Join Us in France Travel Podcast

In this episode of the podcast, Elyse Rivin of Toulouse Guided Walks tells us about the birth of the bicycle and of the Tour de France. The first the Tour de France in 1903 started small but hasn't stopped growing ever since. Why do we love bicycles so much anyway? Most French people worked in agriculture then and it's a fact that bicycles gave young men much freedom. Some people feared what young women might do if they had the freedom a bicycle afforded them! In this episode we wonder who wore the first yellow jersey and why? Where's a great place to watch the Tour go by in Paris? What's the publicity caravan all about? Why is the tour so popular today? Click play and get ready for a fantastic Tour starting July 1, 2022. Table of Contents for this Episode [00:00:00] Intro [00:00:38] Today’s Episode of the Join Us in France Podcast [00:01:03] Keep your stuff safe [00:01:42] French Immersion / Join Us in France Reunion / France Bootcamp [00:03:00] Main show [00:03:44] How many times have they witnessed Tour de France in person? [00:05:13] More fun watching the Tour de France on TV? [00:06:13] True fans follow their team around [00:06:57] Tour de France still happened despite COVID [00:07:23] When and where does it start? [00:07:37] Stages or étapes? [00:08:15] Why are they starting in Copenhagen? [00:09:16] An exceptional year [00:09:58] Distance covered by the Tour de France this year [00:10:53] What are the stages of the Tour this year? [00:11:22] Towns pay to be a stop [00:12:28] The end stage in Paris is different this year [00:13:35] They do disturb traffic everywhere [00:13:59] Website to follow the event [00:14:42] When was the first Tour de France? [00:15:15] When was the bicycle invented? [00:16:14] When was the modern bicycle invented? [00:17:21] The first Tour de France [00:17:36] Le Vélo Newspaper Political Story [00:19:14] Bike Race to Sell the Newspaper? [00:20:14] Farmer Champion [00:21:48] Scandals and cheating on the Tour [00:22:14] Three main things were there from the beginning [00:23:22] 1911 tried high mountains [00:24:13] No races during WWI [00:24:18] When and Why the Yellow Jersey? [00:25:54] Why watch it? [00:26:46] The best place to watch it from [00:28:14] Publicity Caravans [00:29:44] Menier Chocolate the First Advertiser [00:30:47] Taken over after the war [00:31:54] Television changed everything for the Tour [00:33:08] When were drones introduced? [00:34:04] They also have motorcycles [00:35:02] How many people watch the Tour? [00:36:53] What other sports are popular to watch? [00:37:58] Teams and bikers this year [00:38:38] Commercial company sponsors vs Country representation [00:39:27] Keeping Tour de France Clean [00:39:51] Health risks during the tour [00:40:34] A little dangerous for the public too [00:41:10] Trinkets from the publicity caravans [00:41:50] If you’re waiting to see the tour [00:42:41] The First Women’s Tour de France [00:46:29] Thank you, patrons! [00:46:53] Shout out to new patrons [00:48:17] Preparing a trip to France? [00:48:46] Hire Annie [00:49:44] Take the self-guided tours [00:50:36] Travel question of the week [00:54:07] Feedback from Toulouse visitor [00:56:14] Personal update [00:57:07] Chateau de Mereville [00:57:27] La Grotte de Pech-Merle [00:57:44] Restaurants [00:57:54] Farm [00:58:08] Winery [00:58:25] Stranded by mechanical failure [01:00:26] Road side assistance in France [01:04:07] Show notes [01:04:34] Next week on the podcast Episode Page | Show Notes | Transcript

