Host Ben McPartland is joined by Local France editor Emma Pearson, journalist Genevieve Mansfield, political expert John Lichfield and French language specialist Camille Chevalier-Karfis to look at all the news and talking points from France.

French pension strikes continue to dominate the news, and John Lichfield explains why the parliamentary vote is such a big gamble for president Emmanuel Macron, while Genevieve explains why garbage is piling high on the streets of Paris.

You can listen to Talking France on Spotify, Apple or Google podcasts, download it here or listen on the link below

Moving to eastern France we’re looking at why one town is giving out free chickens, and we’ll also discuss what French secularism rules actually say about the wearing of the Muslim headscarf.

And as we approach international French language day, we’re looking at the state of the language – who speaks it and where, how many people are learning it and all about France’s ‘backwards’ language of Verlan.

The team also shares their tips for the one thing they wish they knew about the French language before moving to France, as well as their life hacks for making time in France easier and more fun. 

You can find all episodes of Talking France HERE – if you like what you hear, please leave us a review or just tell a friend!