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So French!

The podcast from Paris about French current affairs, culture and politics. Hosted by Sara Bertilsson and Stefan de Vries

  1. 79

    Cannes Fights Back Against France’s Right-wing Media Mogul

    At the Cannes Film Festival, the biggest drama isn’t on screen. In this episode of So French, Sara Bertilsson and Stefan de Vries dive into the growing power of billionaire Vincent Bolloré over French media, cinema and politics. Can one media empire shape what Europe watches, thinks and creates?Plus: fresh trouble for presidential hopeful Édouard Philippe, the endless parade of Macron-era political movements, and why culture may be Europe’s most underestimated form of power.From Cannes red carpets to Parisian backrooms, this is France at its most So French.Hosted by Sara Bertilsson & Stefan de Vries

  2. 78

    The Presidential Circus Begins… and a War on Chicken

    S06E11: One year before France’s 2027 presidential election, the race is already crowded with old political heavyweights, ambitious newcomers and oversized egos. Stefan and Sara discuss the return of familiar names like François Hollande, Dominique de Villepin and Michel Barnier, the chances of Édouard Philippe and Jordan Bardella, and the question hanging over French politics: who comes after Emmanuel Macron?Plus: France’s bizarre “chicken war”, where a mayor tries to block a fried chicken restaurant with concrete blocks and manure, turning a local fast food dispute into a national debate about class, food and gentrification.And yes, there is also more courtroom drama for Nicolas Sarkozy.So French! is hosted by Sara Bertillson and Stefan de Vries

  3. 77

    Macron at 10, Local Elections and Céline-Mania

    Ten years after the launch of En Marche, we take stock of the Macron era. What has Emmanuel Macron’s promise of a political movement “neither left nor right” truly delivered? Has France been transformed, or has it become more divided than ever?We also unpack the results of the latest local elections, the final major political test ahead of the 2027 presidential race. What do these outcomes reveal about the rise of the far right, the resilience of traditional conservatives, and the ongoing fragmentation of the left?Beyond politics, France is gripped by Céline-mania. Four years after being forced off the stage due to Stiff Person Syndrome, Céline Dion is making a triumphant return to Paris with a residency expanded from 10 to 16 shows at the Paris La Défense Arena. With over nine million fans registering for presale tickets, the excitement is nothing short of extraordinary.Finally, we follow the latest chapter in the legal saga of former president Nicolas Sarkozy, who is appealing his conviction over alleged Libyan campaign financing, a case that continues to captivate the nation.🎧 So French! is presented by Sara Bertilsson and Stefan de Vries, offering sharp insights into French politics, culture, and society with wit and clarity. Subscribe and follow the podcast so you never miss an episode.

  4. 76

    Power Plays & Michelin Stars: France Between Politics and Pleasure

    France heads to the polls and to the table in this new episode of So French. Stefan de Vries and Sara Bertilsson unpack the first round of the local elections, where nearly all races were decided in one go, yet the political landscape looks more fragmented than ever. Is this a preview of the 2027 presidential battle, or just another uniquely French paradox? In Paris, the high-stakes duel between Rachida Dati and the left raises questions about alliances, scandals, and the unpredictable behaviour of voters. Meanwhile, the shadow of Nicolas Sarkozy looms large again, both in court and in legacy.The episode also dives into a controversy that left a bitter taste in French politics: the National Assembly’s tribute to a far-right activist, and the uncomfortable revelations that followed.And because no episode of So French ends without indulgence, we turn to something more delicious: the 2026 Michelin Guide. Who’s in, what trends are shaping French gastronomy, and why are women still so underrepresented at the top?From town halls to haute cuisine, this is France in all its contradictions.Bienvenue to So French! With Sara Bertilsson and Stefan de Vries

