Join Us in France Travel Podcast

On today's episode of the podcast Annie and guest William Ciardiello talk about Picardie, a region just to the north of Paris. Picardie Trip Report William was invited to visit the area by a family of locals he met through a school exchange program. They showed him around to the best places their region has to offer. Many people who visit France just want to take a selfie in front of the Eiffel Tower and the Mona Lisa and be off to the next country. A visit to the Picardie is NOT in the cards for such visitors. But for those of us who take the time to get to know France, the Hauts-de-France region has a lot to offer and my guest William has visited many of them. Off-the-Beaten-Track in France I have to say that it is one of the least "touristy" part of France where I've spent little time myself. But I live on the southern side of the country in Toulouse, which probably explains a lot. But for those of us who are in search of off-the-beaten-track places in France Picardie has it all! Châteaux? Yes! Historical sites? Yes! Fascinating Museums? Yes! Beautiful vistas? Definitely! What about gastronomy? Well, it is a bit like the Idaho of France. Lots of potatoes. Lots of wheat, mushrooms, lots of agriculture. Mostly beer, no wine. They have a few food specialties, but they are not as famous as the specialties of Provence or Gascony or Lyon. But you know what? Paris doesn't have wine and super famous gastronomy either (other than onion soup) and we still love Paris! Don't let that stop you. Being a girl from the South I have to say that the weather isn't ideal either. Lots of rain. But this is no different than Paris, really. So don't let that stop you either! FYI, apparently some people spell it "Picardy". Why? That's so wrong! I refuse to do that! Show Notes  

On today’s episode, Christmas Shopping and how to enjoy the Christmas season in Paris. I’m in Paris right now and I’ve enjoyed a few of these activities, I just HAD to share with my listeners! I’ll list the Christmas markets, the best department stores and covered passages at the Christmas season. In this episode you’ll also learn about where you can go see a beautiful Crêche (nativity scene), Christmas Concerts in Paris and Midnight Mass at Notre Dame. For my personal update I will also talk about the Gilet Jaune protests going on in Paris and the rest of France. What do you need to know to stay safe? Click here to view the complete Show Notes for this episode.

On today’s episode, Annie shares 10 tips for people who are traveling to Europe or France for the first time. After spending time in Germany and England recently she noticed a several things that are likely to throw you off if this is your first time in Europe. And, of course, all of these differences apply in France as well as the rest of Europe! Click here to see the full Show Notes for this episode. What You Need to Know Before Your First Time in Europe If you haven't visited Europe before or if it's been a long time since your last visit, you need to listen so you're not caught off guard! It's pretty easy to handle, we give you a list of a few things to put in your suitcase so you don't have to go running off to the store as soon as you arrive! #1 Hotel Beds Won't Have a Top Sheet Instead of a top sheet and blanket you'll get a comforter with a duvet cover. If you get too hot with the heavy comforter you may want a top sheet. #2 No Toiletries in Budget Hotels Budget hotels will have zero toiletries for you when you arrive. Not even a stick of soap. You can usually tell if you read the reviews, but just in case, bring travel size toiletries. #3 No Washcloths in Hotels Bring your own wash cloth because unless you're staying at a luxury hotel, there will not be a washcloth for you in the room. No loofah either! #4 Hotel Rooms Are Tiny in Europe! Everything in North America is over-sized. When you arrive in France or England or Germany, you will think you've landed in the land of Lilliput! #5 Turning Things On in European Hotel Rooms In England you have to turn every plug with a switch. In France and Germany you have to insert your hotel magnetic card into a reader before the lights or heating/cooling will work. #6 Open Windows for Ventilation In Europe we often don't have fans you can turn on for ventilation. Some hotel rooms will have constant ventilation, some have none and you're supposed to open the windows. #7 No Carpet in Most Hotel Rooms in Europe Hotel rooms in Europe usually have wood floors, tile, or linoleum. You may find short commercial carpet, but it will be the exception, not the rule. #8 Security Searches in Europe There will be security lines everywhere you go in Europe. Travel light and plan on opening your bag for security! #9 Check to See If You Need a Power Converter Depending on what you bring on your trip, you may or may not need a power converter. Check your charger with a magnifying glass! #10 You Need Travel Plug Adapters! Your US/Canada plug will not fit in any socket in Europe. Bring a travel plug adapter or two so you can charge your phone as soon as you arrive. Answer to a Listener Question What to Do If People Cut In Line in Front of You in France? At the end of the episode, Annie also answers the age-old question: what do I do if people cut in line in front of my in France? This is not a common problem, but it can happen. No need to get into a fight, you can fix it really easily! Learn More: First Time in Paris, France How-to

