Exploring Paris and Strasbourg: Notre-Dame Highlights and Winter Traditions — Have you ever wondered what it’s like to visit France in the winter? In this episode of the Join Us in France Travel Podcast , host Annie Sargent chats with Kim Cox, a listener from Minnesota, about her December adventures in Paris and Strasbourg. Get the podcast ad-free They talk about how to enjoy Paris museums like the Musée d'Orsay and the Musée de l'Orangerie when the weather is chilly and the days are short. Kim ...
Jun 22, 2025•55 min•Ep. 551
What’s it really like to walk a long-distance trail in rural France? In this episode of Join Us in France , titled Hiking Chemin du Puy and Célé Valley , host Annie Sargent talks with Rowena Sjovall, a solo traveler from the U.S. walking the GR65 and the scenic Célé Valley route. Get the podcast ad-free Rowena shares her detailed experience hiking the Chemin du Puy, one of France’s most popular pilgrimage trails. She talks about trail conditions, signage, and the variety of landscapes—rolling hi...
Jun 15, 2025•59 min•Ep. 550
How do you plan a smooth and memorable trip across France using trains, rental cars, and buses? In this episode of the Join Us in France Travel Podcast , titled Navigating France by Train, Car, and Bus , host Annie Sargent chats with Stephen Nicholson about his 24-day journey through France. Stephen and his wife combined different types of transportation to explore big cities, small towns, and hidden gems—without joining a tour group. They started in Paris and used the OuiGo high-speed train to ...
Jun 08, 2025•52 min•Ep. 549
Exploring the Life and Historical Impact of the Marquis de Lafayette Who was the Marquis de Lafayette, and why does he matter so much in both France and the United States? In this episode of the Join Us in France Travel Podcast , host Annie Sargent talks with Elyse Rivin about the life, legacy, and travels of this iconic figure. Lafayette was more than just a name in a history book—he was a young French noble who risked everything to support the American Revolution and later tried to bring those...
Jun 01, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 548
What makes a trip through France truly unforgettable? In this episode of the Join Us in France Travel Podcast , titled Memorable France - Exploring Historic and Scenic Locations , host Annie Sargent chats with Ken Ives about his 25-day journey through some of the country’s most meaningful places. Ken is a thoughtful traveler from California who planned a route filled with both beauty and history. He shares what it was like to stand in the silence of Oradour-sur-Glane, see 29,000-year-old cave ar...
May 25, 2025•57 min•Ep. 547
Thinking about exploring France beyond the usual tourist spots? In this episode of the Join Us in France Travel Podcast , Traveling Through France: Must-See Destinations from Paris to Annecy , host Annie Sargent talks with Linda and Scott Rogers about their recent trip across some of France’s most beautiful regions. Get the podcast ad-free They share their experience visiting Paris, Dijon, Beaune, Annecy, and Lyon. Each stop brought something special—like biking through Burgundy vineyards, relax...
May 18, 2025•57 min•Ep. 546
What’s it like to explore France on your own? In A Solo Traveler’s Experience in Southwest France , host Annie Sargent chats with Dawn Fairchild, a seasoned traveler from Los Angeles who set out on a two-week solo adventure through the stunning regions of the Lot, Dordogne, and Toulouse. Get the podcast ad-free Dawn shares her honest impressions, travel tips, and favorite moments—from learning French in a relaxed immersion program near Cahors to wandering the medieval streets of Sarlat. She talk...
May 11, 2025•55 min•Ep. 545
What makes the Savoie department in France so special? In this episode of the Join Us in France Travel Podcast , titled Best of the Savoie Department: Courchevel, Chambéry, Albertville, etc. , host Annie Sargent and co-host Elyse Rivin dive deep into the highlights of this beloved Alpine region. Get the podcast ad-free Savoie is famous for its majestic mountain views, ski resorts, and rich regional culture. Annie and Elyse talk about iconic destinations like Courchevel, a world-class ski resort ...
May 04, 2025•51 min•Ep. 544
Have you ever dreamed of leaving it all behind and Living the Dream in France? In this episode of the Join Us in France Travel Podcast , titled Living the Dream: Moving from Australia to Paris, Burgundy, and Provence , Annie Sargent talks with Alexandra Lalak , an Australian travel and food writer who made the big move to France. Get the podcast ad-free Alexandra first landed in Paris , thinking she’d stay for just two years. But she fell in love with French life—and a Frenchman—and never left. ...
Apr 27, 2025•55 min•Ep. 543
Planning a road trip in southwest France and wondering where to start? In this episode of the Join Us in France Travel Podcast , titled "A Road Trip in Southwest France: Top Tips and Destinations," host Annie Sargent chats with guest Craig Anderson about a two-week itinerary through Occitanie, from Montpellier to Toulouse. Get the podcast ad-free Craig, a seasoned traveler from the U.S., shares how he and his wife Pamela explored the region by rental car, with stops in Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert, S...
