

Join Us in France Travel Podcast
Annie Sargent
Planning a trip to France? Join Us in France is the podcast for you! On this podcast we have conversations about our trips to France, chat with tour guides, share tips on French culture, the basics of French history, explain how to be savvy traveler in France and share our love of French food, wine and destinations in France.
You won’t want to miss out on all these great conversations about one of the most beautiful countries on earth! Subscribe now so you don't miss an episode. And if you're planning your own trip soon - start listening now so you're ready to connect to France on a deeper level. Bon voyage!
You won’t want to miss out on all these great conversations about one of the most beautiful countries on earth! Subscribe now so you don't miss an episode. And if you're planning your own trip soon - start listening now so you're ready to connect to France on a deeper level. Bon voyage!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 29, 2023 • 1h 5min
Preparing a Visit to Saint-Rémy-de-Provence
In this episode of the Join Us in France Travel Podcast, Annie Sargent and Elyse Rivin guide you through the picturesque landscapes of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence and the ancient ruins of Glanum. Located in the heart of Provence, Saint-Rémy is not just another charming town; it's a place deeply rooted in history and culture. Known as the birthplace of Nostradamus and the residence of Vincent van Gogh during one of his most creative phases, the town offers an irresistible blend of cultural richness and Provencal charm. Just a short distance away is Glanum, a fascinating archaeological site that transports you back to the Greco-Roman era. Rediscovered in 1920, the well-preserved ruins provide a captivating glimpse into ancient civilizations and include architectural marvels like a triumphal arch and a cenotaph. One of the key questions we tackle in this episode is whether you should base your travels out of Saint-Rémy. The town's strategic location, near cities like Arles, Avignon, and Cavaillon, makes it an ideal hub for experiencing the magic of a small Provençal town. Plus, it is part of the National Regional Park of the Alpilles, boasting excellent infrastructure that includes a variety of comfortable hotels and delightful restaurants. Another highlight of the episode is a PSA from Annie about the potential pitfalls of buying nougat from street vendors. A seemingly trivial subject that can make a significant difference in your travel experience, so you'll want to hear what she has to say. We also delve into practical matters like renting an electric or hybrid car for your next trip to France. Starting 48 minutes into the episode, we discuss the ins and outs of ChargeMap Pass—a convenient solution for electric vehicle charging across France. All the necessary details are covered, from purchasing the RFID card for 19.90€ to the actual charging costs. Whether you're captivated by history, nature, or simply keen on experiencing the Provençal lifestyle, Saint-Rémy and Glanum offer a range of activities and festivals to indulge in. So buckle up for an enlightening journey to these must-visit spots on your French itinerary. Table of Contents for this Episode Today on the podcast Podcast supporters Should I rent an electric car when visiting France? Annie and Elyse Saint Rémy de Provence Provençal life good and bad Tourism in Saint Rémy Prince Albert of Monaco is the senior of Saint Rémy Arrive Early for Market Day Buying nougat from the market Saint Rémy is the Birth place of Nostradamus Saint Rémy the place stop before going South into the Alpilles Should I base myself out of Saint Rémy de Provence to visit Provence? Antique Roman Site – Glanum Named after a Celtic God Then came the Greeks The Romans take over Arc de Triomphe and Cenotaphe you can see from the road Visiting Saint-Rémy with kids Saint-Paul-de-Mausole asylum in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence Thank you Patrons New patrons this week French History Brief about Nostradamus Itinerary Consultation Services Self-guided GPS Tour on the VoiceMap app. Review of one of the Tours The Travel Question of the Week Types of Electric Car Chargers The ChargeMap App Next week on the podcast Copyright More episodes about Provence

