Rediscovering France: Travel Plans and Personal Reflections

In Discovering the Southwest of France: Tips and Tales for Travelers, host Annie Sargent talks with Catherine McMillan about her recent road trip through some of the most beautiful and underrated parts of France.

Catherine traveled by car and took her time exploring the Southwest of France. She shares her experience driving from Bordeaux to Arcachon, Cap Ferret, Bayonne, Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Espelette, Sare, Lacanau, and more. Her trip focused on slower travel, scenic drives, good food, and authentic experiences. Annie and Catherine talk about why the Southwest stands out from other parts of France. They share practical tips on navigating small towns, finding great local markets, and making the most of regional specialties.

If you’re curious about the Basque Country, the Dordogne, or other places tourists sometimes miss, this episode is for you. They also talk about local museums, seasonal travel advice, and why renting a car can be the best way to explore rural France.

This episode is full of smart advice and personal stories to help you plan your own French road trip.

Subscribe to the Join Us in France Travel Podcast for weekly episodes about travel tips, cultural insights, and unforgettable destinations in France. Whether you're planning your first visit or your tenth, Annie helps you travel smarter and deeper in France.

Table of Contents for this Episode

• [00:00:15] Introduction
• [00:00:32] Today on the podcast
• [00:00:55] Podcast supporters
• [00:01:25] Magazine segment
• [00:02:21] Annie and Catherine
• [00:03:42] Planning the Trip: From Consultation to Gratitude
• [00:05:16] Trip Timeline and Destinations
• [00:05:58] Renting a Car
• [00:07:21] Exploring the Southwest of France
• [00:08:21] Walking Through History: Medieval Villages and Cathar Country
• [00:10:31] Discovering Plus Beaux Villages
• [00:17:10]  Musée du Foie Gras
• [00:17:36] Unique Experiences: Craftsmen and Local Artisans
• [00:19:39] Gloves Making Experience
• [00:21:20]  Weaving Basque Fabrics
• [00:23:31] Unusual and Lesser-Known Museums
• [00:23:49] Museum of the Oyster
• [00:24:30] Musee du Tabac
• [00:25:18]  The Musee de la Mer in Sete
• [00:26:07]  Vézuna Museum
• [00:27:04] La Maison Forte de Reignac: A Must-See Historical Site
• [00:28:43] Exploring a Historic Maison Forte
• [00:29:42] Discovering the Charm of Bayonne
• [00:30:43] The Vibrant Les Halles Markets
• [00:32:11] Adventures in the Basque Country
• [00:34:56] Aveyron
• [00:35:39] booking.com
• [00:37:03] Find Out Where You Can Park Before You Get There
• [00:38:16] Hiking in the Hautes-Pyrénées
• [00:40:25] A Visit to Notre-Dame
• [00:42:20] Reflections on Traveling in France
• [00:43:59] Mistakes to Avoid
• [00:45:05] Phone access
• [00:46:42] The trains in the area
• [00:50:41] Final Thoughts and Farewell
• [00:51:29] Thank you Patrons
• [00:52:36] VoiceMap Reviews
• [00:53:18] Podcast Listeners Discounts for VoiceMap Tours
• [00:54:21] Fireworks in Paris
• [00:54:59] The Bayeux Tapestry Going on Loan
• [00:55:41] Notre-Dame de Paris Is VERY Popular
• [00:58:22] Next Week on the Podcast
• [00:58:41] Copyright