PODCAST: Do the French need to work harder and why Nice is the place to move to

Host Ben McPartland is joined by The Local France's Emma Pearson, Genevieve Mansfield and John Lichfield to look at all the latest news and talking points from France.

The team is back after a two week break during France's spring school holidays, and we're starting off with one of the most important days in the French cultural calendar: May Day.

We take you through everything you need to know about the demonstrations planned this year, plus why you might find your local bakery is closed.

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The Talking France team also discuss why French doctors are unhappy - and why some are planning strike action - as the French government tries to tackle the issue of 'medical deserts'. We explain some of the government's proposals to deal with the longstanding problem of doctor shortages.

According to France's prime minister, the country's future is at stake. We'll tell you why PM François Bayrou believes France needs to make some major changes, particularly when it comes to working harder.

Away from politics and to the sunny French Riviera, we hear from some Americans in France about why they picked the city of Nice as the best destination to set up their new lives.

We wrap this week up with a problem some people in suburban and rural France have been experiencing - ants apparently like the taste of their Linky electricity metres.

Talking France is a free podcast made possible by the support of paying members of The Local - you can find out more about becoming a member here.

Further reading

• Demos and flowers: What May 1st really means to the French
• What to expect from France's 2025 May Day protests
• France debates stricter rules on doctors' practices in order to combat 'medical deserts'
• OPINION: French doctors cannot avoid regulation for ever
• Is France really planning a 'tax raid' on pensioners?
• 'A really efficient city': Why more and more Americans are moving to Nice
• Ant warning over France's Linky electricity meters