Apr 20, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 542
Thinking of exploring a French island that's wild, beautiful, and full of surprises? In this episode of the Join Us in France Travel Podcast , titled Corsica Revealed: Rich Culture, Cuisine, and Stunning Landscapes , host Annie Sargent chats with tour guide Jean-François Sénéchal about his favorite island—Corsica. Jean-François lives in Tourrettes-sur-Loup, near Nice, but he has deep Corsican roots. His mother was born on the island, and his grandmother ran a hotel in Calvi. Today, he takes visi...
Apr 13, 2025•1 hr•Ep. 541
Why is 2025 being called Cézanne Year in France? In this episode of the Join Us in France Travel Podcast , titled Celebrating Cézanne in 2025: A Journey Through His Art and Legacy , host Annie Sargent is joined by art historian and tour guide Elyse Rivin to explore the life, work, and influence of Paul Cézanne. Get the podcast ad-free Cézanne was born and died in Aix-en-Provence , and his art is deeply connected to the region. In 2025, the city will host a major exhibit at the Musée Granet , fea...
Apr 06, 2025•52 min•Ep. 540
What happens when a mother, daughter, and best friend set out on a road trip across France to celebrate a milestone birthday? In Celebrating 75 Years with Vanessa Christman , host Annie Sargent talks to Vanessa, a librarian from California, about the trip of a lifetime: Mother-Daughter Celebrating a 75th Birthday in France . Get the podcast ad-free Vanessa planned this adventure around her mom’s long-time love of France. They landed at Charles de Gaulle, picked up a rental car, and hit the road....
Mar 30, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 539
Ever wondered how to plan a leisurely trip to France? In "How to Plan a Leisurely Trip to France with Carol Handel," host Annie Sargent explores the art of slow travel with guest Carol Handel from Sydney, Australia. Together, they dive into the joys of taking your time to explore France's charming destinations. Get the podcast ad-free Carol shares her journey from meticulous trip planning to creating her blog, French Views. She offers insights into selecting the perfect locations for a week-long...
Mar 23, 2025•49 min•Ep. 538
Have you ever dreamed of leaving it all behind and starting fresh in France? In this episode, "MasterChef’s Andrew Prior: From Australia to France," host Annie Sargent chats with Andrew Prior about his incredible journey from Australia to France , his passion for French cuisine, and his time on MasterChef Australia . Get the podcast ad-free Andrew shares what inspired him to make the big move and how he turned his love for French food into a career. From leading food tours to launching his Fabul...
Mar 16, 2025•57 min•Ep. 537
Is Béziers really the oldest city in France? In Episode 536: Exploring Béziers, A Hidden Gem in the South of France , host Annie Sargent and guest Elyse Rivin dive into the fascinating history and charm of this underrated destination. Get the podcast ad-free Béziers sits in the Occitanie region, close to the Mediterranean. It has deep historical roots, from Roman times to the Cathar massacre and the winegrowers' revolt of 1907 . Its Cathédrale Saint-Nazaire dominates the skyline, offering breath...
Mar 09, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 536
Have you ever dreamed of exploring France beyond the usual tourist spots? In Exploring France’s Hidden Gems: An Anniversary Adventure , host Annie Sargent chats with Gina Angelillo about her unforgettable trip through Normandy, Saint-Malo, and Paris. Get the podcast ad-free Gina, from New York, shares the highlights of her journey, from walking the historic ramparts of Saint-Malo to visiting the moving D-Day beaches with Overlord Tours. She describes the beauty of Honfleur’s marina, enjoying fre...
Mar 02, 2025•53 min•Ep. 535
Navigating Markets and Scenic Routes in France Have you ever wondered how to make the most of France’s local markets and breathtaking landscapes? In this episode, Navigating Markets and Scenic Routes in France , host Annie Sargent chats with Theresa Watkins about her incredible journeys across Paris, Normandy, and Provence. If you enjoy the podcast, consider joining Patreon for early access and ad-free episodes ! Your support keeps the show going. Merci ! ✨ Theresa, an experienced traveler from ...
Feb 23, 2025•59 min•Ep. 534
Thinking about traveling to France while pregnant? In Discovering Paris and Provins on a Babymoon Adventure , host Annie Sargent chats with Hannah Compton about her unforgettable trip at 30 weeks pregnant. From the bustling streets of Paris to the medieval charm of Provins, Hannah shares her insights, surprises, and tips for expectant travelers. Get the podcast ad-free Hannah and her husband spent eight days in France, splitting their time between Paris and Provins. In Paris, they explored iconi...
Feb 16, 2025•49 min•Ep. 533
Have you ever seen the colorful, playful sculptures near the Pompidou Center in Paris? Those bold and joyful creations are the work of Niki de Saint Phalle , an artist who turned personal pain into vibrant public art. If you enjoy the podcast, consider joining Patreon for early access and ad-free episodes ! Your support keeps the show going. Merci ! ✨ In this episode, "Discovering Niki de Saint Phalle: From Personal Struggles to International Fame," Annie Sargent and Elyse Rivin explore the fasc...
