Why Southern Brittany Should Be Your Next French Escape
Join Us in France Travel Podcast
Release Date: 01/11/2026
Joan of Arc: The Real Woman Behind 20,000 Statues
Join Us in France Travel Podcast
Joan of Arc was not a shepherdess. She was a determined teenager who broke an arranged marriage, heard voices, and convinced a chain of noblemen to take her to the French king. Annie Sargent and Elyse Rivin of Toulouse Guided Walks tell the full story. From her village in Lorraine to the battlefields at Orléans. From her betrayal to her execution at 19. And why there are now over 20,000 statues of her across France. Annie also covers the Paris Airbnb crackdown and shares her road trip itinerary through eastern France. Hit play. You won't look at those statues the same way again. And if...
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Road Tripping in Northern France: From Flander's Fields to Agincourt
Join Us in France Travel Podcast
Craig Anderson road-tripped northern France after a week in Belgium. He loved it, and you will too. Annie and Craig talk Dunkirk, Calais, Boulogne-sur-Mer, the Battle of Agincourt, and a spontaneous day trip to Amiens Cathedral. Craig breaks down why you need a car, where to base yourself, and how affordable this overlooked region really is. Annie also covers the Paris vacant apartment crisis and what a new 2027 tax means for property owners. This episode will make you want to book a flight. Hit subscribe so you never miss Annie's weekly conversations about traveling France the right way. New...
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Viollet-le-Duc: The Self-Taught Architect Who Shaped France's Medieval Landmarks
Join Us in France Travel Podcast
Annie Sargent sits down with licensed tour guide Elyse Rivin to talk about Eugène Emmanuel Viollet-le-Duc — the self-taught architect who left his mark on Notre-Dame, Carcassonne, and Saint-Sernin in Toulouse, among many others. They dig into how he taught himself everything, refused the Beaux-Arts at 18, and still ended up reshaping France's most iconic medieval landmarks. They talk about what he invented, what got torn down, and what his real legacy turned out to be. Annie also covers the newly renovated Paris Catacombs in the magazine segment. This is a fun one. Hit play —...
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23 Nights in Southern France Without a Car
Join Us in France Travel Podcast
Annie Sargent talks with Sally Schokman, an Australian solo traveler who spent 23 nights in southern France without a car. Sally took the train everywhere — Bordeaux, Toulouse, Albi, Avignon, Nice, Lyon, and Paris. She shares what surprised her, what she'd do differently, and which museums blew her away. They also dig into real logistics: booking trains during school holidays, Ouigo versus InOui TGV, solo dining, and handling rainy days like a pro. Annie also covers a recent change in French security rules at train stations and metro stops. Nothing alarming — just good to know before you...
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Home Exchange Experience: The Good, the Bad, and the Moldy
Join Us in France Travel Podcast
Melanie Dixon loves France and has done home exchange multiple times, both as a guest and as a host. She joins Annie Sargent to talk about what can go wrong — and it turns out, quite a bit can. Moldy bathrooms. Grimy sinks. A washer you're not allowed to use. An angry WhatsApp from a host who didn't like your honest review. Annie has her own war stories too. They also cover the red flags to watch before you book, and why a five-minute video call can save you a week of misery. Still worth it? Both say yes — but go in with your eyes open. Hit subscribe so you never miss an episode....
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France's Most Stunning Destinations: What's Worth the Hype (and What Isn't)
Join Us in France Travel Podcast
Annie Sargent and Elyse Rivin are back, and this time they're settling the big question: which famous destinations in France actually deliver, and which ones need a reality check? They cover prehistoric painted caves, perched medieval villages, Loire châteaux, mountain valleys, and coastal wonders. They also get honest about the places that disappoint — bad weather, bad timing, or just bad hype. No sugarcoating. No brochure language. Just two people who know France well, telling you what's worth your time. If you love France and want to travel smarter, this episode is for you. Subscribe to...
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First Trip to France? Here’s What You Really Need to Know from 50 Years of Visits
Join Us in France Travel Podcast
First Trip to France? Here’s What You Really Need to Know from 50 Years of Visits. This is what Annie Sargent explores in this episode with Nancy and Michael Armstrong, and it’s packed with the kind of advice you only get from people who have done this over and over again. They talk about what has changed in France travel and what hasn’t. They share how much easier things are now with apps, trains, and translation tools. But they also explain why the basics still matter. Say bonjour. Be polite. Slow down. Annie, Nancy, and Michael get into the real decisions travelers face. Should you...
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Buying a Home in France: Lessons from a Real-Life House Hunt in the South of France
Join Us in France Travel Podcast
Buying a Home in France: Lessons from a Real-Life House Hunt in the South of France is the focus of this episode of the Join Us in France Travel Podcast. Annie Sargent chats with Juliana Linssen and her husband Craig about their journey from California to Provence and what it’s really like to search for a home in France. They share what drew them to France in the first place. They talk about lifestyle, food, and the appeal of the South of France. They also explain how they narrowed their search to beautiful villages in the Var and the arrière-pays, in places like Seillans, Fayence, and...
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What People Get Wrong About French Food
Join Us in France Travel Podcast
French food has an incredible reputation around the world. Many people imagine elegant pastries, complicated recipes, and chefs carefully assembling perfect plates in restaurant kitchens. But everyday food in France is often much simpler—and much more interesting. In this episode of the Join Us in France Travel Podcast, we explore some of the most common myths about French food and desserts. What do French people actually cook at home? Are fancy pastries really part of everyday life? And why are bakeries such an important part of daily life in France? The reality may surprise you. French...
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Moving to France: Realities, Challenges, and Rewards
Join Us in France Travel Podcast
info_outlineEpisode 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 , 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.
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Annie and Elyse start by exploring the , a 1,000-year-old castle that was once the second home of the Dukes of Brittany. Recently restored, this fortress now offers interactive exhibits, medieval crossbow demonstrations, and even a moat filled with swans. Elyse shares fascinating stories about the castle’s past, including how it was and later abandoned before being brought back to life. If you’re traveling with kids (or just a kid at heart), you’ll love the hands-on activities and the chance to step into a real-life fairy tale.
Next, they head to , a peaceful island in the Gulf of Morbihan. Known as the "Island of Captains," this tiny gem is packed with history, from prehistoric megaliths to a medieval church and a working tidal mill. Elyse describes the island’s unique vibe, where while their men sailed the seas. You can walk or bike around the entire island in a day, stopping at quiet beaches, local crêperies, and even a sailing school. Elyse’s personal anecdotes—like trying for the first time—make the island feel like a place you need to visit.
The episode also covers practical tips for exploring Southern Brittany. Elyse recommends basing your trip in Vannes, a charming city with a lively market and easy access to the gulf’s many islands. She and Annie discuss the best ways to get around, including boat tours and bike rentals, and why the make every visit to the coast a little different.
For food lovers, Southern Brittany is a dream. Elyse raves about fresh oysters for just six euros a dozen and the local , a cider-based twist on the classic Aperol spritz. The region’s seafood, crêpes, and artisanal treats are not to be missed.
Whether you’re planning a trip or just dreaming of one, this episode is your guide to the best of Southern Brittany. Annie and Elyse’s conversational style makes you feel like you’re right there with them, discovering hidden gems and soaking up the local culture.
Subscribe to Join Us in France for more episodes like this—where history, food, and adventure come together. Perfect for anyone who wants to . Listen now and start planning your own Brittany escape!
More episodes about Brittany and Normandy
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