So French!

It's the seventh week of the National Strike. Will we see any major developments, or will the country stay chaotic over the next couple of days? What's at stake in the upcoming local Elections? Will the pension reform diminish Macron's chances? And who will become the next Mayor of Paris?A dustman in Paris was fired because someone tweeted that he was taking a nap. What's behind this story?Recorded in Paris, 19 January 2020.

This week: Black Thursday is coming! On December 5, a national strike will paralyze the country. It could well last until the New Year. How to survive what could become the biggest strike in decades?Another black day for the French Army, when 13 soldiers died in a helicopter accident during an anti-jihadist operation in Mali. France’s military involvement in Africa is now in question.Turning Black Friday green? As the infamous November took its grip on France, the country’s politicians are getting ready to put the breaks on the shopping frenzy.And will Sara and Stefan quit drinking in the New Year? Emmanuel Macron thinks it's not such a good idea to participate in Dry January.Recorded in Paris, November 30, 2019.

Parlez-vous franglais? The French are not known for speaking English fluently. Or any other foreign language. Our guest, Giuseppe Fantigrossi of the start-up Play2Speak, will tell us why that is the case, and more importantly: how the French can finally improve their foreign language skills.This weekend, it has been one year already that the Yellow Vests started their protests. And they are continuing. There were violent clashes in Paris again this Saturday. It coincided with the day the first half of Macron's (first?) five-year mandate ended. To put more pressure on the President, a national unlimited strike, in public transportation, but probably also in schools, hospitals and other public services will start. How warm is this Winter going to be for the French Government?Also: at the very chic Culture Ministry, a high-ranked civil servant drugged hundreds of young women to make them urinate in front of him. A “crazy pervert” says the Minister, but how come he wasn’t stopped earlier?Recorded in Paris, November 16, 2019

Seine-Saint-Denis is France's poorest district. In 2024 it will be the main site of the Olympic Games. This week the government presented a plan to improve life for its 1.6 million inhabitants. What are the challenges? And is the plan sufficient?Bad news for New York Foodies: in 2023, all foie gras will be banned. We talk with New York Chef Hugue Dufour, who is not amused with the ban.On this side of the Ocean, Halloween is getting more and more popular every year. Ten years ago, the French couldn't be bothered by this very American party, but now they spend 1.3 billion euros on the scary party. Why do they like it? Hosts Sara and Stefan discuss the new tradition.Recorded in Paris on November 2, 2019.

Once every while debate rages in France about Muslim veils. This week another high-point was reached: the topic was discussed in no less than 85 (!) TV programmes, with 286 talking heads, not one of them being a veil wearing muslim woman... In the country that has 'Liberty' and 'Equality' in its publicity slogan, many people would like to see restrictions on the way people dress. And by 'people', they often mean 'Muslim women'. Is banning the headscarf a legitimate way of defending France's 'values' (whatever they may be) or is it an open war against Muslims?We also talk about another immigrant whose clothing obsessed the French: Marie-Antoinette. In two centuries, the image of the Austrian princess transformed into a pop icon. A new exhibition in Paris ‘celebrates’ her life.Recorded in Paris, on 19 October 2019

Hosts Sara and Stefan are baffled by this week's media frenzy following former President Jacques Chirac's death. Why did French media go bananas with their coverage? They also discuss the fire at the chemical plant in Rouen. The aftermath showed once again that French citizens have very little trust in government institutions. And to a certain extent, that distrust is justified by the way French authorities has been handling some severe health crises in the past.

The schools have started again, the Rentrée is almost forgotten, yet the debate on how to reform the old fashioned and underperforming French education system is still raging. The OECD published a report comparing school systems around the World, and the French are not the best pupils. We go into detail of these findings with our special guest Juliette Buisson, Middle School Teacher in Saint-Germain-en-Laye. And also: Patrick Balkany is without a doubt France’s most colourful white-collar criminal. For decades, this flamboyant politician divided his time between lavish properties in Saint-Martin, Marrakech and Giverny. He’s now spending his nights in prison.Recorded in Paris, October 20 and hosted by Sara Bertilsson and Stefan de Vries

The crazy hot Europan Summer is over and that means we're back with So French! It is our fifth Season already. And we are recording in a brand new studio not far from the Eiffel Tower.In this week's episode: France is getting serious about violence against women, while Brazil is insulting Macron. Also: the families of the victims of Air France flight 447 were shocked to learn that the investigating judges will drop their inquiry into the causes of the crash. And: victory for Maurice, the roaring rooster.

