Join Us in France Travel Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

Ever thought of spending a weekend in Marseille but not sure where to start? This episode is your perfect guide! Join Elyse Rivin and me, Annie Sargent, as we dive into a fun and insightful conversation about Elyse's recent weekend adventure in Marseille. Whether you've been hesitant to visit Marseille due to its reputation or you're just looking for fresh ideas, this episode will change your perspective.

Elyse shares her top tips for enjoying the city like a local. From exploring the charming old port area to strolling through picturesque parks and savoring delicious seafood, Elyse uncovers the hidden gems that make Marseille a must-visit destination. We also talk about the fantastic museums, coastal walks, and the best spots to soak up the Mediterranean sun.

Why listen? Because this episode is packed with practical advice, cultural insights, and a real-life experience that will help you plan an unforgettable trip. You'll discover how to make the most of a short stay in Marseille, with tips on where to stay, what to see, and how to enjoy the city's unique vibe.

So, if you're browsing for your next travel inspiration or simply curious about Marseille, hit play and let us guide you through a perfect weekend in this vibrant city. Don't miss out—this episode will leave you excited to pack your bags and head to the South of France!

Table of Contents for this Episode

• Today on the podcast
• Podcast supporters
• The Magazine segment
• Elyse Trip Report
• A little about Marseille
• European City of Culture
• Seafront Hotels in Marseille
• Coastal walk, La Corniche
• Le Panier
• Marseille as an art scene
• The Mucem, the Museum of Civilizations of the Mediterranean
• Underground Parking
• Tips for Parking in Large Cities in France
• Eating out in Marseille
• How long to spend in MUCEM?
• Grotte de Cosquer
• Islands of Frioul
• Parks in Marseille
• Rompoint du Prado.
• The Borely Park
• Tips for a Cruise Stop in Mare
• Thank you, patrons!
• Zoom with Patrons
• Tour Reviews
• Planning a Trip to France with Annie
• Paralympics 2024
• Copyright

Are you planning a gastronomic adventure in France? In this episode, I chat with Jennifer and Emma Jerzyk, who share their delightful mother-daughter trip through the Rhône Valley. They offer detailed tips on wine tasting, visiting Michelin-starred restaurants, and enjoying the local cuisine.

Whether you're a foodie or a wine connoisseur, you'll find plenty of practical advice to make your own trip unforgettable. Tune in for an episode packed with insider knowledge and personal anecdotes!

Table of Contents for this Episode

• Podcast supporters
• Magazine segment
• Mother-Daughter trip in the Rhône Valley
• Chateau Trenquevedel
• E Guigal Wines
• Value of Wine
• Auberge de Cassagne near Avignon in Le Pontet
• Auberge de Cassagne near Avignon
• Maison Pic, three Michelin stars
• Chateauneuf du Pape
• Valrhona Chocolate Museum
• Les Épicurieux
• Hermitage Hill
• Driving in France
• Dinner at Cafe des Fédérations-a bouchon in Lyon
• Thank you, patrons
• VoiceMap tours
• Tour reviews
• Planning a trip to France?
• Should I bring my designer bag to Paris?
• Alain Delon
• Next week on the podcast
• Copyright

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to navigate Paris with family members spanning different generations? In this episode of "Join Us in France," titled "Navigating Paris: Multi-Generational Adventures and Challenges," Paula Barnes shares her candid and insightful experiences from a six-day trip to Paris with her diverse family. With her 15-year-old son, her 76-year-old mother-in-law, and her 21-year-old history buff son in tow, Paula encountered both delightful moments and unexpected challenges.

From spontaneous trip planning prompted by an irresistible airfare deal to navigating the bustling Paris metro and balancing varied interests, Paula discusses it all. She recounts the joys of visiting iconic sites like the Paris Opera House, Sainte-Chapelle, the Catacombs, and Versailles, while also sharing the practical difficulties they faced, such as metro mishaps, dining challenges, and the importance of flexibility in travel planning.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into managing multi-generational travel, as well as tips for making the most of a Parisian adventure. Whether you’re planning a family trip or simply love hearing about travel experiences, this episode is packed with honesty, humor, and practical advice. Tune in for a journey through Paris that’s both realistic and inspiring.

