Join Us in France Travel Podcast

November 11 is coming, and Annie Sargent and Elyse Rivin take you to the World War I battlefields of the Grand Est. It's not a fun subject. But you can't understand France without it. Annie walks you through the Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery, Montfaucon, the Douaumont Ossuary and the forts around Verdun. She takes you section by section through the Verdun Memorial museum: soldiers' letters, executions "pour l'exemple," the Gueules Cassées, and American pilots flying French planes. She also tells you where to stay and how many days you need. Elyse shares the films and books that will prepare you. Planning a trip to Verdun? Press play. And subscribe to Join Us in France so you never miss an episode.

On October 17, protests across France turned into riots. Annie Sargent talks to six listeners who were there. Patricia Howard gets tear-gassed three times in Bordeaux. Anne-Marie and Tom Blank watch the Limoges city hall burn from their hotel window. Lachlan Cook and Patricia Perry see Paris split between a quiet Left Bank and a messy Right Bank. Janet Boyd watches the Montpellier march from a café until the tear gas arrives. Helena Fedorec sees three very different demonstrations in Provence. They tell you what happened, what they did right, and how they'd handle it next time. Planning a trip to France this year? Listen before you book. And subscribe so you don't miss next week's episode. Listen to this episode ad-free Table of Contents for this Episode Introduction Today on the podcast: How to Handle Protests in France Podcast supporters Magazine segment 1 Patricia Howard 2 Lachlan Cook 3 Anne Marie and Tom Blank 4 Patricia Perry 5 Helena Fedorec 6 Janet Boyd Copyright More episodes about life in France

Annie Sargent talks northeast France with Jennifer Hanniman, a Canadian living in the Netherlands. Jennifer uses Lille as her base. She shares how to see Vimy Ridge, Beaumont-Hamel and Ypres, and why you shouldn't miss the Menin Gate ceremony. Annie reveals where she found the best restaurant moules-frites she's ever had. Then they head to Metz, an underrated city. Jennifer explains why Nancy on New Year's Eve was a letdown. They finish in Alsace, where summer beats the Christmas crowds. In the magazine segment, Annie explains what happened during the October 17 protests and how to plan your trip around them. Subscribe so you don't miss next week, when listeners describe being in the middle of those protests. Table of Contents for this Episode Welcome and Introductions Today on the podcast: Northeast France Itinerary: Lille, Metz, Nancy and Alsace Podcast support Magazine segment Trip Planning vs AI Northeast France Overview Why Base in Lille Best Time to Visit North Lille Vibe and Sights Eating and Estaminets Hotel Picks and Accor Driving and Parking Tips WWI Day Trips from Lille WWI Sites Day Plan Vimy Ridge Guide Tips Metz Underrated Gem Metz Food Shops Stays Nancy Timing Weather Strasbourg Alsace Summer Wrap Up Northeast France Thank you, Patrons Ad Free Back Catalog Plan France Protests Overview Why People Are Angry Macron Response And Curfews Travel Tips During Protests Closing Notes And Next Episode Next week on the podcast Copyright More episodes about the northeast of France

He painted village funerals on canvases meant for kings. He turned down the Legion of Honor. He died in exile. Meet Gustave Courbet. Annie Sargent and Elyse Rivin tell the story of the self-taught painter from Ornans who refused to follow the rules of the French art world. Elyse explains why his paintings caused scandal after scandal, how he got caught up in the Paris Commune, and why the Impressionists owed him so much. Annie shares her visit to the Courbet Museum, where one small room makes every visitor gasp. Then Annie takes you to the Loue Valley, with its viewpoints, hikes and quiet villages. Press play, and subscribe to Join Us in France so you never miss an episode.

Forget what you've heard about Marseille. Annie Sargent talks with two locals who see a very different city: Emilie Bonnel from the Marseille Tourist Office and Alexis Steinman, a food writer who guides there. They make the case for a winter visit, with soft light, empty trails in the Calanques and lunch on a sunny terrace. They tell you where to eat a real bouillabaisse, what to order at apéro, and which neighborhood to pick so you actually sleep. You'll also hear how Annie missed the boat to the Château d'If, and how you can avoid doing the same. Press play, and subscribe so you don't miss next week's episode.