...

9 Feb 202330min

Populært innen Politikk og nyheter

giver-og-gjengen-vg
aftenpodden
aftenpodden-usa
forklart
stopp-verden
popradet
nokon-ma-ga
rss-gukild-johaug
fotballpodden-2
lydartikler-fra-aftenposten
det-store-bildet
dine-penger-pengeradet
aftenbla-bla
hanna-de-heldige
rss-ness
rss-espen-lee-usensurert
rss-dannet-uten-piano
rss-utenrikskomiteen-med-bogen-og-grasvik
e24-podden
frokostshowet-pa-p5