A special guest: Lindsey Tramuta, from Lost in Cheesland

Three French 'B’s' are competing for a spot on the World Cultural Heritage List. Will it be​ the baguette, the bistro or Paris’s bouquinistes that gets the official heritage stamp from Unesco's much-coveted seal of approval? We’ll try to make up our mind of what we think is the most important French tradition to preserve!France’s top political power couple since almost four decades goes on trial! Politicians Isabelle and Patrick Balkany accused of hiding...13 million euros! from the French authorities!We also discuss this year's Cannes Filmfestival, and the way the glamorous world of cinema is becoming (just a bit) more female-friendly.And of course, we talk about the European Elections. Just like two years ago, Macron's movement 'Renaissance' is in a neck and neck race with Marine Le Pen's Rassemblement nation.

President Emmanuel Macron gave his first press conference since his election almost two years ago. We were there and give you a summary.The Notre-Dame trauma, turning into a Notre-Dame drama, with controversy regarding everything from the funds donated for its reconstruction, the state of the French heritage sites and WHAT the new Notre-Dame should look like French drug dealers taking on new methods to retain their clients, or how about a lottery for the most loyal clients - just like any supermarket chain...We also discuss the freedom of the ​press in France, which is not as free as in neighbouring countries and is even decreasing.

This week:While trying to fight fake news, Emmanuel Macron fell on his own sword. Facebook and Twitter resued a European election campaign made by the French government because of breaking the new French Fake News law. Our guest Jackson Webster, a cybersecurity expert of Legalcluster in Paris, talks to us about the difficult relationship between social media and governments.Would you like to buy an appartment in Paris? Dream on! The average price of one square meter (just enough space for a dish washer or a fridge) is now more than 10.000 euros!We also tell you all about another government reshuffle: no less than three ministers said bye bye to Macron this week. And ahead of the European Elections, we talk to Europeans living in Paris about their view on the EU.Recorded in Paris, on April 6, 2019. Hosts: Julia Vié and Stefan de Vries

This week we try to find an answer to essential life questions like should we keep Summer Time or Winter Time? And do we say 'pain au chocolat' or 'chocolatine'?We also discuss the start of the conviction of the Cardinal of Lyon in a child's abuse case and Emmanuel Macron's start of the campaign for the European Elections.Recorded in Paris, March 7, 2019.

This week we talk about the controversy regarding French police’s non-leathal flash-ball weapons, about food and about France's entry for this year's Eurovision Song Contest.

To satisfy the yellow vests, Emmanuel Macron launched his Grand National Debate. But will it be enough to calm down the profound anger in French society?In the mean time, Renault's CEO Carlos Ghosn is still in a Japanese prison, are the French smoking less and less and was the country eating a lot of galette des rois... Recorded in Paris, 12 January 2019

We are having a coffee with author Agnès Poirier in the fancy Café de Flore. She is a journalist and writer of “Left Bank”, a lively account of the intellectual and artistic life in post-war Paris.

Yellow vest protests have disrupted more or less everything in France's everyday life. What happens now? Will the anger be back after Christmas?And in the middle of this, the environment weems to be the collateral damage. Over a million French now want to sue the government to force them to take action to save our planet.

The mystery of the babies born without arms. A new health scandal, and a possible cover-up by authorities? We’ll talk you through the story that’s grappling France.Emmanuel Macron took some rest, he was allegedly very tired. Yet, making fun of the President, is a lucrative business. Tens of thousands of euros to migrants and homeless people thanks to Macron’s best - or worst - quotes.

At least ten people said 'non' to Macron, but after two weeks of looking for candidates, the French President finally managed to reshuffle his government. Police raided the offices of Les Insoumises, the left-wing party, and that didn’t go down very well with its leader Jean Luc Mélenchon...Will a new measure to improve air conditions in France’s major cities: will car tolls save it’ inhabitants from pollution?Football Star Kylian Mbappé went back to his hometown, the Paris suburb Bondy. And also: the verdict in a murder case that was most talked about in Monaco.Recorded in Paris, 19 October 2018

