Talking France

"It's gone wild," "It's a meltdown" - these were just some of the shocked reactions to news that France is in a fair bit of debt and it's getting worse. We explain how it could affect you and whether the crisis could bring down the French government this summer.

As well as debt, we look at wealth and just how much money you have to have to be considered rich in France. 

And away from money, we'll reveal a few of France's most beautiful train rides, teach you a little about radical French painters and tell you what's going to change in France this April. And if you've never heard of the "Giboulées de Mars" - then find out what they are.

Ben McPartland your host is joined by three volunteers who have kindly offered to help this week: Emma Pearson, Gen Mansfield and Jon Lichfield, otherwise known as The Local France.

Related articles:

• How France's bid to tackle 'wild' budget deficit could impact you
• OPINION: France has been in denial for decades about its 'magic money tree'
• French Riviera's 'train of wonders' to close for 16 months
• VIDEO: 7 of the most beautiful train journeys in France
• How much money do you need to be considered rich in France?
• Everything that changes about life in France in April 2024

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In this week’s talking points we’ll look at why the French are so down about the Olympics right now. Are they understandably worried that everything’s going to go wrong and it’s going to be a disaster or are they just excelling at that famous Gallic sport of complaining?

And we’ll hear the story of France’s famous Michelin guide and who the secret restaurant inspectors are. We also examine the latest row around schools in France and learn about why the euro coins in your pocket are going to look a little different very soon.

And we ask the question why in France do political leaders only become liked once they are dead or retired?

Host Ben McPartland is joined by The Local France team; editor Emma Pearson, journalist Gen Mansfield and politics expert John Lichfield.

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Further reading:

• OPINION: How to be loved by the French people? Retire or die
• Meet the new French faces on Euro coins
• Michelin unveils 62 newly starred restaurants in France

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This week on Talking France we get the lowdown on the European Elections and why in France at least it's looking like it will be a resounding victory for ... Vladimir Putin. We'll also explain why southern France will likely see more deadly floods in future and try to understand why certain French towns are allowed casinos and why others, including Paris, are not.

President Emmanuel Macron has angered yet more people in France this week with his latest reform around assisted dying. We'll look at what will change and who's angry about it. And is the most useful place in France your local post office? You can do far more there than just buy stamps and we'll tell you exactly what.

Ben McPartland your host is joined this week by The Local France team. As usual Emma Pearson Gen Mansfield and John Lichfield will be doing most of the Talking on this week's Talking France.

Essential reading:

• OPINION: The European elections in France are more than a vote on Putin
• Can foreign residents in France vote in the European elections?
• How to register to vote in the European elections in France?
• 14 things you can do at a French post office apart from post letters

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In this week's episode of Talking France we'll find out why history was made at the Palais de Versailles and why the famous site is far more than just a tourist attraction. We'll also look at why one American sport has become so popular in France, what foreigners do to blend in with the locals in France and where you can find quality but affordable restaurants near you. And we'll also explore why France has a love for consumer regulations and how they impact shoppers.

Ben McPartland your host is joined by the team from The Local France Emma Pearson, Gen Mansfield and John Lichfield.

Further reading:

• Why France's Versailles Palace is far more than just a tourist attraction
• Why France is considered 'ground zero' for basketball in Europe
• How foreigners become 'more French' to fit in with life in France?
• 'Bib Gourmand': Where you can find France's bargain Michelin-grade restaurants

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Talking France returns for its 11th series with a new jam-packed episode. We will look at whether French farmers are set to reignite their protests, and why Lyon is the one city in France we should all move to plus why President Emmanuel Macron is suddenly suggesting Nato troops could be stationed in Ukraine. 

And we'll find out why the French tax man might be spying on your Facebook or Instagram accounts and hear some crucial tips for passing the French language test for citizenship.

Host Ben McPartland is joined by The Local's editor Emma Pearson, journalist Gen Mansfield and politics expert John Lichfield.

Further reading:

• OPINION: Which side would Le Pen be on in World War III? French history gives a clue
• READERS REVEAL: What are the best things about life in Lyon?
• French tax man given power to go undercover on social media
• 10 tips to help you pass the French language test

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This week we explain everything from... France's famous Droit du Sol and why it's caused a political row, to how you could lose your newly acquired status as a French citizen.