  5. 75

    From Nuclear Bombs to Tourism Booms

    A very French week of Power and Pleasure!France had quite a week. Macron deployed the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier to the Mediterranean, reshaped France's nuclear doctrine, and floated the idea of extending the French nuclear umbrella to European allies,  including the Netherlands. Is this the moment Europe finally gets serious about its own defence? Or is this Paris doing what Paris does best: making a grand gesture at exactly the right moment?Then a far-right activist died after violent clashes in Lyon, and within days, the National Assembly held a minute of silence for him. How did French democracy end up there? And who is quietly pocketing the political winnings?Meanwhile, Stefan just returned from Greenland, where France has just opened a new consulate. Quietly. While nobody was watching. In the Arctic. Draw your own conclusions.And because this is France, despite the wars, the scandals and the economic hand-wringing, over 100 million tourists visited last year. The country remains, stubbornly and magnificently, the most visited on earth.Nuclear deterrence, political fury, Arctic ambition, and a well-deserved cocorico.Bienvenue to So French ! with Sara Bertilsson and Stefan de Vries.

  6. 74

    Trials, Files & Presidential Appetites

    In Episode 7 of So French!, we return to the courtroom, where far-right leader Marine Le Pen is battling to preserve her political future. Prosecutors want her conviction in the European Parliament fake jobs scandal upheld, including a five-year ban from office. Yet they stopped short of demanding immediate enforcement, leaving a narrow legal path that could still see her on the 2027 presidential ballot. We break down the legal stakes and the political fallout, including what this means for rising star Jordan Bardella.We then turn to the French dimension of the newly released Epstein files. Focus has shifted to former culture minister Jack Lang and his daughter, Caroline, whose names appear frequently in the documents. Both deny any knowledge of Epstein’s crimes. We examine their connections, the public reaction in France, and the uncomfortable questions surrounding elite networks and influence.And finally, a lighter but revealing detour inside the Élysée Palace kitchen. Former presidential chef Guillaume Gomez shares what France’s presidents really like to eat, offering a culinary glimpse into power at the top.Produced and Hosted by Sara Bertilsson & Stefan de Vries

  7. 73

    Habemus Budget and the rise of (another) Sarkozy

    France finally has a budget and, for now at least, a government to go with it. In this episode of So French, Sara Bertilsson and Stefan de Vries unpack how Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu pushed the 2026 budget through parliament using the notorious Article 49.3, why the Socialists backed away from a no-confidence vote, and what this very French political drama tells us about power, compromise, and fatigue.From Paris, the conversation widens to the world stage. At Davos, ⁠Emmanuel Macron⁠ warned against a global slide toward rule by force. At home, his stance is fiercely debated. Polls suggest the French are anxious, divided, and increasingly uncertain about where allies end and threats begin.Then, a classic So French twist. We turn to Menton on the French Riviera, where ⁠Louis Sarkozy⁠, son of ⁠Nicolas Sarkozy⁠, is making his first bid for office. Raised in the United States, outspoken, controversial, and backed locally by parts of the Macron camp, Sarkozy junior is stirring unease across the political spectrum and offering a glimpse of what the 2027 presidential landscape might start to look like.We wrap up with a quick note for international listeners, as the ⁠Louvre Museum⁠ raises ticket prices sharply for non-European visitors, reigniting debate over culture, access, and identity.French politics, global anxiety, dynastic ambition, and a touch of absurdity. Exactly as promised.

  8. 72

    Macron's Last Act and Bye Bye Bardot

    A new year, familiar chaos!In the first So French! episode of 2026, Sara Bertilsson and Stefan de Vries look back at a turbulent 2025 in French politics and ask what lies ahead in the final full year of President Emmanuel Macron.From collapsing governments and record-low approval ratings to court rulings that reshaped the political landscape, we unpack the key moments that defined last year. And then we turn to 2026: a country without a budget, a fragile prime minister, and a growing cast of contenders already positioning themselves for the 2027 presidential race. From Marine Le Pen and Jordan Bardella to the ever-dramatic Rachida Dati and the lingering shadow of Nicolas Sarkozy, French politics promises anything but calm.We also briefly reflect on the controversy surrounding the death of Brigitte Bardot, once a global movie icon, who later turned into Brigitte Bigot, and the uncomfortable questions it raised about memory, legacy, and power.Sharp analysis with a tongue firmly in cheek and zero political downtime.Bienvenue to 2026! 🇫🇷

