How Paris is different from France and when will French ski slopes close for good?

Talking France

The big news this week in France is that the mythical golden owl, a treasure people in France have been hunting for for three decades, has finally been found.

If you have no idea what I'm talking about please stay tuned. This week we'll also get the calculator out and find out if France's autumn budget - described as the toughest and most important in 50 years - will solve any of the country's financial problems. Or will it just give you financial problems with major cuts and tax hikes ahead.

We'll also explore the real differences and divisions between Paris and the rest of France whether it's the quality of the healthcare you receive or the salaries you can earn.

The French PM has announced a major change to the carte vitale, those green health cards we all have to carry in France. But how will foreign residents be affected?

And as more Alps ski resorts close their lifts for good, is climate change putting the French off skiing and who will lose out the most?

Host Ben McPartland is joined this week by the team from The Local France, Emma Pearson, Gen Mansfield and politics and budget expert John Lichfield.

Just a reminder that if you like the podcast, please consider becoming a member of The Local France. Not only will you be helping us to be able to continue producing episodes of Talking France, but you'll also get full access to the scores of articles the team produces each week. You can join in just a couple of minutes by visiting The Local.fr.

Extra reading:

• OPINION: 50 years of French state over-spending won't be solved in one Budget
• Golden owls to fine wines - 5 of France's biggest treasure hunts
• 9 ways Paris is different from the rest of France
• Who will be hit by tax rises in France?
• France pushes ahead with changes to carte vitale health card

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