Host Ben McPartland is joined by The Local France's Emma Pearson, Genevieve Mansfield and John Lichfield for all the latest news and talking points from France.
We begin in the world of politics where - as far-right leader Jordan Bardella washes the flour and eggs out of his hair - the budget debate is reaching a crucial phase, with a moment of truth for prime minister Sébastien Lecornu.
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To the world of local politics, where the mayor of a town in Alsace has imposed a 'street of silence'. The move might be little more than a gimmick, but it points to a real issue of over-tourism and the measures that local mayors are increasingly taking to try and protect their communities.
Meanwhile the latest Gender Equality Index names France as the second most gender-equal country in the EU - while there's definitely some positives in the report, many serious issues remain.
Residents of Bordeaux and Lyon were this week pleased to learn that they are getting a direct high-speed rail link, and then baffled to discover that it was going via Paris, a detour of roughly 500km. We look at the reason and what it tells us about the issues facing the French rail network.
And sticking with the theme of travel, we're taking a look at planned expansions for flight routes to and from France in 2026, plus whether the 'eco tax' on plane tickets is really hurting airlines.
And we end with some sad news about one of our team members - Genevieve will be leaving The Local and Talking France for pastures new - we wish her all the best and thank her for her great work during her time with us.
Talking France is a free podcast made possible by the support of paying members of The Local - you can help us to continue making it by subscribing to The Local, or by buying a gift membership for the France-lover in your life.
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