Exploring the Dordogne: Secret Villages, Local Tips & Authentic French Travel
Join Us in France Travel Podcast
Release Date: 08/31/2025
Unexpected France: History, Nature, and a Bit of Chaos, Episode 562
Join Us in France Travel Podcast
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. Gregg’s trip took him to places most visitors overlook. He explored the prehistoric caves of Arcy-sur-Cure, where ancient paintings connect today’s traveler with humanity’s earliest stories. He visited the soaring...
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Exploring the Dordogne: Secret Villages, Local Tips & Authentic French Travel
Join Us in France Travel Podcast
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. Jackie shares how she and her family designed a flexible Dordogne road trip that let them visit charming towns, sample local food, and enjoy the landscape without feeling rushed. From famous stops like Sarlat and Rocamadour to less crowded villages along the river, Jackie explains what made each...
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Emile Zola: The Life, Legacy, and Scandal of France’s Most Influential Writer
Join Us in France Travel Podcast
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 social critic, a scandal-maker, and a public voice for justice. His Rougon-Macquart series, including the famous novel Germinal, revealed the lives of miners, shopkeepers, and workers in...
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Family Travel to France: Paris, Provence, and a Trip of a Lifetime
Join Us in France Travel Podcast
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. They share the highlights of Paris, including the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and hidden gems you might miss. Then they head south to Provence for lavender fields, hilltop villages, and unforgettable markets. Along the way, Lori reveals how they balanced everyone’s interests, managed transportation, and found great places to stay....
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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,...
info_outlineHave 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.
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Jackie shares how she and her family designed a flexible Dordogne road trip that let them visit charming towns, sample local food, and enjoy the landscape without feeling rushed. From famous stops like Sarlat and Rocamadour to less crowded villages along the river, Jackie explains what made each place special. She also talks about driving in rural France, finding parking in small towns, and the importance of leaving room in your schedule for spontaneous discoveries.
Annie and Jackie compare notes on French markets, restaurants, and the kind of authentic encounters that happen when you stay in smaller inns or gîtes instead of big hotels. They also highlight cultural differences, from the rhythm of French mealtimes to how Sundays feel completely different compared to North America.
This episode is packed with practical tips for anyone planning to go beyond Paris and explore provincial France. You’ll hear why renting a car is essential, how to balance sightseeing with relaxation, and which Dordogne villages Jackie would happily return to again.
If you are searching for advice on exploring the Dordogne, planning a Dordogne road trip, or simply want inspiration for your next journey to France, this conversation will help you see what’s possible.
Subscribe to the Join Us in France Travel Podcast to get weekly episodes with trip reports, itineraries, and deep dives into French culture and history. Don’t just visit France—experience it like a traveler who knows where to look.
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