Talking France

In this week's episode we look at what's ahead for the next three years of Emmanuel Macron's presidency given that he has a new prime minister and a new government in place. We also find out where France's most expensive autoroutes are, explore the part of the country the French dream of moving to and also explain the key differences between public and private schools in France. And the big questi...

In this special episode to kick off series 10 of Talking France we answer a selection of questions from our listeners including: Do the French have no sense of humour? Why are there so many speed cameras in France and what's the best way to learn French? Our politics expert John Lichfield also answers a couple of reader questions including the big one: Can anyone stop Marine Le Pen becoming the ne...

This special episode of Talking France is dedicated entirely to looking ahead so you know what to expect in France in 2024. We'll try and answer some of the big questions about what lies ahead including what could cause the next political crisis in France and will it lead to strikes and street protests? Will Paris be ready for the Olympic Games and is it best just to avoid France all together...

France's controversial immigration bill has passed through parliament. It's been hailed as a victory for the ideas of the far right but just how bad is it for immigrants in France? We also look at whether France can still call itself a "Catholic" country and where in the country public transport is free and why. Podcast listeners can become members of The Local for just €1 for the first month by c...

On this week’s episode of Talking France we look what happens next France’s latest political crisis, we explain the downfall of France’s most famous actor and also find out whether French schools could soon introduce compulsory uniforms. We'll explain the huge increase in the number of solar farms in France and look at whether it's gone down well in rural France. We also have explanation for how w...

On this week's episode we explore whether Paris is a safe city to visit right now, what exactly are France's notorious banlieues and whether they deserve their bad reputation and we'll also look at some of the biggest cliches about the French to see whether there's any truth in them. Are the women all skinny and the men all adulterers? We’ve got the lowdown on France’s latest cheese battle, and if...

Just how concerned should we be in France over a spike in far right violence after the murder of a young man in a rural village? What are the new international flight and train routes opening in France next year and just how did the French end up with their crazy number system. Should they change it to help us language learners? These are just three of the many questions we will try to answer in t...

Could we soon see the end of flight cancellations, delays and general travel misery caused by striking French air traffic controllers? Where is this region region in France where the soil is saturated with gems and why don't the French like to talk about money? If you want to know the answers to these questions and find out why the French won't let MEPs leave Strasbourg and learn about the regiona...

This week our team will bring you up to date on that latest on some important changes to immigration rules in France, including one for British second home owners and look at whether they will actually come into law. Plus we'll look at myths around Napoleon ahead of the new blockbuster film, explain the importance of French patisseries and find out where in France you will live the longest. Plus w...

In this week's new episode we examine why the French can't bear spicy food and take a look at just how elitist the country is especially when it comes to its schools and universities. And for second home owners and regular visitors we take a look at what might happen if you don't respect that pesky 90-day rule and stay too long in France. Could you banned from the EU? Plus much much more for anyon...

Given the number of bomb alerts at French airports and tourist sites is it wise to travel to the country right now? And whilst many dream of retiring to France how easy it to actually do it, both practically and emotionally? We examine these questions and more in the new episode of Talking France. Article links below. ---------- Welcome to a new episode of Talking France, a podcast by The Local. I...

What does the heightened terror alert in France mean for those who live here and visitors and why does the government fear there may be more attacks? Plus why is France obsessed by farmers finding love, why are doctors in the country on strike and is McDonald's really healthier in France than in other countries? We discuss all these topics and more in this week's episode. ------- Welcome to the la...

This week's episode looks at just how bad the bedbug crisis in France really is and why the insects have become political. It also examines why second homes in one part of France are being targeted by a bombing campaign and why American tourists were booed when arriving in France recently. And we also have essential wine tips for you. ------ Welcome to a new episode of Talking France. We are back...

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...

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 r...

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 lo...

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...

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 tem...

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 ha...

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?...

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. T...

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 F...

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 me...

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 pas...

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 Fran...