Hear about a trip to Normandy and Nouvelle-Aquitaine in France as Chris Christensen from Amateur Traveler recounts his journey through two fascinating regions during the inaugural France-USA Media Forum in 2026, organized by Atout France.
This bonus episode features two half-week itineraries rather…Hear about a trip to Normandy and Nouvelle-Aquitaine in France as Chris Christensen from Amateur Traveler recounts his journey through two fascinating regions during the inaugural France-USA Media Forum in 2026, organized by Atout France.
This bonus episode features two half-week itineraries rather than the usual one-week itinerary. Chris explored Normandy before traveling south to Bordeaux, the Dordogne, and Cognac. He recommends spending a full week in either region rather than trying to combine both into one trip.
Along the way, he explores the legacy of William the Conqueror, the Allied invasion of Normandy, medieval castles, prehistoric cave paintings, Bordeaux's wine culture, and the centuries-old tradition of cognac production.
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Today we're setting sail to a tiny, storied island off the coast of Provence - Île de Bendor, once the private playground of pastis pioneer Paul Ricard.
Joining me is Arnaud Zannier, founder of Zannier Hotels, who spent five years bringing this island back to life.
We talk about everything from th…Today we're setting sail to a tiny, storied island off the coast of Provence - Île de Bendor, once the private playground of pastis pioneer Paul Ricard.
Joining me is Arnaud Zannier, founder of Zannier Hotels, who spent five years bringing this island back to life.
We talk about everything from the island's glamorous past, hosting the likes of Jacques Cousteau and, more recently, George and Amal Clooney, to what it took to reimagine an entire island. Arnaud also shares why he believes the deepest lesson Bendor can teach a visitor is simply how to embrace the joy of life.
So pour yourself a glass of rosé, settle in, and enjoy this sun-soaked episode of Luxury Travel Insider.
Looking to book a luxury hotel? Get special perks and support the podcast by booking here: https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sarahgroen/travel/luxury-hotels
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Could you hike the Brittany coast with just a tent and a bus app? Jennifer Gruenke did. She walked the GR34 from Saint-Brieuc to Saint-Malo this summer and never booked a single night. Annie Sargent asks her how it worked. Jennifer explains what those campground stars really mean. She paid 8 to 20 e…Could you hike the Brittany coast with just a tent and a bus app? Jennifer Gruenke did. She walked the GR34 from Saint-Brieuc to Saint-Malo this summer and never booked a single night. Annie Sargent asks her how it worked. Jennifer explains what those campground stars really mean. She paid 8 to 20 euros a night, plus one euro for a morning croissant. She watched boats on wheels haul in mussels, walked out to a tidal island chapel, and lost cell service so completely her phone welcomed her to the UK. When the hills or the heat got too much, she hopped on a 3-euro bus. Press play, then subscribe so you don't miss next Sunday's episode.
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Table of Contents for this Episode
• Today on the podcast: Brittany Coastal Camping Guide
• Podcast supporters
• Magazine segment
• Welcome Back Jennifer
• Why Hike Brittany GR34
• Timing Around Heatwaves
• Route Saint Brieuc to Malo
• What Are the GR Trails
• French Campsite Star System
• Costs Booking and Flexibility
• Day One Bay and Mussels
• Camping Village Nature dO
• Hard Hike or Take the Bus
• Breizhgo Bus App Tips
• Finding Stops and Schedules
• Bus Map and GPS
• Who Rides and Bikes
• Pleneuf Val Andre Stay
• Moules Frites Favorites
• Erquy Beach and Camping
• Ilot Saint Michel Highlight
• Galettes and Breizh Cola
• Wild Beach No Service
• Dogs Boats and Beach Rules
• Chateau de Guildo Detour
• Saint Jacut Tidal Flats
• Heatwave Skip to Saint Malo
• Regional Bus System Advice
• Farewell and Thanks
• Patreon Support Thanks
• Seine Swimming Season Recap
• Elevator Outage Map App
• Strolling Rue du Louvre
• Next week on the podcast More episodes about active vacations in Francemore
Annie Sargent chats with Nan and Marty Deniston, two Americans who spent three whole months living in Avignon. They wanted more than a vacation. They wanted real French. Nan started young, studying in Toulouse as a student. Marty didn't start learning until his fifties. Together they hired a private…Annie Sargent chats with Nan and Marty Deniston, two Americans who spent three whole months living in Avignon. They wanted more than a vacation. They wanted real French. Nan started young, studying in Toulouse as a student. Marty didn't start learning until his fifties. Together they hired a private tutor, built their days around lessons and day trips, and leased a car through a program most travelers never hear about. They rented out their own house back home to make the whole trip work. Along the way, they found villages near Avignon that most visitors skip entirely. Press play, get inspired, and hit subscribe so you never miss an episode of Join Us in France.
