Join Us in France Travel Podcast

There are tropes about France that will not die. So today, Annie and Elyse chat about dog poop and other problems suffered in France. Of course, the conversation we're commenting on took place on Facebook because where else can you find so many vocal yet uninformed people? So, we're having a little bit of fun with it while explaining a few things that are different in France from what English-speaking visitors expect. Is there zero dog poop problem in France? It is difficult to determine the extent of the dog poop problem in France, but we can tell you with certainty that it has gotten a lot better! Like any country, France has some areas where dog owners do not properly clean up after their pets. Please don't blame the whole country, it's that dog owner's fault! A few things you should know about France French people are not raised to think that they have to say yes to everything. It is a fact that French people don't generally sugarcoat their words. Plastic bags are not free in France the way they are at the grocery store in the US. If you need a bag, buy it or buy some small item plus a plastic bag. Don't be a "virtuous visitor" who knows better than locals and will show them the way to being a better person. Learn how things work in the country you're visiting instead. France has changed at lot, even if the impressions you still have from your first visit 20 years ago are still vivid in your mind. Please refrain from psycho analyzing people you don't know on Facebook! French parents give their kids room to grow and experience life, they don't over-protect so much. You are not entitled to France being the same as where home is. It's a different country, learn local customs instead. France is very dog-friendly, but there are few dog parks. This may be best because dog parks can be the place where dogs fight or share pathogens. You can't sit at a café all day working away on your laptop unless it's a café for students or workers. Crowd control measures are put in place for your safety, if the police closes a metro station or a street, please comply.   Table of Contents for this Episode [00:00:53] Today on the Podcast [00:02:10] Trip to Strasbourg [00:02:26] Podcast supporters [00:03:13] Annie and Elyse [00:04:36] She wouldn’t give me a bag [00:12:45] It’s much better than in the past [00:15:23] Children are “barely tolerated” [00:17:50] Bonjour first [00:19:56] Feeling of entitlement [00:20:55] Is France dog-friendly? [00:23:17] Hunting Dogs from Gascogne [00:23:52] Hunting dogs from Vendeen [00:24:24] Hunting dogs from other regions of France [00:24:50] A few hunting dogs from France [00:25:53] Working dogs [00:26:14] War Dogs [00:26:41] Companion Dogs [00:27:16] Evolving attitudes about dogs in France [00:28:41] Dogs in the city keep us in contact with nature [00:29:36] Dogs in apartments and walking [00:31:14] Experience with dogs in a recent visit to Tennessee [00:33:18] Service dogs in France [00:34:39] What visitors would like [00:36:10] Can you bring your laptop to the cafe? [00:38:12] Crowd control measures [00:39:37] Breakfast at French hotels [00:40:49] Don’t bring your dog to France unless you’re moving here [00:42:28] Thank you Patrons [00:43:38] Thank you Donors [00:44:12] Itinerary Consult / VoiceMap tours [00:45:57] Five Days around Strasbourg at Christmas [00:56:04] Shownotes and Transcript [00:56:51] Copyright #dogs, #doglover, #doglife, #doggy, #doggo, #dogscorner, #dogmom, #dogwalk, #dogtraining, #servicedog

