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In a very dramatic week for France, The Local's Talking France podcast is back, digesting the political crisis, as well as discussing the summer sales, the expanding train network and whether people in France really work just 35 hours a week.
Host Ben McPartland is joined by Local France editor Emma Pearson, reporter Genevieve Mansfield and political expert John Lichfield to dissect the aftermath of the parliamentary election that has plunged France into a political crisis.
We look at what happened, what Emmanuel Macron’s options are for the months ahead and how the far-right ended up with so many seats in parliament.
John Lichfield told us: “We are in an unknown situation for this generation of politicians – they are not used to this type of haggling, trying to form majorities on different issues or alliances. This is not something that has been happening in France for half a century or more.
“In the 1940s and early 1950s there were frequent French parliaments that had no majority, revolving door governments, prime ministers who lasted only a few weeks – that’s not really happened since the system was changed by Charles de Gaulle.”
Stepping away from politics, we’re getting on the train – the latest travel trend is for swapping planes for trains and France is great place to do this thanks to the high-speed TGV network. The country also has some exciting plans for more night-trains and international travel to and from France is also under expansion.
As the summer sales begin, Gen explains how les soldes came about and why it is that the French government so strictly regulates them.
And we’re looking at one of the big questions about France – does everyone here really only work 35 hours a week?
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Explaining Paris syndrome and how the EU elections will impact France
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Is France booming or bust, Paris QR codes explained and how to drive like a Frenchwoman?
Major French border changes explained and could France ban screens for kids?
How French invaded the English language, where foreigners buy second homes and youth violence flares
Is the Entente Cordiale still worth anything, France's new rail pass and 'crookie' versus croissant?
Can regional French airports survive, big changes in Paris and France's most dangerous animals
Is France heading for a Greek-style debt crisis and the most beautiful French train journeys?
Why is France so negative about the Olympics, a new schools row and the secret Michelin critics
Why the European elections really matter in France plus deadly floods and French casinos
Why France loves shopping rules, the real Versailles and how to blend in with the French
Macron breaks war taboo, why Lyon is the place to move to and French language test tips
Losing your French citizenship, energy ratings explained and is Monaco just for millionaires?
Eurostar faces more misery, defending Paris waiters and key questions on new French language tests
France's new language test rules explained and how will the farmers' 'siege of Paris' end?
What next for farmers' revolt, France's baby problem and are French fries really French?
What's Macron really up to, French private schools explained and are doggy bags ok in France?
Your questions answered: Why do people think the French aren't funny and can anyone stop Marine Le Pen?
What to expect in France in 2024 from politics to travel news and the Olympic Games
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