Sarah had never been to France, but she found herself planning a 4-week trip around France for 7 people. Scary, right? An Itinerary for Families with Kids Sarah used this podcast to get inspired on what to do and where to stay. I think that her itinerary is one of the best I've ever heard of! Listen up, she’s sharing a great itinerary here! About This Trip Report This trip took place June 2018 and they stayed the whole month going around to different places. This is a family of 7: mom, dad, twin girls (9 years old) and a son who is 11, plus grandma and grandpa who joined for part of the trip. This was a first trip to France for Sarah and the kids, but her husband had been to France before. They mostly stayed at Airb&b and VRBO properties. The podcast helped them decide where they wanted to go and what they wanted to see and do. They had been planning this trip for a couple of years and their itinerary was outstanding! A Week on the Mediterranean They looked for places that were off the beaten path because they wanted to avoid places that were too crowded or too touristy. Because they were staying so long, they also wanted to watch their budget. They started their month with the Mediterranean and didn't find it crowded in early June. Staying in Hyeres They wanted to stay on the Riviera but not Nice or Cannes. Hyeres was perfect for that! They enjoyed the islands near there at Porquerolles. They took the ferry from Giens, rented bikes right off the ferry and enjoyed the beaches. It wasn't fancy or crowded. It would definitely get a lot more crowded in July and August or on week-ends. Hyeres is a lovely little town, it has an old town with a tower that's related to the Knight Templars. There's a tour for kids in French in Hyeres. There are also beautiful parks, a botanical garden called "Parc Olbius Riquier". Great bakery in Hyeres: Boulangerie Duhaut Le Lavandou It's sandy beach and a little more crowded. They liked the Bistr'Eau Ryon and enjoyed a lot. Parking was tight, but doable in early June. In general the best restaurants are a little off the main drag or main attraction in a town. As soon as you walk away from the main attraction a little bit, you are more likely to find a nice place to eat. If you can't find street parking remember to look for underground parking lots! Sète On their way out of Hyeres they stopped in Sète. When you drive into Sète you are driving through an industrial area that doesn't look nice at all. But once you get to the city center it's wonderful. They ate on the canal and walked around to see the little fishing boats. One Night in Carcassonne Contrary to Sète, Carcasonne is spectacular with you drive up to it. They decided to stay overnight at a hotel within the medieval walls. They had the city to themselves the next morning. They visited the Chateau Comtal and enjoyed the audio guide. The walked along the old ramparts. Because Sarah's father had to use a walker several places gave them easier access via doors that are not usually open to everyone. In Carcassonne they stayed at this hotel and loved it. Renting a Walker for Grandpa at the Pharmacy Because Sarah's father had been injured he needed wheelchair assistance in the airports and they rented a walker in France for him. You can do that easily at any pharmacy. Two Weeks in the Dordogne They stayed the whole two weeks in the Dordogne which meant a fair amount of driving. The Dordogne is large enough that it is a good idea to stay in two different places. Maybe Sarlat and Bergerac? When we go, we like to stay at a wonderful chateau on the north end of the Dordogne for that very reason. They stayed at a place called Belvesin the Dordogne. It had a swimming pool, but they didn't use them a lot because this June was not particularly warm. They wanted to go to La Forêt des singes near Rocamadour, but that was too far. They wanted to go to Font-de-Gaume cave, but they couldn't get in. Favorite Places in the Dordogne Belves: The troglodyte dwellings in Belves. Lascaux IV: They loved their visit to Lascaux IV. Plan you visit in advance, if you need a visit in English you can't usually walk in and get one. Castelnaud Castle: Gorgeous views! Les Eyzies: They enjoyed kayaking on the Vézère from Les Eyzies. From there you can look up at at the Abri de la Madeleine. You can also visit the Musée National de la Préhistoire. Annie would rather not stay in Les Eyzies, it's not that scenic. River Beaches along the Dordogne: They had a few hot days and they went to Bouisson de Caudoin where  there's a nice river beach. Great for a picnic. Two Nights in the Loire Valley The Loire Valley was very different from everything else they had seen on this trip. They stayed at a B&B near Blois, but they mostly went to restaurants in  Amboise. Chateau de Chenonceau Beautiful, has furniture. The children enjoyed it. The little farm was also nice for the kids. Chateau Clos Lucé:  Da Vinci's Final Home This is where Da Vinci spent the last few years of his life. It was their favorite chateau that they saw through all of this trip because of all the things you can see on the grounds. This is a hands-on chateau that will spark children's imagination. Winery in Vouvray where they make great white wines. Four Nights in Paris It's only a 2.5 hour drive between the Loire Valley and Paris. They dropped their car at Gare de Lyon. They stayed in the Marais. They weren't sure they wanted to go to Paris but they were really glad they did. They went to the Eiffel Tower in the morning, then to the Jardin du Luxembourg for a picnic and the kids enjoyed sailing the little boats. They also had a picnic. They used the bus a lot. They showed the point where they wanted to go on the map to the driver and he would tell them yes, that's right or tell them to get on a different bus. Needing to Go to the Hospital in Paris They Stayed at Hotel L'Antoine one night where their daughter got electrocuted touching the magnifying mirror. The hotel reacted very proactively and called the paramedics. They decided to take her to the children's hospital where she was seen. The doctors were wonderful and helpful. Difficulties Getting Back to the Airport They had trouble getting to the airport because it was a busy morning because there was a World Cup game and the Pride Parade that day. The hotel where they were staying  couldn't find them a taxi (which is really unusual in Paris!). They had to pay $200 for an Uber. Driving in France They used Apple maps a lot on their phones and it worked great, even in rural areas of the Dordogne. Join Us in France on Pandora If you'd like to use your Pandora account to listen to podcasts, apply here. Great Itinerary for Families Sarah shared a great itinerary for families visiting France, if you want to see all her notes, visit the Guest Notes page (blue button). And be sure to thank Sarah by commenting below and sharing this episode! Learn More: Family Travel in France {Recommendations} Best Western Le Donjon

