Navigating Markets and Scenic Routes in France, Episode 534
Join Us in France Travel Podcast
Release Date: 02/23/2025
French Lifestyle Dream in the Loire Valley
Join Us in France Travel Podcast
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 of town, surrounded by history, wine culture, and beautiful châteaux. Annie and David swap tips for exploring the region, including visits to Candes-Saint-Martin, Montsoreau, Fontevraud-l’Abbaye,...
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From the French Countryside to Classical Concerts in Paris, Episode 557
Join Us in France Travel Podcast
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. The sisters didn’t just pass through France—they immersed themselves in it. They stayed at Mas de Peyrelongue, a welcoming equestrian farm where visitors can ride horses "à la carte" while practicing their...
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Discover Annecy: The Little Venice of the Alps, Episode 556
Join Us in France Travel Podcast
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. Annecy is famous for its turquoise lake, charming canals, and Alpine backdrop. But there’s more to it than pretty views. Annie and Elyse dive into the town’s rich history, its role in the Duchy of Savoy, and the impressive transformation of its old prison — the Palais de l’Isle — into...
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Visiting Chartres from Paris: A Perfect Day Trip Itinerary, Episode 555
Join Us in France Travel Podcast
Thinking about taking a day trip from Paris? In Episode 555: Day Trip to Chartres from Paris with Patricia Perry, Jennifer Gruenke, and Annie Sargent explore how easy and rewarding it can be to spend a day in this charming French town just an hour from the capital. Chartres is best known for its stunning Gothic cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its stained glass windows and soaring architecture. But there’s much more to enjoy! Annie, Patricia, and Jennifer share their firsthand experience exploring the cathedral, wandering the old town, and enjoying a leisurely lunch at a...
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Discovering the Southwest of France: Tips and Tales for Travelers, Episode 554
Join Us in France Travel Podcast
In Discovering the Southwest of France: Tips and Tales for Travelers, host Annie Sargent talks with Catherine McMillan about her recent road trip through some of the most beautiful and underrated parts of France. Catherine traveled by car and took her time exploring the Southwest of France. She shares her experience driving from Bordeaux to Arcachon, Cap Ferret, Bayonne, Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Espelette, Sare, Lacanau, and more. Her trip focused on slower travel, scenic drives, good food, and authentic experiences. Annie and Catherine talk about why the Southwest stands out from other parts...
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Exploring the Canal du Midi on a Rental Boat
Join Us in France Travel Podcast
Have you ever dreamed of boating through the French countryside? In “Exploring the Canal du Midi on a Rental Boat,” host Annie Sargent talks with John and Sally Capets about their week-long adventure on this historic waterway. They rented a boat with friends and spent their days slowly drifting past vineyards, plane trees, and medieval villages in southern France. They share what it’s really like to rent a boat on the Canal du Midi, navigate the many locks, and live in close quarters while exploring the beauty of Occitanie. John and Sally talk about practical details like packing light,...
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The Story of Perfume: A Journey Through France's Luxurious Past
Join Us in France Travel Podcast
Have you ever wondered how France became the world’s perfume capital? In “The Story of Perfume: A Journey Through France's Luxurious Past,” host Annie Sargent and guest Elyse Rivin from Toulouse Guided Walks take you on a fragrant journey through French history. They explore how perfume evolved from smoky rituals and religious ceremonies to the luxury bottles we see today. You will learn how Grasse became the heart of perfume making and why Chanel No. 5, Shalimar, and Poison became iconic scents tied to France. to travel back in time through the scents of France! Annie and Elyse share...
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Exploring Paris and Strasbourg: Notre-Dame Highlights and Winter Traditions
Join Us in France Travel Podcast
Exploring Paris and Strasbourg: Notre-Dame Highlights and Winter Traditions — Have you ever wondered what it’s like to visit France in the winter? In this episode of the Join Us in France Travel Podcast, host Annie Sargent chats with Kim Cox, a listener from Minnesota, about her December adventures in Paris and Strasbourg. They talk about how to enjoy Paris museums like the Musée d'Orsay and the Musée de l'Orangerie when the weather is chilly and the days are short. Kim shares what you can currently see at Notre-Dame de Paris, including the ongoing restoration and the excellent...
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Hiking Chemin du Puy and Célé Valley, Episode 550
Join Us in France Travel Podcast
What’s it really like to walk a long-distance trail in rural France? In this episode of Join Us in France, titled Hiking Chemin du Puy and Célé Valley, host Annie Sargent talks with Rowena Sjovall, a solo traveler from the U.S. walking the GR65 and the scenic Célé Valley route. Rowena shares her detailed experience hiking the Chemin du Puy, one of France’s most popular pilgrimage trails. She talks about trail conditions, signage, and the variety of landscapes—rolling hills, deep river valleys, and charming medieval towns. If you’ve wondered about hiking from Le Puy-en-Velay toward...
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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...
info_outlineNavigating Markets and Scenic Routes in France
Have you ever wondered how to make the most of France’s local markets and breathtaking landscapes? In this episode, Navigating Markets and Scenic Routes in France, host Annie Sargent chats with Theresa Watkins about her incredible journeys across Paris, Normandy, and Provence.
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Theresa, an experienced traveler from Kansas City, shares valuable insights from her trips, including tips on planning a balanced itinerary, finding the best local markets, and choosing the right time to visit different regions. She talks about her unforgettable stay on Mont Saint Michel, where she experienced the island’s quiet beauty at night, away from the daytime crowds.
They also discuss the joys of discovering Provence’s lively markets, like the one in Lourmarin, which turned out to be a shopping paradise. Theresa gives first-hand advice on renting a car, navigating toll roads, and making spontaneous stops at charming villages along the way.
From playing pétanque on the beach in Menton to enjoying a Calanque cruise in Cassis, this episode is full of travel tips and inspiration. Whether you’re planning a trip or dreaming of France, this episode will give you ideas to make your adventure even better.
Tune in and get ready to explore France like a local!
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