Talking France

This week we'll get the latest on the never-ending story that is France's quest to find a new government and find out if the country is facing imminent tax hikes to plug the gaping deficit.

We also look at which are the best cities in France when it comes to having access to everything you need for everyday life. Plus we explore where are the most remote parts of the country where you'll be content if all you need for everyday life is peace and quiet.

We also explain why you might face more border checks travelling within the border-free Schengen zone and why the UK will soon charge foreign visitors around 12 euros.

We hear new French food rules for feeding kids at home and explore and we explore, with the help of our listeners and readers, if croissants and baguettes in France are getting worse!

Ben McPartland your host is joined by our specialist panel of border, food and politics experts from The Local France Emma Pearson, Gen Mansfield and John Lichfield.

Extra reading:

• Paris and Milan judged closest in the world to becoming '15-minute' cities
• REVEALED: Where are the most remote parts of France?
• Which French cities have the best local amenities close by?
• What French doctors say children should eat
• 'Tastes like straw' - French croissants really getting worse?
• OPINION: Do kids in France get the best school lunches in the world?

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The big news this week in France is that the mythical golden owl, a treasure people in France have been hunting for for three decades, has finally been found.

If you have no idea what I'm talking about please stay tuned. This week we'll also get the calculator out and find out if France's autumn budget - described as the toughest and most important in 50 years - will solve any of the country's financial problems. Or will it just give you financial problems with major cuts and tax hikes ahead.

We'll also explore the real differences and divisions between Paris and the rest of France whether it's the quality of the healthcare you receive or the salaries you can earn.

The French PM has announced a major change to the carte vitale, those green health cards we all have to carry in France. But how will foreign residents be affected?

And as more Alps ski resorts close their lifts for good, is climate change putting the French off skiing and who will lose out the most?

Host Ben McPartland is joined this week by the team from The Local France, Emma Pearson, Gen Mansfield and politics and budget expert John Lichfield.

Just a reminder that if you like the podcast, please consider becoming a member of The Local France. Not only will you be helping us to be able to continue producing episodes of Talking France, but you'll also get full access to the scores of articles the team produces each week. You can join in just a couple of minutes by visiting The Local.fr.

Extra reading:

• OPINION: 50 years of French state over-spending won't be solved in one Budget
• Golden owls to fine wines - 5 of France's biggest treasure hunts
• 9 ways Paris is different from the rest of France
• Who will be hit by tax rises in France?
• France pushes ahead with changes to carte vitale health card

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The talking points from France this week... in no particular order are - Russian meddling in French affairs. Yes France has accused Russia of being involved in a string of recent incidents from fake coffins left at the Eiffel Tower to bedbug invasion rumours. Why would Moscow do this and is it working?

We also find about why the commemorations to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day on Thursday are even more significant this year, why you could be fined in France just for washing your car and we explain why you are likely to be scolded in public by a French person.

And big border changes are coming that will likely affect you so we explain what difference it's all going to make to your journey in and out of France, whether it's by plane, train, automobile or ferry.

Host Ben McPartland is joined by the team from The Local France, Emma Pearson, Gen Mansfield and politics expert John Lichfield.

Related reading:

• What to expect for the 80th anniversary of D-Day in France
• ANALYSIS: How serious is Russian interference and disinformation in France?
• Travel to France: What does EES mean for cross-Channel ferry trips?
• What will EES mean for travel on 'Le Shuttle' through the Channel Tunnel?
• The 22 things that are likely to get you a scolding in France
• Why washing your car in France can lead to a €450 fine

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On the bill this week we have the European elections. We answer the important questions: Why should we care, how will they affect France and what will they mean for the future? As well as explaining a little bit about the European parliament.

We also look at how new laws aimed at averting dangerous wildfires in France will affect home owners plus explain why hundreds of thousands of home addresses in rural France are changing and what this means for you.

We also find out which politicians are the best to call on in France to get support for any local dispute.

And we explain why some tourists suffer from panic attacks, delusional thinking and hallucinations when they visit Paris. And if there's anything they can do to avoid it.

Ben McPartland your host is joined by The Local's Emma Pearson, Gen Mansfield and politics expert John Lichfield.

Related articles:

• Reader question: Can I approach my French MP for help with a local problem?
• European elections: What are the 'têtes des liste' in France?
• What is Paris syndrome and are some nationalities more susceptible?
• Wildfires in France: What are the new legal requirements for property owners?
• The one French website you need if you've changed your address
• What do I do next if my French street name has been changed

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This week on Talking France we explore more of the big issues in France such as... who'll actually need a special QR security code during the Paris Olympics, why male motorists in France are being urged to drive like women and why the future is uncertain for Normandy's famous D-Day beaches as the 80th anniversary of the landings approaches.

And is France doomed or is it booming? With the French government bragging about record foreign investment we try and work out whether the country’s economy really is in a healthy condition.

And on the subject of health, why is getting blood tests in France such a confusing process?

To help answer these questions will be The Local France's special intelligence unit of Emma "the editor" Pearson, Gen, the journalist Mansfield and John the politics, economy and Normandy beaches expert, Lichfield. They'll join host Ben McPartland.

Further reading

• Who will need a QR code to get around Paris during the Olympics?
• EXPLAINED: How getting a blood test works in France
• What to expect for the 80th anniversary of D-Day in France
• OPINION: France's economy is far from doomed, but not quite booming either
• Rising sea levels threaten Normandy's historic D-Day beaches
• Can France confiscate your foreign driving licence?

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