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Join Us in France Travel Podcast

Join Us in France Travel Podcast

By: Annie Sargent
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 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 the Canal du Midi on a Rental Boat

    Exploring the Canal du Midi on a Rental Boat
    Jul 6 2025
    Have you ever dreamed of boating through the French countryside? In “Exploring the Canal du Midi on a Rental Boat,” host Annie Sargent talks with John and Sally Capets about their week-long adventure on this historic waterway. They rented a boat with friends and spent their days slowly drifting past vineyards, plane trees, and medieval villages in southern France. Listen to this episode ad-free They share what it’s really like to rent a boat on the Canal du Midi, navigate the many locks, and live in close quarters while exploring the beauty of Occitanie. John and Sally talk about practical details like packing light, using bikes along the towpath, and finding places to eat along the canal. They also explain why traveling slowly by boat gives you a deeper connection to France and its people. They share highlights like seeing La Cité de Carcassonne from the water, visiting the Malpas Tunnel, and dining canal-side in Colombiers. They offer helpful advice for those curious about a Canal du Midi boat rental, what it costs, and what to expect during a week on the water. If you love slow travel, French culture, and practical travel tips, you will enjoy this episode. Subscribe to the Join Us in France Travel Podcast for weekly episodes that bring you closer to France, whether you are planning your next trip or just dreaming about it. Listen now to discover how exploring the Canal du Midi by boat could be the relaxing adventure you didn’t know you needed. Table of Contents for this Episode [00:00:15] Intro [00:00:31] Today on the podcast [00:01:02] Podcast supporters [00:01:52] Magazine segment [00:02:09] John and Sally [00:04:07] Boat travel on Canal du Midi [00:05:28] Selecting the Boat [00:05:55]  No experience needed and no license required [00:08:51] Kitchen on Board of the Boat [00:13:09] Riding the Bikes along the Canal du Midi [00:16:05] Boat Pickup and Drop Off: How Much Distance Is Too Much? [00:17:44] Going through the locks [00:18:22]  Visiting La Cité de Carcassonne. [00:20:50]  THe Fonseraneses Locks [00:24:58]  Dining Canal side in Colombier. [00:25:38]  Malpas Tunnel [00:28:51]  Folk Art at the Ecluse de L’Aiguille? [00:30:46] Sleeping on a small boat[00:33:20] Travel Light! [00:35:08] Pont Canal sur l’Orb [00:36:00] Sightseeing in Toulouse [00:44:17] Late September Weather on the Canal du Midi [00:46:02] Who Is It For? [00:48:57] Thank You Patrons [00:49:47] Zoom meetings with Patrons[00:50:39] Tour Reviews [00:53:29] Podcast Listeners Discount Codes [00:54:23] The Tour de France 2025 [00:56:21] Next Week on the Podcast[00:56:49] Copyright More episodes about the Occitanie region of France
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    59 mins
  • The Story of Perfume: A Journey Through France's Luxurious Past

    The Story of Perfume: A Journey Through France's Luxurious Past
    Jun 29 2025
    Have you ever wondered how France became the world’s perfume capital? In “The Story of Perfume: A Journey Through France's Luxurious Past,” host Annie Sargent and guest Elyse Rivin from Toulouse Guided Walks take you on a fragrant journey through French history. They explore how perfume evolved from smoky rituals and religious ceremonies to the luxury bottles we see today. You will learn how Grasse became the heart of perfume making and why Chanel No. 5, Shalimar, and Poison became iconic scents tied to France. Listen to the episode ad-free to travel back in time through the scents of France! Annie and Elyse share stories about Catherine de’ Medici bringing her personal perfumer to France, the smelly days at Versailles when perfume was used to cover the lack of bathing, and how Napoleon loved Eau de Cologne so much he used it daily. Discover how the French revolution impacted perfume makers, how the Guerlain family shaped perfume history, and how synthetic fragrances changed the industry. If you are planning a trip to France, Annie and Elyse suggest several places you can visit to enjoy this history in real life. This episode is perfect for travelers interested in French culture, perfume lovers, and anyone curious about the unique stories that shaped France. Subscribe to the Join Us in France Travel Podcast to get weekly episodes that bring France to life with history, culture, and practical travel tips for your next adventure. Listen to this episode to add a touch of scent and story to your France travel plans and discover why perfume remains one of the country’s most luxurious traditions. Table of Contents for this Episode [00:00:15] Introduction and Topic Overview [00:00:31] Today on the podcast [00:01:03] Podcast supporters [00:01:59] No Magazine segment [00:02:33] Annie and Elyse about the History of Perfume in France [00:03:01] Perfume as a French Identity [00:04:15] Understanding Different Types of Perfume [00:07:38] Historical Significance of Perfume [00:08:46] The Fragonard Perfume Store near the Opera House in Paris [00:09:30] Finding Your Perfume [00:13:27] The word Perfume [00:13:30] Origin of the word “perfume” [00:14:44] Perfume in Religious and Cultural Practices [00:16:27] Perfume in Ancient Civilizations [00:20:24] The Renaissance Influence on French Perfume [00:21:58] Catherine de’ Medici and the Rise of French Perfume [00:25:59] Grasse: The Perfume Capital [00:29:19] Impact of the Plague on Hygiene and Perfume [00:31:16] The Unwashed Aristocracy [00:32:41] Perfume to Mask the Stench [00:34:52] The Spread of Perfume Culture [00:37:30] The Birth of Eau de Cologne [00:42:45] Perfume Revolution in the 1700s [00:44:33] Napoleon and the Return of Perfume [00:46:45] The Rise of Guerlain and Synthetic Perfumes [00:48:00] The Introduction of Synthetic Fragrances [00:50:24] Perfume in 20th Century [00:52:15] Coco Chanel and Chanel No5 [00:53:34] Christian Dior and the Perfume for the “New Women” [00:54:18] The Golden Age of French Perfume [00:56:17] Conclusion and Final Thoughts More episodes about French culture
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    59 mins
  • 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
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    55 mins

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