Join Us in France Travel Podcast Podcast By Annie Sargent cover art

Join Us in France Travel Podcast

Join Us in France Travel Podcast

By: Annie Sargent
Listen for free

About this listen

 Planning a trip to France? Join Us in France is the podcast for you! On this podcast we have conversations about our trips to France, chat with tour guides, share tips on French culture, the basics of French history, explain how to be savvy traveler in France and share our love of French food, wine and destinations in France. You won’t want to miss out on all these great conversations about one of the most beautiful countries on earth! Subscribe now so you don't miss an episode. And if you're planning your own trip soon - start listening now so you're ready to connect to France on a deeper level. Bon voyage!2014 – 2022 All Rights Reserved Social Sciences Travel Writing & Commentary World
Episodes
  • Exploring Paris and Strasbourg: Notre-Dame Highlights and Winter Traditions

    Exploring Paris and Strasbourg: Notre-Dame Highlights and Winter Traditions
    Jun 22 2025
    Exploring Paris and Strasbourg: Notre-Dame Highlights and Winter Traditions — Have you ever wondered what it’s like to visit France in the winter? In this episode of the Join Us in France Travel Podcast, host Annie Sargent chats with Kim Cox, a listener from Minnesota, about her December adventures in Paris and Strasbourg. Get the podcast ad-free They talk about how to enjoy Paris museums like the Musée d'Orsay and the Musée de l'Orangerie when the weather is chilly and the days are short. Kim shares what you can currently see at Notre-Dame de Paris, including the ongoing restoration and the excellent archaeological crypt right in front of the cathedral. Then it’s on to Strasbourg, where Kim timed her visit perfectly to enjoy the Strasbourg Christmas markets, known as some of the best in Europe. She offers tips for navigating the festive crowds, finding the best vin chaud, and learning about Alsatian culture at the local museum. If you're curious about winter travel in France, exploring Paris and Strasbourg in December might be just what you're looking for. It’s a great time for museum visits, festive lights, and warm comfort food. Subscribe to the Join Us in France Travel Podcast for weekly episodes about French destinations, history, culture, and practical travel tips. Table of Contents for this Episode [00:00:16] Introduction and Welcome [00:00:30] Today on the podcast [00:00:57] Podcast supporters [00:01:30] The Magazine segment [00:02:18] Notre Dame Museums and Winter Magic with Kim Cox [00:02:45] Notre Dame Reopening Experience [00:10:27] Exploring Strasbourg’s Christmas Markets [00:14:46] Living Like a Local in Paris [00:16:33] Picard, Frozen Foods [00:20:35] Cafe Culture in Winter [00:22:25] Museums and Historical Insights [00:25:20] VoiceMap Guided Walk in Strasbourg [00:26:48] Visiting the Carnavalet Museum [00:29:10] Dining and Reservations in Paris [00:32:20] Experiencing the Pantheon [00:34:44] Christmas Festivities in Paris [00:35:48] Late Night at the Louvre [00:38:19] Winter Travel Tips for Paris [00:41:38] Final Thoughts and Future Plans [00:43:33] Thank you Patrons [00:44:42] VoiceMap Reviews [00:46:42] Solar Energy Project in Paris [00:48:33] 6 Weeks away from the desk [00:52:15] Next Week on the Podcast [00:52:59] Copyright More Episodes About Paris and Strasbourg
    Show more Show less
    55 mins
  • Hiking Chemin du Puy and Célé Valley, Episode 550

