The Talking France podcast has been on its summer break, and when we signed off in July we blithely said “we’ll see you in September when France should have a government”.

Well. It’s September, the Talking France podcast – with host Ben McPartland joined by The Local’s Emma Pearson, Genevieve Mansfield and John Lichfield – is back, but as for the new government things are a little less clear-cut.

You can find Talking France on Spotify or Apple, download it HERE or listen on the link below

We take a look at France’s new prime minister Michel Barnier and his political views, plus his big challenge of putting together a government that might survive the next few weeks and put together the crucial 2025 budget.

This summer has been a magical one in Paris as the French capital hosted the Olympic and Paralympic Games – we look back at some of our favourite memories and forward to what happens now, from the fate of the Olympic rings and that silver ‘ghost’ horse from the opening ceremony to more long-term projects like finally making the Paris Metro fully accessible.

And Emma talks about what she has been doing for the past three weeks and why it’s her fault that the podcast is late returning.

The Games might be over, but there are plenty of things happening in France in September – from some travel changes and sales to the best festivals and things to do over the next month.

Talking France is a free podcast made possible by the support of paying members of The Local – if you are able you can help us by subscribing HERE. Alternatively, you can help to spread the word by leaving us a nice review or just telling a friend about us.

You can also find our entire back catalogue (more than two years’ worth of episodes now) HERE.

Extra reading:

• John Lichfield: With Michel Barnier as PM France is retreating to the 1950s
• Can Paris make the Metro fully accessible for those with disabilities?
• Deals and discounts: How to save money on train travel in France this autumn?
• The key post Olympics Paris travel changes you need to know
• What will happen to flights at Bordeaux airport when Ryanair leaves?