This week we'll gaze into our crystal balls and look to the future, to that day, and a momentous day it will be, an occasion where everyone will remember exactly where they were, the day when France agrees its 2026 budget. Unless it doesn't happen.

We'll also explain why a small mass held for 20 people in France kicked off an almighty political storm this week - and a criminal probe - and look at the relentless march of fast food in France and the apparent sad demise of traditional restaurants.

We'll also reveal why you all need to be well behaved on flights from France in future and we'll say prayers for the Louvre.

Im Ben McPartland and i'll be joined as usual by The Local France's elite team of specialist gossipers, blabberers and jibber-jabberers Emma Pearson, Gen Mansfield and politics expert John Lichfield.

READ MORE: OPINION: A far-right President Bardella of France? It could happen

From new flights to public holidays, we have in depth coverage of everything that will change in France in 2026

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This week we’ll bring you up to date on the crucial 2026 budget that’s edging its way through parliament and look at what it might mean for you, plus news on the strikes that lie ahead in France.

We’ll find out about a plan to make American retirees pay into the French health system to guarantee they can get care, plus look at the impact of airbnb around France. Has it turned rural villages into ghost towns? And we’ll explain why the Paris catacombs have closed for five months

Host Ben McPartland is joined by the team behind The Local France website - Editor Emma Pearson, journalist Gen Mansfield and French politics expert John Lichfield.

Further reading:

• OPINION: France's embattled PM has won some unlikely victories and may yet get a deal
• For all the coverage on the healthcare fee plan visit our Health page

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We simply cannot not discuss the 88 million euro jewellery heist at France's most famous museum The Louvre in this week's episode. How could it happen? Some blame lax security, others blame funding cuts, some blame Macron of course, whilst our politics expert recons France just has too much treasure to look after it all.

And France's government is hanging by a thread. Can it get a vital budget through parliament before Father Christmas comes?

And we'll find out France's new civics test for residency and citizenship applicants is all about and find out about France's cycling boom and why there's a new move to keep bikes off the pavements.

And we'll explore how to make the best impression if you're invited into a French home.

Host Ben McPartland is joined by The Local France's Emma Pearson, Gen Mansfield and John Lichfield.

READ MORE:

• OPINION: Louvre jewel theft shows the France is simply too rich
• French government confirms civics and language test exemptions for over 65s

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