We look at the struggle of French villages to hold on to their boulangeries, whether the guillotine could ever make a comeback in France and explain why Monaco on the French Riviera is known as a playground for the rich, the famous and the tax dodgers.

We also break down the complicated topic of energy ratings for French homes and explain why they are really, really important for both renters and buyers.

Host Ben McPartland os joined by The Local France's team of experts Emma Pearson, Gen Mansfield and John Lichfield.

Podcast listeners can take advantage of our special offer to join The Local.

Further reading:

• French citizenship: What exactly is France's 'droit du sol'?
• OPINION: France's Mayotte citizenship plan? It's all in the small print
• Iconic Normandy village searches for a baker
• 320 eaten every second: 6 key facts about the French baguette
• What do energy ratings mean for French property owners?

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On the menu this week we look at whether more French cities will follow the lead of Paris by turning up the heat big fuel guzzling SUV vehicles plus we find out why Eurostar is facing more travel misery.

We'll try to understand French waiters - are they just grumpy garçons or serious professionals who get an unfair reputation and answer some of your important questions on the new French language requirements for residency permits and citizenship.

And we'll explore whether the French, reputed as being the world's biggest romancers, are actually bothered about Valentine's Day?

This podcast is produced by The Local and made possible thanks to our members. If you'd like to join then now's the time you can make the most of a special offer for podcast listeners by going www.thelocal.fr/podcastoffer/

Ben McPartland your host is joined by the team at The Local Emma Pearson, Gen Mansfield and politics expert John Lichfield.

Further reading:

• Paris votes in favour of €18-per-hour parking fees for SUVs
• Your questions answered about the new French language tests for foreigners
• All you need to know about the new French language requirements
• EES: Eurostar could limit services over new biometric passport checks
• French waiters to race through Paris streets as historic contest returns
• How do the French really feel about Valentine's Day?

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The country’s farmers are staging a siege of Paris and no one quite knows how it’s going to play out, how long this siege will last for, or whether the country is headed for some serious unrest… again. We explain all the latest developments for you.

And a big law change affecting foreign residents in France has seen the government toughen the French language requirements for certain residency permits and for gaining French citizenship. It's caused a bit of a stir but we run through exactly what changes.

And as well as all that we’ll find out the story of the so-called Belly of Paris and on the subject of bellies we’ll tell why the French get all superstitious on Friday (at the same times as stuffing their faces with crêpes.)

Ben McPartland your host is joined by The Local France's Editor Emma Pearson, journalist Gen Mansfield and politics expert John Lichfield.

Further reading:

• Should I cancel my trip to France because of farmers' protests?
• How long does it take to learn French to A2, B1 or B2 level?
• Quiz: Could you pass the new French language tests?
• France brings in stricter language requirements for foreigners
• La Chandeleur - the day the French get superstitious and go crazy for crêpes

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This week we explain the anger among French farmers that has led them to block motorways across the country. Who's to blame, how long will the road blocks go on for and how will it be resolved?

We'll also look at why President Emmanuel Macron's suggestion the French need to be making more babies has caused a bit of uproar and why the French are making so many films but not as many babies.

We will also reveal the one département in France that has no train services but is well worth a visit - if you can get there and find out whether French fries and other so-called French things are indeed actually French.

Host Ben McPartland is joined by the three tenors of The Local France this week: Pearson, Mansfield and Lichfield. Or Emma, Gen and John as we know them

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READ MORE:

• French farmers have legitimate complaints but it's not all the EU's fault
• Are French fries really French?
• Birth rate in France falls to lowest rate since WWII
• Could France's forgotten département see the return of train services?
• Oscars revenge for film 'Anatomy of a fall' after French snub

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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 question we ask this week is whether it's really OK to ask for a doggy bag in a French restaurant.

Host Ben McPartland is joined by the three talking heads of Talking France, Emma Pearson, Gen Mansfield and politics expert John Lichfield.

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Further reading:

• OPINION: Macron's government is veering to the right? Hardly.
• OPINION: Macron's gamble is an opportunity and a curse for his new PM
• What are the most expensive autoroutes in France that you might want to avoid?
• 'Autoroute des anglais': Do you know the nicknames of France's autoroutes?
• Are doggy bags taboo in French restaurants?
• Which part of south west France is the top 'dream destination' to move to?

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