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

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?---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 debateWhy Philosophy is compulsory in French high schoolsPre-historic stones destroyed in Brittany to make way for DIY storeHosepipe bans, pools and 4-minute showers - your questions answered on France's drought restrictionsMAP - Where in France is under water restrictions in June 2023? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

15 Juni 202333min

Have pension strikes in France have finally run out of steam and after months of unrest and political wrangling were there any real winners and losers?Mont St Michel, one of France's most spectacular landmarks celebrated becoming 1,000 years old this week. Huge efforts have been made in recent years to restore the site to its original maritime character but we'll ask whether the tourist influx means Mont st Michel is now best avoided.And the EU's 90-day rule is the subject of a lot of misinformation in certain parts of the press, so we'll clear a few things up and find out whether it really is possible for non-EU travellers to cheat the system and stay in France for as long as they want.We'll also discuss why France doesn't do air conditioning and why some mayors are hiking the price of your water bills.And if all that's not enough for you we'll have some tips to enjoy a French summer.Ben McPartland your host is joined this week by the talkative trio the Local France’s Editor, Emma Pearson, journalist Gen Mansfield and politics expert John Lichfield.Further reading:Mythbuster: Can you really cheat the Schengen 90-day rule?Five things everyone should know about Mont Saint MichelSo who won the great French pension reform battle?The rules for installing air conditioning in your French home Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

8 Juni 202337min

France is home to the most second homes in Europe but why are they increasingly subject to extra costs, particularly in certain parts of the country and find out how France and Ireland have boosted trade and travel links since Britain left the EU. And why are Champagne industry lawyers taking on an American beer?We are already into the month of June in France. How time flies or Comme le temps passe vite as they say in French.In this week's episode we find out why thousands of cans of American beer were destroyed on the orders of France's champagne industry and also what a spat between the French president and prime minister says about the threat of the far right taking power in France.We also hear about new travel links between France and Ireland, new train options between France and Germany and indeed new rail services around France that will interest travellers.And France counts the most second homes in all of Europe but it's not always straightforward buying and owning a residence secondaire in France and they come with extra costs and taxes particularly in certain parts of the country. We explain all.We'll also look at the question of whether you need to carry ID in France at all times and a new government plan to merge the carte vitale health card with French ID cards - for those that have them at least.Ben McPartland your host, is joined as usual by editor of The Local France Emma Pearson, journalist Gen Mansfield and politics expert John Lichfield. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1 Juni 202337min

Can France solve the problem of queues at border control before the summer, what's in the new immigration bill that has caused a new political rumpus and why French cities are pushing out the car but it remains untouchable in rural France.Hello and thanks for tuning in to a new episode of Talking France. Over the next 30 minutes we will bring you up to date on the most important stories from France this week. We’ll also talk about cows and pheasants.In this episode we find out more about recent long queues at France's border control and whether this a sign of what's in store for travellers this summer?And after pensions reform there is a new political crisis brewing for Emmanuel Macron and his government - this time it’s over sensitive immigration reforms, which include imposing French language tests for certain residents permits. We find out more about what's happening.We bring you new details of the opening ceremony for the Paris Olympics next year which promises to be extravagant, unprecedented, indeed the most audacious in history. Can France pull it off? And can you get tickets without having to spend hundreds if not thousands of euros? And we hear about the ambitious steps taken by some French cities to cut out cars but also why French governments are keen to avoid annoying motorists in rural France.Host Ben McPartland is joined by The Local France's editor Emma Pearson and our French politics expert John Lichfield.Articles we mention in podcast:Language tests and easier expulsion: The latest on France's new immigration billWhy does France give a gift of three cows to Spain each yearWhat we know so far about the audacious Paris Olympics opening ceremonyShortage of French border agents leads to long queues at Paris CDG airport Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

25 Maj 202338min

The French are the second worst drivers in Europe according to a new survey, but there are many rules of the road that need to be observed. Some are more complicated than others for foreign drivers. And France has become far more attractive for foreign businesses in recent years, but is it all down to President Emmanuel Macron?Welcome to a new episode of Talking France in which our team of journalists and experts at The Local talk about France.In this latest episode we will find out who in France could be in store for surprise tax cuts.We will also explain some of the driving laws in France you might not know about or even understand and are French drivers the worst in Europe?We know France is a beautiful place to visit but why has it become such an attractive place to invest in and start a business. We’ll explore what’s changed about the country in recent years.OPINION: Macron has made a start but France's 're-industrialisation' must move fasterAnd all eyes are on the French Riviera for the glamorous Cannes film festival but we’ll discuss another, more murkier side to the côte d’Azur.And if you are thinking of putting your home up for rent on Airbnb you better know the rules in France. We’ll shed light on what you need to know.And if you looking for some great events around France this summer we have a couple to recommend. And you can get a full list in the article below.READ ALSO: 26 festivals and events to enjoy in France this summerHost Ben McPartland will be joined by our in house French intellectuals and philosophers, Emma Pearson - the editor and John Lichfield our politics expert. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

