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TALKING FRANCE

PODCAST: Macron breaks war taboo, why Lyon is the place to move to and French language test tips

The team at The Local have a new series of the Talking France podcast, looking at all the latest news in France and the realities of French life, from Emmanuel Macron's military plans to tips for passing your French language test, via moving to Lyon and why the French taxman might be spying on your social media.

PODCAST: Macron breaks war taboo, why Lyon is the place to move to and French language test tips
The Local's podcast Talking France

Host Ben McPartland is joined by The Local’s Emma Pearson, Genevieve Mansfield and John Lichfield to talk through all the latest happenings from France. 

The big talking point this week is of course Emmanuel Macron’s words on the possibility of sending ground troops into Ukraine – we look at what is on the table, why Macron said what he did and France’s military power within Europe. We also take a quick glance at that hoary old cliché of the French army being keen to surrender.

You can find Talking France on Spotify, Apple or Google podcasts, download here or listen on the link below

Moving on to more practical topics, we’ve got the low-down on France’s biggest farm show – why there were clashes this year, the background to the show’s popularity with politicians and why it’s a great day out. 

And could your new Facebook friend be the French taxman in disguise? Tax authorities have been given the green light to go ‘undercover’ by creating fake social media profiles to catch out tax-dodgers.

France’s third biggest city Lyon has recently come top in a ‘livability’ survey so we’re chatting about some of the reasons you might want to move there.

Finally, we share some tips on passing the French language exam, based on our recent experiences of taking the test.

Talking France is a free podcast made possible by paying members of The Local. You can subscribe here, or you can also help us out by leaving a review on the platform where you get your podcasts.

Member comments

  1. As of 16:37 today, there doesn’t seem to be a link in the two emails sent to listen to this podcast, nor does it show up on your website, nor is it on Spotify. The latest podcast is from February 15. I would love to hear this week’s podcast. Please link it up.
    Love the show, btw, it’s always informative and entertaining.

    1. Many apologies, the email was sent in error and went too early. We’ll have the podcast up first thing on Thursday. Thanks for your kind words and hope you enjoy this one

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TALKING FRANCE

PODCAST: Major French border changes explained and could France ban screens for kids?

The Talking France podcast is back with a look at France's May Day traditions (and protests), plans to limit screen time for children, a 90-year-old French barber and how the EU's EES passport checks will impact foreigners in France.

PODCAST: Major French border changes explained and could France ban screens for kids?

Host Ben McPartland is joined by The Local France’s Emma Pearson, Genevieve Mansfield and John Lichfield to look at all the news and talking points in France this week – with a podcast that is a little earlier than usual due to the May 1st public holiday.

May 1st in France is a day off work for most people – but also a day of protests (sometimes violent), lucky flowers and in some areas a strange ritual with a tree. We’re talking a look at the history and what the marchers will be demonstrating about this year.

You can find the latest episode of Talking France on Spotify or Apple, download it here or listen on the link below

This week we’re looking at both ends of the age range – from France’s new law on ‘better ageing’ and the increasing number of people aged 100 or older to proposals to limit screen time for children, including a suggestion for a complete ban on TV for children aged under three. 

And the EU’s new biometric passport checks known as EES (Entry & Exit System) are causing worry and confusion to many listeners – we’re answering some commonly-asked questions including the situation for non-EU residents in France and for dual nationals.

Finally, we take a look at the new ‘republican integration contract’ for foreigners in France.

Talking France is a free podcast made possible by the support of paying members of The Local – you can find our complete back catalogue HERE and you can find out more about becoming a member HERE.

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