On today’s episode, Annie reviews seven WW1 memorial sites in France where we remember soldiers from English-speaking countries. Soldiers from many countries fought and died in France during WW1. We remember them today on the occasion of the WW1 Armistice Centennial taking place in France on November 11, 2018. Show Notes for Episode 211 WW1 Memorials Sites in France France was deeply scared by WW1 and it's impossible to understand France without a basic understanding of what happened during WW1. Visiting WW1 memorial sites in France is one of the best ways to realize the deep cuts the war brought about. It will also make it possible to bring history to life for you and your children. “World War I was the most colossal, murderous, mismanaged butchery that has ever taken place on earth. Any writer who said otherwise lied, So the writers either wrote propaganda, shut up, or fought.” Ernest Hemingway Off the Beaten Track in North-Eastern France It must be said that the part of France where WW1 memorial sites stand is not generally considered the most "touristy" part of the country. Some people visit France dozens of times and never make it there. That doesn't mean that they are not worthwhile, especially to those who enjoy off the beaten track parts of France and history, of course. Seven WW1 Memorial Sites in France Dedicated to English-Speaking Soldiers #1 Pozières In today's episode, we start with the memorial in Pozières between Arras and Amiens. It is mostly a British cemetery and one of the most popular WW1 memorials in the area. #2 Viller-Brettonneux Then we move on Viller-Brettonneux where you'll find the Australian National Memorial. #3 Fromelles The only Australian-only war cemetery in France. #4 Bullecourt When in Bullecourt you can visit 3 sites: Musée Jean & Denise Letaille Bullecourt Digger Slouch Hat Memorial # 5 American WW1 Memorials in France There aren't as many WW1 memorials in France because America didn't send as many troops as other countries. # 6 Somme American Cemetery This cemetery is in Bony and is part of the battle of the Somme. #7 Montfaucon American Monument This monument is located near Verdun, not in the same area at all as the other ones mentioned here.