Table of Contents for this Episode
• Today on the podcast: Learning French Later in Life
• Podcast supporters
• Magazine segment
• Meet Nan and Marty
• Their France Backstory
• Nan Learns French Early
• Marty Starts Later
• Tools and Practice Habits
• Why Immersion Matters
• Planning Three Months Avignon
• Finding Teachers and Housing
• Zoom Tutors Anywhere
• Best Season to Stay
• Peugeot Long Term Lease
• Favorite Towns and Gems
• Avignon Area Highlights
• Bikes and French Only Tours
• Talk To Locals
• French Rhythm Gotchas
• Slow Down And Savor
• Skip Influencer Hype
• Great Food For Less
• Home Exchange Tips
• Renting Without Airbnb
• Toulouse And Day Trips
• Driving Medieval Centers
• Farewell And Thanks
• Thank you Patrons
• Journées du Patrimoine
• Annie's Summer Vacation 2026
• Bootcamp 2026
• Next Week on the Podcast
• Copyright More episodes about learning Frenchmore
Travel to Orléans, France, with Riana from Teaspoon of Adventure as she shares a seven-day itinerary featuring Joan of Arc history, Loire River scenery, medieval towns, museums, local food, and some of the most impressive châteaux in the Loire Valley.
Orléans is about 75 miles southwest of Paris a…Travel to Orléans, France, with Riana from Teaspoon of Adventure as she shares a seven-day itinerary featuring Joan of Arc history, Loire River scenery, medieval towns, museums, local food, and some of the most impressive châteaux in the Loire Valley.
Orléans is about 75 miles southwest of Paris and approximately 90 minutes away by train. Its compact historic center, good train connections, and access to the surrounding countryside make it a practical base for exploring both the city and the Loire Valley.
Riana recommends spending the first three days in Orléans, taking train trips on days four and five, and renting a car for château-hopping on days six and seven.
...
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Sacha Cohen and her husband spent two and a half years scouting France. They tried Rouen, Dijon, Bordeaux, Toulouse, and more. Then they chose Paris and moved in December 2025.
Annie Sargent talks with Sacha about the whole process. They cover the long stay visitor vis…109-word iTunes description:
Sacha Cohen and her husband spent two and a half years scouting France. They tried Rouen, Dijon, Bordeaux, Toulouse, and more. Then they chose Paris and moved in December 2025.
Annie Sargent talks with Sacha about the whole process. They cover the long stay visitor visa, opening a French bank account, and setting up healthcare. They also dig into apartment hunting, picking an arrondissement, and the homesickness that hits even when a move goes right.
Sacha shares what surprised her most about daily life in Paris. She's honest about the hard parts too. Hit play to hear how it really went. Then subscribe so you catch every new episode.
Table of Content for this episode
• Episode Intro ents for this EpisodeToday on the podcast: We Moved to Paris!
