Is Saint-Étienne France’s Most Underrated City? PLUS: Tips for Learning French!
Join Us in France Travel Podcast
Release Date: 01/25/2026
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_outlineIs 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 best-kept secrets.
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Saint-Étienne is cheap to visit, easy to explore, and packed with surprises. Brooke takes us to the Musée d’Art et d’Industrie, where you can see everything from historic bicycles to intricate ribbons—a hit with kids and adults alike. She raves about Weiss Chocolates, a local favorite where you can even take workshops, and the faisselle cheese, a fresh, creamy specialty you won’t find outside of France. For outdoor lovers, the Gouffre d’Enfer offers thrilling zip-lining, while Saint-Victor-sur-Loire delivers stunning views of the Loire River without the tourist crowds.
But Saint-Étienne isn’t just about sights—it’s about experiencing real French life. Brooke explains how the city’s tram system makes getting around a breeze, and why its strong local accent and gaga patois add to its authentic charm. She also shares practical tips for learning French, from immersing yourself in conversations to using resources like Radio France and the Alliance Française’s Culturethèque. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a family, or someone dreaming of moving to France, this city offers a welcoming, unpretentious vibe that’s hard to find in bigger tourist hotspots.
After the chat, Annie dives into an exciting update: JR’s 2026 art installation on Paris’s Pont Neuf, turning the bridge into a 120-meter "cave" made of fabric. It’s a must-see for anyone visiting Paris next summer!
Subscribe to Join Us in France to get more off-the-beaten-path stories, cultural deep dives, and travel tips that make exploring France even more rewarding. Whether you’re planning a trip or just love armchair travel, this episode will inspire you to see France differently. Listen now and start dreaming about your next adventure! 🇫🇷✨
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