French Lifestyle Dream in the Loire Valley
Join Us in France Travel Podcast
Release Date: 08/10/2025
40 Trips to France: Plus a French Christmas Feast with Annie & Elyse
Join Us in France Travel Podcast
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. Janice explains why France feels like home to her. She talks about slowing down, speaking French even when it’s imperfect, and choosing experiences over checklists. She shares how she plans trips around things that excite her. Sometimes it’s a race, like the Adidas 10K in Paris....
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Charles de Gaulle: The Man Who Saved France and Shaped Modern Europe
Join Us in France Travel Podcast
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 survived being a POW, clashed with Churchill and Roosevelt, and led the Free French Forces to victory. But his story doesn’t end there. As France’s president, he created the Fifth Republic,...
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Home Exchange in France: Real Experiences & Secrets to Affordable Travel
Join Us in France Travel Podcast
"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, borrowing cars, and even pet-sitting. This isn’t just theory; it’s packed with real stories, practical tips, and a few surprises from Annie’s own recent home exchange adventures in...
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Vegetarian in Paris: The Ultimate Guide to Plant-Based Dining & Hidden Gems
Join Us in France Travel Podcast
"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 foodie, or just looking to explore meat-free options, Amber shares her insider tips for navigating Parisian menus, avoiding tourist traps, and discovering hidden gems that even locals love. ...
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Renting a Boat on the Canal du Midi: A Dreamy Slow Travel Adventure in France
Join Us in France Travel Podcast
"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, and exploring historic villages—all without needing a boating license—this conversation is packed with practical tips and inspiration. Bobbi and her friends started their journey in Homps, a...
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Van Gogh’s Tragic Genius: The Untold Story of His Life in France
Join Us in France Travel Podcast
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 years in France, we explore how his experiences shaped his art—and how his art, in turn, shaped the world. Van Gogh’s life was marked by failure, rejection, and mental health struggles....
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Are You Considering Getting a Talent or Freelance Visa to Live in France?
Join Us in France Travel Podcast
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. 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 sense depending on your work situation. Daniel explains the legal side in plain language — who qualifies, how long each visa lasts, what documents you’ll need, and what kind of income you must show. Brenna and Jeff share the...
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Versailles with Kids and the Grand Ball: A Magical Family Adventure
Join Us in France Travel Podcast
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. Together, Annie and Katie explore how to make Versailles fun and manageable with children. They talk about stroller-friendly paths, when to visit to avoid crowds, and why the gardens are often a better choice for kids than the formal palace...
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Starting Over: A Widow’s Bold Move to Rural France
Join Us in France Travel Podcast
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. Abigail began watching videos of people renovating châteaux in France. The idea stuck. She loves travel. She loves houses. She has renovation experience. So she came to France to look at properties. At first, it felt like a fun adventure. But...
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Sarah Bernhard: The First Superstar
Join Us in France Travel Podcast
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. Born in Paris in 1844, Sarah rose from humble beginnings to dominate the French stage and the world’s imagination. She acted at the Comédie-Française, starred in productions across Europe and America, and brought passion, emotion, and intensity to every role. Her talent was...
info_outlineHave 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, the Château of Langeais, and the gardens of Villandry.
Before heading to Saumur, David spent time in Paris and stayed at the Off Paris Seine, a floating hotel he loved for its unique design and great location. They also talk about the Cadre Noir, France’s prestigious equestrian school, and why it’s a must-visit for horse lovers.
This episode blends personal stories, travel recommendations, and cultural insights for anyone dreaming about French life or planning a Loire Valley trip.
Subscribe to the Join Us in France Travel Podcast for weekly inspiration, practical tips, and authentic stories that will help you explore France like a local. Whether you’re a traveler, a future expat, or just curious about French culture, this episode will make you want to pack your bags.
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