Going back to Paris is always a wonderful experience. The city is filled with so much history, culture, and beauty, with its iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame Cathedral, its charming streets and neighborhoods, and its world-renowned museums and art galleries. There is always something new to discover in Paris, whether it's trying a new restaurant or café, exploring a new neighborhood, or attending a cultural event. The city is also known for its fashion, food, and wine, making it a truly unforgettable destination. Every time I visit Paris, I am struck by its timeless charm and elegance, and I can't wait to go back again and see what new adventures the city has in store for me. On today's episode Annie Sargent chats with Elsa Acevedo about her family going back to Paris with her husband and 4 children. They went to all the places you would suspect and a few that will surprise you. Was it a good time? Click play and let Elsa explain! Table of Contents with links to the transcript [00:00:29] Today on the podcast [00:01:42] English Trifle [00:02:19] Podcast supporters [00:03:09] Interview with Elsa [00:03:28] The family [00:04:14] The length of the visit [00:04:44] When did the trip take place? [00:04:50] Favourite things they did [00:05:02] Versailles [00:06:11] Extra ‘serenade’ experience [00:07:27] Arc de Triomphe [00:09:14] Where were they staying? [00:10:30] Metro card [00:11:38] Eiffel Tower [00:12:47] Louvre Museum [00:13:12] Napoleon’s Apartments [00:15:26] Disneyland Paris [00:17:17] Disneyland Tips [00:18:44] Musée de l’Armée [00:22:27] Musée de L’Orangerie [00:23:53] Museum of Natural History [00:25:14] The Catacombs [00:26:52] Opéra Garnier [00:27:42] Tips and Tricks for Families [00:28:38] How many hours were they out? [00:30:46] Reservations and Tickets [00:35:09] Learn a little bit of French [00:35:45] Metro cards [00:37:01] Getting around [00:38:05] Flash Invaders [00:38:46] Plan if your kids get lost [00:40:02] Always have an alternative plan [00:41:28] Differences from the last visit [00:43:46] Copyright More episodes about family travel in France #paris, #familytime, #familygoal, #travelfamily

There are several rookie mistakes visitors make in France, especially if they are visiting for the first time. Annie Sargent asked the Join Us in France Group in Facebook what mistakes they made and they came up with 32 fantastic observations that you need to know about so you don't make the same mistakes!   Table of Contents for 'Rookie Mistakes Visitors Make in France' with links to the text transcript   [00:00:00] Intro [00:00:31] Today on the podcast [00:01:14] No news this week [00:01:45] Podcast supporters [00:03:06] Annie and Elyse [00:03:17] 32 Rookie Mistakes [00:03:43] 1. Don’t Overschedule your day [00:05:55] 2. Self-cleaning toilets [00:07:10] 3. Good Manners [00:09:56] 4. Comfortable shoes [00:10:47] 5. Buy it if you want it [00:11:23] 6. Eat at French standard time [00:13:51] 7 Avoid the crowds [00:15:24] 8. Andouillette is not a small American andouille sausage [00:16:16] 9. Don’t expect busy Parisians to stop and chat [00:17:12] 10. Don’t presume the waiter will bring you the bill as soon as you’re done eating [00:18:31] 11. Bonjour or Bonsoir after 6PM [00:19:29] 12. Don’t get angry if there are transportation problems [00:20:44] 13. Do not say “Tu” to a stranger if that person is not clearly under 10 [00:23:47] 14. Visit Paris first [00:25:50] 16. It’s a mistake not to try the daily special at restaurants [00:27:19] 17. Understand how trains work [00:28:00] 18. Not understanding French restaurant etiquette [00:28:31] 19. It’s a mistake to take a hideous. Package tour rather than organize your own trip [00:30:46] 20. Have a travel pack in your bag [00:31:35] 21. Beware of cyclists and electric scooters [00:33:59] 22. Being worried that you are going to look like a tourist [00:35:56] 23. Don’t over pack. [00:37:08] 24. Ice for your drinks [00:38:10] 25 Keep your train tickets [00:39:29] 26 Get the waiter’s attention [00:40:44] 27. Trusting the GPS too much [00:43:07] 28. Don’t worry about finding cash [00:45:12] 29. Understanding how tipping woks in Francew [00:45:49] 30. Use Apple Pay or Google Pay [00:47:19] 31. Don’t talk so loud [00:48:18] 32 Don’t underestimate people’s kindness [00:50:12] Copyright   More episodes for first-time visitors #rookiemistake, #rookiefrance, #visitors, #touristlife, #parisjetaime, #paristips, #parisknowhow, #joinusinfrance Support the Show Tip Your Guides Extras Patreon Audio Tours Merchandise If you enjoyed this episode, you should also listen to related episode(s): A Cornucopia of Bizarre French Foods, Episode 193 Tipping and 10 Things You Didn't Know About France, Episode 91

