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 French