Join Us in France Travel Podcast

Ever wondered what it’s like to explore the French countryside on horseback and by foot? In From the French Countryside to Classical Concerts in Paris, host Annie Sargent chats with Casey and Molly, two sisters who share their recent adventures through rural France. This episode is packed with off-the-beaten-path ideas for travelers who love nature, history, and cultural surprises. Listen to this episode ad-free The sisters didn’t just pass through France—they immersed themselves in it. They stayed at Mas de Peyrelongue, a welcoming equestrian farm where visitors can ride horses "à la carte" while practicing their French with the hosts. For hikers, they found a gem: the Abbey of Sainte-Eulalie Espagnac, a peaceful stop along a local trail where walkers can rest for the night. They also visited the Château d'Ygrande in the Auvergne, a gorgeous countryside retreat with an elegant restaurant—perfect for relaxing in a beautiful natural setting. But their journey didn’t stop there. After their rural adventures, they returned to Paris for a very different kind of experience: a classical concert at Sainte-Chapelle and a stroll through the Marais. This episode is a great listen for travelers looking for slower, more personal ways to enjoy France. Whether you're planning your next trip or just dreaming of France, don’t miss this story. Table of Contents for this Episode [00:00:30] Today on the podcast [00:00:58] Podcast supporters [00:01:26] The Magazine segment [00:02:00] Episode 557 [00:03:17] Exploring Mas de Peyrelongue [00:06:02] Discovering Abbey Sainte-Eulalie d’Espignon [00:08:06] Visiting Rocamadour and Saint-Cirq-Lapopie [00:13:23]  Painted Cave of Pech-Merle [00:14:23] Toulouse and Elyse’s Walking Tour [00:18:45] Market Day in Sarlat [00:21:32] Paris: The Pantheon Experience [00:24:00] Classical Music Concerts in Parisian Churches [00:26:05] Exploring Parisian Parks: Parc Monceau and Highline Park [00:28:50] A Culinary and Equestrian Adventure in Auvergne [00:30:39] Michelin Bib Restaurants [00:32:06] Discovering the Chateaus of Amboise [00:33:30] Trying Different White Wines Along the Way [00:36:27] Hiking and Scenic Routes in Auvergne [00:38:34] A Brief Stop in Cahors and the Camino de Santiago [00:41:24] Latin Dancing Along the Seine River [00:43:30] Travel Tips and Reflections [00:51:39] Thank you, Patrons [00:53:13] Montmartre – a local view [00:57:15] Annie’s VoiceMap Tour of Montmartre [00:57:43] What’s the Solution? [00:59:16] Copyright Subscribe to the Join Us in France Travel Podcast to hear new episodes every week. More episodes about going off the beaten track in France