• Today on the podcast
• Podcast supporters
• The Magazine segment
• Introduction and Trip Overview
• Planning the Trip: Challenges and Strategies
• What You Wish Had Gone Better?
• Navigating Paris: Metro and Mobility Issues
• With mobility issues, consider taking the bus rather than the metro
• Why Stay Outside of Paris?
• Dining and Food Experiences
• Savoring Paris: A Food Lover’s Walk around Les Halles
• Favorite Activities and Tours
• Paris Opera House Tour
• Sainte-Chapelle
• Museum of the Resistance
• Versailles
• Adapting Travel Plans for Family Dynamics
• Exploring Paris with Teenagers: VR Experiences
• Navigating Paris: Metro Mishaps and Walking Tours
• Disneyland Paris: Comparing to Disney World
• Culinary Adventures and Dining Challenges
• Reflecting on the Paris Trip: Lessons Learned
• Thank You Patrons
• Updated Patreon Levels
• Bleu du Podcast Tier, $2
• Accro du Podcast Tier, $5
• Groupies du Podcast Tier, $10
• Fou de France Tier, $20
• Ambassadeur du Podcast Tier, $50
• The French Politics
• Next week on the podcast
• Copyright

The big question for today's episode of the podcast is, when a French professor visits France, where does she go? The other question is, how do you make progress in French when people in Paris all speak English?

Brooke Koss is a French professor in Texas. She's spent a lot of time in France and her visits are a sort of whirlwind of activity going from friend's house to friend's house all over France. She calls herself a "Stéphanoise" which means someone from  Saint-Etienne. It's very much off the beaten track for most visitors and yet has a lot to offer.

Listen to this episode to find out why!

• Brittany (Bretagne)
• Paris
• Saint Etienne
• Lyon
• The Rhône Alpes area
• Toraine
• Dordogne
• Roscoff
• Ile de Batz
• Les Jardins Suspendus de Marqueysac
• Saint Etienne
• Museum Museum
• Pilat
• Sainte-Maries-de-la-Mer
• Camargue
• Auvergne
• Issoire
• Lac Pavin (an eerie circular lake)
• Vulcania
• Le Puy de Sancy
• Le Pal
• Le Chateau de Val
• Michelin tires museum

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The mysterious Standing Stones around Carnac make a strong impression on most people. Why would anyone line up so many huge stones over such a long distance? What was their purpose? How did they do it? We don't have all the answers in this episode of the podcast, but we can help you plan a great trip to the standing stones of Brittany!

What we can say for a fact is that large alignment of stones such as the one we see in Carnac are evidence of purposefulness. The people who created this structure were capable of planning a complex project. In a world that was still largely natural, this set them apart from the rest of the animal kingdom. Perhaps that was the whole point? Affirming their human nature as thinking, planning people?

• [00:00:14] Intro
• [00:00:38] Today on the podcast
• [00:01:04] Podcast supporters
• [00:01:22] The Newsletter
• [00:02:21] Annie and Elyse about the Standing Stones
• [00:02:33] Why the stones were made
• [00:02:59] The towns in the area
• [00:04:00] What are the Standing Stones?
• [00:05:15] What’s a Menhir?
• [00:05:56] There are different kinds of standing stones
• [00:07:03] How they put them together
• [00:08:38] The orientation of the stones
• [00:10:28] Associated with the first farmers
• [00:11:32] Carnac, a World Heritage Site
• [00:12:35] Visiting Carnac
• [00:14:29] What could you do with the stones?
• [00:17:19] Standing stones are as mysterious as painted caves
• [00:18:12] The stones are marked, named, and described
• [00:19:12] The Dolmen as burial stones
• [00:19:40] How is a Dolmen different from a Menhir?
• [00:22:26] Cairn of Le Petit Mont in Arzon
• [00:24:46] Other places not to miss in the area
• [00:29:07] Perfect area to visit for people who like to be outside
• [00:31:24] The legend of Saint Cornely
• [00:34:14] Biking around Carnac
• [00:35:25] Riding Your Bike in France
• [00:35:53] This part of Brittany is great for slow travel
• [00:37:43] Weather in Brittany
• [00:38:50] Outro
• [00:39:22] New patrons and video update
• [00:39:59] Bootcamp
• [00:40:32] Preparing a trip to France?
• [00:40:53] Itinerary consultant
• [00:41:52] VoiceMap Tours
• [00:42:28] Travel question of the week: Train Conductors and getting told off
• [00:47:09] Personal Update
• [00:47:42] French people are not used to paying for medical care
• [00:51:30] Next week on the podcast

