Enjoying the Fall in France Beyond Paris, Episode 530
Join Us in France Travel Podcast
Release Date: 01/26/2025
Navigating France by Train, Car, and Bus
Join Us in France Travel Podcast
How do you plan a smooth and memorable trip across France using trains, rental cars, and buses? In this episode of the Join Us in France Travel Podcast, titled Navigating France by Train, Car, and Bus, host Annie Sargent chats with Stephen Nicholson about his 24-day journey through France. Stephen and his wife combined different types of transportation to explore big cities, small towns, and hidden gems—without joining a tour group. They started in Paris and used the OuiGo high-speed train to reach Avignon, then added regional trains, rental cars, and local buses to visit places like...
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Marquis de Lafayette: Life and Historical Impact
Join Us in France Travel Podcast
Exploring the Life and Historical Impact of the Marquis de Lafayette Who was the Marquis de Lafayette, and why does he matter so much in both France and the United States? In this episode of the Join Us in France Travel Podcast, host Annie Sargent talks with Elyse Rivin about the life, legacy, and travels of this iconic figure. Lafayette was more than just a name in a history book—he was a young French noble who risked everything to support the American Revolution and later tried to bring those same ideals back to France during the French Revolution. Annie and Elyse dive into his...
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Memorable France - Exploring Historic and Scenic Locations
Join Us in France Travel Podcast
What makes a trip through France truly unforgettable? In this episode of the Join Us in France Travel Podcast, titled Memorable France - Exploring Historic and Scenic Locations, host Annie Sargent chats with Ken Ives about his 25-day journey through some of the country’s most meaningful places. Ken is a thoughtful traveler from California who planned a route filled with both beauty and history. He shares what it was like to stand in the silence of Oradour-sur-Glane, see 29,000-year-old cave art in Pech Merle, and take in sweeping views of the Lot Valley. Along the way, he visited Poitiers,...
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Traveling Through France: Must-See Destinations from Paris to Annecy
Join Us in France Travel Podcast
Thinking about exploring France beyond the usual tourist spots? In this episode of the Join Us in France Travel Podcast, Traveling Through France: Must-See Destinations from Paris to Annecy, host Annie Sargent talks with Linda and Scott Rogers about their recent trip across some of France’s most beautiful regions. They share their experience visiting Paris, Dijon, Beaune, Annecy, and Lyon. Each stop brought something special—like biking through Burgundy vineyards, relaxing by Lake Annecy, and sampling the rich flavors of Lyon’s culinary scene. Annie, Linda, and Scott dive into the...
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A Solo Traveler's Experience in Southwest France
Join Us in France Travel Podcast
What’s it like to explore France on your own? In A Solo Traveler’s Experience in Southwest France, host Annie Sargent chats with Dawn Fairchild, a seasoned traveler from Los Angeles who set out on a two-week solo adventure through the stunning regions of the Lot, Dordogne, and Toulouse. Dawn shares her honest impressions, travel tips, and favorite moments—from learning French in a relaxed immersion program near Cahors to wandering the medieval streets of Sarlat. She talks about her visit to the painted cave at Pech Merle, wine tasting in Cahors, the markets of Toulouse, and unexpected...
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Best of the Savoie Department: Courchevel, Chambéry, Alberville, etc.
Join Us in France Travel Podcast
What makes the Savoie department in France so special? In this episode of the Join Us in France Travel Podcast, titled Best of the Savoie Department: Courchevel, Chambéry, Albertville, etc., host Annie Sargent and co-host Elyse Rivin dive deep into the highlights of this beloved Alpine region. Savoie is famous for its majestic mountain views, ski resorts, and rich regional culture. Annie and Elyse talk about iconic destinations like Courchevel, a world-class ski resort that draws visitors from around the globe, and Chambéry, the historic capital of Savoie known for its charming old town and...