Have you ever dreamed of exploring a fairy-tale town in the French Alps? In this episode of the Join Us in France Travel Podcast, titled "Discover Annecy: The Little Venice of the Alps," host Annie Sargent and her guest Elyse Rivin take you on a journey to one of the most picturesque places in France. Get the podcast ad-free Annecy is famous for its turquoise lake, charming canals, and Alpine backdrop. But there’s more to it than pretty views. Annie and Elyse dive into the town’s rich history, its role in the Duchy of Savoy, and the impressive transformation of its old prison — the Palais de l’Isle — into a cultural landmark. They also talk about the best things to do in Annecy: walk along the Thiou River, visit the Château d’Annecy, enjoy water sports on Lake Annecy, and ride or walk the bike path around the lake. This episode is packed with tips on Savoyard food specialties like tartiflette, raclette, and local cheeses. Whether you're planning a trip or just curious about French destinations beyond Paris, this episode will help you discover Annecy like a local. 💬 Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite app so you never miss an episode. If you enjoy in-depth travel conversations and off-the-beaten-path ideas, Join Us in France is your perfect companion. 🎧 Hit play and let’s explore Annecy together! Table of Contents for this Episode [00:00:30] Today’s Episode [00:00:58] Podcast Supporters [00:01:28] Magazine Segment [00:02:22] Annie and Elyse about Annecy [00:03:05] The Scenic Beauty of Annecy [00:04:43] Traveling to Annecy [00:06:09] Exploring Annecy’s Old City [00:12:20] Activities Around Lake Annecy [00:13:22] Rent Your Bike in Advance [00:16:37] Historical Significance of Annecy [00:18:59] Annecy’s Religious and Political History [00:24:57] Visiting Annecy’s Landmarks [00:26:40] Le Jardin de l’Europe and Outdoor Activities [00:27:15] Paragliding and Water Sports [00:28:49] Michelin-Starred Restaurants and Local Cuisine [00:30:23] Cheese Delicacies: Fondue, Raclette, and Tartiflette [00:33:26] Traditional Alpine Foods and Drinks [00:39:40] Festivals and Celebrations in Annecy [00:40:34] Transhumance [00:42:12] Annecy International Animated Film Festival [00:43:27] Cassandre: A French Police Series [00:44:58] Final Thoughts on Visiting Annecy [00:45:19] Thank you Patrons [00:46:20] Zoom Meetings [00:46:42] Review of the Montmartre VoiceMap Tour [00:47:37] Discounts for Podcast Listeners [00:48:26] Differences between the US and France [00:49:06] No Giant Billboards on the Freeway [00:49:30] Consumerism is toned down [00:49:53] Work-Life Balance [00:50:18] No tipping Pressure [00:50:48] Shops and Restaurants [00:51:20] Credit [00:51:44] Holidays [00:52:24] Paris Baloon [00:55:30] Copyright More episode about the French Alps

Thinking about taking a day trip from Paris? In Episode 555: Day Trip to Chartres from Paris with Patricia Perry, Jennifer Gruenke, and Annie Sargent explore how easy and rewarding it can be to spend a day in this charming French town just an hour from the capital. Listen to this episode ad-free Chartres is best known for its stunning Gothic cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its stained glass windows and soaring architecture. But there’s much more to enjoy! Annie, Patricia, and Jennifer share their firsthand experience exploring the cathedral, wandering the old town, and enjoying a leisurely lunch at a local restaurant right across from the cathedral. They also talk about smaller gems like the Maison Picassiette and the Centre International du Vitrail, two stops worth making if you’re interested in folk art or stained glass. The episode is full of practical tips: how to take the train from Gare Montparnasse, what to wear, and how to pace yourself if you’re planning a relaxed day trip. If you're planning on visiting Chartres from Paris or just want ideas for easy escapes beyond the capital, this episode is packed with insight. Whether it’s your first time in France or your tenth, you’ll pick up useful ideas and inspiration. 🎧 Subscribe to Join Us in France for weekly episodes on French destinations, culture, history, and travel tips. Annie Sargent brings you local insight, personal stories, and helpful advice to make your trip to France even better. Table of Contents for this Episode [00:00:16] Introduction and Welcome [00:00:30] Today on the podcast [00:00:54] Podcast supporters [00:01:24] Magazine segment [00:02:46] Planning a Day Trip to Chartres [00:03:25] Chartres en Lumières: The Light Show Experience [00:04:58] And Inexpensive Self-Guided Day Trip from Paris [00:06:40] Malcom Miller, expert on the Chartres Windows [00:07:02] Exploring Chartres: Key Attractions and Tips [00:11:12] Picassiet [00:12:47]  Les Fresques de Belair [00:15:01] The Advantages of Taking an Audio Guide [00:17:28] The Chartres Cathedral: A Gothic Masterpiece [00:19:01] Bring Binoculars or Use Your Phone to Zoom In [00:21:03]  The Santa Camisa of Mary Relic at Chartres Cathedral [00:22:04] Chartres Cathedral Is Undergoing Renovations [00:24:57] The Plaza [00:26:07] Street Mosaics [00:27:24]  The Musée de Vitraux [00:33:00] Trains in France [00:36:14] Final Thoughts and Recommendations [00:36:39] Consider Staying Overnight in Chartres [00:38:13] Bonus Stop: Chateau de Madame de Maintenon [00:39:12] Conclusion and Future Plans [00:39:51] Thank You, Patrons [00:40:42] Review Ile de la Cite [00:41:24] Discount for Podcast Listeners [00:42:19] Paris Metro Tickets [00:44:36] Paris Honors Women in Science [00:46:45] Tips on Choosing Restaurants in France [00:53:50] Next Week on the Podcast [00:54:16] Copyright More episodes about day trips from Paris