This week two (former) interior ministers dominated the news. One of them resigning… twice! Triggering a new crisis in the already fragilized government The other one, taking off towards new horizons, in the south: Manuel Valls switched Paris for BarcelonaOf course, we'll talk about the entertainer of the century, Charles Aznavour. The great singer passed away this week career that lasted over half a century in which he wrote and recorded more than 1,200 songs.And can you guess what is now the official French word for ‘fake news’?Episode S04E03  (N°60) – Recorded in Paris, 5 October 2018

While his former close aid Alexandre Benalla was being heard by the Senate, the French president came under fire (once again) for “his contempt towards the working class and unemployed”. No worries, it’s just “straight talk”, say his defenders.We also discuss the thriller-like case of the killing of the richest woman in Monaco, Hélène Pastor. The trial started  in a French court this week. This time it was not the butler who did it…And we are having a glass of champagne. Or two.Recorded in Paris, September 20, 2018

Your favourite podcast is back for a fourth season. We're back from the holidays and so is France. But getting up from the pool and back to school will come with some novelties for the country’s students. The typical French rentrée is not looking sunny for President Macron. He has had a rough summer and his approval ratings have hit a record low.We also discuss the hip hop brawl that took Booba and Kaaris, two of France’s most famous rappers, to court this week. And don't forget to listen to our selection of So French Music, on Spotify. Click here for our playlist.Recorded in Paris, 8 september 2018

 In our third and last Summer Special, we sit down with Pamela Druckerman. She is a Franco-American writer living in Paris and the author of the international bestseller French Children Don't Throw Food. In her latest book, There are no grown-ups, she investigates life in her forties, and wonders whether her mind will ever catch up with her face.Since the presenters this podcast are also parents in their forties, we ask Pamela some advice about growing up. We also discuss the delicate topic of raising children in France.Recorded in Paris, 24 August 2018

For our Summer Series we sat down with Sophie Pedder, the Paris Bureau Chief of The Economist. Over the last couple of years, she interviewed Macron several times. Her new book is called Revolution Française: Emmanuel Macron and the Quest to Reinvent a Nation.We had a very interesting and entertaining conversation with Sophie on President Macron, but also about the challenges of living in France and about Brexit.Note: This Episode was recorded a couple of days before the story of #Benallagate broke, the scandal that seriously tarnished Macron's image as the Wonder Boy of European politics.

It's Quatorze Juillet, France's national holiday! Reason for us to take the metro to Saint-Dénis, where all former French kings were buried. We are visiting this Paris suburb with our special guest, the excellent and funny writer Stephen Clarke, who knows a lot about the Revolution, about French history and about many other things.Recorded in Saint-Denis, July 13, 2018

Emmanuel Macron went to the Vatican, while French butchers were under fire. They ask for police protection because they fear vegan attacks.French police uncovered another terrorist plot. But this time one of the suspects is a former… police officerAnd the immigration has been has been dominating European headlines and scaring European politicians for almost three weeks now. What's going on?Recorded in Paris, 29 June 2018Photo by ja ma on Unsplash

France and Italy have traded insults, and that's not the first time this year. We’ll also talk about how Autolib, Paris’ famous car sharing programme, could end up being an expensive affair for the tax payer, and maybe seen scrapped all together…Speaking of tax money: a lot of presidential candidates have been throwing money out the window during their campaign last year.And we’ll try to sort out the bizarre equation of how France’s most watched tv personalities is about to bring down the channel that broadcasts his show.Recorded in Paris, June 15, 2018

This week everybody around the world was talking about Spiderman, the new hero who saved a kid in Paris.And how are things going with Macron’s dream of France as a Start-up nation? We have a special guest, Abby Klein, host of the cool podcst Radical Departures. She will guide us through the world of French tech.Recorded in Paris, May 31, 2018 

In our regular cheese update, we talk about the great French Camembert war! No cheesefire in sight, as purists defend a smelly national treasure.Our guest Charles Wente (Senior Producer, France 24) will give us his insightful perspective on this week’s topics.And if you thought Emmanuel Macron was good looking, take a good look again. We’ll tell you why.Recorded in Paris, 18 May 2018

This is our 50th Episode, and we thank you for listening to us. This week:* With strikes, bad approval ratings and a trolling former President all at once, Macron has little reason to celebrat his first anniversary.* We also talk about the Cannes Filmfestival and about the stratgeic interests of New Caledonia. * And you probably thought this was done years ago, but it was actually only this week the last French telegram was sent. STOP.Recorded in Paris, May the 4th (be with you) 