• Support the Podcast
• Magazine segment
• Meet Sacha Cohen
• Why Move In Winter
• Scouting France First
• Choosing Paris
• Work And Midlife Reinvention
• Blog And Visa Choices
• Paperwork Stress And Language
• Driver License Photo Tips
• Banking And Healthcare Basics
• Homesickness And Expectations
• Opening a French Bank
• Finding Housing In Paris
• Paperwork Survival Kit
• Translations And Driving Proof
• France Moves Slower
• Renting Realities In Paris
• Referrals For Daily Life
• Healthcare Setup Basics
• Planning Your Move
• Rent Or Buy Strategy
• Arrondissement Picks And Transit
• Resources And Wrap Up
• Copyright More episodes about moving to Francemore
In episode 607, Annie Sargent talks with Julie Lynch, an Australian costume designer turned painter, about her week-long art retreat in Noyers, a tiny medieval village in Burgundy. Julie traded her precise, detailed style for loose, abstract landscapes made on a gel plate. She and four childhood fri…In episode 607, Annie Sargent talks with Julie Lynch, an Australian costume designer turned painter, about her week-long art retreat in Noyers, a tiny medieval village in Burgundy. Julie traded her precise, detailed style for loose, abstract landscapes made on a gel plate. She and four childhood friends painted all morning, then explored Vézelay, Avallon, and the Château d'Ancy-le-Franc in the afternoons. Annie and Julie talk about wisteria, lilacs, why reservations matter even in small villages, and why a slow retreat beats a packed itinerary. Annie also shares news about her new YouTube channel, Join Us in France Video. Press play and join them in Burgundy. Subscribe to Join Us in France so you never miss an episode.
Table of Contents for this Episode
• Welcome to Episode 607
• Today on the podcast: An Art Retreat in a Medieval Burgundy Village
• Listener Support and Video Plans
• Magazine segment
• Meet Julie Lynch
• From Costumes to Painting
• Stage Costume Museum in Moulins
• Why Noyers in Burgundy
• La Porte Peinte Retreat
• Art Without Pressure
• Burgundy in Springtime
• Afternoon Excursions Nearby
• Favorite Places in France
• Life in Tiny Noyers
• Allotment Gardens Explained
• Sharing the Harvest
• Why Choose a Retreat
• Chablis Market Day
• Reserve Small Town Meals
• Menus Without English
• Self Directed Art Retreat
• Retreat Types in France
• Driving and Navigation Tales
• Slower Travel With Age
• Lilacs and Village Scents
• Rural France Weeklong Stays
• Farewell and Artist Eye
• Patreon Thanks and Support
• Brittany Research Trip Plans
• Launching the Video Channel
• French Shorts and Visual Guides
• Subscribe and Comment
• Vacation Recording Break
• Newsletter and Next Episode
• Next week on the podcast
• Copyright More episodes about the Burgundy areamore
In this episode, we talk about why Carcassonne deserves to be experienced as more than a famous medieval landmark in southern France. Very early in the episode, listeners are directed to Far and Away Adventures.com and https://farandawayadventures.com for help creating a trip that goes beyond surfac…In this episode, we talk about why Carcassonne deserves to be experienced as more than a famous medieval landmark in southern France. Very early in the episode, listeners are directed to Far and Away Adventures.com and https://farandawayadventures.com for help creating a trip that goes beyond surface-level sightseeing. Normand Schafer welcomes Sarah from the Carcassonne tourist board for a conversation that opens up the city’s famous walled core while also revealing the surrounding region, its landscapes, local traditions, and the kinds of experiences that reward travelers who choose to stay longer.
Carcassonne is often known first for its dramatic fortified skyline, and that visual appeal is certainly part of the story here. Sarah explains that the medieval city remains open around the clock and still has people living inside, giving it a lived-in atmosphere that feels different from many heritage attractions. Normand adds his own perspective as someone who has visited with family and seen the impact the place can have in person. Their exchange gives listeners a grounded, traveler-friendly introduction to why the city continues to capture imaginations.
But this episode is especially useful because it moves quickly into the layers beyond the iconic walls. Sarah talks about the vineyards, wine cellars, castles, abbeys, and scenic settings that surround Carcassonne, showing how the destination can support a much richer itinerary than many first-time visitors expect. She also describes newer experiences that help bring the city’s past to life, including a medieval camp with workshops, lessons about medieval plant use, and presentations on chivalry. The possibility of themed banquets with music, costumes, and live entertainment adds another dimension for travelers who enjoy immersive cultural moments.
The conversation continues into the lower town and touches on the textile history of Carcassonne through weaving workshops in the wool house. There is also mention of Art Nouveau and Art Deco buildings, market experiences, and the Canal du Midi, where cycling, vineyard stops, and tastings can add a slower, more local rhythm to a stay. Outdoor-minded listeners will also appreciate hearing about zipline parks, hiking in the Black Mountain, rafting, caves, and nearby natural landscapes.
