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TALKING FRANCE

PODCAST: Property tax hikes, swimming in the Seine and just how important is the French language?

The Talking France podcast is back with a bumper-length episode looking at what's going on in France - from the last gasp pension strikes to free chickens, swimming in the Seine to hijab rules and everything you need to know about the French language.

PODCAST: Property tax hikes, swimming in the Seine and just how important is the French language?

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!

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TALKING FRANCE

PODCAST: Border queues, immigration row and how French cities are pushing out cars

The Talking France podcast is back with a new episode looking at all the news and talking points from France - from delays at border control to car-free French cities and the huge row over France's new immigration bill, via weird traditions on the Franco-Spanish border and the latest on the Paris Olympics opening ceremony.

PODCAST: Border queues, immigration row and how French cities are pushing out cars

Host Ben McPartland is joined by The Local France editor Emma Pearson and politics expert John Lichfield to look at all the latest news and talking points in France.

After a very brief period of calm, the French government is embroiled in another row – this time about its new immigration bill. We’re taking a look at what’s in the bill – including language tests for foreigners in France – and why it has provoked a minor political crisis. 

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

The French city of Lyon has this week announced plans to increase parking charges for heavy vehicles like SUVs – but it’s far from the only French city that is trying to get people out of their cars and onto public transport, bikes or their own two feet.

We’re taking a look at the car-free plans of French cities, and why the car is such a political hot potato in rural France.

After long queues at border control at Paris’ Charles de Gaulle airport this week, we’re looking at whether France is ready to deal with the peak tourist season this summer – and the huge crowds expected for the Olympics in 2024.

Talking of the Olympics, we’re talking about the “ambitious, audacious” opening ceremony that is planned, and how you can get free tickets for it.

And finally, we’re heading to the Franco-Spanish border to look at weird traditions with cows, human-bear hybrids and an island with rotating nationality.

You can find all previous episodes of Talking France HERE, and if you like what you hear, please consider leaving a review, sharing episodes on social media or just telling your friends and family about us.

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