Host Ben McPartland is joined this week by The Local's Emma Pearson, Genevieve Mansfield, and John Lichfield to discuss all the latest news in France.
We start off with political turmoil after Michel Barnier's government was toppled on Wednesday and what we can expect to happen next.
You can find the Talking France podcast on Spotify or Apple, download here or listen on the link below
Next up - 'tis the season for another row over secularism (laïcité) in France. We get into the controversy - which this time centres around advent calendars - and whether there is any truth to the education minister's claim that "these days Christmas is a largely secular festival".
We also discuss France's recent threats to cancel the Le Touquet Agreement, which creates juxtaposed passport controls on the UK-France border.
Grappling with over-tourism, France recently passed a new law with stricter, more standardised rules for short-term holiday rentals, like Airbnb. We go over how this could affect property owners, as well as the severity of France's housing shortage.
And finally - the Christmas markets have opened in France. The Talking France team gives their recommendations for the food and drink you should taste at your local marché de noël, plus some tips on how to make the most of your visit.
Talking France is a free podcast made possible by the generous support of paying members of The Local - you can find more about becoming a subscriber here.
Extra reading
- OPINION: Macron will move swiftly, but can the new PM succeed where Barnier failed?
- Why is Christmas 'secular' in France?
- France introduces strict new laws on renting out holiday homes
- 10 food and drink treats to sample at French Christmas markets
- UK can no longer 'sub-contract' Channel border security to France, says interior minister
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