Oct 22, 2023 • 1h 6min
In Love with the French Alps, Episode 464
In this episode, seasoned travelers Robin and Raymond take listeners on an exhilarating journey through the French Alps. With Robin's expertise as a middle school French teacher and Raymond's multiple visits to the area, they share invaluable tips for a 10-day trip that promises adventure and culture. Starting with a heart-pounding paragliding experience off Le Brévent, they emphasize the importance of safety and share their awe at the stunning views. Snowboarding on the glaciers of La Vallée Blanche is another highlight, where they stress the need for hiring guides and making advanced bookings. The couple also dives into the local culture, enthusing over street music and the Poil O'Brass Band, an unexpected delight on a Saturday. For skiing or snowboarding, Robin and Raymond advocate for ICON and EPIC passes, sharing how their $60 upgrade reaped benefits worth hundreds of dollars. Foodies will appreciate their dining experience at Bivouac, where Chef Chris serves up both culinary delights and homemade wildflower liqueur. A multicultural encounter on a gondola ride adds another layer to their adventure, and they cap off the episode with practical tips on border control, local etiquette, and busting myths about the cost of travel in France. Whether you're into thrills, food, or cultural experiences, this episode is a comprehensive guide to making the most of your trip to the French Alps. Table of Contents for this Episode Today on the podcast Podcast supporters 2024 Bootcamp is Confirmed! The Magazine part of the podcast Robin and Raymond interview When Did They Travel to France? Speed tickets? Parapente off Le Brévent Snowboarding La Vallée Blanche Street music and Chamonix Dinner and conversation with Chef Chris at Bivouac Gondola ride home with boys in ski school at the Le Brévent Lets’s talk about food Snowboarding in Zermatt PBJ and bubbly on veranda Snowboarding Grande Montet Part 2 La Calèche in Chamonix. Car rental Tips for Other Visitors Service continu restaurants Adventurous, Relaxing, and Pleasurable How did the podcast help you prepare for your trip? What’s the best time of the year to go to the French Alps to ski? Thank you Patrons Zoom meetings with patrons The Bonjour Service The VIP Service VoiceMap App Review of VoiceMap tour of Saint Germain des Prés Trip through the French Atlantic coast Email from Brittany Erikson What to wear in Paris How to handle visits to large museums Things you should know about hotel rooms in France Bugs Next week on the podcast Copyright

Oct 15, 2023 • 54min
D'Artagnan: the Man and the Legend
Welcome to a new episode with Annie Sargent and Elyse Rivin that takes you back to 17th-century France, a time of kings, queens, and legendary Musketeers. Today, we delve into the life of Charles de Batz de Castelmore, better known as D'Artagnan, the real-life inspiration behind Alexandre Dumas' "The Three Musketeers." Explore D'Artagnan's incredible journey in 17th-century France. From a humble Gascony upbringing to espionage, epic battles, and a lasting impact on culture. Uncover the real man behind the legend in this episode. #History #France #TheThreeMusketeers #DArtagnan #Podcast

Oct 8, 2023 • 1h 2min
Medieval France with Teens, Episode 462
In this trip report, Annie Sargent is joined by Matthew Gamache, a seasoned traveler to France who began exploring the country with his daughters when they were young—now they're teenagers. The focus of their recent journey was medieval France with teens, featuring visits to several iconic Medieval Cathedrals, the Cluny Museum in Paris that specializes in Medieval art, the Unterlinden Museum with its remarkable Medieval Altarpiece, and Guédelon—a one-of-a-kind project where artisans are constructing a 13th-century-style castle using only period-appropriate techniques and materials. The adventure unfolded over the last week of June and the first two weeks of July 2023, totaling three weeks—a fantastic duration for a French vacation. To prepare, the family tuned into this podcast, watched YouTube videos, and engaged in family discussions about the sites they were eager to explore. They had a grand time and share their secrets for a successful family vacation in France that includes many off the beaten track locations. Table of Contents for this Episode Intro Today on the podcast Podcast supporters The magazine part of the podcast Interview with Matthew Gamache Previous episodes Matthew has been a guest on France West to East How do you book your apartments? Driving in France Rental car in Orly Favorite things to do Discuss the places you’ll visit with your teens before you go Improvements in museography in France in the last decade Finding great places to eat in Brittany Rose Granite Coast hike Bayeux Tapestry, American Cemetery, D-Day Museum D-Day might be best saved when the kids are into their teens Guedelon Castle: Watch Secrets of the Castle on YouTube Jura region Arbois – home of Louis Pasteur Unterlinden Museum The Bayeux Tapestry How a visit to the Bayeux Tapestry takes place Bartholdi Museum Europa Park Renting bikes to visit Burgundy and Brittany was easy Walking through Paris on Bastille Day The Marie Curie Museum Thank you Patrons New Patreon Reward Personal Itinerary Consultant Service The gare du Nord is a hot mess Copyright

