Join Us in France Travel Podcast

Welcome to another episode of Join Us in France, the podcast that unveils the hidden gems and lesser-known treasures of France. Today, we're taking you on a journey that reveals the incredible array of free experiences that Paris has to offer. From the charming streets of the 12th and 13th arrondissements to the fascinating cemeteries, world-class parks, and bustling markets, there's something for everyone in our tour of the city's best-kept secrets. Table of Contents for this Episode Intro Today on the podcast Podcast suporters After the interview: French politics and what to do when there are strikes Annie and Elyse: Free in Paris! You CANNOT do this without good walking shoes 12th arrondissement of Paris, worth it! 13th arrondissement, also worth it! The 14th arrondissement Cemeteries are visitable and always free There are a lot of wonderful free parks in Paris La Coulée Verte Bike trails and Vélib bikes Outdoor markets The flea market of Saint Ouen Visit department stores Paris Plage Dance along the Seine Outdoor Cinema Free Museums in Paris Carnavalet Museum of the History of Paris Museum of the Legion of Honor Musée Curie Fragonard Museum of Perfume Brâncuși Studio is free Musée Zadkine is free Museum of the Shoah is free The Bourdelle Museum and other free museums you may have to pay Petit Palais Museums that are free on the first Sunday of the month European Kids under 18 get in free to almost every cultural institution in France. University student under 26 get a reduction Art galleries The Park of the Chateau de Versailles is free Don’t be shy and ask if there are discounts! Go to the Jardin des Plantes! Patrons and supporters Preparing a trip to France? Self-guided tours French political landscape The Socialist Party (Parti Socialiste or PS) The Republicans (Les Républicains, LR) The National Front (Front National, FN) La République En Marche! (LREM) The Greens (Europe Écologie Les Verts, EELV) La France Insoumise (LFI) The travel question of the week: what to do about strikes in Paris? Podcast Promo Copyright

Today we're going to talk about three walled cities. Picture this: a 4-day weekend exploring the enchanting city of Avignon, marveling at the prehistoric Grotte de Chauvet, standing in awe at the ancient Pont du Gard, and wandering through the fortified town of Aigues-Mortes. Then, throw in  Carcassonne just for fun! Are you ready to embark on this adventure? Then grab your favorite travel buddy, pack your bags, and follow in Annie and Jennifer's footsteps! Table of Contents for this Episode Intro Today on the podcast Podcast supporters Newsletter After the interview Interview Jennifer’s title for the episode Musée Angladon in Avignon The three free museums Hôtel Kyriad Avignon Palais des Papes Pont d’Avignon Vallon-Pont-d’Arc Hotel for the evening Painted caves of Pont-d’Arc Les Plus Beaux Villages de France Hotel Le Manoir du Raveyron Monday heading back to Toulouse 1000 year old tree Aigues-Mortes Production of sea salt Carcassonne Centre des Monuments Nationaux Card Outro Patrons rewards Itinerary consultant service Self-guided tours in Paris This week in French News – Retirement age protests Service NOT included at restaurants? Next week on the podcast Copyright #Provence, #Occitanie, #France, #Podcast, #Travel