When people hate Paris, it's usually that they want to travel, but they want everything to be just like at home at the same time. There are always sticking points when you travel. Not just when you travel to Paris, when you travel anywhere! The important thing is to know what to do so those sticking points are smoothed over and it doesn't adversely affect your vacation. That's the purpose of this episode: give you simple ways to deal with little annoying things you will probably encounter in Paris. Show Notes for Episode 210 of the podcast  

How do you get good restaurant service in France? When vacationing we eat out two or three times a day, and if the restaurant experience is unpleasant, it will  add up to a vacation with lots of unpleasant moments. How do you minimize that? You get the cultural awareness that will turn "rude" servers into pleasant service providers! All the tips you need to hear are in today's episode <== Click here for show notes!

On today’s episode, an interview with Tom and Susan, fellow Toulouse residents, about their move to France on a long stay visitor visa. As we always do in these episodes, we get into the details of paperwork, the  move, and what it’s like living in France. Moving to France on a Long Stay Visitor Visa: Tactical Considerations What about things that you shouldn't put on your container to France? What about driving in France? Will you need a French driver's license? What if you want to buy property in France? And renovating property in France, what are some tips on doing that? How Long Does Moving to France on a Long Stay Visitor Visa Take? The process took about 6 months but they had done a lot of preparation before that. They had read different forums and blogs. They listened to the Join Us in France Travel Podcast and recognized me by my voice when we first met in person. But, as we explain in the episode, the most important resource you can read is the website of the Consulate of France in the US. That's because rules change all the time. So get yourself prepared by listening to Susan and Tom, and also  do all due diligence with the paperwork. That is the way to success in moving to France! Check out our upcoming tours on Addicted to France Show Notes for this episode

In today's episode Annie and Elyse discuss exploring coastal towns east of Marseille in Provence. Surprisingly, this is a part of France that has a little bit of everything in a small area! Within a distance of 35 kilometers as the crow flies between the East side of Marseille and Castellet you will find so many different types of great things to do! Great hikes in the Calenques. Boat rides to the Calenques. A visit to the old fishing village of Cassis. Maybe go see the yachts in La Ciotat? Or maybe a little wine tasting in the town of Bandol and its famous AOC? And if none of that sounds good, how about a stroll through the medieval village of Castellet? Exploring Coastal Towns East of Marseille in Provence Elyse went exploring coastal towns east of Marseille in Provence with a friend of hers who is a local, so she got to try everything locals like to do in the area. Together they recommends some great lesser-known beaches along the way, Elyse also lists all  the must-sees and the casino you might want to pass on. Who knew you could get so much diversity along that short stretch of coastline in Provence? To see Annie's photos of the area, visit our Pinterest Board about Provence. Announcement: Dordogne Tour 2019 The 2018 Dordogne Tour was fabulous, Elyse and I got to go around the Dordogne with wonderful people from CA, CO and MI and we had a grand time! The 2019 Dordogne Tour is all planned out, check it out here. Reservations are open between today and December 26, 2018 and we only have 6 spots. Learn More: Episodes About the Provence Area

I have bronchitis and can't talk. I'll be back next week!