Exploring Saint-Lizier: Hidden Gem of the French Pyrenees
Join Us in France Travel Podcast
Release Date: 09/21/2025
From Cajun Country to the French Riviera: Louisiana Meets France
Join Us in France Travel Podcast
From Cajun Country to the French Riviera: Louisiana Meets France takes you on a lively, honest, and sometimes surprising journey through France with Annie Sargent and her guests, Renee Poche and Dixie Poche, a mother-daughter duo from Cajun Country in Louisiana. This episode explores what happens when Cajun French culture meets modern France. Renee and Dixie share stories from their first trip together to Nice, Paris, Reims, and small towns along the way. They talk about expectations versus reality. They compare food, daily rhythms, and cultural habits. They reflect on what feels familiar and...
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Louise Michel: The Fearless Revolutionary of the Paris Commune
Join Us in France Travel Podcast
Paris, 1871. The city is under siege. The government has fallen. And in the heart of the chaos, one woman stands defiant with a rifle in hand. Welcome to Louise Michel: The Fearless Revolutionary of the Paris Commune, an episode of Join Us in France that brings history to life like never before. Host Annie Sargent and historian Elyse Rivin dive deep into the dramatic story of the Paris Commune—a radical uprising that shook France to its core. For 72 days in 1871, Paris was ruled not by kings or emperors, but by workers, artists, and revolutionaries. At the center of it all? Louise Michel, a...
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One Day in Paris: How to See the Best of the City in 24 Hours, Episode 583
Join Us in France Travel Podcast
"One Day in Paris: How to See the Best of the City in 24 Hours"—ever wondered if you could really experience Paris in just one day? In this action-packed episode of Join Us in France, host Annie Sargent sits down with Rick McGuirk, a seasoned Paris visitor who turned a quick layover into an unforgettable adventure. Whether you’re squeezing in a solo day, showing a first-timer the highlights, or just love efficient travel, this episode is your ultimate guide to maximizing every minute in the City of Light. Rick shares his real-time, fast-paced itinerary, starting with a sunset stroll...
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Is Saint-Étienne France’s Most Underrated City? PLUS: Tips for Learning French!
Join Us in France Travel Podcast
Is Saint-Étienne France’s Most Underrated City? PLUS: Tips for Learning French! If you love discovering hidden gems in France, this episode is for you! Annie Sargent chats with Brooke Koss Cunningham, a French professor and passionate Francophile, about Saint-Étienne—a city most travelers overlook but absolutely shouldn’t. Once known for its coal mines and heavy industry, Saint-Étienne has transformed into a vibrant hub of design, innovation, and affordability. Brooke shares why this working-class city, nestled between the Livradois-Forez and Parc du Pilat, is one of France’s...
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Home Exchange Secrets: How to Travel France for Free (Almost!)
Join Us in France Travel Podcast
Ever thought it might be possible to stay in Paris for 20 nights without paying rent? In this episode, Annie Sargent chats with Liz Van Montfort, a traveler who’s cracked the code on home exchange—the savvy way to explore France (or anywhere!) without breaking the bank. Liz shares how she spent three weeks in a Parisian apartment during the Rugby World Cup using Guest Points, plus a night in a 17th-century Dijon hotel, all while avoiding Airbnb’s pitfalls. Liz breaks down the two types of home exchanges: reciprocal swaps (you stay in their home, they stay in yours) and Guest...
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Why Southern Brittany Should Be Your Next French Escape
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 crowds. Annie and Elyse start by exploring the Château de Suscinio, a 1,000-year-old castle that was once the second home of the Dukes of Brittany. Recently restored, this fortress now offers...
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Basque Country and Learning French After 50
Join Us in France Travel Podcast
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 homeland. She shares the magic of Bayonne’s famous festivals, the charm of Biarritz’s beaches, and the hidden gems of Saint-Jean-de-Luz. You’ll hear about the unique Basque architecture, the...
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The Via Francigena: Slow Travel, History, and Self-Discovery on Foot
Join Us in France Travel Podcast
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. Olivier shares the highs and lows of his adventure. He walked an average of 25 kilometers per day, staying in convents, monasteries, and Airbnbs along the way. He met people from all over the world, discovered hidden...
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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,...
info_outlineExploring 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, medieval architecture, and Pyrenean landscapes. Annie and Elyse walk you through the highlights, from the ancient Roman walls that still encircle the village to the Cathedral of Saint-Lizier and its cloister, along with the impressive Notre-Dame-de-la-Sède Cathedral. Both sites feature remarkable Romanesque frescoes that speak to the town’s religious importance in the Middle Ages.
The episode also explores the Diocesan Museum, home to centuries of religious art, and the unforgettable apothecary, where shelves lined with jars and wooden cabinets transport you back to a time when medicine was practiced very differently. Beyond history, Annie and Elyse highlight the natural beauty of the Pyrenees, with its sweeping views, rolling hills, and opportunities for hiking and exploring nearby towns.
If you’re planning a trip to Occitanie or want to go beyond the well-trodden paths of Paris and Provence, this episode is your Saint-Lizier travel guide. You’ll hear practical tips on how to get there, how much time to spend, and why this small town deserves a place on your French itinerary.
🎧 Listen today and let Annie and Elyse inspire your next adventure in France.
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