Join Us in France Travel Podcast

Episode 580: A Vacation in Southern Brittany with Elyse  takes you on a journey through one of France's most enchanting yet underrated regions. Host Annie Sargent and Elyse Rivin dive into the hidden treasures of Southern Brittany , sharing their firsthand experiences and insider tips. This episode is perfect for travelers who love history, coastal charm, and authentic French culture—without the c...

In Episode 579: Basque Country and Learning French After 50 , host Annie Sargent chats with Deborah Pham Van Xua of Feel Good French for a lively chat about two things you'll love: the vibrant Basque Country and the joys of learning French later in life. Ever dreamed of exploring a region where lush green hills meet the Atlantic Ocean? Deborah, a proud native of Bayonne , takes us on a tour of her...

In "Via Francigena: Slow Travel, History, and Self-Discovery on Foot," host Annie Sargent chats with Olivier Andrieu about his incredible 100-day journey along the Via Francigena . Olivier, a former corporate sales director, decided to quit his job and walk from Canterbury, England, to Rome, Italy . He wanted a fresh start and a challenge, and the Via Francigena provided both. Listen to this episo...

40 Trips to France: Plus a French Christmas Feast with Annie & Elyse opens with host Annie Sargent welcoming back longtime traveler Janice Chung , who has now visited France 40 times. This episode explores why France keeps calling people back and how repeat travel changes the way you experience the country. Listen to this episode ad-free Janice explains why France feels like home to her. She talks...

Ever wondered how one man could shape an entire nation's destiny? In this episode of Join Us in France , host Annie Sargent and guest Elyse Rivin of Toulouse Guided Walks dive into the extraordinary life of Charles de Gaulle —the towering general who refused to let France fall . From his early days in Lille to his fiery WWII radio broadcasts from London, de Gaulle was a man of unshakable will. He...

"Home Exchange in France: Real Experiences & Secrets to Affordable Travel" – Ever wish you could explore France without breaking the bank? In this episode of Join Us in France , host Annie Sargent talks with Mali Arnstad, a home exchange expert with 14 years of experience swapping homes across France and beyond. Together, they reveal how you can travel for free—yes, free —by staying in local homes...

"Vegetarian in Paris with Amber Haggerty" is your ultimate guide to eating meat-free in the City of Light—and trust me, it's easier (and tastier) than you think! In this episode of Join Us in France , host Annie Sargent chats with Amber Haggerty, the expert behind The Vegetarian in Paris blog, about where to find the best plant-based meals in Paris. Whether you're a lifelong vegetarian, a curious...

"Renting a Boat on the Canal du Midi with Bobbi Heath" is your ultimate guide to one of France's most magical slow travel experiences. In this episode, host Annie Sargent chats with Bobbi Heath , a passionate traveler and boating enthusiast, about her week-long adventure renting a boat on the Canal du Midi . If you've ever dreamed of cruising through France's picturesque countryside, sipping wine,...

Join Annie Sargent and Elyse Rivin as they dive deep into the tragic and brilliant life of Vincent van Gogh. This episode isn't just about his iconic paintings—it's about the man behind the masterpieces. Elyse, with her deep knowledge of art history and her gift for storytelling, guides us through Van Gogh's tumultuous journey. From his early struggles in the Netherlands to his transformative year...

In this week's episode of the Join Us in France Travel Podcast, Annie Sargent talks with immigration lawyer Daniel Tostado and guests Brenna and Jeff , a couple exploring how to make their dream of moving to France a reality. Listen to this episode ad-free They dive deep into what the Talent Visa France really is, how it differs from the Freelance Visa for France , and which one makes the most sen...

In Versailles with Kids and the Grand Ball: A Magical Family Adventure , host Annie Sargent talks with Katie Danger , an American mom who has lived in Versailles for more than a decade. Katie knows the palace and its surroundings inside and out — and she shares all her best tips for families who want to enjoy this iconic destination without the stress. Listen to this episode ad-free Together, Anni...

In this episode of the Join Us in France Travel Podcast, host Annie Sargent talks with Abigail Carter , a writer and YouTube creator who made a huge life change. Abigail lost her husband in the 9/11 attacks. She raised her two young children in Seattle. Then the pandemic hit and forced her to rethink everything. She realized she wanted a new chapter. Listen to this episode ad-free Abigail began wa...