Episode Page | Show Notes | Transcript

Jennifer Gruenke became an accidental Francophile when she had an opportunity to spend a month in France through a Rotary Club exchange program in her twenties. This program took her through the heartland of France with cities like Montluçon, Saint-Julien, Périgueux, Rodez, Aurillac, Le Puy-en-Velay, and Anvers. This was a long time ago, and she enjoyed it so much that she learned French using cassette tapes!

On her first trip to France, Jennifer found French people open and welcoming. She finds that is still the case today. She realized that while average French people don't have as much money as the average American; they take the time to enjoy a simple life. That appealed to her a great deal. She earned enough to retire early, sold everything, and moved to Paris with two large suitcases. She's now been in Paris for a year and she plans to stay because she loves both the lifestyle and the city.

Her story will give encouragement to folks who aren't wealthy but would love to enjoy living a simple life in Paris.

Jennifer shares the names of companies that helped her move successfully. Among them Interactive Brokers (to move money around with low fees), Mondassure (for health insurance), and LCL (but she could not make any French on-line bank accept her as a customer as she explains in the episode).

• [00:00:00] Intro
• [00:00:36] Today on the podcast
• [00:01:09] Podcast supporters
• [00:01:28] Join Us in France Newsletter
• [00:03:16] Accidental Francophile
• [00:04:03] Exchange Program and Trip
• [00:04:50] Learning French
• [00:06:27] Arrived in France with Stereotypical Ideas
• [00:07:45] Montluçon
• [00:08:47] Aligot
• [00:09:22] Anvers
• [00:09:51] La France Profonde
• [00:10:48] People are Hospitable
• [00:13:03] Joining Associations Helps
• [00:14:33] Conversation Exchange
• [00:16:02] How did the move happen?
• [00:16:27] Making money from the housing market
• [00:18:56] Applied for a visitor visa first
• [00:20:15] The cost to get a visa
• [00:21:27] Necessary income to live in France
• [00:22:40] In Paris, rent is the biggest expense
• [00:23:12] Lodging
• [00:24:17] You need local pros to help with rentals
• [00:25:38] The first apartment
• [00:26:51] Found a better studio apartment
• [00:29:05] An small apartment in Paris can be as much as a house in the French countryside
• [00:30:07] Keeping a US phone number with Google Voice
• [00:33:11] Banking and getting a French bank account
• [00:34:07] Opening account with N26
• [00:34:59] LCL Bank
• [00:36:40] Brokerage
• [00:40:09] Cost of healthcare
• [00:40:14] The cost of healthcare in France
• [00:40:17] Marker
• [00:42:25] Why French doctors are so cheap compared to American doctors
• [00:43:08] What Americans pay to get into the French healthcare system
• [00:44:04] Is France an Expensive Place to Live?
• [00:44:35] Season fruit is not so good at Lidl
• [00:46:02] What happens when the tourist visa expires?
• [00:47:25] Does she intend to stay for several years?
• [00:51:29] Thank you, patrons[00:51:29] Outro
• [00:52:12] Bootcamp and Patreon
• [00:52:25] Elyse’s Patreon
• [00:53:15] Preparing a trip to France?
• [00:54:36] Self-guided tours
• [00:55:06] Travel News – Weekend du Patrimoine 2022
• [00:56:20] No cars allowed in Paris weekend
• [00:57:27] Jean-Luc Godard
• [00:59:04] Personal Update
• [01:00:22] Something wonderful and unexpected
• [01:01:38] Show notes

Do you wonder what everyday life in France is like? Perhaps you have this idea in the back of your mind that you'd like to move to France. What will it be like day-to-day when you do? Annie Sargent was born and raised in France but she lived away for 18 years. As such, she has a unique view on her own country. And Elyse Rivin of Toulouse Guided Walks is from New York originally, but has been living in France for a very long time.