The Rugby World Cup 2023 is set to be the tenth edition of the quadrennial international rugby union tournament, and will take place in France. The tournament, which is organized by the sport's governing body, World Rugby, will bring together the best rugby teams from around the world to compete for the coveted Webb Ellis Cup. The Rugby World Cup is one of the most watched and celebrated sporting events in the world, with millions of fans tuning in to watch their favorite teams compete in thrilling matches. With France hosting the tournament for the second time in its history, there is sure to be plenty of excitement both on and off the field as fans from all over the world come together to celebrate the sport of rugby. Table of Contents for this Episode [00:00:16] Intro [00:00:37] Today on the podcast [00:01:09] About the Rugby tournament [00:02:39] Podcast supporters [00:02:58] Newsletter [00:03:16] After the interview [00:03:46] Annie and Elyse about Rugby World Cup [00:04:31] Annie’s rugby fan neighbour [00:07:52] Rugby, the gentleman’s game? [00:08:29] Rugby is peaceful, in the stands at least! [00:09:54] Racial comments during rugby games [00:10:46] Short history of Rugby [00:13:49] English workers in France, First rugby team in Le Havre [00:14:54] First rugby teams in Paris [00:15:44] Rugby 13 and Rugby 15 [00:16:20] Rugby team in Bordeaux, boo [00:19:31] 1930 French rugby teams excluded for being too violent [00:21:53] 1950 Professional Rugby Teams start again [00:23:00] 1995 Rugby becomes officially a professional sport [00:24:41] Grand Chelem [00:25:17] Get ready for the World Cup 2023 in France [00:26:39] Planning and booking tickets [00:32:45] Toulouse Rugby Team [00:37:53] Rugby players’ salary [00:38:43] Toulouse gossip corner [00:40:32] History lesson – Toulouse Rugby Club [00:45:29] Outro [00:46:07] Audio and Video rewards for patrons [00:48:22] Itinerary consult service [00:48:53] GPS self-guided tours of Paris [00:49:22] This week in French news, strikes over retirement rules [00:50:10] Strikes in transportation [00:51:34] Paris Olympics tickets [00:53:05] Notre Dame will not be open for the Paris Olympics [00:54:44] Join Us in France trailer [00:55:19] Next week on the podcast [00:55:59] Copyright

Welcome to the Join Us in France Travel Podcast. Today, Annie Sargent and Claire Ramsdell discuss an exciting and unique way to explore the Loire Valley in France - without a car. Known for its charming chateaux, picturesque vineyards, and idyllic countryside, the Loire Valley is a popular destination for tourists from all around the world. However, many visitors rely on rental cars to get around, which can be costly and stressful, especially for those who are not accustomed to driving on French roads. But fear not, because there are plenty of alternative ways to experience the beauty and history of the Loire Valley without a car. In this episode, we'll be sharing tips and tricks for getting around using public transportation, biking, and even walking. We'll also be highlighting some of the top attractions and hidden gems in the region, from majestic castles to quaint villages. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor to France, you won't want to miss this episode. So sit back, relax, and get ready to discover the magic of the Loire Valley - car-free! Table of Contents for this Episode [00:00:00] Intro [00:00:36] Today on the podcast [00:00:54] Podcast supporters [00:01:12] After the interview [00:01:50] Annie and Claire [00:02:23] Loire Valley by bus [00:03:02] Loire Valley by train [00:03:07] Claire’s blog [00:04:12] Public transportation [00:05:51] How do you visit Loire Valley chateaux without a car? [00:07:27] Sound and Light Immersive Light Show [00:08:17] The shuttle [00:10:12] The Castle Pass [00:12:56] Busradar app, blablacar app, trainline app, sncf app [00:14:36] e-sim for data [00:14:57] Paper ticket for the train? [00:16:07] Chambord [00:17:55] Clos Luće and Leonardo DaVinci [00:19:48] Catherine De Medici and Amboise Castle [00:21:51] Getting back to Paris on Blablacar [00:22:33] There are always backups [00:23:50] Don’t use public transportation if your schedule is tight and inflexible [00:24:19] Anything that didn’t work out? [00:26:46] Don’t try to visit too many [00:28:29] Not like big cities, not always open [00:31:02] Hotel Le Pavillon [00:31:53] Tips for visiting France [00:33:30] Her previous trips to France [00:34:14] Loire Valley on a bike [00:35:07] There are a lot of campsites in the Loire Valley [00:36:09] Outro [00:36:38] New patrons [00:36:52] Patreons rewards [00:39:18] Preparing a trip to France? [00:40:18] Annie’s GPS self-guided tours on the VoiceMap app [00:41:09] Travel question of the week, prescription medication [00:43:13] Passport renewals delays [00:43:55] It’s strike season in France again! [00:45:48] Why nobody knows how big a strike next week is going to be [00:47:03] Frequent strikers in France [00:49:04] Nutritional labels [00:52:45] Personal Update [00:53:44] Share the podcast trailer [00:54:22] Next week on the podcast [00:54:37] Copyright Topics discussed in the magazine part of the podcast this week Do you need to do anything special to bring your medications to France? How to deal with strikes in France Nutri-Score food labels #podcast, #france, #loirevalley, #budget, #travel

