On this week's Talking France we talk about trains, croissants, the Le Pens, French bashing and the sexy subject of tax declarations in France. France is about to test a new 49 euro rail pass to encourage people to get onto trains. We explain who can take advantage of it and where you can use it. Plus it's 120 years of the entente cordiale between France and the UK, we will explore whether there's any real entente between the two countries these days and whether or not it's even cordial.  And French far right stalwart Jean-Marie Le Pen is a talking point this week. Does he deserve any cre ..read more

Up for discussion this week are France's regional airports. Have you flown into or out of the likes of Limoges, Brest or even Bergerac? No doubt these airports are handy but are they really sustainable?  We also look at how France's official Champagne region is going to grow. Could it include part of England one day? And with the Olympics in sight we'll explain, with the help of author Simon Kuper, how Paris and even Parisians are changing. And can you really get €6,000 a month in unemployment benefit in France for a whole year? Yes, you can, but perhaps not for much longer with the Frenc ..read more

"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 ..read more

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 becom ..read more

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 ..read more

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 ..read more

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 ..read more

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 McPar ..read more

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 th ..read more

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 ac ..read more