In this episode of the Join Us in France Travel Podcast , titled "Sarah Bernhardt with Elyse Rivin," host Annie Sargent explores the fascinating life of France's most famous actress. Sarah Bernhardt wasn't just a performer — she was a global icon, an artist, and one of the most daring women of her time. Listen to this episode ad-free Born in Paris in 1844, Sarah rose from humble beginnings to domi...

Discovering Modern Paris: Tips and Surprises What's it like to experience modern Paris travel today? Is the City of Light still magical—or has it changed too much? In this episode of the Join Us in France Travel Podcast , host Annie Sargent talks with Brian Revel , a traveler from Canada who shares practical and often surprising insights about exploring Paris in 2025. Together, they discuss how Pa...

In A Multi-Generational Christmas Adventure: France by Road and by Barge , host Annie Sargent chats with guest Heather Addison to talk about a unique family trip across France. Heather brought three generations together for the holidays, and the result was both memorable and inspiring. Listen to this episode ad-free They started with a road trip through France. Renting a van gave the family flexib...

Planning to explore France without renting a car? In this episode of the Join Us in France Travel Podcast, host Annie Sargent talks with solo traveler Helena Fedorec about her practical, budget-friendly journey across France. The episode, Discover France by Train and Bus: A Solo Traveler's Budget Guide , is packed with tips for anyone eager to see more of France using public transportation. Listen...

Exploring Saint-Lizier: Hidden Gem of the French Pyrenees In this episode of the Join Us in France Travel Podcast , host Annie Sargent and co-host Elyse Rivin take you to the charming village of Saint-Lizier in the Ariège, nestled in the foothills of the French Pyrenees . Saint-Lizier is officially one of the "Plus Beaux Villages de France" and offers visitors a rare combination of Roman heritage,...

In this episode of the Join Us in France Travel Podcast, Annie Sargent shares the Bootcamp 2025 Report with guests Janet Boyd, Beth Hall, Mary Piltch, and Jeanne Powanda. Together, they look back on a week in Toulouse and the southwest of France filled with language, history, food, and friendship. Listen to this episode ad-free Bootcamp isn't a packaged tour. It's a flexible way to explore France...

Here's a 300-word iTunes/Podcast Apps summary for Episode 562: What happens when your carefully planned vacation in France takes an unexpected turn? In Unexpected France: History, Nature, and a Bit of Chaos , host Annie Sargent talks with traveler Gregg Furey about a journey filled with breathtaking discoveries, surprising challenges, and a few classic French travel mishaps. Listen to this episode...

Have you ever dreamed of exploring French villages at your own pace? In this episode, Village-Hopping in the Dordogne and Beyond: A Traveler's Guide with Jackie Barnes , host Annie Sargent talks with traveler Jackie Barnes about her recent road trip through one of France's most beautiful regions. Listen to this episode ad-free Jackie shares how she and her family designed a flexible Dordogne road...

Have you ever wondered how one writer could change French literature and politics at the same time? That's the story we tell in Émile Zola: The Life, Legacy, and Scandal of France's Most Influential Writer . In this episode of the Join Us in France Travel Podcast, host Annie Sargent sits down with Elyse Rivin to explore the extraordinary life of Émile Zola. Zola was not just a novelist. He was a s...

Family Travel to France: Paris, Provence, and a Trip of a Lifetime Thinking about family travel to France? In this episode, host Annie Sargent talks with Lori Belinski about planning — and enjoying — a dream trip for six people, from grandparents to kids. Listen to this episode ad-free They share the highlights of Paris, including the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and hidden gems you might miss. Then...

Have you ever dreamed of owning a home in France? In From Paris to Saumur: Real Estate Dreams and Travel Tips for France Lovers , host Annie Sargent sits down with guest David Palachek to talk about making that dream a reality—and all the adventures along the way. David shares how he and his partner fell in love with Saumur, right in the heart of the Loire Valley. They bought a home in the center...

Ever wondered what it's like to explore the French countryside on horseback and by foot? In From the French Countryside to Classical Concerts in Paris , host Annie Sargent chats with Casey and Molly, two sisters who share their recent adventures through rural France. This episode is packed with off-the-beaten-path ideas for travelers who love nature, history, and cultural surprises. Listen to this...

Have you ever dreamed of exploring a fairy-tale town in the French Alps? In this episode of the Join Us in France Travel Podcast, titled "Discover Annecy: The Little Venice of the Alps," host Annie Sargent and her guest Elyse Rivin take you on a journey to one of the most picturesque places in France. Get the podcast ad-free Annecy is famous for its turquoise lake, charming canals, and Alpine back...