This episode is a trip report with Annie and her husband David. Strasbourg is a great city to visit any time of year. But since we went between Christmas and New Year, we wanted to give you a head's up. Here are some of the best things we think you should do in Strasbourg at Christmas time (or any time): Table of Contents for this Episode [00:00:16] Intro [00:00:34] Today on the podcast [00:00:57] After the show [00:01:10] Podcast supporters [00:01:28] Newsletter [00:01:57] David and Annie, trip report [00:02:30] Alsace between Christmas and New Year [00:02:51] The flight [00:03:27] Very expensive taxi into the city [00:04:19] Take the train into the city [00:05:00] Hotel Mercure Petite France [00:05:24] La Cigogne for Breakfast [00:06:33] Seeing the Astronomical Clock in the Cathedral [00:08:49] The idea for the astronomical clock [00:13:04] The Cathedral tower [00:13:43] Guided Tour [00:15:12] Barrage Vauban [00:15:33] Chez Yvonne vinstub [00:16:40] “The Fork” the app [00:17:20] Obernai [00:19:37] Train cancelled [00:21:03] Colmar [00:21:57] Vinstub Brenner [00:24:36] Unterlinden Museum [00:25:50] Train troubles on the way back to Strasbourg [00:27:34] Œuvre de Notre Dame Museum [00:30:22] Musée de la Ville de Strasbourg [00:32:23] Vodoo museum [00:35:56] Italian food for dinner [00:36:50] Consider doing the Wine Route [00:37:20] River cruise in Strasbourg, Batorama [00:38:49] Some comments from patrons [00:41:31] When to visit Strasbourg [00:42:41] European Parliament was closed [00:44:07] Thank you patrons [00:45:09] Preparing a trip to France? [00:45:51] Self-guided tours [00:47:30] Tickets for the Ramses Expo [00:48:08] Michelin new guide [00:52:34] Michelin Guide website [00:56:23] Next week on the podcast [00:56:53] Copyright #Strasbourg, #Colmar, #Obernai, #Christmas,  #Alsace, #podcast, #travel, #France

On today's episode of the podcast, Annie Sargent chats with Will Weider about attending Roland-Garros. The French Open takes place late May / early June at the Roland-Garros complex just west of Paris. This tennis tournament is part of the Grand Slam and attracts the world's best tennis players every year. Table of Contents for this Episode [00:00:16] Intro [00:00:37] Today on the podcast: Attending Roland-Garros [00:01:10] Podcast supporters [00:02:05] Will and Annie on attending Roland-Garros [00:02:32] First trip to France [00:03:47] Mother’s Day in France [00:05:08] La Truffière [00:05:41] Chef PJ’s food tour in Mont Martre [00:07:46] Running along the river Seine [00:08:45] On and off bus tour [00:09:43] Getting bigger rooms in Paris [00:11:05] JÒIA par Hélène Darroze [00:13:51] Roland-Garros [00:15:16] How long in advance he got his tickets? [00:17:02] Getting around to and from the Roland-Garros stadium [00:20:19] How many courts? [00:20:35] Red clay [00:24:34] How long is the tournament? [00:25:24] When to get the best deals at Roland-Garros [00:27:14] How do you know who is playing? [00:29:02] Security at Roland-Garros [00:30:03] Getting to the stadium [00:31:14] When did they book the hotel? [00:32:12] Other tips for visitors who want to visit Roland-Garros [00:33:32] Zipper pockets pants [00:35:39] Outro [00:36:02] New patrons [00:36:38] France Itinerary Consult Service [00:37:12] Self-guided tours of Paris [00:38:16] Join Us in France Facebook group [00:39:13] This week in French News, Strike Day [00:45:49] Personal Update this week [00:46:38] Show notes [00:47:38] Copyright  

