Host Ben McPartland is joined by The Local's editor Emma Pearson, journalist Genevieve Mansfield and politics expert John Lichfield to discuss all the latest goings-on in France.
The team starts off this week by discussing the upcoming Christmas holidays, and whether you can expect travel disruption as more sectors - from farmers to airlines and railways - call for strikes and protests across France.
We're also looking at the future of French President Emmanuel Macron, who has stayed out of the spotlight since naming Michel Barnier as PM. We discuss whether the election of Donald Trump might actually give Macron his mojo back, as he seeks to build European unity.
You can find the Talking France podcast on Spotify or Apple, download it here or listen on the link below
Then, we're off to the races, as the Talking France team untangles why race meetings were cancelled last week, giving you an overview of the history of the sport in France. We also explain a bit about the popularity of betting on horse races, and those little green 'PMU' signs you'll see across France.
The French are known for loving time away from work, which is why it may come as a shock to see headlines about workers giving up one of their precious bank holidays to help with the budget crisis. We explain whether this will really happen, and how it might work.
And finally, we debunk the myth that it is 'impossible to evict people over 65', while explaining how renting can still be a challenge for older people in France.
Talking France is a free podcast produced thanks to the support of subscribers to The Local France - you can find out more about becoming a member here.
We're also planning a special episode of the Talking France podcast, made up entirely of questions from our listeners - so tell us the one thing you always wanted to know about France.
Extra reading:
- OPINION: Trump's win may be bad news for everyone - apart from Macron
- Could France give up one of its treasured public holidays?
- Reader question: Is it true that over-65s cannot be evicted in France?
- Why the tabac is essential to life in France - even if you don't smoke
- French farmers plan new nationwide protests
- What's behind French rail union's threat of 'longer, stronger' strikes?
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