Today we talk about everyday life in France and how it differs from the other places we've lived. If you've ever moved far from home, you know that how we live in one country is not the same as in another, is it?

Did we miss anything? Reach out on social media to share your thoughts!

• [00:00:14] Intro
• [00:00:35] Today on the podcast
• [00:01:42] Self-guided tours
• [00:03:01] Travel question of the week
• [00:03:18] The France bootcamp
• [00:04:28] Annie and Elyse about everyday life in France
• [00:05:14] French people eat at set meal times
• [00:06:19] French people don’t eat at their desk
• [00:09:01] Some restaurants in France only open at lunchtime
• [00:09:44] Workers’ restaurants
• [00:11:04] Families eat together in the evenings
• [00:12:14] Apartment or house?
• [00:13:17] Coffee Breaks
• [00:14:49] More pressure to be part of a group
• [00:15:18] Today, the default is to use “tu” in business situations
• [00:15:33] Kissing people on the cheeks
• [00:16:28] Vacations in France
• [00:17:32] People don’t respond when on vacation
• [00:17:51] People are discovering vacations in France instead of abroad
• [00:18:26] Check schedule for long weekends
• [00:19:41] Appreciating nature more
• [00:21:05] Arrêt de travail
• [00:22:44] Cafe culture is important in France
• [00:24:21] French bookstores don’t have a cafe
• [00:25:28] Relationship to money
• [00:26:32] French people save their pennies
• [00:27:02] Not into consumerism
• [00:28:12] Don’t talk about how much you earn
• [00:28:28] French banks issue debit card, not actual credit cards
• [00:29:16] Bring a debit card to France
• [00:30:32] Don’t ask people about money, background, religion
• [00:32:37] French employers can ask questions that aren’t allowed in the US
• [00:33:31] In France it’s OK to discuss politics
• [00:36:05] Acceptable topics for people you just met
• [00:36:19] Talk about food
• [00:39:53] Talk about books
• [00:40:00] Talk about TV shows
• [00:40:09] Talk about travel
• [00:40:33] Fine to ask what’s your profession?
• [00:41:03] Talk about your next vacation
• [00:41:15] Talk about pets
• [00:42:33] Life is not as busy in France
• [00:43:40] Don’t count on things in August
• [00:44:47] Thank you, patrons
• [00:45:10] Welcome new patrons
• [00:45:59] Preparing a trip to France?
• [00:47:32] Self-guided tours
• [00:47:55] Travel Question of the Week
• [00:52:04] No French news – Climate change
• [00:52:48] Personal Update
• [00:53:56] Next week on the podcast

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Transcript 

Today Annie Sargent brings you a conversation with Eddie Hamalian about visiting France with a baby. He’s quite the dad and a definite Francophile. His wife has family in France as well, so this was something they wanted to do. Eddie has great tips for all of you young parents who want to come to France with their baby. It turns out that French people love visitor who bring their children, but there are a few gotchas you need to be aware of. On this trip Eddie and his family went to Lyon, Annecy, Beaune, and Paris.

If you haven't already, please fill out this form to let Annie know that you'd like to be invited to the party!

For the travel update this week, Annie talks about the Père Lachaise for pets in Asnière-sur-Seine. A serene and very unusual place!

• Quenlles de Lyon
• Yo-Yo Zen stroller
• Inglesina chair for restaurants
• Best Western Hotel International
• Le Jardin des 5 Sens on in Yvoire
• Cheese Fondue at Le Monchu in Chamonix
• Au Raisin Gourmand Restaurant in Beaune
• Le Caveau des Arches Restaurant in Beaune
• Restaurant Kalypso in the Batignolles neighborhood in Paris
• Le Costaud des Batignolles restaurant in Paris
• La Gazette Batignolles Brasserie in Paris
• Le Valmy Restaurant in the 10th Arrondissement in Paris
• Créatures Restaurant on top of the Galeries Lafayette in Paris near the Opera
• Video of the Pet Cemetery in Asnière-sur-Seine

• Airbnbs are great because you can make it feel more like home
• Bring a stroller like the Baby Zen Yoyo
• Be prepared to change diapers in the stroller or on the grass. Most restaurants in France don't have room for a big changing table.
• Trains are difficult with a baby or children, it adds a lot of stress. Consider renting a car instead.
• Don't assume people speak English. Try French first! Ask "parlez-vous Anglais ?