Today, Annie Sargent brings you a conversation with Elyse Rivin of Toulouse Guided Walks about the big events coming up in Paris in 2023. We also have a recap of how Paris museums have been doing since the pandemic. And Annie gets to do her own trip report and spills the beans on the best things she enjoyed in Paris in January 2023. Table of Contents for this Episode [00:00:16] Intro [00:00:38] Today on the podcast [00:01:10] Podcast supporters [00:04:00] New patrons [00:04:55] Next week on the podcast [00:05:30] Annie and Elyse – Coming Up in Paris [00:05:45] Museums in Paris since the pandemic [00:07:26] Centre Pompidou [00:07:51] Quai Branly [00:09:54] Versailles [00:12:50] The City of Paris museums [00:13:21] The Catacombs [00:15:41] Orangerie and Orsay [00:17:13] Edvard Munch [00:19:21] The Orsay Museum wants your to buy your tickets with their App [00:22:08] What’s happening at the Orsay in 2023 [00:25:11] 7 Expos not to miss in Paris in 2023 [00:27:07] 50th anniversary of the death of Picasso [00:31:02] Museums outside of Paris [00:31:43] Paris needs to stop hogging all the art! [00:33:46] Annie’s visit to Paris [00:37:25] Jacquemart-André Museum [00:38:48] Costcos in France [00:40:48] Cluny Museum [00:42:16] Visiting the newly reopened BnF Richelieu [00:44:38] Musee de la Liberation [00:46:28] Rue Daguerre [00:47:47] Bringing the dog to Paris [00:49:25] Long drive [00:49:46] Charging the car on the freeway [00:52:39] Copyright  

The train system in France is known as the SNCF and is one of the most extensive and well-connected train networks in Europe. With high-speed trains such as the TGV and regional trains, the SNCF offers fast and convenient transportation throughout the country, connecting major cities and remote regions. Additionally, the SNCF operates an extensive network of suburban trains, known as the RER, in the Paris region, making it easy for residents and visitors to get around the city and its suburbs. Overall, the train system in France is an efficient and reliable mode of transportation for both short and long-distance travel. This episode is a a reference for anyone who wants to travel in France using the train. The French train system is not perfect, but once you learn how to use it, you'll find it relaxing and satisfying. able of Contents for this Episode [00:00:36] Today on the podcast [00:01:59] Podcast supporters [00:03:04] VoiceMap Tour of Paris Eiffel Tower [00:03:33] France Bootcamp [00:03:48] Next week on the podcast [00:04:15] Newbies’ Guide to Taking the Train in France [00:05:08] Overview [00:05:26] Chronotrains [00:06:35] Traveling from a French city to another via Paris [00:07:30] Regional trains TER [00:08:35] The RER system in Paris [00:09:48] Rome2Rio [00:10:44] How and when to buy tickets [00:12:06] Apps useful to buy tickets [00:14:58] Sleeper trains [00:16:31] Eurail app [00:18:15] Deals if you book in advance [00:19:11] Buy tickets at the machine or use the SNCF-Connect app [00:20:10] Île-de-France region [00:21:57] Week’s pass [00:22:55] Bonjour RATP app [00:24:17] Navigo Découverte card [00:26:49] Getting the right train to go to Giverny [00:28:33] How do you take the train? [00:36:09] Finding your seat [00:36:49] Where should you stand on the platform for quick stops? [00:38:14] Catching a train from a station that’s not a terminal station [00:38:59] Entering or exiting the train at a continuing station [00:41:14] Don’t count on good data on the train [00:42:03] Grandes lignes vs Metro lines, etc. [00:43:12] Food at the train stations [00:45:03] Large train stations have lockers and Nanny Bags [00:45:42] Discount cards for French trains [00:47:50] Use the app [00:49:06] Advantage card and why the Trainline app is useful [00:50:29] Date format [00:51:24] Travel light and train travel with kids [00:52:53] Copyright