Today, Annie Sargent brings you a conversation with Michel Ravitsky about Life on the Canal du Midi. Michel is French and a young retiree. He lives on his barge (péniche in French) part-time. Michel has taken some great trips on the Canal du Midi and other canals as he explains. If you ever think about renting a boat on a Canal in France, and especially on the Canal du Midi, you’ll want to listen to this episode because Michel gives us the inside view of what it’s like. He's seen boat renters struggle to make it work and fall into traps that leads them to waste their time. There are things you can do to make your vacation on the Canal du Midi smoother!   Episode Page | Transcript Table of Contents for this Episode [00:00:00] Intro [00:02:54] Annie and David: Oops, we lost a bit of the recording! [00:03:34] A barge is a great way to have a small apartment in the Toulouse city center [00:05:08] Bateau d’intérêt patrimonial [00:06:05] Annie and Michel: Canal Navigation 101 [00:06:34] Need software for navigation or you get lost [00:06:43] How to navigate canals between Amsterdam and Toulouse [00:07:09] Sometimes currents are very strong in Spring [00:07:39] Took 3 months at 8 km/h [00:08:13] Do you need a permit? [00:08:38] Visitors don’t have to have a permit [00:09:21] Favourite Places on Canal du Midi? [00:09:45] La Baïse, a narrow river for small boats [00:10:17] Seuil de Naurouze, a beautiful spot not too far from Toulouse [00:10:49] Locks close at night [00:11:21] Where do you dock for the night? [00:12:16] Big floating RV [00:12:53] Getting around when you stop somewhere [00:13:31] Castelnaudary, a popular stop on the Canal du Midi [00:13:56] Going through the original locks from the 17th century [00:14:28] Tourists along the canal [00:14:52] When’s the best time to go? [00:15:11] Yachts and sailboats on the Canal du Midi [00:15:39] Fees to pay? [00:16:03] Canal Authority fees [00:16:32] Diseased trees along Canal du Midi [00:17:52] What does he like to do on the canal? [00:18:02] Stopping along the way to do watercolour [00:18:33] Services along the canal [00:19:20] How long to pass a lock? [00:20:01] Gendarmerie de Castelnaudary [00:21:01] No longer used for freight [00:21:49] Cycling along the canal [00:22:46] Is the Canal du Midi safe? [00:23:03] A family lifestyle or not? [00:23:24] Speed limits [00:24:15] At the helm all the time? [00:25:19] How many days in a year do you sail? [00:26:02] Dropping friends off at railway stations [00:26:35] Mechanical issues [00:27:52] Canal cruises take a lot of time [00:28:39] Apps or Maps for Getting Around the Canals [00:30:37] Try to speak a little French [00:31:10] Most locks are automatic [00:31:37] Are people friendly? [00:33:28] Thank you, patrons [00:34:38] Prepare your trip to France [00:34:57] Hire me to be your itinerary consultant [00:36:00] Self-guided tours [00:36:58] How do taxis work in Paris? [00:43:41] Paris taxis and credit cards [00:46:21] Use Apple Pay or Google Pay [00:47:21] Do you need to tip your taxi driver? Patreon | Boutique | Newletter | Booking  

The Jardin des Plantes in Paris is one of the most wonderful places to visit with kids of all ages. Translated literally, it mean botanical garden. But there is a lot more to it than your average botanical garden. The Jardin des Plantes is a major institution in Paris and encompasses the Gallery of Evolution, the Mineralogy area, the Palaeontology area, the Greenhouses, and a Zoo! Episode Page | Show Notes | Transcript Table of Contents for this Episode [00:00:00] Intro [00:01:56] About the Jardin des Plantes in Paris [00:02:04] Where is Le Jardin des Plantes? [00:02:45] How big is it? [00:03:20] What can you do? [00:04:02] There’s more to the name [00:04:31] What can you visit? [00:04:34] What you see first [00:04:45] Grande Galerie de l’Evolution [00:06:28] How does the ticketing work? [00:07:28] Galerie de Mineralogie et Geologie [00:08:51] Galerie de Paleontologie et d’Anatomie Comparee [00:11:06] Serres du Jardin des Plantes [00:12:24] Amphitheater [00:12:35] Menagerie [00:14:01] Botanical Garden [00:14:09] Special exhibits [00:14:52] Checkout the website for special exhibits [00:16:19] Ticketing