Is Macron the European Messias, or is nobody ready to give in to his whims?At home, the French President was not really bothered by all the strikes and protests. Is anyone actually working in France these days? We take a closer look at the very controversial reforms underway this springWith sunny days on the horizon, there is a new ice cream flavour – très french – if you dare…And Maud Descamps is here to explain to us a fresh french word of the week!Recorded in Paris, April 20, 2018

Everybody seemed a bit angry at Macron this week: the railway workers, the Italians and some MP’s who risk losing their job due to new reforms. France is going to invest 1.5 billion euros in a technology that could eradicate mankind.And if you are afraid of asking a grumpy French waiter for a doggy bag: there’s hope for your leftovers.Recorded in Paris, April 7, 2018 

This week, we let you know what ‘innovative’ striking is as the country’s public service workers are kicking off a long-lasting campaign to stop a government-planned major reform.And worse than fake news… fake wine! France this week learned about a major scam, a producer selling cheap wine as exclusive vintage. What if you can no longer trust what’s in your bottle?Also Nicolas Sarkozy is back, but probably not in a role he likes to be.Recorded in Paris, March 24, 2018

We take a closer look at two of the biggest losers French politics – almost one year after the presidential electionAnd is time finally up for one of France’s most infamous politicians and his wife? Known for their luxurious taste, preference for cash and unusual ability to get away with… almost anything!This week has seen the International Women’s day being marked around the world. This year with some more intensity and acknowledgment maybe, thanks to the #metoo movement.And of course, Maud Descamps is with us for a brand new word of the week!Recorded in Paris, March 10, 2018 

Paris is suffocating again because of heavy air pollution, again. Yet it is pretty hard to change the mentality of the Parisians when it comes to mobilityWe’ll also talk about the first part of Jean-Marie Le Pen’s memoirs.Rock Star Johnny Halliday’s family is fighting over his 100 million euro estate. And Emmanuel Macron is playing a part in a musical play.With Maud Descamps & Stefan de VriesRecorded in Paris, February 23, 2018

It's snowing a lot in Paris, but we will take you to the sunny Island of Beauty, and that is Corisca, of course.Millennials, or the boring new generation. And we’ll dicuss food, and stars and unbearable pressure. Maud Descamps is with us for a brand new winter-related expression of the week.Recorded in Paris, 9 February 2018

The Jupitarian president once again using the Sun King’s to help conqueur the world.Prison guards are angry, the World's best ice cream is French and Parisians are getting wet feet.Recorded in Paris, January 27, 2018

President Emmanuel Macron went on a trip to China, and brought a curious present for his host Xi Jiping.More on the ongoing #metoo discussion, but this week the controversy was caused by women, who disagree with the movement against sexual harassment.We mentioned this article in The New Yorker: Why Did Catherine Deneuve and Other Prominent Frenchwomen Denounce #MeToo?Refugees were dominating the headlines in 2015, but they’re back again. At least on the French political agenda.We also talk about some spectacular heists, one of which is really stinky.Of course, Maud Descamps is with us for a brand new word of the week! And don't forget to check out our Spotify Playlist. We added a couple of songs by France Gall, who passed away this week.Recorded in Paris, 12 January 2018

The last episode of 2017 and the very first of the new year. We are looking back to last year and forward to 2018.We wish you all the best for 2018!Recorded in Paris, 30 december 2017

Selling fighter jets, saving the Earth, delivering two eulogies and being the king of Europe: this month, Macron's agenda is fuller than a stuffed Christmas turkey.Also, with independence à la mode in Europe, the French Corsicans are making their voices heard, voting for more autonomy.One homeless man got very lucky this week, but most of the 140.000 ‘SDF‘, the homeless people, in France will face a rough winter.The government wants to prohibit the use of mobile phones in classrooms, but will they succeed?Maud Descamps brings us a fresh French Word of the week.Recorded in Paris, December 15, 2017

Emmanuel Macron toured Africa, trying to change the decades-old touchy relationship with the former colonies on the vast continent and the old ‘motherland'.Paris is the world’s most visited city, and the number of apartments rented out through Airbnb has exploded in just a few years. Now the city wants to limit short staysFrench politicians are not known for their wit. However, this week one of time tried a stand-up routine, and another one even received a lifetime achievement award.Recorded in Paris, December 1st, 2017