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Living the Dream: Moving from Australia to Paris, Burgundy, and Provence
Join Us in France Travel Podcast
Have you ever dreamed of leaving it all behind and Living the Dream in France? In this episode of the Join Us in France Travel Podcast, titled Living the Dream: Moving from Australia to Paris, Burgundy, and Provence, Annie Sargent talks with Alexandra Lalak, an Australian travel and food writer who made the big move to France. Alexandra first landed in Paris, thinking she’d stay for just two years. But she fell in love with French life—and a Frenchman—and never left. She later moved to Burgundy, where she discovered the beauty of wine country and the joys of a slower, more rural...
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A Road Trip in Southwest France: Top Tips and Destinations, Episode 542
Join Us in France Travel Podcast
Planning a road trip in southwest France and wondering where to start? In this episode of the Join Us in France Travel Podcast, titled "A Road Trip in Southwest France: Top Tips and Destinations," host Annie Sargent chats with guest Craig Anderson about a two-week itinerary through Occitanie, from Montpellier to Toulouse. Craig, a seasoned traveler from the U.S., shares how he and his wife Pamela explored the region by rental car, with stops in Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert, Sète, Béziers, Carcassonne, Albi, Rabastens, and Toulouse. They dive into local experiences—like a wine tour with lunch...
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Corsica Revealed: Rich Culture, Cuisine, and Stunning Landscapes
Join Us in France Travel Podcast
Thinking of exploring a French island that's wild, beautiful, and full of surprises? In this episode of the Join Us in France Travel Podcast, titled Corsica Revealed: Rich Culture, Cuisine, and Stunning Landscapes, host Annie Sargent chats with tour guide Jean-François Sénéchal about his favorite island—Corsica. Jean-François lives in Tourrettes-sur-Loup, near Nice, but he has deep Corsican roots. His mother was born on the island, and his grandmother ran a hotel in Calvi. Today, he takes visitors on immersive, small-group tours around Corsica. In this episode, he shares what makes...
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Celebrating Cézanne in 2025: A Journey Through His Art and Legacy, Episode 540
Join Us in France Travel Podcast
Why is 2025 being called Cézanne Year in France? In this episode of the Join Us in France Travel Podcast, titled Celebrating Cézanne in 2025: A Journey Through His Art and Legacy, host Annie Sargent is joined by art historian and tour guide Elyse Rivin to explore the life, work, and influence of Paul Cézanne. Cézanne was born and died in Aix-en-Provence, and his art is deeply connected to the region. In 2025, the city will host a major exhibit at the Musée Granet, featuring over 50 works by the painter. Even more exciting, Cézanne’s long-closed family estate, Jas de Bouffan, is...
info_outlineLooking for unique travel ideas in France? In Fall in France Beyond Paris, host Annie Sargent chats with guest Steve Weaver about an unforgettable trip to the Aveyron region. Steve, a traveler from California, shares his experiences exploring this stunning and less-touristy area of France. If you’ve already visited Paris or want to venture off the beaten path, this episode is for you.
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Steve describes staying at a beautifully restored 16th-century Château in Balsac, complete with breathtaking countryside views, friendly goats, and even a hot tub for stargazing. He raves about the peaceful walks through the Aveyron landscape, where ancient stone buildings and vibrant vineyards create postcard-perfect scenes. Wine lovers will enjoy hearing about his impromptu wine tastings in Clairvaux, where he met winemakers eager to share their craft.
The conversation also highlights iconic spots like the Millau Viaduct, the world’s tallest bridge, and La Couvertoirade, a medieval Templar village that feels frozen in time. Steve’s journey includes dining at the Michelin-starred Émilie et Thomas near Conques, exploring Rodez’s modern stained-glass cathedral, and rediscovering the charm of Paris without the pressure to check off famous landmarks.
Join Annie and Steve for practical tips, engaging stories, and plenty of inspiration for your next French adventure. Whether you’re dreaming of sipping wine in a quiet village, marveling at modern engineering, or strolling through quaint towns, this episode will spark your wanderlust. Listen now and discover why fall in France is a season like no other.
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More episodes about going off the beaten track in France