PODCAST 🎧: French clash over air-conditioning and how France became the place to get naked

Host Ben McPartland is joined by The Local France's Emma Pearson, Emma Albright, John Lichfield and special guest Caroline Fazeli for a look at all the latest news and talking points from France. 

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You can find the Talking France podcast on Spotify, Apple or the French platform Deezer or on World Radio Paris. You can download it here or listen on the link below.

Although high temperatures have finally eased and most of France is enjoying some relief from the heatwave that dominated the final weeks of June, attention is now turning to air conditioning.

We examine the political divisions surrounding climate change and AC, as well as the short and long-term measures needed to adapt to an undeniably changing environment.

We also explore why France is considered one of the best places in Europe to practise naturism, looking at the philosophy behind the lifestyle, its history in France, and the country’s most popular naturist beaches.

With the verdict approaching in Marine Le Pen’s trial, we discuss what could happen if the right-wing leader loses her appeal and what the implications might be for the 2027 presidential election.

Special guest and wine expert Caroline Fazeli joins us from Lyon to discuss the differences between drinking wine in France during the winter and summer months, beginning with a question that often sparks debate: is it acceptable to add ice to your rosé?

Finally, in the penultimate episode of the podcast before the summer break, we finish things off with some useful French expressions for talking about holidays and the phrases people commonly use before heading off on vacation.