Taken together, the episode paints Carcassonne as a destination with enough variety to appeal to culture lovers, families, couples, and travelers planning a broader France itinerary. It is a place of atmosphere, but also of substance. If this conversation has you thinking about southern France, reach out to Far and Away Adventures to build a trip that includes the right pace, the right regional connections, and a more complete experience of Carcassonne.more
Climb high enough above the village of Les Contamines and Mont Blanc is suddenly right there, close enough to look in the eye, with only a handful of walkers for company and vultures turning slow circles overhead.
That is the Haute-Savoie most people never see: the French Alps once the snow has mel…Climb high enough above the village of Les Contamines and Mont Blanc is suddenly right there, close enough to look in the eye, with only a handful of walkers for company and vultures turning slow circles overhead.
That is the Haute-Savoie most people never see: the French Alps once the snow has melted and the ski crowds have gone home.
In this episode, Imogen Strickland is joined by travel writer Olly Beckett, founding editor of Mountains Magazine, who has been returning to this corner of eastern France for three decades. Together they make the case for the quieter months, when the cable cars are still running but the prices have dropped, the meadows are thick with wildflowers, and the restaurants are genuinely glad of your custom.
Olly shares the villages he keeps coming back to, from tiny Thollon-les-Mémises, the self-styled Balcony of Europe looking out over Switzerland, to lively Le Grand-Bornand with its Wednesday market, and the lakeside city of Annecy that he would happily call home. There is fondue and tartiflette, mountain huts and hot summer days cooled by a breeze, plus a proper look at how easy the region is to reach by train, and why that slower journey is part of the holiday rather than a chore.
If you have only ever thought of the Haute-Savoie as somewhere to ski, this is your reason to go back when everyone else has left.
Listen now, and explore more low-season stories at lowseasontraveller.com.
Follow Low Season Traveller on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.
Learn more about train travel to the mountains via Protect Our Winters.more
Hear about luxury barge cruising in France as Chris Christensen describes a week aboard the Renaissance, a European Waterways hotel barge traveling through Western Burgundy and the Upper Loire.
Chris and his wife previously cruised with European Waterways on the Canal du Midi. For this journey, the…Hear about luxury barge cruising in France as Chris Christensen describes a week aboard the Renaissance, a European Waterways hotel barge traveling through Western Burgundy and the Upper Loire.
Chris and his wife previously cruised with European Waterways on the Canal du Midi. For this journey, they returned to France to explore the Briare Canal, one of the country’s oldest canals, aboard a vessel carrying just eight passengers and five crew members.
The result was an unusually intimate trip combining French cuisine, historic towns, private châteaux, Sancerre vineyards, canal locks, and long, leisurely afternoons on the water.
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Emmy winning TV host and producer Christine van Blokland just released the 8th season of “Curious Traveler” and she shares some of the exciting places she visited. There’s the giant mechanical steampunk elephant in Nantes, France, a penguin “highway,” and why people from Malaga are called Bonquerone…Emmy winning TV host and producer Christine van Blokland just released the 8th season of “Curious Traveler” and she shares some of the exciting places she visited. There’s the giant mechanical steampunk elephant in Nantes, France, a penguin “highway,” and why people from Malaga are called Bonquerones. Plus, an odd cookie calendar, swooning over Galettes, and going to Antarctica for Chinese food! [Ep 397]
Show Notes:
Venice, Italy food & travel guide
Curious Traveler with Christine van Blokland websitemore
Five weeks solo in Paris. Twenty museums. Four monuments. And a whole lot of surprises. Annie Sargent chats with Larry Rosenblum to talk about his trip. Larry swims in the Seine. He watches a play at the Comédie-Française through AR glasses. He tours the French Senate during Heritage Days. He even s…Five weeks solo in Paris. Twenty museums. Four monuments. And a whole lot of surprises. Annie Sargent chats with Larry Rosenblum to talk about his trip. Larry swims in the Seine. He watches a play at the Comédie-Française through AR glasses. He tours the French Senate during Heritage Days. He even straps on VR goggles and steps straight into the Louvre's history. Larry shares his best planning tips, his favorite discovery (a fairground museum you've probably never heard of), and the one thing he wishes he hadn't skipped: Montmartre. Annie also digs into "La France Moche," the ugly side of French town entrances. Hit play, then subscribe so you don't miss next week's episode.