17 Maj 202335min

Is there any truth to the cliché that France's workers are lazy and could Ryanair and Easyjet limit French air traffic control strikes? These are just two of the topics we will tackle in the first episode of a new series of Talking France. Please take a minute to leave a review.This week we'll find out why frustrated budget airlines like Ryanair are trying to force a change to limit French air traffic control strikes and what you should know if you want to book a tour around one of the country's famous vineyards.Further reading:Cancellations and compensation: How French strikes affect European flights9 tips for enjoying a French vineyard tour (and wine tasting)We'll also learn whether there's any truth to the cliché that French workers are lazy, unproductive strikers, who are always on holiday.We'll tell you the incredible story of a famous French resistance leader and how he and his fellow fighters are viewed both in France and abroad.And we'll explain why it's not just the French flag you'll see flying in the streets around France.Further reading:France debates making EU flag compulsory on public buildingsAnd if you like Eurovision then you'll be interested to hear about whether the French do.Further reading:‘Edith Piaf meets electro’ – 5 things to know about France’s 2023 Eurovision entryHost Ben McPartland is joined by The Local France's editor Emma Pearson, journalist Gen Mansfield and French politics expert John Lichfield.Welcome back to all of our regular listeners around France and indeed around the world, we know many of you tune in from far off lands. And a big welcome to any new listeners to Talking France - Our job is to bring you up to date with all the big talking points and cultural questions from France each week and it's thanks to members of The Local we are able to do it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

11 Maj 202337min

Is there a whiff of revolution in the air in France after months of protests and strikes and how does living in the country change your habits?This week we have another jam-packed show and we starting by finding out what our team thinks will happen next after months of protests and strikes in France. Could the revolt change France?Is Macron a lame duck, are the strikes over and are we heading for a 6th Republic? And what does that even mean?You can John Lichfield's latest column here:OPINION: Revolution is in the air in France and 'paternalistic' Macron cannot calm itWe also discuss the one thing you need to check before you move to rural France and look at the ways living in France will change your habits and lifestyle - from the food you eat to the way you dress and perhaps even the way you drive.And if you like music we hear about the tradition of ‘chanson francaise' and what the French refer to as "yé yé" music.And if you'd like to listen to some "chansons francaises" you can check out The Local's playlist on Spotify at this link.We also lay out what you really need to know before you move to Paris - to avoid "la belle vie" becoming a nightmare - as happened to one American couple recently.Host Ben McPartland and I’ll be joined by The Local France’s Editor Emma Pearson, journalist Gen Mansfield and French political columnist John Lichfield.Please note that this is the last episode in the current series, but thanks to a growing number of listeners, especially those who have shown their appreciation by becoming a member, we should be back in a couple of weeks with more info, insight and discussions on the big issues in France.If you enjoy Talking France we appreciate it if you take time to leave a review on the platform where you listen to the podcast. We area also always grateful for feedback so please email news@thelocal.fr Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

20 Apr 202337min

Welcome to our latest episode of Talking France - a weekly podcast by The Local. If you enjoy the podcast please take the time to leave a review on Apple, Spotify or Google or if you have any feedback please email us at news@thelocal.fr.All our in-depth articles are available at our website thelocal.frIs the long battle over pension reform in France finally coming to an end? Everything could depend on the nine wise men and women, who sit on a very important council.In this week's episode we find out more about them, what they might have to say and what could happen next in the fight over pension reform.One person you’ll certainly want to get to know if you live in France is your local mayor - at least if you live in a small village. But just how powerful are France’s 35, 000 mayors and what exactly do they do?It’s April, the sun is shining, the flowers are blooming so that means its tax declaration season in France. We find out some ways you can save on your French tax bill and also some interesting perks the French taxman offers in return for your money.We will also look at the risk of more devastating wildfires in south western France this year and hear about the government’s new plan to tackle them.We’ll also find out why Paris is called the city of light and learn the nicknames of some other French cities.Host Ben McPartland will be joined by the engine room of The Local France - Editor Emma Pearson, journalist Gen Mansfield and politics expert John Lichfield. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

13 Apr 202334min