Host Ben McPartland is joined by The Local's Emma Pearson, Genevieve Mansfield and John Lichfield to discuss all the latest news.
We start by testing out Le Chat, France's new AI tool, and examine why president Emmanuel Macron is so enamoured of AI technology.
Talking France is available on Spotify or Apple, you can download it here or listen on the link below
The 2025 Budget is finally approved, with tax hikes for the wealthy and an increase in the eco tax on plane tickets - but perhaps the most controversial element is planned changes to the VAT threshold for micro-entrepreneurs, aka France's 200,000 freelancers, contractors and sole traders.
France has new nominations for UNESCO World Heritage status - including eight castles in south-west France which have a fascinating history and are a little off the usual tourist trail.
A French train passenger has been making headlines after he was fined €150 for using his phone on speaker, so we're taking a look at what the rules are on phone use on French trains, and what else you can be fined for (especially important for the owners of pet snails).
And finally, what does it mean to be French? The prime minister wants a public debate on it, so we're attempting to sum up the concept of Frenchness, with the help of a few famous writers and an emperor.
Extra reading:
- French train passenger fined €150 for using phone on speaker
- 8 must-visit castles in south-west France (you've probably never heard of)
- OPINION: AI is unstoppable, so I'd rather it was French than American or Chinese
- How France's new eco tax will affect the cost of plane tickets
- France's PM calls for debate on 'what it means to be French'
Talking France is a free podcast made possible by the support of paying members of The Local - you can find out about becoming a subscriber here, or you can spread the word about the podcast by leaving us a review or recommending it to a friend
Comments