Table of Contents for this Episode
• Today on the podcast: 5 weeks solo in Paris
• Support and Boutique
• Magazine segment
• Meet Larry Paris Stats
• Apart Hotel Stay
• Getting Around Metro Tips
• Solo Travel Pros Cons
• Swimming In The Seine
• Comedie Francaise AR
• Heritage Days Senate
• Postal Museum Stamps
• VR Louvre History Tour
• Segway Ride Surprise
• Segway Night Tour
• Riding Paris Bike Lanes
• Seine After Dark
• VoiceMap Tour Picks
• AR at Conciergerie
• Planning Five Weeks
• Packing and Safety Tips
• What to Skip and Return
• Goodbyes and Article
• Patreon Thanks
• La France Moche Explained
• Wrap Up and Next Week
• Next week on the podcasts
• Copyright More episodes about solo travel in France
In this episode, we share the whirlwind 3-day journey through the stunning South of France! We explore the vibrant streets of Nice, get lost in the winding medieval alleyways of Eze Village, and relax by the colorful coastline of Villefranche-sur-Mer. We’re sharing the best pharmacy skincare to buy,…In this episode, we share the whirlwind 3-day journey through the stunning South of France! We explore the vibrant streets of Nice, get lost in the winding medieval alleyways of Eze Village, and relax by the colorful coastline of Villefranche-sur-Mer. We’re sharing the best pharmacy skincare to buy, beach clubs to hang at, and places to eat on a French Riviera escape + giving some tips for navigating medical emergencies while in the area.
Nice hotels we recommend:
• Hotel Splendid - Central location near the train station and beach
• Mercure Hotel - Good location near the water
•
Let this episode be a lesson…don’t forget your travel insurance!
Check out our curated list South of France Experiences for all the tours and activities we recommend in the French Riviera.
Find a great flight deal to the South of France, or anywhere else, by signing up for Thrifty Traveler Premium and get flight deals sent straight to your inbox. Use our promo code TSP to get $20 off your first year subscription.
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Hear about travel to Paris as the Amateur Traveler talks to Angela J. Reed of Parisienne Farmgirl about museums, cafés, neighborhoods, markets, gardens, and viewpoints in the City of Light.
This week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help fr…Hear about travel to Paris as the Amateur Traveler talks to Angela J. Reed of Parisienne Farmgirl about museums, cafés, neighborhoods, markets, gardens, and viewpoints in the City of Light.
This week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Travel here.
Why should you go to Paris?
Angela says, “Paris is alive. It has a rhythm of its own, and I think when you visit Paris, you get to become part of that rhythm.”
In this episode, she helps us plan a visit that includes the classic first-time Paris experiences, but also leaves room for the slower, more personal moments that make travelers want to return.
Itinerary
...
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Cas McIntyre has visited France seven times and speaks French well enough to land in real trouble, and real fun. She joins Annie Sargent to swap stories that go beyond postcard moments: two and a half days lost in the theatrics of the Puy du Fou theme park, a village potato ball where 400 plates got…Cas McIntyre has visited France seven times and speaks French well enough to land in real trouble, and real fun. She joins Annie Sargent to swap stories that go beyond postcard moments: two and a half days lost in the theatrics of the Puy du Fou theme park, a village potato ball where 400 plates got filled, and a thermal cure in Sète that ended with Cas dancing the Jerusalem at midnight. Travel isn't always smooth. A pickpocket hits Cas at a Paris turnstile, her handbag goes missing on a train in Strasbourg, and Annie admits to losing a camera on a tour bus. Press play for stories you won't find in a guidebook, then subscribe for next week's episode.