Trip Report: A Jewish Perspective on Paris On today's Trip Report, Shmuel Perl shares his experiences in Paris and explains that the Marais is not the only place where he found Jewish culture in Paris! After the interview Annie shares an update on Dicey Paris neighborhood and on what Paris is like on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Plus a bit of French news! Table of Contents for this Episode [00:00:00] Intro [00:00:28] Today on the podcast [00:01:47] Podcast support [00:03:07] A Jewish perspective on Paris [00:03:29] First visit to France [00:04:12] When was the trip? [00:05:18] Experiencing Jewish Paris, the Marais and more [00:06:46] Shoah Museum [00:08:00] Allée des Justes [00:08:19] Where do you go to see Jewish Paris today? [00:08:35] Museum of Art and History of Judaism [00:10:15] Modern Jewish life is in the 17th Arrondissement [00:11:33] Favorite kosher restaurants [00:13:36] An authentic Jewish Pastry in the Marais [00:14:45] How long was the visit? [00:15:42] French-Jewish Food Influences [00:17:17] Hotel near a Synagogue [00:20:49] Experienced any antisemitism? [00:25:28] Areas they enjoyed the most [00:27:11] Vedettes du Pont Neuf [00:28:01] Photoshoot at Trocadero [00:28:52] Arc de Triomphe [00:29:51] Montmartre tour [00:31:59] Candora Perfume Workshop [00:33:00] Parselle Leopold-Sedar-Senghor [00:34:35] Don’t do the love-lock thing [00:35:25] How did Paris feel to you? [00:39:54] Outro [00:41:00] Preparing a trip to France? [00:42:41] Crack cocaine in Paris [00:45:44] What YOU can do to avoid dicey neighborhoods in Paris in 2022 [00:48:21] Christmas in Paris [00:50:44] This week in French news [00:51:31] Free condoms for folks under 25 in France [00:52:30] Show notes More episodes about visiting Paris for the first time #jewish, #jewishfood, #jewishlife, #jewishholiday, #jewishquarter, #jewishmuseum, #jewishcommunity, #jewishtradition, #joinusinfrance

Today's episode is an episode with Elyse Rivin about the town of Lavaur in Occitanie. Elyse and I went in September, and you know what? It's a cute small city of abour 11,000 inhabitants. We had a great time. It's a lovely town that attracts a lot of people who look to live in quiet area not too far from a major city. Table of Contents for this Episode [00:00:46] Podcast supporters [00:03:19] Annie and Elyse [00:03:24] Lavaur, Tarn Department [00:04:29] Lavaur today, town or city? [00:05:23] Happy people of Lavaur [00:06:52] O Temps des Saveurs, Epicerie Fine [00:07:52] Excellent Organic Food Market [00:09:05] St Alain Cathedral [00:09:59] Lavaur is famous for its Jacquemart (bellstriker) [00:13:13] St François Church [00:14:10] Taking care of their churches and houses [00:15:43] A lot of events and cultural activities [00:17:01] Municipal Museum and Mediatheque [00:19:38] Silk production in Lavaur [00:21:03] A step back in history [00:22:04] Guiraude, the Lady of Lavaur [00:31:05] The Food and Wines of Lavaur [00:32:10] Garlic Soup [00:33:47] Lavaur is great for people who want to get away from massive tourism [00:35:27] Outro [00:35:44] New patrons [00:37:05] Preparing a trip to France? [00:37:18] Itinerary consults [00:37:50] Self-guided tours [00:38:09] Visiting France in winter months [00:40:14] French Health System [00:42:03] In France patients are in charge of their records [00:44:58] ChatGPT [00:45:33] This week in French news [00:46:01] Show notes and transcript [00:46:24] Next week on the podcast Episode Notes | Show Notes | Transcript