Feb 09, 2025•56 min•Ep. 532
Have you ever dreamed of spending six weeks exploring France? In Unforgettable Six Weeks Across France: Travel Tips and Insights , Annie Sargent talks with Liz Van Monfort from Christchurch, New Zealand, about her incredible journey through France. Get the podcast ad-free Liz planned her trip around the Rugby World Cup but quickly turned it into a deep dive into French culture, food, and travel. From the bustling streets of Paris to the charming villages of Provence, she shares her experiences w...
Feb 02, 2025•57 min•Ep. 531
Looking for unique travel ideas in France? In Fall in France Beyond Paris , host Annie Sargent chats with guest Steve Weaver about an unforgettable trip to the Aveyron region. Steve, a traveler from California, shares his experiences exploring this stunning and less-touristy area of France. If you’ve already visited Paris or want to venture off the beaten path, this episode is for you. Get the podcast ad-free Steve describes staying at a beautifully restored 16th-century Château in Balsac, compl...
Jan 26, 2025•45 min•Ep. 530
Planning a romantic trip to Paris? In Hidden Gems for Romantic Getaways in Paris , host Annie Sargent chats with Katherine Butler, creator of the blog France Voyager, about the City of Love’s most enchanting experiences. From iconic spots like the Eiffel Tower to hidden treasures off the beaten path, this episode is packed with inspiration for honeymooners, couples, or anyone seeking romance in Paris. Get the podcast ad-free Katherine shares her favorite ideas for a perfect Parisian escape, incl...
Jan 19, 2025•59 min•Ep. 529
What makes Simone de Beauvoir one of the most influential thinkers of the 20th century? In this episode of Join Us in France , titled Simone de Beauvoir: Life, Legacy, and Controversies , host Annie Sargent and guest Elyse Rivin delve into the extraordinary life of this feminist icon, philosopher, and writer. Whether you’ve read her groundbreaking work The Second Sex or are curious about her impact on women’s rights and existential philosophy, this episode offers something for everyone. Get the ...
Jan 12, 2025•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 528
Planning a trip to France in 2025? Don’t miss France Logistics for 2025: What Visitors Need to Know. In this episode of Join Us in France, host Annie Sargent and guest Mike August discuss the key changes every traveler should know to navigate France like a pro. Get the podcast ad-free From updated Paris metro fares to cashless payment systems, Annie and Mike break it all down. Learn how the new flat-rate ticket system makes traveling across Paris and the Île-de-France region simpler. Whether you...
Jan 05, 2025•58 min•Ep. 527
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to experience France for the first time? In An Australian Family's First Time in France , Annie Sargent chats with Suzie Klatt about her family’s unforgettable six-week journey across France and Spain. Suzie, her husband, and their three young children explored iconic destinations, savored French cuisine, and embraced the adventure of international travel. Get the podcast ad-free The episode begins with Suzie sharing her excitement about visiting France for ...
Dec 29, 2024•53 min•Ep. 526
What makes Christmas in France so special? How does a young man's incredible journey from London to Turkey tie into the spirit of giving? In this episode, host Annie Sargent explores the festive traditions of France and shares a conversation with Oscar Newsome Smith, a passionate advocate for rebuilding communities in southern Turkey after the devastating 2023 earthquakes. Get the podcast ad-free Annie begins by diving into the heart of Christmas in France. She paints a vivid picture of festive ...
Dec 22, 2024•57 min•Ep. 525
Was Marie-Antoinette a spoiled queen or a misunderstood woman caught in extraordinary times? In this episode of Join Us in France , host Annie Sargent and her guest Elyse Rivin explore the life, controversies, and tragic end of one of history’s most iconic figures. Patrons get an ad-free version of this episode. Be like them, click here . Marie-Antoinette, born in Vienna as an Austrian archduchess, became Queen of France at just 18. Annie and Elyse discuss her arrival at Versailles, her struggle...
Dec 15, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 524
What’s it like to road trip through France with older teens? In Adventures in France: A Road Trip with Older Teens , host Annie Sargent chats with guest Emily Whimster, a New Zealander living in Australia, about her 18-day adventure across France and Italy with her partner and two older teens. From breathtaking landscapes to unique activities, their journey is full of excitement, challenges, and plenty of family fun. Get the podcast ad-free Emily shares how they started in Paris before driving t...
Dec 08, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 523
Exploring Alsace Christmas Markets Have you ever wondered what it’s like to visit the magical Christmas markets of Alsace? In this episode of Join Us in France , host Annie Sargent chats with Eddie Hamalian about his family’s enchanting journey through Strasbourg, Colmar, and the picturesque villages of Alsace. Together, they dive into the heart of the region’s festive traditions, sharing practical tips and heartwarming stories along the way. Get the podcast ad-free Eddie visited Alsace with his...
Dec 01, 2024•1 hr•Ep. 522