  9. 71

    The XMas Edition: Dry Champagne & a Vegetarian Wolf

    Christmas in France means lights, long dinners… and traditionally, plenty of wine.But something is shifting.In this festive Christmas edition of So French!, Sara Bertilsson and Stefan de Vries meet Sarah Missaoui, founder of Déjà Bu, Paris’s first alcohol-free bar and drinks cellar. As more French people drink less or stop altogether, even during the holidays, what does that mean for a country so closely tied to wine and champagne?We talk sober trends, generational change, Dry January, and the powerful wine lobby that still enjoys strong political protection under wine-drinker-in-chief Emmanuel Macron.And then, from serious to sweet: a French Christmas commercial about a feared wolf who goes veggie has become a global viral hit. With music by Claude François and praise from the Daily Mail, it raises a simple question: is Christmas about what’s on the table – or about being together?A warm, sharp and very French end-of-year episode.Happy holidays from Sara and Stefan! 🎄🇫🇷

  10. 70

    France’s Promises, Ukraine’s Empty Hands

    This week, So French goes deep into one urgent question: what is France really doing in the war in #Ukraine — and what does it mean for #Europe’s future?Two major shocks landed almost at the same time:🔹 Donald Trump’s surprise 28-point “peace plan”🔹 A French-Ukrainian deal for up to 100 Rafale fighter jets over the coming decadeGrand promises, geopolitical theatre… and hard realities.To separate strategy from storytelling, Stef and Sara speak with Élie Tenenbaum, director of security studies at IFRI , France’s leading foreign policy institute. Why is France so far behind Denmark in real support to Ukraine? Why did Macron change course? And why is Europe watching peace talks between Washington and Moscow from the corridor?Expect blunt numbers, complicated truths… and a surprising conclusion about Europe’s strength.Plus:🇫🇷 Nicolas #Sarkozy wrote 11 pages per day about his 20 days in prison. Sacré bleu !🐬 A rare piece of good news from the French Atlantic coast: dolphins are returningFollow So French for sharp analysis from Paris, politics with a human touch, and a European lens on a continent at a turning point.📬 [email protected]📸 Instagram: @sofrenchshow🄾 Produced and hosted by Sara Bertilsson & Stefan de Vries🎵 Original music by Laurent Bleu

  11. 69

    Compromise? Sorry. We’re French.

    In this episode, Stefan and Sara delve into the complexities of French politics, exploring the cultural psyche that influences political behaviour, particularly the reluctance to compromise. They discuss recent developments, including Amsterdam's new parking regulations targeting French tourists, the ongoing debates surrounding the French state budget, and the implications of Nicolas Sarkozy's release from prison. The conversation also touches on Rachida Dati's legal troubles and the historical context of France's political structure, culminating in a discussion about a rare calculating machine auctioned in France.

  12. 68

    France in Flux: Budgets, Bling, and the Bataclan Decade

    Ten years ago today, So French! was born — just one week before the terror attacks that would forever change France. As we relaunch our podcast in a turbulent political and social landscape, Sara and Stefan look back at a decade of transformation: from terror threats to TikTok-era extremism, and from François Hollande to Emmanuel Macron (and still, somehow, Nicolas Sarkozy).This week, we dive into France’s budget battle royale — a “Frankenstein” of a finance bill that might just sink the government. We track the scandal of the week, as ultra-fast fashion giant Shein opens its Paris flagship amid outrage over child-like sex dolls, and we check in on the Bling-Bling President now sitting in solitary.Plus: slow TV from Mont Saint-Michel, the Norwegians’ unexpected role in soothing French nerves, and what happens when you mix politics, pain, and the tides of time.🇫🇷 Politics. Culture. Outrage. Beauty. Only on So French.Tune in — and vive la relance!

