Welcome to a new episode of Talking France.

As always this week, we get stuck into the big issues that are making the news in France.

That means finding out why a French minister exposed herself to a barrage of criticism this week by appearing on the cover of Playboy magazine?  

And Marseille, France's second city is being dubbed the "murder capital” again after more deadly shootings in recent days. But just how dangerous is the Mediterranean port city for visitors? 

And of course, the mother of all battles rumbles on. We bring you up to date with pension strikes - fuel shortages, piles of waste, cancelled trains and the protests.

And is now a good time to buy a property in France? And if it is, what are the things you absolutely need to do before you take the plunge and sign the deal? Apart from visit the actual house of course. We’ll find out.

And Easter is upon us but how do the French celebrate it and why isn't Good Friday a public holiday?

We also have some top tips for things you can do in France this Spring.

Ben McPartland is your host but as ever the interesting info and insight is provided by The Local France's Editor Emma Pearson and journalist Gen Mansfield.

Also a big thank you to those listeners who have become members of The Local in recent days and also those who have left positive reviews. It's really appreciated but more importantly your contributions help us to be able continue to be able to talk about France on this podcast.

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