We kick off this week looking at the Féte du Travail on May 1st. Is it still a significant, symbolic day for workers in France or is it just regarded as a bonus day off?

We also look at the big upcoming change for passport checks in Europe. It's called EES and it's almost certain to cause lots of travel issues, which is why we try and answer some of the important questions our readers have about it.

And... we also look at how France plans to take better care of its elderly population, whether the French government could impose bans on screen time for kids and what exactly is an “integration contract" when it comes to visas or residency permits in France.

Host Ben McPartland is joined this week by The Local France's fountains of knowledge and sound advice, Emma Pearson, Gen Mansfield and politics expert John Lichfield.

Further reading:

• What will EES passport system mean for foreigners living in Europe?
• How France plans to protect kids from too much screen time
• New immigration law: who has to take integration courses in France?
• How will France's free-flow autoroute toll booths work for foreign vehicles?
• 'Ageing well': What is France's new law to protect the elderly and carers?

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This week we explore just how big an issue is youth violence around schools in France. Is it out of control or just being exploited by those pesky politicians?

We explain where foreigners buy second homes in France and why fewer Brits are snapping up properties. We also find out why one French island is taking on Airbnb and look at why drivers on French motorways could soon avoid stopping for the tolls.

And "the English language is just French pronounced badly". Who would say such a provocative thing and why? We'll reveal all.

Ben McPartland your host is joined for this new series by our regular team from The Local, Editor Emma Pearson, journalist Gen Mansfield and politics expert John Lichfield.

Welcome to a new episode and new series of Talking France. Thanks to all our regular listeners for tuning in and a big welcome to any new listeners joining us. This podcast is produced by the team at The Local France and while it's free it is only made possible by our paying members. Thanks to all of you who have joined. And a particular thanks to the gentlemen who emailed us to say he had joined The Local to help keep this podcast going. Much appreciated.

Further reading:

• OPINION: No, France is not suffering from an unprecedented wave of violence
• REVEALED: Where foreigners are buying second homes in France
• Brits still buying in France despite a post-Brexit drop in property sales
• France to start scrapping motorway tollbooths
• Is the English language just 'badly pronounced French'?

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On this week's Talking France we talk about trains, croissants, the Le Pens, French bashing and the sexy subject of tax declarations in France.

France is about to test a new 49 euro rail pass to encourage people to get onto trains. We explain who can take advantage of it and where you can use it.

Plus it's 120 years of the entente cordiale between France and the UK, we will explore whether there's any real entente between the two countries these days and whether or not it's even cordial.

And French far right stalwart Jean-Marie Le Pen is a talking point this week. Does he deserve any credit for shaking up French politics in recent decades, or is he just a racist in the right place at the right time…?

And people have been meddling with croissants again! We've had fish-fingers and sausages, what on earth are they putting in these sacred pastries now? I'll give you a clue... it's been called a crookie.

Ben McPartland your host is joined this week by three of the finest minds at The Local France, Emma Pearson, Gen Mansfield and John Lichfield.

Further reading:

• France on track to launch €49 rail pass this summer
• French baker starts 'crookie' craze by adding cookie dough to sacred croissant
• Swapping of the guard: French and British troops mark Entente Cordiale
• What are the changes to the 2024 French tax declaration?

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