A Primer on French Cheese, Episode 19

Cheese display at a cheese specialty store in France

On today's show we explore the history and culture of cheese in France. We discuss types of cheese and how they're distributed by region. French people are crazy about cheese and Anglos are often overly cautious about cheese. We're here to tell you to live a little! Try some scary cheese next time you're in France, after all, it doesn't even seem to make them fat!


D-Day History, Normandy Invasion Special, Episode 18s

Photo of of a Utah Beach marker: D-Day History

In this special episode on the Normandy Invasion, Annie and Elyse remember the events of D-Day 70 years ago and the bravery of people involved. Elyse puts the whole tragic day into context: events leading up to it and a few details of what happened on that day. We share our experiences visiting the beaches in Normandy, the museums, the cemeteries. This is definitely a sobering and emotional topic, but 70 years later we should ask again: Are French grateful today? Is it genuine? What are you likely to experience when you visit? Did this day change the course of time?


French Food, Episode 17

Le Comptoire de Matilde store: french food

Why are French people skinny? We wonder if it's because of their food culture and habits at home. In episode 17 of Join Us in France we discuss French food culture, what French people eat at home, French meal times, and the difficulties vegetarians and vegans may experience in France. Is it OK to be a little narrow-minded about food? Go to joinusinfrance.com/17 to find out, you will also find photos and a full transcript there.


How to Prepare for Your Visit to the Orsay Museum, Episode 15

orsay museum seen from the seine river

Thinking of visiting the Orsay Museum in Paris? It's a wonderful place, but it's usually crowded so you'd better learn a little bit about it before you go!


A Day Trip to Versailles from Paris, Episode 14

Is Versailles worth the trip or not? Some people absolutely LOVE it while others think it's over the top. It is certainly an important part of French history and in this episode we give you tips on how to avoid the lines!


A Perfect Day Trip to Reims from Paris, Episode 13

smiling angel on the Reims Cathedral; day trip to reims from paris

How about venturing out of Paris to go drink some champagne at the source? Let's talk about how to do that in one day on the TGV bullet train!


Should You Go to the Eiffel Tower? Episode 12

The Eiffel Tower with its top in the clouds and the dome of the Invalides

Is the Eiffel Tower Worth the Visit? Is It a Tourist Trap? You'll be able to decide for yourself after listening to this episode of the podcast!


Are French People Rude? Episode 9

Woman smoking a cigarette without a care in the world

Are French people rude or just unfriendly? And is there any truth to the ugly American stories? Listen to this episode to brush up on ways to make French people smile at you with a twinkle of delight in their eyes instead of a scowl!


Cluny Museum Walking Tour, Episode 8

The back side of the Cluny Museum in Paris: Cluny Museum Walking Tour Episode

Let Elyse take you on a walking tour of the Cluny Museum. What will you see there? When we recorded this episode Annie hadn't seen it yet, but it's now a favorite. Listen to this episode and then maybe you'll want to see it too!


Latin Quarter Walking Tour, Episode 7

Place de la Sorbonne; Latin Quarter Walking Tour episode

Episode 7 of the Join Us in France Travel Podcast is all about the Latin Quarter. The atmosphere, the night-life, the shops you will find there and why you should go. We also give you a detailed description of the route you could take with all the street names and a map you can take on your trip.