The Huguenots were a Protestant minority in France during the 16th and 17th centuries. They faced intense persecution from the French Catholic majority and the monarchy. The persecution of Protestants in France resulted in the St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre in 1572. Thousands of Huguenots died on that day. Despite terrible challenges, Huguenots made significant contributions to French society, particularly in the fields of art, science, and commerce. Many Huguenots eventually emigrated from France to other countries, such as England, Germany, the Dutch Republic, and the Americas, where their beliefs were accepted better. Table of Contents for this Episode [00:00:36] Today on the podcast [00:01:24] Bootcamp spots opened up [00:02:11] Podcast supporters [00:02:45] After the episode [00:03:22] Annie and Elyse [00:03:58] We have a predisposition to hate [00:05:11] The Protestant Reformation and the Huguenots [00:05:40] Who are the huguenots? [00:07:17] Luther [00:08:41] Jean Calvin: The conceptor of French Protestantism [00:13:28] Marguerite, the King’s sister [00:14:18] Protestants are pushed outside the walls of the city [00:16:58] The War of Religions [00:18:19] The Medici Family [00:20:56] The Dukes of Guise family [00:22:14] 1562 – Religious War Begins with the Massacre de Wassy in Champagne [00:24:54] The St Barthélemy Day Massacre [00:26:00] Protestant Cities like Montpellier and Montauban [00:27:00] The dragonade [00:28:42] A great emigration [00:30:58] Henry IV and The Edict of Nantes [00:32:00] The war starts again [00:34:25] French cities put under siege by Louis XIII partly due to religion [00:35:53] The Edict of Nantes is revoked [00:36:34] L’affaire Calas in Toulouse [00:37:26] Why they came to be called Huguenots [00:38:42] The Huguenot Cross [00:39:36] Museums on the History of Protestants in France [00:43:49] Are you a descendant of Huguenots? [00:45:10] Thank you, patrons [00:46:08] Itinerary Consult Services [00:47:01] GPS self-guided tours on the VoiceMap app [00:48:38] How about taking one of my tours in French? [00:48:54] Travel question of the week [00:51:02] Feedback from supporters [00:52:25] This week in French News [00:53:25] Personal update / Visiting Paris in January [00:55:33] Next week on the podcast [00:56:04] Copyright #huguenots, #protestants, #france, #history, #podcast

African Americans have been present in Paris for centuries, with a significant number of them living in the city during the early 20th century. Many were artists, writers, and musicians who were drawn to the city's cultural scene. The period between the two World Wars is often referred to as the "Harlem Renaissance in Paris" because of the number of Black artists, writers, and musicians who lived and worked there at the time. They were part of a larger community of expatriates, which included many other Americans and Europeans. This period saw the emergence of jazz and the birth of the literary genre of the "Negro novel". Some famous Black Americans in Paris during this time include James Baldwin, Josephine Baker, and Duke Ellington. Table of Contents for this Episode [00:00:16] Intro [00:00:39] Today on the podcast [00:01:11] Podcast supporters [00:01:59] After the interview [00:02:35] Newsletter [00:02:59] Annie and Masika [00:03:15] The African American experience in Paris [00:04:21] Paris: A place to feel at home [00:06:01] James Baldwin’s books [00:07:13] Paris: Authors’ hangout [00:08:07] African – American History in Paris [00:10:30] Josephine Baker, places to visit [00:13:46] Josephine Baker at the Pantheon [00:15:04] Favorite places in Paris [00:15:41] Mrs. Beyonce Knowles Carter [00:16:18] Rick Steve’s tour [00:18:04] National museums free entry on first Sunday of the month [00:22:13] What do you recommend people do and see when they come to Paris? [00:23:00] Going to the grocey store [00:23:30] Smaller apartments in Europe [00:24:35] Completely different dining out experience [00:27:30] Moving to France [00:29:46] What she’s looking forward to visiting [00:31:09] Learn as much French as you can [00:33:48] Thank you patrons [00:34:11] New patrons [00:34:22] Preparing a trip to France? [00:34:37] Itinerary consult [00:35:21] Self-guided tours [00:35:50] Annie and Patricia Perry talk about restaurants around the Eiffel Tower [00:36:17] Restaurants we visited [00:37:18] L’Ami Jean [00:42:12] La Fontaine de Mars [00:44:31] L’Auberge Bressane [00:45:58] Aux Cerises [00:49:30] Restaurants on the Eiffel Tower [00:50:13] Tips for visiting the Eiffel Tower [00:52:37] Show notes and transcript [00:53:11] Next week on the podcast [00:53:40] Copyright #africanAmericans, #africanamericanhistory, #AfricanAmericanArtist, africanAmericanAuthor, #africanamericanstars, #africanAmericansinParis