at the Jardin des Plantes [00:18:26] The history of the Jardin des Plantes [00:19:22] How it all started [00:20:14] Royal Medicinal Garden [00:22:26] Decided to expand it [00:22:42] Count Buffon [00:23:55] Thank you for the coffee, Buffon! [00:25:06] Scientific Discovery Rush [00:26:22] L’Histoire de la Naturelle [00:27:05] The Gloriette [00:28:25] Bufon planted lots of trees [00:28:50] Restored after the revolution [00:31:16] The greenhouses and gardens [00:31:42] Ecological garden [00:32:32] Botanical Garden is free [00:33:46] School children visit the museums [00:34:08] How long do the tours take? [00:34:33] Don’t rush through the VoiceMap tours [00:37:17] Thank you Patrons and Donors! [00:39:22] Hire Annie to be your itinerary consultant Patreon | Boutique | Newletter | Booking

Patty and her husband are actively looking for a place to call their own in France and they are leaving no stone unturned, as you will hear when you play this episode. Because Patty and her husband have a goal to move to France within 5 years, when they come to France they don't look for the best tourist attractions. Instead, look for places where they might want to live. They travel to get the feel of a place and they also usually visit the nearby attractions. Header photo: this is the village of Montolieu, village du livre et d'art near Carcassonne, France. Looking for a place to call your own in France Their search lead them to the Rhone Valley, Burgundy, the Aude and the Ariège. These are the sort of beautiful places they'd like to retire to eventually. Places that are not touristy, with charm and character, affordable prices, and easy access to a city and services. After my chat with Patty Annie will share a scary personal update, travel tips and news and AT LONG LAST! Some details about the French Immersion / Join Us in France Reunion I am planning for all of you who would like to join me in France May 21 through May 27, 2023 in Toulouse. I’ll be emailing everyone on my email list about it as well. If you’re not on the email list, subscribe here. Table of Contents for this Episode [00:00:00] Intro [00:03:09] Looking for a place to call your own in France [00:03:18] Patty’s trip [00:04:08] Why the trip? [00:04:48] The places she enjoyed [00:04:51] Loved Montolieu [00:05:41] Worst season for tourism [00:06:03] Carnival in Limoux [00:08:27] Wine from the Abbey [00:09:26] Montolieu [00:10:31] Bram [00:10:50] Quillan [00:12:18] Carcassonne [00:13:10] Two-Michelin-star restaurant [00:15:04] Narbonne [00:15:49] Mirepoix and Ariège [00:16:48] Ariège [00:16:54] Foix [00:17:43] It’s wet [00:19:02] Skiing [00:20:48] Clientele [00:21:36] Castelnaudary [00:23:21] Traveling back across South [00:23:35] Uzès [00:24:30] Market in Uzès [00:24:43] Candy Museum [00:27:06] Rouille de Seiche [00:28:10] Birthday in Lyon [00:29:42] In Burgundy [00:30:00] Lons-le-Saunier [00:30:42] Chalon-sur-Saône [00:31:48] Baume-les-Messieurs [00:35:02] Looking at a place with the eyes of a potential resident [00:35:45] Places where they don’t switch to English the second they hear your accent [00:36:56] Getting to a good level of fluency in French [00:37:47] Using iTalki to struggle through and converse in French [00:40:10] Thank you Patrons! [00:41:39] Itinerary Consult with Annie [00:43:56] Travel tips and news [00:43:58] What is the best way to enter the Louvre? [00:45:38] Getting your Covid test before you fly home [00:47:22] Ascension is a national holiday in France [00:48:21] Grotte Cosquer, a replica of a painted cave in Marseille [00:51:11] French Immersion with Join Us in France [00:53:47] Fire at Annie’s house