Oct 1, 2023 • 1h 4min
Bibliothèque Nationale de France, Episode 461
In this episode, Annie Sargent and Elyse Rivin explore the history and sites of the Bibliothèque Nationale de France in Paris. They discuss its various locations, historical significance, and treasures, from ancient manuscripts to modern collections. Book worms will love to visit these beautiful repositories of learning and French culture in the heart of Paris! Table of Contents for this Episode Today on the podcast Podcast supporters The magazine part of the podcast Annie and Elyse La Bibliothèque et la librairie – faux amis French National Francois Mitterrand Bibliotheque The Mazarine Library BNF Richelieu La Salle de Manuscript The Cabinet des Médailles Public Libraries in Paris The history of the libraries You can see Illumnations from the Mont Saint Michel in Avranches Clovis created the first French Library The Sorbonne Library Charles V François I and Dépôt Légal Louis XIV brings the royal library to Paris Library Richelieu Abbott Bignon: The first great French librarian The French Revolution Napoleonic Era 19th Century: The need to change and expand the buildings under Napoleon III What authors, books, libraries and librarians do for us Thank you Patrons Thinking of traveling to France? The Opening Ceremony for the Paris Olympics The Bouquinistes Controversy No hijab rule in France Next week on the podcast Copyright

Sep 24, 2023 • 52min
Grand Prix de Monaco Trip Report
Get ready to shift gears and accelerate into one of the most iconic sporting events in the world—the Monaco Grand Prix! Our latest episode, Grand Prix de Monaco Trip Report is a must-listen for anyone planning to experience this high-octane spectacle. We're pulling back the curtain on the Monaco Grand Prix, offering you an insider's perspective that goes beyond the glitz and glamour. From making savvy ticket choices to navigating the bustling streets of Monaco during the race, this episode is jam-packed with actionable tips to elevate your Grand Prix experience. Monaco transforms during the Grand Prix, and we're here to guide you through it. Discover how to move around the city, what areas become ticket-only zones, and how to soak up the race atmosphere even if you don't have a ticket. Getting to Monaco can be a race in itself, especially during the Grand Prix weekend. We'll share essential tips on how to avoid the crowds and make your journey as smooth as possible. Your ticket is more than just a seat; it's a passport to a full day of racing excitement. Find out what other events you can access with your Grand Prix ticket. Whether you're a seasoned F1 fan or a first-timer eager to feel the roar of the engines, this episode is your ultimate guide to the Monaco Grand Prix. Don't miss out on these exclusive insights that will make your trip to Monaco unforgettable.

Sep 17, 2023 • 52min
Jean Moulin, Standing Up to Tyranny, Episode 459
Discover the remarkable story of Jean Moulin, a beacon of hope during France's tumultuous WWII era. Dive deep into his life, from his early influences in Béziers to his unwavering stand against Nazi occupation. As the youngest Préfet in France and the head of the Resistance under De Gaulle, Moulin's legacy is a testament to courage, resilience, and sacrifice. Explore his contributions, artistic talents, and the mysteries surrounding his tragic end. A tale of heroism that continues to inspire. #JeanMoulin #FrenchHistory #WWIIHero Table of Contents for this Episode Today on the podcast Thank you, patrons No travel tips section Next week on the podcast Annie and Elyse about Jean Moulin Jean Moulin, icon of the history of the Resistance Museum of the Resistance and Deportation in Toulouse and Paris x Jean Moulin, the writter About Jean Moulin’s life Scarf and fedora Start of the political career, Front Popular Chief of Staff for the Minister of the Air Force 1936-1937n Civil War in Spain 1937 Jean Moulin is named préfet He refuses to sign with the Germans Jean Moulin joins De Gaulle Code Name Max Arrested by the Germans Père Lachaise plot number 10,137 The ultimate mystery Copyright