  13. 67

    The One Where They Reunite

    🎉 We’re Back! So French Returns After 5 Years 🇫🇷After a five-year hiatus, So French is back — and celebrating 10 years since our very first episode! In this special relaunch, co-hosts Sara Bertilsson and Stefan de Vries reunite to reflect on the past decade of podcasting about life in France, #politics, scandals (yes, plenty!), and the ever-evolving French society.Join us as we talk about what’s changed — and what hasn’t — since we last hit record:🦠 Life post-COVID🚴‍♀️ Cycling lanes in Paris🎩 Familiar political faces (Sarkozy, anyone?)🌍 A fresh European perspective from Amsterdam to Paris and back🎙️ New format, more guests, and now… video!Whether you’re a longtime listener or just discovering us, So French is your go-to dose of wit, insight, and all things français.📅 First full episode drops November 5th – exactly 10 years after our debut. Subscribe now and say bonjour to a new era of So French!

  14. 66

    Paris, The City of Strikes

    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.

  15. 65

    How to survive the Strike of the Decade?

    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.

  16. 64

    Why the French are terrible at languages (and what they can do about it)

    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

  17. 63

    While New York City is banning foie gras, the French are hooked on Halloween

    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.

  18. 62

    Why headscarves to the French are like red rags to a bull

    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

  19. 61

    French Media go bananas about Chirac's death

    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.

  20. 60

    Back to School!

    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

  21. 59

    Threats and trees: Brazil gets personal with Macron

    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.

  22. 58

    Bastille Day Edition - special Guest: Lindsey Tramuta

    A special guest: Lindsey Tramuta, from Lost in Cheesland

  23. 57

    Baguette, bistro or bouquinistes?

    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.

  24. 56

    After the fire, a flaming debate ignited on the future of the Notre-Dame

    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.

  25. 55

    So Fake! Macron fell on own sword while fighting Fake News. Special Guest: Jackson Webster.

    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

  26. 54

    Summer or winter time? Chocolatine or pain au chocolat?

    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.

  27. 53

    S04E10 - Säcrebleu! Scandinavian Cooks beat French Chefs

    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.

  28. 52

    S04E09 - The Grand National Debate: brilliant or blabla?

    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

  29. 51

    S04E08 - Winter Writers: Agnès Poirier in Café de Flore

    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.

  30. 50

    S04E07 - Yellow Vests, Red Anger

    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.

  31. 49

    S04E05 - A Mysterious Birth Defect

    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.

  32. 48

    S04E04 - Macron’s Reshuffle and Mélenchon's Kerfuffle

    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

  33. 47

    S04E03 – Adieu Aznavour

    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

  34. 46

    S04E02 – Millionaires and Murderers in Monaco

    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

  35. 45

    S04E01 – Back To School

    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

  36. 44

    E57 – Summer Special 3: Pamela Druckerman (The New York Times)

     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

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    E56 – Summer Special 2: Sophie Pedder (The Economist)

    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.

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    E55 – Summer Special 1: Stephen Clarke – Vive la French Revolution!

    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

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    E54 – Vatican Visit and Vegans Revolt

    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

  40. 40

    E53 – The Italian Job

    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

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    E52 – Start-up Nation: Fact or Virtual Reality?

    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 

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    E51 – Wax Disaster

    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

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    E50 – A delicious wife and a resentful ex-President

    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) 

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    E49 – Macron's March For Europe

    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

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    E48 – Macron's Anger Management

    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 

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    E47 – Fake Vintage Vats and an Infamous Inmate

    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

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    E46 – Power to the Women

    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 

  48. 32

    E45 – I want to ride my bicycle!

    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

  49. 31

    E44 – Snow French!

    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

  50. 30

    E43 – Wet Feet

    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

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

The podcast from Paris about French current affairs, culture and politics. Hosted by Sara Bertilsson and Stefan de Vries

HOSTED BY

Stefan de Vries & Sara Bertilsson

CATEGORIES

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does So French! have?

So French! currently has 50 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is So French! about?

The podcast from Paris about French current affairs, culture and politics. Hosted by Sara Bertilsson and Stefan de Vries

How often does So French! release new episodes?

So French! has 50 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to So French!?

You can listen to So French! on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts So French!?

So French! is created and hosted by Stefan de Vries & Sara Bertilsson.
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