Join Us in France Travel Podcast

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 gemswithout 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-Rmy-de-Provence, Carcassonne, Sarlat-la-Canda, 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 its 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 its really like to explore France at your own pace.

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More episodes about how to get around in France

Exploring the Life and Historical Impact of the Marquis de Lafayette

Who was the Marquis de Lafayette, and why does he matter so much in both France and the United States? In this episode of the Join Us in France Travel Podcast, host Annie Sargent talks with Elyse Rivin about the life, legacy, and travels of this iconic figure. Lafayette was more than just a name in a history book—he was a young French noble who risked everything to support the American Revolution and later tried to bring those same ideals back to France during the French Revolution.

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Annie and Elyse dive into his fascinating biography, from his childhood in Auvergne to his close relationship with George Washington. They discuss Lafayette’s political struggles in France, his imprisonment, and his lasting influence on both sides of the Atlantic. The episode explores why Lafayette is considered a hero in two countries and how you can visit places in France connected to his life.

If you're planning a trip to France and love history, this episode offers great travel tips too. You'll hear about the Château de Chavaniac-Lafayette, Picpus Cemetery in Paris, and the replica of the Hermione, the ship that carried him to America.

Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode. Whether you're into French history, Revolutionary War connections, or looking for meaningful places to visit in France, this episode is packed with insight and inspiration.

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What makes a trip through France truly unforgettable? In this episode of the Join Us in France Travel Podcast, titled Memorable France - Exploring Historic and Scenic Locations, host Annie Sargent chats with Ken Ives about his 25-day journey through some of the country’s most meaningful places.

Ken is a thoughtful traveler from California who planned a route filled with both beauty and history. He shares what it was like to stand in the silence of Oradour-sur-Glane, see 29,000-year-old cave art in Pech Merle, and take in sweeping views of the Lot Valley. Along the way, he visited Poitiers, Sancerre, Rocamadour, the Camargue, and more.

They talk about how to mix slow travel with big moments. Ken gives practical tips on hotels, restaurants, driving in rural France, and managing travel with limited mobility. He also shares some memorable meals, like gardiane de taureau in the Camargue and Crottin de Chavignol pasta in Sancerre.

If you’re searching for a deep, rewarding France itinerary with local flavor and historic depth, this episode is packed with ideas. It's perfect for listeners who want to go beyond the usual tourist circuit.

Subscribe to Join Us in France on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite app to discover new places, hear real stories, and plan smarter trips.

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Thinking about exploring France beyond the usual tourist spots? In this episode of the Join Us in France Travel Podcast, Traveling Through France: Must-See Destinations from Paris to Annecy, host Annie Sargent talks with Linda and Scott Rogers about their recent trip across some of France’s most beautiful regions.

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They share their experience visiting Paris, Dijon, Beaune, Annecy, and Lyon. Each stop brought something special—like biking through Burgundy vineyards, relaxing by Lake Annecy, and sampling the rich flavors of Lyon’s culinary scene.

Annie, Linda, and Scott dive into the logistics too. They discuss train travel, how to manage your time wisely, and what it’s like to explore smaller cities at a relaxed pace. From favorite walks in Paris to peaceful corners in Burgundy, this episode is full of ideas for curious travelers.

Want to know how to avoid crowds in Paris? Or how to plan a scenic biking day in Annecy? Looking for tips on enjoying French food without always eating in fancy restaurants? They cover it all.

This episode is for anyone planning a multi-city trip in France, or simply dreaming about it. You’ll get practical advice, insider tips, and inspiration to slow down and enjoy each region’s unique charm.

Join Us in France is the podcast for people who love France and want to explore it in depth. Hosted by Annie Sargent, it features real travelers, real stories, and lots of helpful travel insight.

Like what you hear? Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. New episodes drop weekly. Come for the tips—stay for the stories.

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What’s it like to explore France on your own? In A Solo Traveler’s Experience in Southwest France, host Annie Sargent chats with Dawn Fairchild, a seasoned traveler from Los Angeles who set out on a two-week solo adventure through the stunning regions of the Lot, Dordogne, and Toulouse.

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Dawn shares her honest impressions, travel tips, and favorite moments—from learning French in a relaxed immersion program near Cahors to wandering the medieval streets of Sarlat. She talks about her visit to the painted cave at Pech Merle, wine tasting in Cahors, the markets of Toulouse, and unexpected joys like stumbling into a vide-grenier in Montignac. Annie and Dawn discuss beautiful châteaux like Beynac and Milandes, Josephine Baker’s legacy, and how Southwest France is a treasure trove of history, food, and natural beauty.

Whether you're dreaming about Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, want to explore Toulouse’s vibrant markets, or plan to visit the Cité du Vin in Bordeaux, this episode is packed with useful details and inspiration. Annie and Dawn also reflect on the joys and challenges of solo travel, including navigating language and culture with confidence.

Subscribe to Join Us in France for more conversations like this—real stories from travelers who dive deep into French life, culture, and history. New episodes drop every week. Let’s look around France together!

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