So who'll be the next president of France and three French laws you should know

It might be two years but the race - albeit a marathon rather than a sprint - to be the next president of France has already started. We’ll hear about who’s in the running, who might be out of it, and who has the best chance of winning.And we’ll tell you why US president Donald Trump is targeting a tiny French overseas territory and why Emmanuel Macron called on French companies to suspend investment in the US. We’ll find out about some historic French sites threatened with collapse or disappearing into the sea, like one unique fortress off the west coast that’s housed soldiers as well as tigers, snakes and spiders.And we’ll explore some rather unknown French laws that come into force this spring that involve anything from garden hedges to dogs. Listen to the end and we might save you from being fined.Host Ben McPartland is joined by guests Emma Pearson, Gen Mansfield and John Lichfield from The Local France.Further reading:OPINION: The race to defeat the French far right in 2027 starts nowSaint Pierre et Miquelon: Why does France have two islands off the Canadian coast?Macron calls for suspension of investment in US until tariffs clarifiedFort Boyard: How France plans to save its game-show fortressCars, dogs and hedges: 5 little-known rules for life in FranceFlying bells and giant omelettes: 8 ways the French celebrate Easter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Om Podcasten

Talking France is The Local’s weekly podcast where we discuss the big news and talking points in France as well as explore and explain the major issues that impact life in the country. We also answer your essential questions and look ahead at what’s coming up.In each episode presenter Ben McPartland chats about the most important news and must-know information with The Local France’s Emma Pearson and Genevieve Mansfield. They are also frequently joined by John Lichfield, a veteran journalist whose knowledge of French news and politics is second to none, as well as other expert commentators.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.