• [00:00:00] Intro
• [00:00:38] Today on the Podcast
• [00:00:59] Thank You, Patrons
• [00:01:29] France Bootcamp
• [00:02:34] Main Interview
• [00:03:11] How long was he in Paris?
• [00:04:04] Paul Bocuse market
• [00:04:15] Paul Bocuse with a Baby
• [00:05:22] His Favorite Food in Lyon
• [00:06:38] Lunch Times in France
• [00:07:18] The Tête-d’Or Park
• [00:08:24] Would You Tip a Boat Attendant?
• [00:09:03] Lyon with a Stroller
• [00:10:08] No Baby Seats in Restaurants
• [00:11:29] Annecy
• [00:12:44] Bad Airbnb experience
• [00:16:34] Le Jardin De Cinq Sens
• [00:17:50] Chamonix
• [00:19:24] Beaune
• [00:21:14] Baby-friendly country, might feel too friendly to some
• [00:23:46] Let’s pretend we live in Paris
• [00:24:59] You Need Time to Visit the Louvre
• [00:25:43] Paris is inexpensive compared to Los Angeles
• [00:26:17] You pay for the view, even in Franc!
• [00:27:50] Favorite Restaurants in Les Battignole
• [00:28:54] Le Costaud des Battignolles
• [00:29:56] Gazette Brasserie
• [00:30:17] Baby trying new foods in France
• [00:31:46] 10th arrondissement
• [00:33:17] Areas to avoid in Paris
• [00:36:27] Unsavory Parts of Paris
• [00:38:18] Daughter’s baptism at the Armenian cathedral
• [00:39:49] The Galleries Lafayette, family celebration
• [00:41:48] General Advice for France with a Baby
• [00:43:54] Avoid the Train If You Can
• [00:45:17] Don’t Assume Everyone Speaks English
• [00:46:58] Thank You, Patrons
• [00:47:20] New Patrons
• [00:48:27] The Facebook Group
• [00:49:48] Hire Me as Your Itinerary Consultant
• [00:50:24] Self-guided VoiceMap Tours
• [00:50:52] Pet Cemetary in Asnière-sur-Seine near Paris
• [00:52:09] This week in French news
• [00:54:18] Gaillac
• [00:56:24] Show Notes
• [00:57:12] Next Week on the Podcast

More episodes about Family Travel in France

• Lyon
• Annecy
• Chamonix
• Beanne
• Paris
• Bad Airbnb experience
• 10e Arrondissement the hip area
• Areas you want to avoid in Paris
• Avoid the area between Gare du Nord and Gare de l'Est
• Avoid Barbès
• Baptism at the Armenian Cathedral in Paris
• Celebration at the Créatures Restaurant on top of the Galleries Lafayette
• Asnière-sur-Seine
• La Rentrée
• Forum des Associations
• Gaillac

Categories: France How To, Paris

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On this episode of the podcast, Annie Sargent brings you a conversation with Elyse Rivin of Toulouse Guided Walks as an Introduction to Victor Hugo.

There are places you can visit where he lived. The first is the place where he was born: Besançon.  La Maison Natale de Victor Hugo is where you can learn about his progressive political views. The second is on Place des Vosges where he lived for a few years. This is where you can see his standing desk (picture below) and other furnishings of this posh home.

Victor Hugo had an immense influence on French politics and was so well-loved that 2 million people came to see his coffin go by on his way to the Pantheon. His was the first "celebrity funeral" as we know them today.

Annie loves his works and shares a poem most French people know by heart" Demain dès l'aube" which he wrote in memory of his daughter. He was an exciting man who wrote wonderful novels.

For the France travel update, Annie explains why RoissyBus is a good alternative to taking a taxi in Paris. Not as difficult as the RER and about the same price as taking the train. Don't be scared of French buses, they are lovely! This one has AC and WiFi!