In today's episode of the podcast, Elyse Rivin of Toulouse Guided Walks shares a brief history of the Chemin de Compostelle, how it evolved over the several hundred years and what it looks like today. Walking the Chemin de Compostelle is more popular than ever, even for pilgrims who are not religious at all. Many people walk a section of the Camino every year because it's good for the body and the soul as well. Table of Contents for this Episode [00:00:00] Intro [00:02:04] The Pilgrimage [00:02:49] Pilgrimage routes in different religions [00:03:41] What matters most in this pilgrimage? [00:05:05] Kinds of pilgrimages [00:05:47] Why Compostelle? [00:07:04] James the Apostle [00:07:49] Spain didn’t work [00:08:15] Herod killed him [00:09:01] Took him out of Jerusalem [00:09:31] Washed out in Spain [00:09:53] Renewed interest in this spot in northern Spain [00:11:14] Discovery of Saint James’s remains [00:12:07] People started coming to the place [00:12:50] French monk [00:13:31] He wrote a detailed guidebook [00:14:23] Pushback [00:15:24] Promoted by Ferdinand and Isabella [00:15:56] Popularity wanes [00:17:17] Revival of pilgrimages [00:17:37] The pilgrimage routes [00:19:14] The seashell symbol [00:20:58] Souvenirs [00:22:23] Other symbols [00:22:44] The staff [00:25:30] The four routes [00:25:32] The first route from Paris: la Tour de Saint Jacques [00:28:17] The second route from Vézelay [00:29:28] The third route from Puy en Vélay [00:30:04] The fourth route [00:30:47] Doing the routes [00:31:06] Free lodging? [00:32:34] Apps and guides [00:32:55] Where to stay? [00:33:34] A fascrinating endeavor [00:34:43] Villages everywhere [00:35:51] Not a party route [00:37:27] Bicycle route? [00:38:45] Outro[00:38:45] Patrons [00:39:28] Video for patrons [00:39:55] Hire my services [00:40:55] Paris self-guided tours [00:41:43] French tip of the week [00:44:15] This week in French news [00:46:59] Travel news [00:47:50] Personal update [00:52:10] Reading Victor Hugo [00:53:34] Closing [00:54:49] Legal notice FOLLOW US ON: Email | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | Twitter

Do you need some inspiration for healthy meals at home? Listen to this episode! Annie Sargent and Sarala Terpstra geek out about French food and how to make it vegan. Tips for home cooks and vegan visitors who love French food. Keep in mind that a lot of classic French recipes that are vegan to begin with, do you know which ones? #joinusinfrance #vegan #recipes Sarala's and Annie's Cookbooks Sarala's cookbook: Vegan French Favorites: 30 Beloved French Recipes Reimagined Annie's cookbook: Join Us at the Table: Easy French Recipes Anyone Can Make at Home How about vegan visitors in France? Vegans visiting France can find many food options, especially in big cities. But inexpensive restaurants don't try to make classic French food vegan. Instead, they'll serve you curries or poke bowls, etc. The more expensive restaurants work harder at adapting French food to be, but it's a lot more work than making a basic vegan curry. Michelin Bib restaurants are especially good for vegans looking for an upscale meal in France. Table of Contents for this Episode [00:00:00] Classic French Recipes with a Vegan Twist [00:02:37] Interview [00:03:09] How long has Sarala been vegan? [00:04:02] Indian food is much more flavourful [00:04:37] Annie’s book: Join Us a the Table [00:05:11] What is it like eating vegan in France? [00:05:36] Restaurants aren’t prejudiced about vegan customers [00:05:54] Restaurants might try to accommodate vegans [00:07:30] Recipes in Sarala’s cookbook: French Vegan Favorites [00:09:01] Ratatouille [00:09:15] Vegan French onion soup [00:09:58] La Pissaladière [00:10:35] Vegan sorbet [00:11:07] Végan béchamel [00:11:33] Blanquette de veau [00:11:55] Vegan galettes [00:13:20] Pan con tomate [00:13:24] Poulet Basquaise [00:13:32] Vegan salade juive [00:14:11] Soupe au pistou [00:14:29] Tian de légumes (always vegan!) [00:15:31] Mains in Sarala’s cookbook [00:16:32] Beet tartare [00:16:48] Cassoulet [00:17:48] Cauliflower-au-vin [00:18:21] Vegan coq-au-vin [00:18:54] A lot of dishes were people just being resourceful [00:19:34] Snails [00:19:55] French cooking is not that complicated [00:22:00] Vegan fondue Savoyarde [00:22:34] Vegan gratin dauphinois [00:23:27] Vegan spinach souffle [00:24:10] Vegan tomates farcies [00:24:31] Vegan tomato tart [00:25:21] Vegan deserts [00:25:50] Vegan clafoutis [00:26:10] Reproducing cheese using vegetables [00:27:40] Favorite vegan meals you can make at home [00:27:58] Vegan braised endives [00:28:30] Vegan leeks and chicken [00:28:48] Vegan fondue de poireaux [00:29:30] Leeks are underrated and used a lot in France [00:29:54] Cauliflower florets [00:30:42] Using an air fryer [00:31:57] Buffalo sauce [00:33:01] Vegan sauces and dips [00:33:18] How do you find vegan restaurants in France? [00:35:19] Which apps can you find vegan restaurants on in France? [00:36:17] Do Indian restaurants in France have good vegan options? [00:36:27] Where to find Sarala’s cookbook? [00:37:15] How is Béziers? [00:37:52] No bank account and visa [00:39:42] Any discrimination? [00:40:57] Thank you, patrons [00:42:21] Itinerary consult / Voicemap tours [00:44:21] Related episodes [00:44:34] French tip of the week [00:45:33] This week in French news [00:48:29] The Cluny Museum is open again [00:49:57] No more mask mandates on public transportation in France [00:51:23] Annie’s personal update   Episode Page | Guest Notes | Transcript

Crusade Against the Cathars took place in the 1200s in Occitanie. Back then, France did not exist as the country we know today. There were regional dukes and counts who controlled different areas. The crusade against the Cathars was both a war of religion and a war of conquest. As you listen to this episode, you'll understand how this crusade against the Cathrars is how much of Occitanie became part of France. Book recommended in this episode: Massacre at Montségur by Zoé Oldenbourg. Today the landscape is breathtaking and Cathar Country is a wonderful place to visit any time of year because the weather is so pleasant there. It’s also one of those places in the south of France where real estate prices are still reasonable for those of you who are thinking about finding your place in the sun in France. Episode Page | Show Notes | Transcript [00:00:00] Intro     [00:02:42] Main show     [00:03:02] Also listen to the episode about the beliefs and lifestyle of Cathars     [00:03:51] The 1200s in Occitanie     [00:04:37] In the 1200s France did not exist as we know it today     [00:05:11] How did the war begin?     [00:05:58] Attempts to stop it     [00:07:31] An army was created     [00:08:51] Arnaud Amaury, the Monk at the head of the crusade     [00:09:19] An army makes its way dowh the Rhone and towards Béziers     [00:10:58] The Siege of Béziers     [00:12:15] “Kill them all, God will know”     [00:12:55] Crusade or Genocide?     [00:13:30] Roger Trencavel of Carcassonne     [00:15:02] Allies refused     [00:17:02] Seeking refuge within the walls of Carcassonne     [00:19:01] Trencavel gives himself up to save his people     [00:20:12] Simon de Montfort     [00:21:19] Simon de Montfort takes Carcassonne     [00:22:47] Lavaur     [00:23:43] Dame Guiraude     [00:25:22] They took Lavaur     [00:26:17] Toulouse     [00:27:09] Simon de Montfort takes Toulouse     [00:27:34] The Revolt of the Barons     [00:28:36] Pierre of Aragon is killed     [00:29:17] Third revolt in Toulouse     [00:31:04] Simon de Montfort dies     [00:33:12] The Treaty of Meaux     [00:34:25] Raymond VII diese     [00:35:40] War ends. Cathars laying low     [00:36:03] Pope’s still not happy     [00:36:59] The First Inquisition     [00:38:59] Roger de Pereille     [00:39:59] Montségur     [00:41:20] Marker     [00:42:15] The Siege of Montségur     [00:44:32] Montségur is breached     [00:45:46] The end of the Cathars     [00:47:03] Visiting Montségur today     [00:50:32] Book about Montségur     [00:51:39] Patrons and donors make this podcast possible!     [00:53:07] Get ready for your own great trip to France with Annie     [00:53:42] French expression of the week     [00:57:18] French news     [00:59:07] Travel news     [01:01:45] Personal update     [01:03:32] Annie's test drive     [01:04:59] Next week on the podcast Patreon | Boutique | Newletter | Booking

