Join Us in France Travel Podcast

Annie Sargent
  • 4.8 (1K)
  • PLACES & TRAVEL
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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!

  1. Joan of Arc: The Real Woman Behind 20,000 Statues

    3D AGO

    Joan of Arc: The Real Woman Behind 20,000 Statues

    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 you enjoy the show, subscribe so you never miss an episode.   Table of Contents for this Episode Intro Today on the podcast: The Joan of Arc Story Podcast supporters Magazine segment Joan of Arc Statues and Legacy How did Joan of Arc become so famous? France at War Myths About Her Childhood Voices and Vows Breaking the Engagement Path to the Dauphin Court Test and Conviction Armor and Army Plans Victory at Orléans Crowning at Reims War Not Over Yet King Wants Peace Final Victory Then Dismissal Joan Goes Rogue Captured And Sold Rouen Witchcraft Trial Condemned For Clothing Burned At The Stake Exoneration And Sainthood National Symbol Politics Legacy And Farewell Thank you, Patrons France Trip Services Paris Airbnb Crackdown Record Fine Explained New Law and Mayor Traveler Booking Tips Road Trip Itinerary Newsletter and Credits Next Episode Teaser Final Goodbye Copyright More episodes about French History

    58 min
  2. You Might Also Like: The Story of Money

    3D AGO ·  BONUS

    You Might Also Like: The Story of Money

    Introducing How ancient Mesopotamians solved runaway debt from The Story of Money. Follow the show: The Story of Money Long before modern economics, rulers such as Hammurabi in ancient Mesopotamia grappled with a political problem that still haunts our economies today: when people’s debts grow faster than their ability to repay them, the entire economic system can start to crack. Hammurabi adopted a radical solution: cancel debts entirely. Amanda H Podany, professor emeritus of history at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, and a research affiliate at New York University, tells The Story of Money hosts, FT columnist Gillian Tett and FT Alphaville editor Robin Wigglesworth, what these debt jubilees say about how the ancient Mesopotamian economy worked and what it might teach us about debt today.  To enjoy future episodes, be sure to subscribe to The Story of Money wherever you get your podcasts, also on the show's dedicated YouTube channel here. Learn more at ft.com/tsom Want more? Check out Dr Podany’s book, Weavers, Scribes, and Kings: A New History of the Ancient Near East  Hosts: Gillian Tett and Robin Wigglesworth Producer: Lulu Smyth Senior Producers: Michela Tindera and Laurence Knight Executive Producers: Flo Phillips and Manuela Saragosa Original music and sound engineering: Breen Turner Broadcast engineers: Bianca Wakeman and Petros Gioumpasis Podcast Development: Laura Clarke FT Global Head of Audio: Cheryl Brumley Video editor: Kristen Kenton at Podcast Discovery Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to team@podroll.fm.

  3. Road Tripping in Northern France: From Flander's Fields to Agincourt

    MAY 10

    Road Tripping in Northern France: From Flander's Fields to Agincourt

    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. Listen to this episode ad-free 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 episode every Sunday. Table of Contents for this Episode Intro Today on the podcast: Road Tripping in Northern France Podcast supporters Magazine segment Welcome Craig Anderson Why Belgium and north France Getting there and around First impressions and vibe Dunkirk and Calais Base in Boulogne Cliffs food and history When to visit and locals Costs and budgeting Top highlights and connections Amiens cathedral day trip Shorter itinerary options Summer return and outdoors Wrap up and next trip Thank you, patrons! Travel Itinerary Services Paris Vacant Homes New Vacancy Tax Plan Owners Push Back Airbnb Enforcement Second Homes Warning Host Personal Example Newsletter and Credits Next Week on the Podcast Copyright More episodes about French history

    52 min
  4. Viollet-le-Duc: The Self-Taught Architect Who Shaped France's Medieval Landmarks

