The end of season 2 and, perhaps more importantly, the end of 2018, merits a special discussion. Joining me back in the studio for a chat about some of the events that have defined the year in Paris and France is author and staff writer for The New Yorker, Lauren Collins. We talked about France’s World Cup 2018 win, SNCF strikes and, the big-hippo story of the year, the Gilets Jaunes (yellow jacket) movement and whether it’s safe to visit Paris (spoiler: YES IT IS).

Mentioned in this episode:

Lauren Collins on the Gilets Jaunes: https://www.newyorker.com/news/news-desk/the-gilets-jaunes-and-a-surprise-crisis-in-france

SNCF strikes: https://www.railjournal.com/in_depth/sncf-reform-back-on-track-after-devastating-strike

Macron under fire (« cross the street » to find work ) https://www.france24.com/en/20180917-macron-france-under-fire-telling-jobseeker-cross-street-get-work-unemployment

World Cup 2018 win: on Identity https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2018/7/19/17590302/trevor-noah-france-french-ambassador-araud-world-cup

Gilets Jaunes and Mobility: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/12/20/world/europe/france-yellow-vests-social-mobility.html