Have you heard the Cathars? It is a religion that thrived in the Southwest of France for 100 years during the Middle Ages, then disappeared in a violent crusade. On today's episode of Join Us in France, we discuss the wild beliefs Cathars held so dear that they were willing to die for them. We'll talk about dualism, spiritual prison, reincarnation, "bons hommes", perfects, Jesus as a "hologram", and of the importance of consolation. As seen from today's standards, the Cathars had shocking beliefs that put them at odds with the Catholic church. And yet this religion spread all over the Languedoc area in France. This is the area between Toulouse, Foix, Perpignan, Béziers, and Albi. How did this happen? Why did people convert to this religion although they risked being killed for heresy? After listening to this episode, you'll understand how the people loved Cathar preachers (they called them "Perfects") and feared Catholic clergy. Table of Contents for our discussion on Cathar Theology [00:00:00] Intro [00:00:37] Anout the Cathars and their strange religion [00:01:47] Sponsorship [00:02:34] Annie and Elyse talk about Cathar Theology [00:03:16] Cathar = Purification and they did not call themselves by that name [00:04:02] The basics of Cathar theology [00:05:35] Materialistic [00:11:02] Who is Jesus in Cathar theology? [00:13:58] Jesus brings Consolation [00:14:39] Church of Rome was evil [00:15:27] Communion [00:16:06] The relics [00:17:27] Cathars were vegan [00:19:10] Consolamentum or spiritual death [00:20:49] Getting the Consolamentum at the end of one’s life [00:21:37] Becoming a Perfect [00:22:36] Regular people got the Melioramentum [00:23:47] Why the Catholic Church wasn not okay with this [00:24:42] Perfects were like children [00:25:39] Perfects lived in poverty and relied on the community [00:26:02] Why did people become Cathars? [00:26:58] Catholics weren’t taught theology at all [00:29:38] Cathars believed in equality [00:31:51] Troubadours sang songs about evil Catholic leaders [00:32:16] Don’t worry about things, what matters is the spirit [00:32:51] The organization of the Cathar church [00:33:24] The good works of the Cathar religion [00:34:43] In the Southwest wealthy families became Cathars [00:36:20] Cathars were loved and Catholics were feared [00:36:36] Women in the Cathar church [00:39:36] The Cathar movement lasted about 100 years before they were all killed [00:40:01] The next episode is going to be about the crusade against the Cathars [00:40:53] Cathars didn’t leave behind churches [00:42:27] Cathar country is where nature and history are mingled into one [00:42:55] Thank you Patrons and Donors! [00:44:54] Itinerary Consult [00:45:30] This week in French News [00:48:26] Annie’s personal update [00:49:47] Book recommendation: My Remarkable Journey More episodes about the Southwest of France   Patreon | Boutique | Newletter | Booking

