Category: Family Travel
In episode 585 of Join Us in France, host Annie Sargent interviews Renee and Dixie Poche. This mother-daughter duo travels from the heart of Cajun country in Louisiana to the streets of France. They explore Nice, Reims, and Paris over two weeks. This episode, titled From Cajun Country to the French Riviera: Louisiana Meets France, dives into their unique heritage and travel discoveries.
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Cajun Roots and Cultural Ties
Dixie Poche is an author who writes about Cajun culture. She and Renee share a deep connection to their French and Acadian roots. During the chat, they compare Cajun French culture Louisiana vs France. They discuss how their ancestors were exiled from Nova Scotia to Louisiana. This history changed their cooking. For example, Cajuns use cayenne pepper because it was available locally. Traditional French recipes rarely use it.
The Culinary Comparison
The guests discuss food similarities and differences. Cajun andouille is a smoked sausage used in gumbo. However, French andouillette consists of pig intestines and has a very strong smell. Annie Sargent admits she cannot eat the French version! They also compare the King Cake to the Galette des Rois. In Louisiana, people hide a tiny plastic baby inside the cake. In France, the figurines can be anything from Disney characters to tiny animals. These details illustrate the evolution of Cajun French culture Louisiana vs France.
Exploring the French Riviera
The duo spent time in Nice and stayed at the Hotel du Couvent (https://www.hotelducouvent.com/). This luxury hotel was a 17th-century convent. The staff even wears modern versions of nun outfits. They visited the Palais Lascaris (https://www.nice.fr/fr/culture/musees-et-galeries/palais-lascaris) to see 500 ancient musical instruments. They also walked through the Cimetière du Château (https://www.nice.fr/fr/culture/patrimoine/le-cimetiere-du-chateau). This cemetery has 3,000 tombs and offers a magnificent view of the water.
Day Trips to Eze (Provence) and Epernay (Champagne)
Renee and Dixie took a day trip to the medieval town of Eze. They climbed a steep hill to visit the Exotic Garden. They also toured the Fragonard perfumery.
A few days later they took a train to Epernay to walk the Avenue de Champagne. They visited the Champagne Wine and Archaeology Museum and enjoyed several tastings. This trip perfectly captures the spirit of From Cajun Country to the French Riviera: Louisiana Meets France.
Parisian Adventures and Animals
Renee is a veterinarian and paid close attention to French dog culture. She noticed that dogs in France are very well-behaved. They even go into restaurants and shops. In Paris, the pair visited the Menagerie at the Jardin des Plantes. Renee showed videos on her phone to an orangutan named Nanette! They also spent a full day exploring Versailles and ended their trip with champagne at the Moulin Rouge.
Travel Tips for Your Next Trip
Renee recommends staying in a central area to make walking easier. Dixie suggests studying the public transportation system before you arrive. They both emphasize the importance of spontaneity. They enjoyed "retail therapy" and bought several dresses in Paris. They also used phone tracking to stay together. Dixie even carried a compass and a whistle for extra security! These stories show the fun of exploring Cajun French culture Louisiana vs France.
The Magazine Segment
After the interview, Annie Sargent shares the story of Ali Akbar. He is the last newspaper crier in Paris. He recently received the Ordre National du Mérite from the president. Annie also gives a stern warning about driving in France. There is no allowance for speeding. If you drive even slightly over the limit, the cameras will flash. She also reminds residents that they must get a French driver's license within one year.
Listen and Subscribe
To hear the full conversation, listen to From Cajun Country to the French Riviera: Louisiana Meets France. You can subscribe to the Join Us in France Travel Podcast on your favorite podcast app. You can also find us on Spotify and YouTube using the buttons below.
Table of Contents for this Episode
Table of Contents for this Episode
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TranscriptCategory: Family Travel