Join Us in France Travel Podcast

By: Annie Sargent
  • Summary

  • 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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Episodes
  • Walking for Hope: A Christmas Quest to Rebuild and Inspire, Episode 525
    Dec 22 2024
    What makes Christmas in France so special? How does a young man's incredible journey from London to Turkey tie into the spirit of giving? In this episode, host Annie Sargent explores the festive traditions of France and shares a conversation with Oscar Newsome Smith, a passionate advocate for rebuilding communities in southern Turkey after the devastating 2023 earthquakes. Get the podcast ad-free Annie begins by diving into the heart of Christmas in France. She paints a vivid picture of festive meals, family gatherings, and cherished customs like foie gras, bûche de Noël, and joyful caroling. Whether it's oysters and shrimp on Christmas Day or the warm glow of Christmas markets, Annie brings the magic of French holiday traditions to life. The episode takes a thoughtful turn as Oscar Newsome Smith joins Annie to share his story. At just 27, Oscar embarked on a remarkable journey, walking from London to Turkey to raise awareness and funds for an eco-community in Samandağ, a region heavily affected by the earthquakes. Oscar talks about the challenges he’s faced, the generosity of strangers, and his vision for a more sustainable future. This episode is a heartwarming blend of holiday cheer and hope in action. Tune in to be inspired and reminded of the power of compassion, determination, and the true spirit of Christmas. Table of Contents for this Episode Thank You, Patrons! Chapter 1.  What I L ove about Christmas in France. Christmas with Family Christmas Markets in France Midnight Mass Food Traditions Chapter 2. Notre Dame Ile de la Cite tour rewriting, January 2025  The Return of the Notre Dame Choir Introducing Oscar Newsom-Smith The Quest: Walking from London to Turkey What is an Eco Community? Why Turkey? Challenges and Corruption in Turkish Construction Personal Motivation and Initial Response The Journey Through France Walking Solo Wild Encounters and Night Walks Family and Friends Support Raising Funds and Awareness Sustainable Construction and Eco Initiatives Challenges and Beautiful Moments More episodes about Christmas in France
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    57 mins
  • Marie-Antoinette: the Queen of Controversy, Episode 524
    Dec 15 2024
    Was Marie-Antoinette a spoiled queen or a misunderstood woman caught in extraordinary times? In this episode of Join Us in France, host Annie Sargent and her guest Elyse Rivin explore the life, controversies, and tragic end of one of history’s most iconic figures. Patrons get an ad-free version of this episode. Be like them, click here. Marie-Antoinette, born in Vienna as an Austrian archduchess, became Queen of France at just 18. Annie and Elyse discuss her arrival at Versailles, her struggles to adapt to French court life, and the resentment she faced as a foreigner. From the extravagant Petit Trianon to the infamous Diamond Necklace Affair, they peel back the layers of myth and reality. Marie-Antoinette loved beauty, fashion, and the arts, but she became a scapegoat for France’s financial troubles. As the Revolution loomed, the queen’s life spiraled from opulence to imprisonment. Elyse shares the details of her family’s final days, the failed escape to Varennes, and her harrowing trial. Despite propaganda and extreme accusations, Marie-Antoinette faced her fate with dignity. Annie and Elyse reflect on her complex legacy. Was she a victim of circumstance or a symbol of royal excess? Don’t miss this engaging episode. Listen to discover the real story of Marie-Antoinette and her lasting impact on history. Table of Contents for this Episode Today’s Episode Thank you Donors and Listeners Marie-Antoinette’s Early Life Marriage and Arrival in France Life at the French Court Challenges and Controversies Motherhood and Personal Struggles Extravagance and Public Perception Louis XVI and his Support for the American Revolution The Diamond Necklace AffairThe Forged LettersThe Scandal Unfolds Marie-Antoinette’s Family Life The Flight to VarennesThe Imprisonment The Trial of Marie-AntoinetteThe ExecutionThe AftermathLegacy and ReflectionThank you, Patrons!Review on VoiceMapShop on Amazon Tickets for Notre Dame de Paris Next Week on the PodcastCopyright More episodes about French history
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    1 hr and 4 mins
  • Adventures in France: A Road Trip with Older Teens, Episode 523
    Dec 8 2024
    What’s it like to road trip through France with older teens? In Adventures in France: A Road Trip with Older Teens, host Annie Sargent chats with guest Emily Whimster, a New Zealander living in Australia, about her 18-day adventure across France and Italy with her partner and two older teens. From breathtaking landscapes to unique activities, their journey is full of excitement, challenges, and plenty of family fun. Get the podcast ad-free Emily shares how they started in Paris before driving through Normandy to visit the D-Day beaches and the Caen Memorial. They explored castles in the Loire Valley, including an unforgettable hot air balloon ride over Château de Chenonceau. Their road trip continued to Bordeaux, with a stop at the iconic Dune du Pilat for hiking and paragliding. In Chamonix, the family embraced the Alps with tandem paragliding, hiking, and even watching the Olympic torch relay. Emily recounts her partner’s daughter’s dream of lounging on a Mediterranean beach, fulfilled at the stunning Eden Plage near Menton. They also made time to see the Tour de France’s thrilling hill climb stage in Italy, where they had a chance encounter with an Australian team manager. Emily reflects on the joys of flexibility in their travel style, the benefits of renting a car, and lessons learned about French culture, like how to navigate markets and order decaf coffee. Throughout the episode, Annie and Emily offer practical advice and plenty of laughs. Whether you’re planning your own family road trip or dreaming about future travels, this episode is packed with inspiration. Listen to Adventures in France: A Road Trip with Older Teens for insights, travel tips, and stories that capture the magic of exploring France with older kids. Don’t miss it! Table of Contents for this Episode Today on the podcast Suport the Podcast Bootcamp 2025 Magazine part of the Podcast Introduction and Guest Welcome Planning the French Road Trip Style of Travel Exploring Normandy and Loire Valley Hot Air Ballooning Adventure Bordeaux and Dune de Pilat How to order beverages in France Lesson Learned with Toilets Dune du Pilat Impressions Exploring Arcachon: A Relaxing Beach Town Experiencing Lyon’s Fête de la Musique Tour de France: A Hill Climb Adventure Mont Blanc Cable Car and parapenting Beach Days and Running Adventures Running from Monaco to Menton French vs Italian road signs Anything Not Recommended? Thank you Patrons Support Elyse VoiceMap Tours Reviews Itinerary Consultations for 2025 Igor, the Retired Guide Dog Notre Dame French Politics Next week on the Podcast Copyright More episodes about family travel in France
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    1 hr and 8 mins

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Starts the history of the Papal State in Provence

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.

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Entertaining and informative

Excellent information shared in a pleasant conversational style. Both podcasters are great storytellers. Highly recommend for anyone traveling to France.

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