    Hiking Chemin du Puy and Célé Valley, Episode 550
    Jun 15 2025
    What’s it really like to walk a long-distance trail in rural France? In this episode of Join Us in France, titled Hiking Chemin du Puy and Célé Valley, host Annie Sargent talks with Rowena Sjovall, a solo traveler from the U.S. walking the GR65 and the scenic Célé Valley route. Get the podcast ad-free Rowena shares her detailed experience hiking the Chemin du Puy, one of France’s most popular pilgrimage trails. She talks about trail conditions, signage, and the variety of landscapes—rolling hills, deep river valleys, and charming medieval towns. If you’ve wondered about hiking from Le Puy-en-Velay toward Cahors or incorporating the lesser-known Célé Valley variant, Rowena offers honest insights. The conversation covers practical tips too. What kind of gear should you bring? How easy is it to find food and lodging? What’s the vibe among other hikers? Annie asks all the right questions to help listeners decide if this kind of trip is for them. Whether you're planning a Camino in France or just curious about rural walking holidays, this episode delivers both inspiration and real-world advice. Don’t forget to subscribe to Join Us in France for more episodes like this, where travel dreams and logistics meet. Perfect for slow travel lovers, Francophiles, and adventure-seekers! Table of Contents for this Episode [00:00:15] Introduction and Greetings [00:00:31] Today on the podcast [00:00:59] Podcast supporters [00:01:32] The Magazine segment [00:02:25] Annie and Rowena [00:03:11] The Crazy Adventure Begins [00:06:27] Planning the Journey [00:08:41] Navigating the Trail [00:12:45] Challenges and Perseverance [00:18:48] Starting point [00:27:14] Navigating Through Cornfields [00:27:51] Rainy Day Lunch and Milka Chocolate [00:28:44] Challenges of Finding Food and Shelter [00:29:43] Reaching the Hilltop and Meeting Fellow Travelers [00:32:48] Exploring Troglodyte Houses [00:34:07] Communal Dinners and Accommodations [00:34:51] Comfort Level at the Accommodations in the Célé Valley [00:41:14] Advice for Future Travelers [00:44:15] Planning the Next Journey [00:47:41] The hardest day [00:48:17] Concluding Thoughts and Farewell [00:48:45] Thank you Patrons [00:49:40] Tour Reviews [00:50:40] Discount for Podcast Listeners [00:51:54] Swimming in the Seine [00:56:21] Next week on the podcast [00:56:58] Copyright More episodes about active vacations in France
    Show more Show less
    59 mins
  • Navigating France by Train, Car, and Bus

    Navigating France by Train, Car, and Bus
    Jun 8 2025
    How do you plan a smooth and memorable trip across France using trains, rental cars, and buses? In this episode of the Join Us in France Travel Podcast, titled Navigating France by Train, Car, and Bus, host Annie Sargent chats with Stephen Nicholson about his 24-day journey through France. Stephen and his wife combined different types of transportation to explore big cities, small towns, and hidden gems—without joining a tour group. They started in Paris and used the OuiGo high-speed train to reach Avignon, then added regional trains, rental cars, and local buses to visit places like Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, Carcassonne, Sarlat-la-Canéda, and Amboise. Stephen shares practical advice on booking train tickets, rebooking car rentals to save money, and using travel apps to avoid stress. Annie and Stephen also talk about how to find the best parking in small villages, how to use luggage storage services, and why it’s smart to plan around French public holidays. They touch on lesser-known challenges like fuel station card holds and using Wise debit cards in Europe. Whether you're planning to travel light, visit Les Plus Beaux Villages de France, or simply get the most out of your trip without overpacking your schedule, this episode is full of useful, real-world tips. Subscribe to Join Us in France for more smart travel advice, inspiring guest stories, and honest discussions about what it’s really like to explore France at your own pace. Table of Contents for this Episode [00:00:15] Introduction and Trip Overview — [00:00:31] Today on the podcast — [00:00:56] Podcast supporters — [00:02:06] The Magazine segment — [00:02:37] Steven and Annie about  ”Navigating France by Train, Car, and Bus” — [00:04:01] First Impressions and Travel Logistics — [00:08:07] Exploring Avignon and Surroundings — [00:09:26] Navigating Car Rentals and Local Markets — [00:11:53] Journey to Carcassonne and Toulouse — [00:14:15] Favorite Things in the Luberon — [00:18:54] Wise Card — [00:21:29] Carcassonne — [00:24:12] Toulouse:Take Elyse’s VoiceMap tour! — [00:24:38] Encountering a French Labor Day Parade — [00:25:22] Labor Day in France vs US — [00:26:46] Exploring Toulouse and Surrounding Areas — [00:27:45] Journey to Cahors and Car Rentals in France — [00:30:02] France for Non-Foodies — [00:31:00] Renting a Car in Brive-la-Gaillarde — [00:33:54] Adventures in the Dordogne — [00:38:42] Navigating the Loire Valley — [00:40:53] Should You Worry About French People Not Liking Americans? — [00:43:21] Thank you Patrons — [00:44:36] Discounts for Podcast Listeners — [00:45:57] Car-Free Paris? — [00:49:00] Next week on the podcast — [00:49:40] Copyright — More episodes about how to get around in France
    Show more Show less
    52 mins
All stars
Most relevant  
Thank you for reviewing the history of Avignon as not part of France until 1791. I am doing genealogy research of my French ancestors and discovered that the Vaucluse was also part of the Papal State - called the Comtat Venassin- not France - until 1791. I have been trying to find the history of the life in the Comtat from 1570s forward. I would love to see a podcast about the Comtat Vennaissin.

Starts the history of the Papal State in Provence

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
Excellent information shared in a pleasant conversational style. Both podcasters are great storytellers. Highly recommend for anyone traveling to France.

Entertaining and informative

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.