Sep 10, 2023 • 55min
Adventures at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Episode 458
Today, Annie Sargent brings you a trip report with Christopher Tipper about attending the 24 hours of Le Mans. The first half of the episode is a chat with Christopher about what he's planning to do, and the second half is execution phase. Did the event live up to Christopher's expectations? Were there any unexpected twists and turns along the way? You're about to find out. Table of Contents for this Episode Today on the podcast New patrons This week’s Pateron reward Do you need help for a fantastic trip to France? Next week on the podcast Annie and Christopher planning the Le Mans trip Tickets for the Metro Other things to consider in Le Mans Second part of the 24 Hours of Le Mans Interview: Trip of a Lifetime! The 24 Hour race Tips for 24 Hours of Le Mans Visitors Radio FM Photo equipment Racing Peeps All Around General Tips about France Emergency Room day trip Bikes commuting to work in Paris The security patrols Super easy to pay French speeding tickets online Credit Cards Shakespear and Company Charles de Gaulle Do not look for the best croissant Copyright More episodes about active vacations in France

Sep 3, 2023 • 1h 9min
Jews in France: Trials, Triumphs, and Transformations
In today's podcast episode, Elyse Rivin takes listeners on a journey through the Jewish history of France, visiting key sites from Paris to Provence. The podcast highlights the cultural contributions and challenges faced by Jewish communities, from Roman times to the modern day. Synagogues like the one in Carpentras, operating since 1367, and museums like the Museum of Jewish Art and History in Paris, are explored. Despite a history marked by both acceptance and anti-Semitism, Jewish communities remain an integral part of France's cultural fabric, particularly concentrated in cities like Paris, Marseille, and Toulouse. The episode also touches on other topics such as the end of scooter rentals in Paris, Annie's new electric car day-trips, and the French back-to-school season, "C'est la rentrée." Table of Contents for this Episode Today on the podcast Annie’s tours and services Magazine: scooters in Paris, new service, and back to school Funny podcast name story Jewish Art and history in Paris Synagogue in Cavaillon and Carpentras Carpentras, the oldest synagogue, 1367 Marmoutier, a museum of Alsacian Jewish life. 448 synagogues in France Roman times in France, proof of jewis existance in France Jews and the Visigoth Jewish Doctors Jews under Charlemagne: 700s- 800s First 1000 years of Jewish History in France Terrible times for Jews in France Jews forced to live in “carrières” Expelling and robbing the Jews The Pope’s Jews Mordecai Judaica Giving Jews full citizenship in France Jews in France under Napoleon Adolphe Cremieux and Jean Jaurès Jews become French citizens in French colonies The Dreyfus Affair The 1930s and WWII Simone Weil Since WW2 Thank you Patrons New patrons this week Zoom meetings with patrons New Collections tab in Patreon Join Us in France services available Personal Itinerary Consultant GPS self-guided tours Day Trip with Annie – New Service No more scooter rentals in Paris C’est la rentrée, mes amis! Sign up for associations Next week on the podcast Copyright

Aug 27, 2023 • 1h
Surviving Paris for Newbies, Episode 456
The topic of today's episode of the podcast is Surviving Paris for Newbies. My guest today, Erin Tridle, wrote a Guide to Paris that contains a lot of savvy advice for people who are visiting France for the first time. We discuss a few of these tips on this episode, you can read all of them here. Table of Contents for this Episode Today on the podcast: Surviving Paris for Newbies Podcast supporters The Magazine part of the podcast Surviving France Secret entrance of the Louvre Erin Trindel on TikTok Making your life easier in Paris Watch where you walk Taking up a table in a restaurant No hand signals, just eye contact La Bise Do you need to tip or not? Beggars The smokers around you Credit Cards Putting your phone on the table when you’re having dinner 19th and 20th arrondissement Walking on the grass Price gauging The bracelets scam Be careful with your things on the metro. Thank you, patrons Patrons please use Patreon for messages The Bonjour Service The VIP Service Self-guided tours available on the VoiceMap app How to not get a ticket when visiting France Next week on the podcast Copyright More episodes for people visiting Paris for the first time