Talking France

On this week's episode we'll discuss everything from France's love for the British queen, problems with French nuclear power, the long-awaited return of Dijon mustard to supermarket shelves and what the devastating wildfires could mean for France's fine wines.We'll also look at why the thorny issue of euthanasia and assisted dying is back in the news in France and how President Emmanuel Macron is hoping to settle the country's law on the right to die once and for all .But is a referendum really the best way to do that?And we'll bring you much, much more including some French vocab to learn and the one French TV show you really should tune into this autumn? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

15 Sep 202236min

In this new episode of Talking France, our team Emma Pearson, Gen Mansfield and John Lichfield, along with host Ben McPartland explore how the energy crisis will impact life in France and whether President Emmanuel Macron and his government have a plan to get France through the winter. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

8 Sep 202234min

This is our final episode of Talking France before we, like the rest of France, take a summer break.There is a lot to discuss as we look into what the next few weeks have in store for France.From the return of Covid-19 to the summer get away and from the political chaos to the threat of strikes we will explore what could happen over the next few weeks.We'll also learn a thing or three about the French Constitution and discover whether the French really do eat frogs legs, snails and horse as the stereotype has us believe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

30 Jun 202231min

SURVEY: Share your feedback on Talking France ___In a very dramatic week for France, The Local's Talking France podcast is back, digesting the political crisis, as well as discussing the summer sales, the expanding train network and whether people in France really work just 35 hours a week.Host Ben McPartland is joined by Local France editor Emma Pearson, reporter Genevieve Mansfield and political expert John Lichfield to dissect the aftermath of the parliamentary election that has plunged France into a political crisis.We look at what happened, what Emmanuel Macron’s options are for the months ahead and how the far-right ended up with so many seats in parliament.John Lichfield told us: “We are in an unknown situation for this generation of politicians – they are not used to this type of haggling, trying to form majorities on different issues or alliances. This is not something that has been happening in France for half a century or more.“In the 1940s and early 1950s there were frequent French parliaments that had no majority, revolving door governments, prime ministers who lasted only a few weeks – that’s not really happened since the system was changed by Charles de Gaulle.”Stepping away from politics, we’re getting on the train – the latest travel trend is for swapping planes for trains and France is great place to do this thanks to the high-speed TGV network. The country also has some exciting plans for more night-trains and international travel to and from France is also under expansion.As the summer sales begin, Gen explains how les soldes came about and why it is that the French government so strictly regulates them.And we’re looking at one of the big questions about France – does everyone here really only work 35 hours a week? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

23 Jun 202235min

SURVEY: Share your feedback on Talking France ___As France bakes under an unusually early heatwave, the latest edition of Talking France examines how French cities are adapting to the new reality of hotter summers, as well as discussing French regional rivalries, the latest strike action and the reality of driving in France.Host Ben McPartland is joined by Local France editor Emma Pearson and reporter Genevieve Mansfield to discuss all the latest talking points in France – from the neck-and-neck elections on Sunday to the threatened summer of strikes.As temperature records break around France, we’re also looking at how French cities are adapting to the climate crisis – particularly the northern cities that are badly designed for the scorching summers that are the new reality.As ever we are answering questions from listeners – this week you asked us about the biggest regional rivalries, from sports to boundary disputes, food wars to flag rivalry.And we also explain three things you need to know about French autoroutes – from the rules of the road to how it is that they came to be operated by private companies and how those toll prices are set. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

17 Jun 202230min

SURVEY: Share your feedback on Talking France ___In this episode of Talking France we'll be looking at the upcoming parliamentary elections - which are struggling to attract interest of voters despite being crucial for what happens over the next five years - French inheritance law, celebrity love affairs and France's best music festival.Ben McPartland is joined by France editor Emma Pearson, reporter Genevieve Mansfield and veteran political correspondent John Lichfield to examine the big news stories and the talking points from France this week.Sunday marks the first round of voting in the parliamentary elections. We're looking at why these are important, the faces to look out for and of course trying to weigh up what will happen.We also shine a light on the big talking points in France this week - from financial aid with the cost of living crisis to a celebrity wedding and one of France's least known regional languages.As ever we're answering questions from readers - this week it's one for property owners, what are the rules around inheritance in France?And we're talking a look at what is on the horizon in France, including one of the best festivals of the year - the Fête de la musique. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

10 Jun 202233min

SURVEY: Share your feedback on Talking France __The Local's Talking France podcast is back with a look at the burning issues in France this week - from policing to farm animals, workers shortages to paperwork traps. Host Ben McPartland is joined by Local France editor Emma Pearson and reporter Genevieve Mansfield to discuss the big issues in France this week - from the controversy raging around the Interior Minister to problems with the French police and their often heavy-handed crowd-control techniques.We're also joined by veteran political columnist John Lichfield to look at the domestic fall-out from the chaotic scenes during a football match at the Stade de France.Genevieve talks us through the staffing shortage that is already hitting France and is expected to get worse over the summer, and we're also answering question from our readers - Why a woman's maiden name is such a big deal in France?Finally, we've got some handy French vocab and a look ahead to some of the events on the horizon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

3 Jun 202227min

In this week's Talking France we'll look at what's new in France, which Frenchman is dominating all the headlines and why now is great time to head to Provence.And for our main topic of discussion we'll look at the climate crisis. How will it impact France, which regions will most affected and is President Emmanuel Macron really prepared to do what needs to be done?It is of course a long weekend for many because of Ascension day on Thursday so we'll give three things you need to know about those sacred public holidays in France. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

25 Mai 202221min