Casey Armistead had her first visit to France as a solo traveler. You might think that someone who's coming to France for the first time is likely to stay in Paris the whole time or might have a limited itinerary. Not Casey! She wanted to see a lot more of France and she used trains and car rentals to see all the places she had in mind. Listen to hear about all the wonderful places she went. In this episode, Annie also discusses the 10 most cost efficient places to live in France as reported by Le Parisien newspaper. Episode Page | Guest Notes | Episode Transcript Table of Contents for this Episode [00:00:00] Intro [00:00:35] Today on the podcast [00:01:05] Podcast supporters [00:01:23] News update [00:02:06] First Visit to France as a Solo Traveler [00:02:14] Solo traveling [00:04:21] Begining the trip in Paris [00:04:58] Petite Beloy Hotel [00:05:39] Walking for hours in Paris [00:08:08] Latin Quarter walking tour [00:09:37] Dinner Cruise on Le Calife [00:12:25] Tulleries, Orangerie, Petite Palace [00:12:44] Audio Tour at the Orangerie [00:13:10] Petit Palais [00:13:31] Rodin Museum [00:14:14] Sacré Coeur [00:16:14] Montmartre [00:16:55] Lots of walking! [00:17:34] Walking to the Opera House [00:18:48] Safe as a solo traveler on the streets of Paris [00:19:14] Tips on taking the train in France [00:21:34] Renting a car at the Aix train station [00:22:40] Driving through Aix-en-Provence [00:25:46] La Maison de Marie B&B [00:28:40] Kayak experience from Collias in the Gard [00:30:28] Free music concerts for Fête de la Musique on June 21 [00:30:58] Avignon [00:33:40] Lavender fields in Sault [00:34:46] Buying gas in France [00:35:13] Horse back riding tour [00:35:56] Forcalquier [00:37:44] Tips for other solo visitors and first time visitors to France [00:40:29] Outro[00:40:29] Thank you, patrons [00:40:49] New patrons [00:41:04] Garlic soup [00:41:33] Preparing a trip to France? [00:42:25] Self-guided tours [00:43:02] The French baguette [00:45:13] Emmanuel Macron’s visit to the US [00:47:15] Electric cars conundrum [00:49:31] Europe is very disparate [00:50:13] Great places to live in France [00:56:31] Personal update [00:57:23] Show notes and transcript [00:58:07] Next week on the podcast

Bonjour Francophiles ! Today Annie Sargent and Meredith Wheeler introduce you to the lovely village of Lautrec in the Tarn. Lautrec is famous for its garlic festival which happens the first weekend of every August. They really love garlic in Lautrec (who doesn't?) so, the local food specialty is garlic soup. It is possible you have never had garlic soup. Having tried it for the first time myself recently in Lautrec, I can attest to the fact that garlic soup is surprisingly delicious. It is also easy to make, but I wouldn't recommend it if you're trying to shed some weight. I'll share a recipe with my Patrons because the recipes I am finding on-line are not like what I had in Lautrec. Lautrec also boasts a gorgeous windmill and is at the heart of the area sometimes named "Pays de Cocagne." It has the reputation of being a paradise on earth. It is gorgeous and Meredith and her husband, Robin Ellis fell in love with the area many years ago and made it their permanent residence.   Table of Contents for "A visit to Lautrec in the Tarn"   [00:00:00] Intro [00:00:37] Today on the podcast [00:01:32] Podcast supporters [00:02:23] New patron shoutout [00:03:13] Thinking of booking an itinerary consult? [00:04:25] Lautrec in the Tarn [00:05:22] A brief history of Lautrec [00:08:12] Why did you choose to move to Lautrec? [00:09:53] The Garlic Festival in Lautrec [00:11:00] The Garlic Festival is on the first weekend of August [00:12:55] Buying Lautrec Garlic [00:13:26] The Garlic Soup [00:15:38] How did you learn French? [00:18:00] Involvement in community [00:18:35] Lautrec, the land of Pastel [00:20:32] Places to visit in Lautrec [00:22:06] The markets in the area [00:23:34] Renovating an old house [00:26:40] Buying furniture at brocantes [00:28:54] Anything not to like in Lautrec? [00:29:54] Train Station in Lautrec [00:31:27] Castres is a great place too [00:32:30] Favorite local wines: Gaillac has gotten really good! [00:34:47] Retire to Lautrec [00:35:51] Go talk to a Notaire if you’re looking for property to buy [00:36:10] Lautrec welcomes new residents and young families [00:37:51] Internet access can attract younger people #Lautrec81, #Occitanie, #France, #Joinusinfrance

