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
• How French Appointments Work
• Next week on the podcast
• Newsletter and Farewell
• Copyright More episodes about using the trains in France