Table of Contents for this Episode
• Today on the podcast: Puy du Fou, Arles Bullfighting, and Getting Pickpocketed in Paris
• Support the podcast
• Magazine segment
• Welcome Cas McIntyre
• Why France Keeps Calling
• Speaking French on Trips
• Solo or With Friends
• Train Travel and Packing
• Traveling Heavy and Mailing Home
• Longer Stays and Corsica
• Where to Stay in France
• Puy du Fou Theme Park
• History Shows and Controversy
• Getting There and Language Tips
• Potato Ball Local Immersion
• Bring Your Own Cutlery
• Thermal Cure and Dancing Nights
• Meeting French Friends
• Reciprocal Hosting Friends
• Beachside Local Connections
• Pickpocketed in Paris
• Recovering Cards and Cash
• Phone Safety and Theft Tricks
• Travel Mistakes and Backup Plans
• French Food Favorites
• Favorite French Foods
• Finding Great Restaurants
• Things Not Enjoyed
• Power Banks and Phone Prep
• Arles Cocarde Festival
• Basque Village Spectacle
• Next Trip and Farewell
• Thank you Patrons
• The Louvre Heist 2025
• Pollinarium in Paris
• Next week on the podcast
• Copyright More episodes about going off the beaten track in France
D is for Delon, Alain Delon. Author Edward Chisholm is back on the podcast, this time talking about his new book Murder in Paris '68.
We recorded this one on location - sitting on the quai by the Seine, directly beneath the Quai des Orfèvres, the famous Paris police headquarters that has watched ov…D is for Delon, Alain Delon. Author Edward Chisholm is back on the podcast, this time talking about his new book Murder in Paris '68.
We recorded this one on location - sitting on the quai by the Seine, directly beneath the Quai des Orfèvres, the famous Paris police headquarters that has watched over the city's darkest crimes for centuries. Fitting, then, that we were there to talk about one of France's most explosive unsolved murders.
In 1968, a body was discovered on the outskirts of Paris and identified as Stevan Marković, the former bodyguard and close associate of the enigmatic film star Alain Delon. What began as a simple murder case quickly spiralled into a full-blown political scandal, drawing in actresses, gangsters, and high-level politicians.
British author Edward Chisholm, the author of the bestselling memoir A Waiter in Paris, has written the definitive account of the affair. His new book takes us into the heart of an era and into the inner world of Alain Delon himself, a world of gangsters, violence, and underworld Parisian conspiracies, where everyone possessed their own cold elegance and charisma.
We talked about the book, the Marković Affair, and of course... Alain Delon.
The music is from Pres Maxson.
This episode brought to you by The Earful Tower Tours. Come join us in the Marais, Montmartre, or the Latin Quarter. Our Walking Tours are exceptionally highly rated online and are the best way to experience this podcast in real life.
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Membership takes only a minute to set up on Patreon, or Substack. Thank you for keeping this channel independent.
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Annie Sargent just got back from the Allier department, dead center of France, and almost nobody visits it. In this episode, she sits down with Elyse Rivin to talk about Vichy, Moulins and her trip. Annie shares what surprised her: a gorgeous Art Deco café, and a 19th-century mansion frozen in time …Annie Sargent just got back from the Allier department, dead center of France, and almost nobody visits it. In this episode, she sits down with Elyse Rivin to talk about Vichy, Moulins and her trip. Annie shares what surprised her: a gorgeous Art Deco café, and a 19th-century mansion frozen in time for a hundred years and empty streets in Vichy in December. Elyse then digs into Vichy's real history, the Romans, hot springs, and a beautiful pottery called sigillée, long before it became famous for World War II. They also cover medieval villages, forests, and a local wine called Saint-Pourçain. Press play to discover a part of France you've probably never heard of. Subscribe to Join Us in France!