    MAY 3

    Viollet-le-Duc: The Self-Taught Architect Who Shaped France's Medieval Landmarks

    div]:bg-bg-000/50 [&_pre>div]:border-0.5 [&_pre>div]:border-border-400 [&_.ignore-pre-bg>div]:bg-transparent [&_.standard-markdown_:is(p,blockquote,h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6)]:pl-2 [&_.standard-markdown_:is(p,blockquote,ul,ol,h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6)]:pr-8 [&_.progressive-markdown_:is(p,blockquote,h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6)]:pl-2 [&_.progressive-markdown_:is(p,blockquote,ul,ol,h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6)]:pr-8"> _*]:min-w-0 gap-3 standard-markdown"> 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. Listen to this episode ad-free 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 — you'll never look at a French cathedral the same way again. Subscribe so you never miss an episode. Table of Contents for this Episode Today on the podcast Podcast supporters Magazine segment Meet Viollet-le-Duc Fame and Big Restorations What Restoration Means Palace Childhood and Talent Rejecting Beaux-Arts Rebel Spirit and Revolution France Sketching Tour Gothic Theory and Nature Mérimée Patron and Teaching Early Travels and Appointments First Major Restorations Restoration as Reinvention Reinventing Restoration Gothic Forms New Materials Notre Dame Afterlife Invented Icons Explained Chimera And Critiques Saint Sernin Controversy Carcassonne Mega Project Commune Exile Switzerland Legacy Quote and Influence Final Thoughts Farewell Thank you Patrons Travel Help And Tours Catacombs Reopen And Renovation New Features And Visiting Tips Nearby Sights In Montparnasse Seizing The Day In Spain Upcoming Trips Newsletter Credits Next week on the podcast Copyright More episodes about French history

    1h 3m
  5. 23 Nights in Southern France Without a Car

    APR 26

    23 Nights in Southern France Without a Car

    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 go. This is exactly the kind of honest, practical conversation that makes trip planning easier. Hit subscribe so you never miss an episode. Table of Contents for this Episode 23 Nights in Southern France Without a Car Today on the podcast: 23 Nights in Southern France Without a Car Podcast supporters Magazine segment Meet Annie and Sally Trip Timing and Length Train Travel Adventures Solo Travel and Safety Getting to Bordeaux Ouigo Versus TGV Tips Bordeaux Stay and Hotels Booking Hotels and Scams Rainy Day Bordeaux Highlights Weather Changes and Toulouse Rain Gear and Museum Plans Toulouse Museums and Walks Albi Day Trip Essentials Market Lunch and Oysters Market Lunch Solo French Meal Times Breakfast Hotel Tips Avignon Autumn Magic Nice Museums Markets Day Trips Monaco Lyon Food And Art Paris Museum Day Marmottan Train Travel Wrap Up Thank you, Patrons! France Trip Services New Transit Security Powers What It Means for Visitors My Cold and Seeing a Doctor How French Appointments Work Next week on the podcast Newsletter and Farewell Copyright More episodes about using the trains in France

    57 min
  6. Home Exchange Experience: The Good, the Bad, and the Moldy

    APR 19

    Home Exchange Experience: The Good, the Bad, and the Moldy

    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. Table of Contents for this Episode Today on the podcast: A Bad Home Exchange Experience Podcast supporters Magazine segment Home Exchange Reality Check Annie's Paris Stays When a Place Feels Off Why Booking Is So Hard Rejections and Newbie Profiles Video Calls and Photo Red Flags Dirty Homes and Missing Amenities Refunds and Reviewing Honestly When Hosts React Badly Spotting Review Red Flags Points Pricing Doesn't Flex Earning Points and Cancellations Support and Cancellations Points Pitfalls and Pausing Best Length of Stay Cleaning Fees Reality Host Gifts and Local Feel Hosting Prep and Amenities Screening and Red Flags Home Exchange vs Airbnb Transparency and Pet Care Staying Safe and Selective Where It Works Best Lavender and Steel Service Wrap Up and Goodbye Thank you Patrons Updates and Tour Reviews Why France Goes Electric Nuclear Power Context Inside a Nuclear Plant France Electrification Plan Heating Shift to Heat Pumps EV Push and Truck Electrification Renault EVs Worth Wanting Electrify Work and Home Closing Thanks and Next Episode Copyright