Where is Marine? And what's going on with the Front national?We also take a closer look at the leadership battle in the French conservative party. Who will lead the party – and will it be in opposition, or compliance with president Macron? And does Sara feel insulteed by Carla Bruni?Listen to a new epiosde of our podcast!Recorded in Paris, 17 November 2017

Many women and some men, around the world have added their voices to a wave of complaints about sexual harassment. In France, the Islamic scholar Tariq Ramadan and the film director Roman Polanski were publicly confronted with their past.The government presented a 1 billion euro plan to reform the French University System. But why? And how?We’ll also take a closer look at the poetic qualities of the French President,And of course, Maud Descamps brings us a fresh french word of the day! A special birthday present for Sophie, 13 today: President @EmmanuelMacron‘s reply to her poem on the #EiffelTower. Bon anniversaire Sophie! pic.twitter.com/NxMTbikMBm— French Embassy UK (@FranceintheUK) November 1, 2017

In this week's episode* We’ll take a closer look at how the Harvey Weinstein scandal and the #metoo hashtag has affected France* When the days are getting shorter, and the trees are losing their leaves, it’s not uncommon for Europeans to be a little bit sombre in this time of the year. The French seem to be the champions of depression. Two scholars claim to have found the culprit.* And what do you do when once upon a time you've been a well-known politician, but the media have forgotten you? That's easy: You contact them yourself! At least that is what Jack Lang does.Recorded in Paris on 20 October 2017.Also listen to us on World Radio Paris, every other Saturday at 17:30 (CET)

Will the French Catalans join their brothers across the border?Who is Jihad Granny?And we will teach you some French swear words with the help of the foul-mouthed French President.Epiosde 35 – Recorded in Paris, October 6, 2017

After a long and very French Summer Break, we are back with our third season of So French!We discuss the falling popularity of Emmanuel Macron. His will sign his new Labour Bill this week and unions are taking to the streets. Couscous, the popular Moroccan dish, caused a political row.Maud Descamps gives us the French Word of the Week and we talk to Wassim Nasr, a journalist at France 24 and a renowned specialist on jihadist movements.And you'll never guess what is the world's sexiest accent. Listen very carefully!

‘Le Startup’ is the magic word in France since Macron became a president. This week he opend the world's largest incubator, in the heart of Paris.Both President Macron and Prime Minister Philippe held long speeches this week to unveil their programme.One of France's most beloved women passed away, Simone Veil (89). Who was she and what is her legacy to the French society?And don't try to understand what Emmanuel Macron says, since his thoughts are “too complex” for mere mortals. Maud Descamps tries to decipher his language nevertheless in the So French Word.Recorded in Paris, July 7, 2017.

As a heatwave hits the country, we dive into the muddy waters of European politics,and ask the question what Europe will look like under the new french president. Will Emmanuel Macron be a refreshing force, or will the warm relationship between Germany and France cool down once the UK leaves the union?Other topics: France is getting older and older, Paris wants to host the 2024 Summer Olympics, and Maud Descamps brings us a steaming hot So French word!Recorded in Paris, Friday 23 June 2017.

The French government would like to turn the exceptional measures of the state of emergency into regular law. We discuss the worrying implications of this bill with Marco Perolini, of Amnesty International.This weekend, it's election time again. This time, the French go to the polls to vote for their MP's. It looks like it's going to be a landslide victory for Wonder Boy Macron.And Maud Descamps introduces us to Roland Garros.Recorded in Paris, June 9, 2017

In their first week, the Government is already involved in two potential scandals. Once again the French media revealed some embarrassing details about two politicians, both close to Emmanuel Macron. The new President has promised to clean up his country's politics, so what will he do?He is preparing a new law to ‘moralise' politics, and moralisation is our So French Word of this episode, brought to you by Maud Descamps.Our special guest is comedian Paul Taylor. Just like us, he is fascinated by the French and turned his amazement into a successful Youtube Channel, What The Fuck France.And a homophobic presenter may cost his channel many millions in advertising revenue.

France has a new president…but who is Emmanuel Macron really?The French political landscape looks more like the battlefields at the end of the First World War. They're are casualties everywhere.And…you may not yet have noticed…but l’amour is dead… The man who had the Parisians bump into love in every street corner has passed away.Recorded in Paris, on May 12, 2017 in Le Cercle Suédois, the Swedish club in the heart of Paris, at 242 rue de Rivoli, which per next Monday is also the address of ex-President François Hollande's office.