Join Catherine McMillan, a French native and U.S. resident, as she shares tales from her immersive road trip through Southwest France. Discover the charm of lesser-known areas like Bayonne and Saint-Jean-de-Luz, emphasizing slow travel and authentic experiences. Catherine reveals hidden gems like local markets and unique museums, including the quirky Oyster Museum. She provides practical tips on navigating scenic routes and highlights the rich culture and culinary experiences that make this region a must-visit for any traveler.

Have you ever dreamed of boating through the French countryside? In “Exploring the Canal du Midi on a Rental Boat,” host Annie Sargent talks with John and Sally Capets about their week-long adventure on this historic waterway. They rented a boat with friends and spent their days slowly drifting past vineyards, plane trees, and medieval villages in southern France. Listen to this episode ad-free They share what it’s really like to rent a boat on the Canal du Midi, navigate the many locks, and live in close quarters while exploring the beauty of Occitanie. John and Sally talk about practical details like packing light, using bikes along the towpath, and finding places to eat along the canal. They also explain why traveling slowly by boat gives you a deeper connection to France and its people. They share highlights like seeing La Cité de Carcassonne from the water, visiting the Malpas Tunnel, and dining canal-side in Colombiers. They offer helpful advice for those curious about a Canal du Midi boat rental, what it costs, and what to expect during a week on the water. If you love slow travel, French culture, and practical travel tips, you will enjoy this episode. Subscribe to the Join Us in France Travel Podcast for weekly episodes that bring you closer to France, whether you are planning your next trip or just dreaming about it. Listen now to discover how exploring the Canal du Midi by boat could be the relaxing adventure you didn’t know you needed. Table of Contents for this Episode [00:00:15] Intro [00:00:31] Today on the podcast [00:01:02] Podcast supporters [00:01:52] Magazine segment [00:02:09] John and Sally [00:04:07] Boat travel on Canal du Midi [00:05:28] Selecting the Boat [00:05:55]  No experience needed and no license required [00:08:51] Kitchen on Board of the Boat [00:13:09] Riding the Bikes along the Canal du Midi [00:16:05] Boat Pickup and Drop Off: How Much Distance Is Too Much? [00:17:44] Going through the locks [00:18:22]  Visiting La Cité de Carcassonne. [00:20:50]  THe Fonseraneses Locks [00:24:58]  Dining Canal side in Colombier. [00:25:38]  Malpas Tunnel [00:28:51]  Folk Art at the Ecluse de L’Aiguille? [00:30:46] Sleeping on a small boat [00:33:20] Travel Light! [00:35:08] Pont Canal sur l’Orb [00:36:00] Sightseeing in Toulouse [00:44:17] Late September Weather on the Canal du Midi [00:46:02] Who Is It For? [00:48:57] Thank You Patrons [00:49:47] Zoom meetings with Patrons [00:50:39] Tour Reviews [00:53:29] Podcast Listeners Discount Codes [00:54:23] The Tour de France 2025 [00:56:21] Next Week on the Podcast [00:56:49] Copyright More episodes about the Occitanie region of France

