Join Us in France Travel Podcast

54 minutes 2 seconds

What Your Paris Photos Are Missing (And How to Fix It)

Annie Sargent chats with Bob Soltys, a black-and-white street photographer who has spent decades capturing Paris. Bob shares what gear to actually bring, why night photography beats daytime almost every time, and which Paris neighborhoods deliver the best shots. He also explains phone tricks most tourists never use and when to put the camera down entirely.

In the magazine segment, Annie covers a new underground tunnel connecting Gare du Nord and Gare de l'Est — and why it matters for your next Paris trip.

Hit play. You'll come home with better photos.

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7 June 2026, 4:00 pm

1 hour 4 minutes

Who Was Coco Chanel Really? Her Life Story, Unvarnished

This is episode 600 of Join Us in France — a milestone worth celebrating.

Annie Sargent and Elyse Rivin dig into the life of Coco Chanel. Born Gabrielle Chanel in rural poverty in the Corrèze, she clawed her way into Paris society and revolutionized the way women dress. She invented the little black dress, launched Chanel No. 5 — still the world's best-selling perfume 104 years later — and freed women from the corset.

She also collaborated with the Nazis. That part is harder to ignore.

Elyse tells the full story, unvarnished. Subscribe to Join Us in France and never miss an episode.

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31 May 2026, 4:00 pm

1 hour 5 minutes

Getting a French Mortgage as Americans and Buying an Apartment in Nice Sight Unseen

Antoine and Annie Ksadzhikyan bought an apartment in Nice, France, without ever seeing it in person. They did it from Los Angeles, over FaceTime, and they have zero regrets. Annie Sargent talks with them about finding the right neighborhood, making an offer in two hours, and securing a French mortgage as Americans — no small feat. You'll also hear what daily life looks like when you split your time between LA and the Côte d'Azur. In the magazine segment, Annie shares hard-won tips from a two-week road trip through France on making the most of your time as a visitor. Hit play. Then subscribe so you never miss an episode.

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24 May 2026, 4:00 pm

58 minutes 1 second

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.

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17 May 2026, 4:00 pm

52 minutes 25 seconds

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.

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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.

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10 May 2026, 4:00 pm

1 hour 3 minutes

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

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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.

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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.

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3 May 2026, 4:00 pm

56 minutes 34 seconds

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.

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26 April 2026, 4:00 pm

58 minutes 32 seconds

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.

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19 April 2026, 4:00 pm

1 hour 11 minutes

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?

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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.

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12 April 2026, 4:00 pm

58 minutes 29 seconds

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.

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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.

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5 April 2026, 4:00 pm

56 minutes 33 seconds

Buying a Home in France: Lessons from a Real-Life House Hunt in the South of France

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.

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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 Montauroux.

Annie, Juliana, and Craig walk through the reality of house hunting. It's not always easy. Inventory can be limited. Listings can be confusing. And homes can be very different from what buyers expect. They also share a big moment. They had an accepted offer, then had to walk away after discovering structural issues. It's a tough lesson, but an important one.

They also talk about financing, timelines, and the role of language. You don't need perfect French, but it helps. And patience is essential when buying property in France.

This conversation is honest, practical, and full of insight. It's useful if you're dreaming about moving to France. It's also fun if you just love discovering beautiful places.

If you're curious about what it really takes, press play and listen now. And if you enjoy the episode, be sure to subscribe to the Join Us in France Travel Podcast so you never miss an episode.

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29 March 2026, 5:00 pm