Talking France

Will immigration row topple Macron's government and how will France's discount rail pass work?

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Episode notes

In this week's show we explain why the next big French political flare up looks set to be over immigration rules. We look at how France's planned discount rail ticket will work and examine the system that allows you to buy a property in France cheaper than market value - if you are prepared to wait.

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We’ve got a strong line up of subjects this week. starting with France’s planned changes to immigration laws. They’ve been on the table a long while, but the plans look likely to cause the next big political flare up in France. We’ll explain all.

Now you might know the French name Bernard Tapie but do you know his story? We’ll explain why he’s the subject of a new Netflix series.

And ski resorts are closing for good in the Alps and France’s mountain refuges for hikers are also threatened by the warming planet. If you are a fan of Alpine winter or summer holidays then we’ll tell you exactly how you might be affected.

France has announced exciting plans to follow Germany by introducing its own nationwide bargain transport pass. We’ll find out the details and hear from our colleague over the border in Germany about how the pass has worked there. 

We’ll also look at a system that allows you to get a property in France cheaper than market value although there is a downside -  you have no idea when you can move in.

And stay to the end for our French expression of the week - where we’ll tell you how to complain like the locals.

Host Ben McPartland is joined by Editor Emma Pearson, journalist Gen Mansfield and our politics expert John Lichfield.

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