Have you ever wondered how France became the world’s perfume capital? In “The Story of Perfume: A Journey Through France's Luxurious Past,” host Annie Sargent and guest Elyse Rivin from Toulouse Guided Walks take you on a fragrant journey through French history. They explore how perfume evolved from smoky rituals and religious ceremonies to the luxury bottles we see today. You will learn how Grasse became the heart of perfume making and why Chanel No. 5, Shalimar, and Poison became iconic scents tied to France. Listen to the episode ad-free to travel back in time through the scents of France! Annie and Elyse share stories about Catherine de’ Medici bringing her personal perfumer to France, the smelly days at Versailles when perfume was used to cover the lack of bathing, and how Napoleon loved Eau de Cologne so much he used it daily. Discover how the French revolution impacted perfume makers, how the Guerlain family shaped perfume history, and how synthetic fragrances changed the industry. If you are planning a trip to France, Annie and Elyse suggest several places you can visit to enjoy this history in real life. This episode is perfect for travelers interested in French culture, perfume lovers, and anyone curious about the unique stories that shaped France. Subscribe to the Join Us in France Travel Podcast to get weekly episodes that bring France to life with history, culture, and practical travel tips for your next adventure. Listen to this episode to add a touch of scent and story to your France travel plans and discover why perfume remains one of the country’s most luxurious traditions. Table of Contents for this Episode [00:00:15] Introduction and Topic Overview [00:00:31] Today on the podcast [00:01:03] Podcast supporters [00:01:59] No Magazine segment [00:02:33] Annie and Elyse about the History of Perfume in France [00:03:01] Perfume as a French Identity [00:04:15] Understanding Different Types of Perfume [00:07:38] Historical Significance of Perfume [00:08:46] The Fragonard Perfume Store near the Opera House in Paris [00:09:30] Finding Your Perfume [00:13:27] The word Perfume [00:13:30] Origin of the word “perfume” [00:14:44] Perfume in Religious and Cultural Practices [00:16:27] Perfume in Ancient Civilizations [00:20:24] The Renaissance Influence on French Perfume [00:21:58] Catherine de’ Medici and the Rise of French Perfume [00:25:59] Grasse: The Perfume Capital [00:29:19] Impact of the Plague on Hygiene and Perfume [00:31:16] The Unwashed Aristocracy [00:32:41] Perfume to Mask the Stench [00:34:52] The Spread of Perfume Culture [00:37:30] The Birth of Eau de Cologne [00:42:45] Perfume Revolution in the 1700s [00:44:33] Napoleon and the Return of Perfume [00:46:45] The Rise of Guerlain and Synthetic Perfumes [00:48:00] The Introduction of Synthetic Fragrances [00:50:24] Perfume in 20th Century [00:52:15] Coco Chanel and Chanel No5 [00:53:34] Christian Dior and the Perfume for the “New Women” [00:54:18] The Golden Age of French Perfume [00:56:17] Conclusion and Final Thoughts More episodes about French culture

Kim Cox, a passionate traveler from Minnesota, shares her delightful December adventures in Paris and Strasbourg. She offers tips for enjoying the chilly Parisian museums, including the Musée d'Orsay, and discusses the ongoing restoration of Notre-Dame. In Strasbourg, Kim immerses herself in the festive Christmas markets, discovering the best vin chaud and local culture. Her stories paint a vibrant picture of winter in France, highlighting the charm of cozy cafes and festive lights that make this season magical.

