Category: Off the Beaten Track in France

Unexpected France: History, Nature, and a Bit of Chaos

What happens when carefully planned itineraries collide with the unpredictable side of France? In this episode of the Join Us in France Travel Podcast, Annie Sargent sits down with traveler Gregg Furey to talk about a trip that combined breathtaking history, natural beauty, and a few memorable French travel mishaps. If you’ve ever wondered how to handle the unexpected while still enjoying the best of France, this conversation will resonate.

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A Trip Full of Surprises

Gregg’s travels took him to some remarkable corners of France. He explored the underground caves of Arcy-sur-Cure, an encounter with prehistory that contrasted sharply with the grandeur of cathedrals in towns like Laon and Bourges. Along the way, there were visits to historic sites such as the battlefield of Alésia and the memorial at Colombey-les-Deux-Églises, tying together France’s Roman and modern past. Each stop revealed a different facet of French history—and, as with any ambitious itinerary, a few bumps in the road made the journey all the more memorable.

Unexpected France: When Things Don’t Go According to Plan

Of course, no journey is without its hiccups. French travel mishaps come in all shapes and sizes: train strikes, weather surprises, rental car confusion, or the challenge of navigating unfamiliar towns. Gregg’s story captures that blend of excitement and frustration that every traveler eventually faces.

Gregg’s most serious mishap came when unexpected health issues landed him in the hospital in Sarlat. What could have been a nightmare turned into an eye-opening look at the French healthcare system. He found attentive doctors, efficient treatment, and costs that were far lower than he would have faced at home. But also a hospital that seemed run-down and doctors who didn't speak good English.

The stay disrupted his travel schedule, of course, but it also became one of those moments that highlighted the practical realities of traveling abroad—and reassured him, and now our listeners, that France can handle emergencies with surprising ease.

History Comes Alive

One of Gregg’s most striking encounters with French history came at Alésia, the site of Julius Caesar’s decisive battle against Vercingetorix. Standing on the very ground where the Gauls made their legendary last stand brought the story out of the history books and into vivid reality.

The Muséoparc d’Alésia, with its detailed exhibits and reconstructions, gave context to the battle and helped him understand how the Romans secured victory. Outside, the imposing statue of Vercingetorix reminded him that this was more than just a Roman triumph—it was also a defining moment of French identity, retold for centuries as a story of resistance.

For Gregg, Alésia wasn’t just an archaeological site; it was a place where the sweep of ancient history could be felt underfoot.

Nature in All Its Power

Gregg’s journey also took him to Colombey-les-Deux-Églises, the quiet village where General Charles de Gaulle lived and is buried. Far from the bustle of big cities, this stop combined the peace of the French countryside with the weight of modern history.

At the Croix de Lorraine memorial and the museum dedicated to de Gaulle, Gregg gained a deeper understanding of the man who not only led the Free French forces during World War II but also shaped France’s identity in the postwar era. Walking through de Gaulle’s former home and seeing how simply he lived offered a human dimension to a figure often viewed only through the lens of politics and power.

Lessons for Travelers

So, what should you learn from Gregg’s story?

Expect surprises. Mishaps will happen, but that’s part of the journey.
Stay flexible. A little adaptability goes a long way in turning challenges into opportunities.
Drive down over tourism by looking beyond Paris and Provence. There is so much to experience in France! Let this podcast show you how to make the most of the country.
Enjoy the chaos. Sometimes the best travel stories are born out of the moments when nothing goes as planned.

Table of Contents for this Episode

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Discussed in this Episode

Laon
Château-Thierry
Fontainebleau
Melun
National Museum of the Gendarmerie (Melun)
Vaux-le-Vicomte
Vézelay (basilica
hilltop town)
La Grotte d’Arcy-sur-Cure
Bourges
Sarlat (hospital
B\&B)
Dijon
Alésia battlefield
Venarey-les-Laumes (near Alésia)
Muséoparc d’Alésia
statue of Vercingetorix (Alésia)
Roman ruins at Alésia
Colombey-les-Deux-Églises
Croix de Lorraine (Colombey)
De Gaulle’s house and museum (Colombey)

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Unexpected France: History, Nature, and a Bit of Chaos, Episode 562