France presses the self-destruct button and Paris prepares for 'flood of the century'
You'll be glad to know things have become just a little clearer since last week when it comes to what is going on in France. Just a little.We have a new government, we kind of have a new prime minister, we've had a major retreat by the French president Emmanuel Macron, and we have a crucial few weeks ahead of us in France, during which, I don't think it's an exaggeration to say, the future of the country is at stake.We'll bring you all the latest of course on the chaos and crisis in French politics.And we'll find out why thousands of Parisians have been sent text messages warning them of a catastrophic flood and look at the latest battle to protect the treasured French cheese Camembert.And we'll give you the rundown on the best places in France to see incredible street art. It's not the Louvre of course.Host Ben McPartland is joined once again by The Local France's Emma Pearson, Gen Mansfield and John Lichfield.READ MORE:OPINION - Macron has slammed France into reverse gear with pension surrenderThe small French village that hosts the world's only street art theme park Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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32:01
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32:01
What the f**k is going on in France and where have all the eggs gone?
Talking France is back with a new episode, slightly earlier than planned because France has another meltdown. Forgive us for the title, but listen to the episode and you'll understand why we chose it.Even in a country that has made its name as Europe's political madhouse over the last year or so, this latest crisis took us all by surprise.Yes, France's new prime minister quit this week, just hours after naming his government. The country still doesn't have a budget and it's drowning in debt. What the heck is going to happen next? We'll look into our crystal ball.Away from politics we'll find out where all the eggs have gone in France, if it's Ok to be late when meeting French people and we'll tell you all you need to know about France's sacred "secu" - that's the social security system that looks after us all.Host Ben McPartland and I'll be joined as usual by The Local France team: Emma Pearson, Gen Mansfield and politics expert John Lichfield.READ MORE:OPINION: France is in a dark place, it may get darker Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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26:10
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26:10
France shamed by Sarko and is the Champs-Élysées now the worst street in Paris?
A former French president is set to spend some time behind bars in prison, quite a bit of time actually. Yes Nicolas Sarkozy, remember him, he’s been up to no good. Again. We'll hear about France's reaction to poor old Sarko being sent down and ask why are France's centre-right, law and order loving, politicians so... crooked? (Not all of them of course)We'll also lament the demise of Paris's, perhaps even the world's most famous avenue - The Champ-Élysées. Is it now the worst street in the French capital?We'll get the latest on the anti-government protests and strikes and find out if France will ever actually get one - a government that is.We'll explore a must-visit French world heritage site in Dordogne and bring you up to date with France's roll out of the EU’s new border checks this autumn. Do Brits really need to prove they have medical insurance to get into the country?Host Ben McPartland is joined by The Local France's Emma Pearson, Gen Mansfield and John Lichfield.Further reading:OPINION: Sarkozy case poses a question - why are French conservatives so crooked?Six prehistoric sites in France you have to visitWhat's the deal with EES and medical insurance for British tourists in France?Step-by-step: How to renew the Brexit carte de séjour in France Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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32:20
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32:20
What's next for strikes in France and are Americans being ripped off in Paris?
This week we’ll look at whether France’s new prime minister can do anything to appease the obstinate opposition in parliament and whether he’s got any chance of calming the growing anger on the streets.We’ll also find out why protests in France always spark a row over numbers, how Americans are being ripped off in Paris, why the French state may no longer pay for your 18-day trip to a thermal spa and why bullfighting is still legal in parts of France.And stay to the end to find out how the French are obsessed with sexing up their film titles in English.Host Ben McPartland is joined as ever by the team at The Local France, Emma Pearson, Gen Mansfield and John Lichfield.Essential reading:KEY DATES: The strikes planned in France in September and October 2025American tourists charged extra in Paris restaurants, newspaper sting showsPuns, sex and urban legends: How English film titles are translated into FrenchFrance plans to cut state-funded spa treatments for chronically ill patientsHow to avoid taxi scams in Paris Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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38:57
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38:57
Can France's new prime minister do anything to avoid an autumn of discontent?
On this week's show we'll bring you up to date with the turmoil in France, which shows no sign of calming down. The country has another new PM, but another day of strikes, protests and potential clashes looms large. Is there any way the crisis can be resolved?France's tax man is well nourished but there's a new plan gaining popularity that would see the country's richest pay more. But who's behind it and could it become law?We'll also hear what you think of the French schools system? Is it rigid and old fashioned or does it help to produce well behaved, polite kids?We'll look ahead to some of the best events in France this autumn and reveal whether the French really are better at making babies than the rest of Europe.Host Ben McPartland is joined by the team at The Local France: Emma Pearson, Gen Mansfield and politics wizard John Lichfield. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Talking France is The Local’s weekly podcast where we discuss the big news and talking points in France as well as explore and explain the major issues that impact life in the country. We also answer your essential questions and look ahead at what’s coming up.In each episode presenter Ben McPartland chats about the most important news and must-know information with The Local France’s Emma Pearson and Genevieve Mansfield. They are also frequently joined by John Lichfield, a veteran journalist whose knowledge of French news and politics is second to none, as well as other expert commentators. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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