Today Annie Sargent brings you a conversation with Elyse Rivin  about Jean-François Champollion the man who deciphered Egyptian hieroglyphics. We talked about the places he lived, the positions he held, and how he became obsessed with languages. The period of the late 1700s early 1800s was a fascinating time in French history and this episode will help you see why. We talk about the places you can visit if you want to learn about Champollion and his work, we talk about the circumstances of his upbringing just as the French Revolution was brewing. His older brother was also very interested in languages and young Champollion followed in his footsteps and showed great interest in exotic writing systems. Table of Contents [00:00:38] Today on the podcast [00:01:23] Podcast supporters [00:01:41] Annie’s Cookbook: Join Us at the Table [00:03:27] Places related to Champollion [00:03:58] Museum of Writing [00:06:01] Museum in Vif [00:07:32] Early Childhood [00:10:14] Jean Francois Champollion and school [00:10:48] His older brother [00:12:35] Interest in Languages and writing systems [00:18:50] I am Egypt. Egypt is me. [00:19:16] The Egyptians wrote on everything [00:21:21] Champollion gets a copy of the Rosetta Stone [00:25:20] Reading the Rosetta Stone [00:31:03] Cracking open 3000 years of Egyptian history [00:32:06] Writing systems invented to bring Christianity to first peoples [00:35:51] Egyptomania in Europe [00:38:16] Orientalism in art [00:38:53] The definitive translation of the Rosetta Stone [00:39:58] Champollion assimilates Egyptian culture [00:42:52] Outro [00:45:28] Preparing a trip to France? [00:46:28] Self-guided tours [00:46:59] Christmas decorations in Paris in 2022 [00:51:57] Related episodes [00:52:42] Thanksgiving at Annie’s house [00:55:51] Show notes [00:56:07] Next week on the podcast #France, #Champollion, #Hieroglyphics, #FrenchHistory Episode Page

Do you dream about following the Tour de France in person? Perhaps you'd like to ride where the professionals are going to battle it out? Maybe you want to see the finish line on the Champs Elysées and get an autograph from some of the riders? My guest for this trip report, Tammy McKibben did all of these things. She even did something that can complicate your life a bit: they brought their own bikes to France in the belly of the plane! Listen to her experiences so you can plan your own adventure following the Tour de France in person. Table of Contents for 'Following the Tour de France' episode [00:00:00] Intro [00:00:35] Today on the podcast [00:00:53] Follow The Tour next year [00:01:49] Supporting the podcast [00:02:27] Following the Tour with Tammy McKibben [00:02:45] Have things changed since the last time? [00:03:53] Advice in following the tour [00:04:30] Grand Depart for 2023 in Spain [00:06:37] Which stage was she in? [00:08:57] Planning stages [00:09:35] Find a hotel [00:11:21] Riding the same road before the caravan arrives [00:14:10] Arrive early [00:16:10] Booking hotels very early [00:20:43] Rent a bike or bring your own bikes? [00:22:17] Bring your own bike – Airport experience [00:27:17] Clubs or bike associations [00:29:22] With the bikes on the train [00:31:24] Renting a van [00:31:51] Renting a vehicle from a grocery store would be ideal but probably not doable [00:32:59] There are companies that can arrange all of that for you [00:33:41] The finish in Paris [00:35:35] Team and rider victory lap around the Champs Elysées [00:36:30] Watching the Tour on TV [00:43:11] Outro [00:43:32] New patrons [00:44:09] Supporting Elyse [00:44:33] Preparing a trip to France? [00:45:22] GPS self-guided tours [00:45:57] Amazon recommended products [00:46:58] This Week in French News [00:49:38] Personal Update [00:50:25] Show notes [00:50:44] Next week on the podcast   More episodes about active vacations in France

Berthe Morisot and Mary Cassat are the only two Impressionist female artists that regular people (sometimes) know about. Berthe fought tooth and nail to be recognized in a select group of Impressionist artists without ever seeming too strident. For the times, this was revolutionary because that group included Monet, Manet, Renoir, Degas and many more men. Women were left out like they didn't matter at all. Most of the male artists she worked with didn't see any problem with that. Argh!!!! Elyse Rivin of Toulouse Guided Walks does a wonderful job telling us about the life of Berthe Morisot, her art, and how she fits in her historical context. Episode Page | Show Notes | Transcript