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 flights
• 9 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 buildings

And 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 entry

Host 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.

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