Les Misérables has been adapted many times in movies, plays and Broadway shows. The more adventurous of us might want to read the novel, but it's very long. Perhaps an audio book would be easier to deal with?

Les Miserables, unabridged in Audio book in English.

Abridged version of Les Miserables on Audible, also in English.

This is the unabridged audio book in French Annie is listening to.

Demain, dès l’aube, à l’heure où blanchit la campagne,
Je partirai. Vois-tu, je sais que tu m’attends.
J’irai par la forêt, j’irai par la montagne.
Je ne puis demeurer loin de toi plus longtemps.

Je marcherai les yeux fixés sur mes pensées,
Sans rien voir au dehors, sans entendre aucun bruit,
Seul, inconnu, le dos courbé, les mains croisées,
Triste, et le jour pour moi sera comme la nuit.

Je ne regarderai ni l’or du soir qui tombe,
Ni les voiles au loin descendant vers Harfleur,
Et quand j’arriverai, je mettrai sur ta tombe
Un bouquet de houx vert et de bruyère en fleur.

Table of Contents for this Episode

• [00:00:00] Intro
• [00:00:41] Today on the podcast
• [00:02:35] Victor Hugo
• [00:03:33] Besançon: His birthplace
• [00:03:50] Places you can visit related to Victor Hugo
• [00:05:17] Place de Vosges
• [00:06:41] His Daily Habits
• [00:07:22] Achieving great success early in life
• [00:08:21] An author who wrote fast
• [00:08:47] A prolific author in all genres
• [00:11:16] Jersey and Guernsey
• [00:12:05] An Interest in Decoration
• [00:13:26] A brief recap of Victor Hugo’s family history
• [00:15:01] Affairs on both sides
• [00:20:11] How his work is being taught in French schools
• [00:20:56] Enjoying Victor Hugo’s novels today
• [00:21:58] Le Jeux Floraux
• [00:22:17] Victor Hugo started earning with his writing at a young age
• [00:23:15] Leopoldine’s death
• [00:25:42] Demain Dès L’aube
• [00:27:54] His Writing Style
• [00:36:12] Jean Valjean
• [00:42:13] His Exile
• [00:42:54] Victor Hugo was strongly opposed to the death penalty
• [00:46:37] His return to France
• [00:47:01] Victor Hugo’s Death
• [00:48:10] He wanted to eradicate poverty
• [00:49:41] Outro
• [00:49:41] Thank you, patrons
• [00:50:13] Shout out to new patrons
• [00:50:42] Itinerary consults
• [00:51:26] Self-guided tours
• [00:51:52] Trevor Noah’s VoiceMap tour
• [00:52:35] Alternative to the RER
• [00:54:03] EU digital passenger locator form
• [00:54:41] Personal Update: Bordeaux Rosa Bonheur Exhibition
• [00:57:31] Next week on the podcast

Jennifer Jerzyk, my guest on today's podcast visited Narbonne and the Mediterranean coast in 2022. She travelled mostly by train because she finds it peaceful and relaxing. She also enjoyed the fact that Narbonne is a great gateway into the Mediterranean and such value! That's because Narbonne is not touristy. As a matter of fact, she wondered if she was the only tourist there!

For the travel question of the week, Annie explains why people who take the RER between the airport and the city are asking for trouble. That's 49 minutes into the episode and you should listen to it and heed my advice!

Narbonne is a great place from which to explore the "other Riviera". The Mediterranean coast between Montpellier and Collioure. For example you could go to Agde, Sète, Port Vendres, Banyuls-sur-Mer, etc. Some of these places don't have a train station, but you might get there on a regional bus or by renting a car.

For your own peace of mind, you may want to lock your suitcase to the travel rack using a retractable lock. You can see one in Annie's Join Us in France Favs.

L'estagnol Restaurant in Narbonne where they serve wonderful seafood and where she also went back for a wine event hosted by the wine maker.

Hôtel de la Cité or Best Western in Carcassonne.

Restaurant La Voile in Collioure

In the conversation we mentioned Les Grands Buffets but they've since announced that the restaurant is moving but haven't announced where yet. Stay tuned, I will talk about it once the move has happened.

More episodes about Occitanie