Table of Contents for this Episode
• Today on the podcast: Vichy's Story and the Best of the Allier Department
• Podcast supporters
• Welcome to Allier
• Why Allier Is Overlooked
• Vichy vs Moulins
• Moulins Culture Finds
• Guided Tour Frustrations
• Bourbonnais History Bits
• Maison Mantin Time Capsule
• Medieval Villages Stops
• Forests Valleys and Wine
• Winter Travel and EV Cold
• Settling and Getting Around
• Clermont Ferrand Detour
• Vichy WWII Shadow
• Beyond War Memories
• Romans And Hot Springs
• Sigillee Pottery Boom
• Medieval Lull And Renaming
• Sevigne Makes Vichy Chic
• Royal Spa Town Era
• Napoleons Build Modern Vichy
• World War One Hospitals
• Why Vichy In World War Two
• Liberation Without Destruction
• Postwar Identity And Industry
• Vichyssoise Not Vichyste
• Patron Thanks and Perks
• Free Patreon News Post
• Notre Dame Window Controversy
• Court Ruling and Petition
• Modern Stained Glass Favorites
• Spring Cleaning Update
• Newsletter and Credits
• Next Episode and Farewell
• Copyright More episodes about specific French departments
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 blac…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
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 mortga…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
B is for Brocantes! This podcast episode features an interview with Sharon Santoni, a long-time expert on French lifestyle and author of the book "The Art of Antiquing in France."
She discusses the nuances of the "brocante", which she defines as accessible antiques that possess a unique history and…B is for Brocantes! This podcast episode features an interview with Sharon Santoni, a long-time expert on French lifestyle and author of the book "The Art of Antiquing in France."
She discusses the nuances of the "brocante", which she defines as accessible antiques that possess a unique history and patina.
The conversation explores the cultural importance of repurposing vintage items and provides practical advice for navigating famous markets like the Puces de Saint-Ouen in Paris and fairs in Provence.
Sharon shares her personal journey from starting a blog in 2010 to building a community centered on French country aesthetics. Additionally, she shares tips for international travelers on how to identify quality pieces, negotiate prices, and transport treasures home.
Key Links and Websites
Sharon Santoni's Official Website: www.myfrenchcountryhome.com
This is the primary hub for her blog (started in 2010), her My French Country Home magazine, and her boutique.
The Book: "The Art of Antiquing in France" – Published by Flammarion, this book serves as both a reference and a coffee table book and is fully illustrated with photographs by Sharon Santoni, Franck Schmitt, and Joanna Maclennan.
Books are available worldwide from your favorite local bookseller and signed editions can be purchased directly via her website on this link.
Antique Fair Locator: Sharon mentions the website, www.brocabrac.fr, which is a helpful resource for finding fairs happening across France on any given weekend
Places Mentioned
The episode covers several iconic and local spots for antiquing and living in France:
In Paris:
Les Puces de Saint-Ouen: Located on the northern perimeter of Paris, Sharon describes it as a unique place in the world with over 500 vendors and specialized knowledge in everything from paintings to textiles
Marché aux Puces de la Porte de Vanves: A weekend morning market Sharon and Oliver both enjoy for its "authentic vibe." It is known for its urgency, as dealers unpack from cars at 8:00 AM and pack up by 12:30 PM
Foire de Châtou: A large, prestigious 10-day antique fair held just outside of Paris
In Provence and Southern France:
L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue: This town is famous for its antique dealers and weekend markets.
Villeneuve-lès-Avignon: A "wonderful" fair mentioned by Sharon
Carpentras: Another "fantastic" fair located in the south
In Normandy and Northern France:
The Eure Valley (Val de l'Eure): Sharon lives in the Normandy countryside, roughly halfway between Paris and Deauville, near the famous village of Giverny
Amiens: A northern city (noted as the home of Emmanuel Macron) that hosts a spectacular fair where selling starts as early as midnight
Lille: Known for its massive fair, though Sharon notes it is so large it can be "scary" because it includes items beyond just antiques
Notable Details for Antiquing
Brocante vs. Antiques: Sharon defines brocante as "relaxed antiques", a mix of items with patina and repurposed pieces, whereas the "antique world" typically involves highly polished furniture and higher price points
The "Hand Rule": Sharon advises that if you are interested in an item, keep your hand on it; if you take your hand off and step away, someone else can jump in
Suitcase Treasures: For travelers, she suggests looking for paintings, vintage postcards, or palettes that can easily fit into a suitcase
One tip she shares from her travelers is to "ship home their dirty laundry" to make room for their antique treasures in their luggage.
A reminder: For this new season, we're doing a new take on the A to Z of Paris. This time, B stands for Brocantes, following from A which stood for Arc de Triomphe.
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