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 hills, deep river valleys, and charming medieval towns. If you’ve wondered about hiking from Le Puy-en-Velay toward Cahors or incorporating the lesser-known Célé Valley variant, Rowena offers honest insights. The conversation covers practical tips too. What kind of gear should you bring? How easy is it to find food and lodging? What’s the vibe among other hikers? Annie asks all the right questions to help listeners decide if this kind of trip is for them. Whether you're planning a Camino in France or just curious about rural walking holidays, this episode delivers both inspiration and real-world advice. Don’t forget to subscribe to Join Us in France for more episodes like this, where travel dreams and logistics meet. Perfect for slow travel lovers, Francophiles, and adventure-seekers! Table of Contents for this Episode [00:00:15] Introduction and Greetings [00:00:31] Today on the podcast [00:00:59] Podcast supporters [00:01:32] The Magazine segment [00:02:25] Annie and Rowena [00:03:11] The Crazy Adventure Begins [00:06:27] Planning the Journey [00:08:41] Navigating the Trail [00:12:45] Challenges and Perseverance [00:18:48] Starting point [00:27:14] Navigating Through Cornfields [00:27:51] Rainy Day Lunch and Milka Chocolate [00:28:44] Challenges of Finding Food and Shelter [00:29:43] Reaching the Hilltop and Meeting Fellow Travelers [00:32:48] Exploring Troglodyte Houses [00:34:07] Communal Dinners and Accommodations [00:34:51] Comfort Level at the Accommodations in the Célé Valley [00:41:14] Advice for Future Travelers [00:44:15] Planning the Next Journey [00:47:41] The hardest day [00:48:17] Concluding Thoughts and Farewell [00:48:45] Thank you Patrons [00:49:40] Tour Reviews [00:50:40] Discount for Podcast Listeners [00:51:54] Swimming in the Seine [00:56:21] Next week on the podcast [00:56:58] Copyright   More episodes about active vacations in France

Stephen Nicholson, a seasoned traveler, shares his 24-day adventure through France, exploring by trains, cars, and buses. He offers practical tips on navigating public transport, booking tickets, and finding parking in charming villages. Stephen discusses the benefits of train travel versus car rental, highlighting cultural immersion and budget-friendly advice. Moreover, he touches on lesser-known travel challenges like managing luggage logistics and currency tips for refueling. Perfect for those looking to experience France at their own pace!

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 same ideals back to France during the French Revolution. Get the podcast ad-free Annie and Elyse dive into his fascinating biography, from his childhood in Auvergne to his close relationship with George Washington. They discuss Lafayette’s political struggles in France, his imprisonment, and his lasting influence on both sides of the Atlantic. The episode explores why Lafayette is considered a hero in two countries and how you can visit places in France connected to his life. If you're planning a trip to France and love history, this episode offers great travel tips too. You'll hear about the Château de Chavaniac-Lafayette, Picpus Cemetery in Paris, and the replica of the Hermione, the ship that carried him to America. Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode. Whether you're into French history, Revolutionary War connections, or looking for meaningful places to visit in France, this episode is packed with insight and inspiration. Table of Contents for this Episode [00:00:15] Introduction and Setting the Stage — [00:00:31] Today on the podcast — [00:00:56] Podcast supporters — [00:02:16] Annie and Elyse about Marquis de Lafayette — [00:05:17] Lafayette’s Early Life and Background — [00:07:33] Lafayette’s Birth — [00:10:07] Lafayette’s Marriage — [00:12:03] Joining the Army — [00:13:14] Lafayette’s Role in the American Revolution — [00:19:22] First trip to the New World — [00:23:05] The Monetary Contribution of Lafayette and France to the American Revolution — [00:25:47] Back to France — [00:27:39] The Hermione — [00:29:14] Lafayette’s Return to France and Revolutionary Ideas — [00:31:38] Lafayette’s Continued Influence and Legacy — [00:32:20] Lafayette’s Political Awakening — [00:33:10] Pre-Revolutionary Activities — [00:34:34] Advocating for Equality and Abolition — [00:36:06] Lafayette’s role in the French Revolution — [00:37:54] Conflict with the Jacobins — [00:41:47] Exile and Imprisonment — [00:45:23] Return to France and Napoleon’s Distrust — [00:48:03] Lafayette’s Later Political Life — [00:53:29] Final Years and Legacy — [00:57:39] Lafayette’s Death — [01:00:39] Copyright — More episodes about French history