On this episode of the podcast, Jennifer Gruenke tells us about her 7 day trips from Paris on public transportation. She went to Rambouillet, Auvers-sur-Oise, Fontainebleau, Saint-Cloud, Saint-Germain-en-Laye, Provins, and Versailles all in the same week! Which one was her favorite? Click play to hear all about it! Episode Page | Guest Notes | Transcript Table of Contents for this Episode [00:00:40] A conversation with Jennifer Gruenke about her 7 day trips from Paris [00:02:45] Rambouillet, Auvers-sur-Oise, Fontainebleau, Saint-Cloud, Saint-Germain-en-Laye, Provins, and Versailles [00:03:49] Getting a week-long Navigo Pass [00:04:35] Taking a different day trip from Paris every day [00:05:32] Day trip to Rambouillet [00:10:51] Chateau gardens are often free [00:11:20] Versailles gardens on fountain days [00:13:48] More people willing to speak French with visitors outside of Paris [00:14:24] Rambouillet gets a 7/10 from Jennifer [00:15:09] Auvers-sur-Oise, the town where Van Gogh lived at the end of his life [00:15:41] Finding Van Gogh Podcast [00:15:54] Go to the Orsay Museum then go to Auvers-sur-Oise [00:17:10] Lookout for things to be closed on Mondays or Tuesdays [00:18:06] Van Gogh plus in Auvers-sur-Oise [00:19:26] Fontainebleau [00:20:47] Are these all easy to get to once you get off the train? [00:22:41] Domaine National de Saint Cloud [00:24:29] Virtual Reality at Saint Cloud [00:29:49] Saint Germain en Laye [00:32:58] Provins [00:38:13] Bring ID in exchange for audio guide [00:39:15] Bring cash and toilet paper to Provins [00:42:45] Versailles gardens only: enter at Allée des Matelots [00:44:54] The RER to Versailles is often really crowded! [00:48:31] Ranking these 7 day trips from Paris [00:50:41] Seeing French Chateaux without going to the Loire Valley [00:51:29] Lyon and other cities are not far from Paris on the TGV [00:54:31] Thank you patrons and donors [00:58:53] Travel Tip: Can you ask for a doggy bag in France? [01:00:19] This week in French news [01:01:35] Annie’s personal update [01:02:42] Use the search button on Join Us because there are a lot of episodes! [01:03:12] Share the podcast with a fellow Francophile [01:04:11] Next week on the podcast an episode about the Cathars and their strange theology More episodes about day-trips from Paris

In this episode of the podcast, Annie and Elyse describe Les Vosges, a wonderful part of France for people who love active vacations and slow travel. Looking for gorgeous scenery, happy cows and amazing hikes in France? Listen to this episode! Table of Contents for this Episode [00:03:05] Ancient mountains, like the Adirondacks [00:04:31] Épinal is the only city [00:05:20] Elyse lived in Épinal for a year [00:06:11] Lots of grass and happy cows [00:06:25] Best for active vacations [00:07:01] Vittel and Contrex are west of Épinal [00:07:28] Thermal baths stations [00:07:52] Tourism around natural water [00:08:20] The Vosges department is filled with quaint villages [00:09:39] Clairefontaine paper products [00:10:08] A nice place for affordable summer homes [00:11:24] Second largest wooded area of France [00:11:58] Hills, low altitude ski resorts, hiking, biking, nature trails [00:13:17] Large natural parks with lots of trails [00:14:33] Cross country skiing and summer activities in Gerardmer [00:15:16] Daffodil festival (Fête des Jonquilles) [00:16:15] Blueberries [00:16:34] Festival international du film fantastique de Gérardmer [00:17:07] Ruins of Monasteries hidden in the forest [00:18:25] Why visit the Vosges? [00:19:49] Lots of pretty (and not famous) villages including Domremy where Joan of Arc was born [00:20:34] Hwo Visorando works to plan hikes [00:24:17] Les images d’Épinal [00:27:13] Plombières the flavor of ice cream [00:27:39] Lalique and cristallerie [00:28:10] Canal des Vosges [00:28:44] There are five remarkable gardens in the Vosges [00:29:20] The Vosges is best for slow tourism [00:29:45] Wildlife in the Vosges [00:31:11] Great nature trails for families [00:31:52] Food specialties of the Vosges [00:40:43] New Patreon Reward for Donors! [00:42:10] Annie’s Itinerary Service [00:42:41] Can’t do an itinerary review? Get my VoiceMap tours! [00:43:18] Taking the TGV at CDG [00:47:49] This week in French news [00:48:58] Annie’s personal update More episodes about the Alsace and Lorraine area