    59 min
  7. France's Most Stunning Destinations: What's Worth the Hype (and What Isn't)

    APR 12

    France's Most Stunning Destinations: What's Worth the Hype (and What Isn't)

    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? Listen to this episode ad-free 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 Join Us in France so you never miss an episode — a new one drops every Sunday. Table of Contents for this Episode Today on the podcast: France's Most Stunning Destinations: What's Worth the Hype (and What Isn't) Magazine segment Welcome to Wow France What Makes a Wow Ugly France Reality Check Managing Wow Expectations Mona Lisa Hype Trap Eiffel Tower Surprise Old Paris Street Magic Pech Merle Painted Cave Brittany Wild Coast Loire Chateaux Wow Perched Villages Provence Chartres Cathedral Blue Bayeux Tapestry Marvel Alps and Pyrenees Peace Durance Valley Alps Mont Saint Michel Reality Versailles Visit Strategy Carcassonne and Memories Natural Wonders Roundup The Cliffs at  Étretat The Dune du Pilat Les Gorges du Verdon Le Cirque de Gavernie Rocamadour Villages And Modern Icons Food Wine And Markets Alsace Wine Route Strasbourg, Annecy, Nice Tourist Traps Warnings Moulin Rouge Camargue Gorges du Tarn Les Calanques Between Marseille and Cassis Gordes in Provence Riquewihr in the Alsace Saint Paul de Vence in Provence Les Baux de Provence and Carrière de Lumière La Tour Montparnasse Gets Complained About a LOT Restaurants Near Any Major Landmark Are Meh The Champs Elysées Large Group Wine and Food Tours Mixed on Hop On Hop Off Buses Instagram Travel And Wrap Copyright More episodes about French culture

    1h 11m
  8. First Trip to France? Here's What You Really Need to Know from 50 Years of Visits

    APR 5

    First Trip to France? Here's What You Really Need to Know from 50 Years of Visits

    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. Listen to this episode ad-free 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 take the train or rent a car? How much should you plan ahead? What should you pack? Their answer is simple. Pack light. Stay flexible. Don't try to do too much. They also share stories. The kind that stick with you. A peaceful cruise on the Canal du Midi. A magical hot air balloon ride. Unexpected moments that happen when you leave space in your itinerary. There's also practical advice. Travel insurance. Staying safe. Avoiding pickpockets. And how to handle the little things that can stress you out if you're not prepared. This is a warm, honest conversation about how to travel better, not just more. If you're planning your first trip to France, or your tenth, you'll come away with ideas you can use right away. Hit play and enjoy the conversation. And if you like it, don't forget to subscribe to the podcast on your favorite app so you never miss an episode. Table of Contents for this Episode Today on the podcast Podcast supporters Magazine segment Meet the Armstrongs French Friendliness Why Michael Speaks French Translation Apps and AI Trip Planning with Apps Aging Travel Tips Travel Insurance Essentials   Travel Can Reveal Mobility Difficulties You Didn't Know You Had Pack Light and Do Laundry Train vs Car Day Trips Renting Cars in France Favorite Regions and Seasons Podcast Tips and Metro Updates Safety and Pickpocket Smarts VoiceMap Tours and History Future Voice Maps Sarlat Food History First Trip France Tips Bonjour French Manners Slow Down Plan Less Museum Timing Tickets Albi Train Surprise Stay Flexible Try Anyway Canal du Midi Cruise Canal History And Locks Loire Balloon Adventure Traveling With Family Then Versus Now Travel Kayaking Pont du Gard Off Season Closures Why Toulouse Stands Out Farewell And Thanks Patreon Thanks and Perks VoiceMap Tours and Discounts Paris Region Tourism Trends Paris Elects New Mayor France Election Results Roundup Tour Montparnasse Closure Credits and Next Episode Next week on the podcast Copyright More episodes about visiting Paris for the first time

    58 min
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About

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!

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