Join Us in France Travel Podcast

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. Table of Contents for this Episode Today on the podcast A look back after 600 episodes Meet Coco Chanel Chanel No 5 Legacy Fashion Revolution Tease Early Life Poverty Mythmaking Origins Learning to Sew Escape Marriage Constraints First Job and Hats Moulins and Coco Name Balsan and High Society Boy Capel Funds Paris Shop From Hats to Boutiques Building a Fashion Empire Love Lost and Independence Jersey Revolution Roaring Twenties Expansion Creating Chanel No 5 Perfume Profits and Power Tweeds Pearls and Black Dress Strikes Prejudice and War Collaboration and Espionage Exile and Return to Paris Legacy and Final Reflections Copyright More episodes about French history #JoinUsInFrance, #FrancePodcast, #Francophile, #FranceTravelTips, #RealFrance, #CocoChanel, #ChanelHistory, #FrenchHistory, #FrenchFashionHistory, #FrenchWomenHistory, #ParisFashion, #ChanelNo5, #FashionHistory, #FranceHistory, #VisitFrance, #TravelFrance, #FrenchCulture, #HistoryPodcast, #WomenInHistory, #BiographyPodcast

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

1w ago01:05:17Tap to summarize

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. Table of Contents for this Episode Today on the podcast: Buying an Apartment in Nice Sight Unseen and Getting a French Mortgage as Americans Magazine segment Meet Antoine and Annie Why Nice Became the Dream Cold Emails to Agencies Pandemic Pause and Persistence Choosing Carré d'Or Location FaceTime Tours and The Offer Negotiating Terms and Acceptance Remote Closing and Loan Hunt France vs US Buying Process Notaire Power of Attorney Trusting a Sight Unseen Purchase Living Between Two Countries Why Nice Has Everything Finding Promenade du Paillon Why Nice Keeps Improving First Day Rituals in Nice Beach Clubs and Market Days Europe vs US Lifestyle Making Friends and Expat Groups Favorite Riviera Villages Driving North and Parking Tips Buying Property Paperwork French Loans Income and Age Booking Flights Without Hacks To Rent or Keep It Private Living Two Lives Abroad Patron Thanks And Perks Thank you, patrons Planning Around Closures Ideal Daily Touring Rhythm How Long To Stay Trustworthy Travel Advice Tickets Lines And Timing Time Estimates For Visits VoiceMap Tours And Future Plans Newsletter Credits And Episode 600 Next week on the podcast Copyright More episodes about moving to France

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

2w ago00:58:01Tap to summarize

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

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

3w ago00:52:25Tap to summarize

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

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

May 301:03:18Tap to summarize

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

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23 Nights in Southern France Without a Car

Apr 2600:56:34Tap to summarize

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 <a class= "ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-34" href= "https://joinusinfrance.com/transcript/595/?preview_id=...

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

Apr 1900:58:32Tap to summarize

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 <a class= "ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-32" href= "https://joinusinfrance.com/transcript/594/?preview_id=17772&preview_nonce=2c2eb41a52&_thumbnail_id=-1&preview=true#Nuclear_Power_Context...

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

Apr 1201:11:22Tap to summarize

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 I...

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

Apr 500:58:29Tap to summarize

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 <a class= "ez-toc-lin...

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

Mar 2900:56:33Tap to summarize

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. Listen to this episode ad-free 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. Table of Contents for this Episode Episode Intro and Preview Today on the podcast: Buying a Home in France: Lessons from a Real-Life House Hunt in the Var Podcast supporters Magazine segment Meet Juliana and Craig Why France and the Var / Alpes-Maritimes Learning French and Work Plans Tech Ties and Visa Thoughts The House They Almost Bought Immediately Beware of Falling in Love with a House Var vs Luberon Search Expansion Working with French Realtors Inspections and Buying Advice The Buying Process Typically Takes 6 Months Var Highlights and Must Sees Perched Village Charm Skydiving and Gliders Accessibility in Hill Towns Meeting Neighbors Fast Pets and Moving Plans Work Transfers and Passports Patience and Due Diligence Financing with French Loans Verdon and Outdoor Life Thanks and Patron Support RER B Overhaul Updates Cathar Castles Revisited Layers of History and Farewell Next week on the podcast Copyright More episodes about moving to France

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All episodes

Who Was Coco Chanel Really? Her Life Story, Unvarnished

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

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

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

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

23 Nights in Southern France Without a Car

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

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

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

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