Joan of Arc: The Real Woman Behind 20,000 Statues, Episode 598
She was never a shepherdess. She broke an arranged engagement at 13, convinced noblemen to take her to the French king, and led an army at 16. Joan of Arc died at 19, burned at the stake for wearing men's clothes. Listen to learn about the real woman behind the legend.
Road Tripping in Northern France: From Flander's Fields to Agincourt, Episode 597
Most visitors skip northern France entirely. Craig Anderson didn't, and he found WWII beaches, medieval battlefields, excellent seafood, and almost no American tourists. From Dunkirk to the Agincourt site, this region rewards curious travelers — and a rental car at 30 euros a day makes it surprisingly easy to explore.
Viollet-le-Duc: The Self-Taught Architect Who Shaped France's Medieval Landmarks, Episode 596
Eugène Viollet-le-Duc never had an architecture degree, but he restored Notre-Dame, Carcassonne, and dozens of France's most visited medieval monuments — and reinvented most of them along the way. We look at what he actually added, the one project that got completely torn down a century later, and the quiet, controversial end to a very loud career.
23 Nights in Southern France Without a Car, Episode 595
Sally Schokman spent 23 nights traveling through southern France by train — solo, no car, no stress. She covers what worked, what didn't, and why October might be the sweet spot for this kind of trip. Bordeaux, Toulouse, Albi, Avignon, Nice, Lyon, and Paris — all by train.
Home Exchange Experience: The Good, the Bad, and the Moldy, Episode 594
Home exchange in Paris sounds like a great deal — until you find mold in the bathroom, a washer you're not allowed to use, and an angry message from your host after you left an honest review. Here's what two experienced home exchangers learned the hard way.
France's Most Stunning Destinations: What's Worth the Hype (and What Isn't), Episode 593
France has stunning destinations — but not all of them deliver. We go through the places that genuinely earn a wow, from prehistoric caves to perched villages and Loire châteaux, and get honest about the ones that disappoint depending on the season, the weather, or the crowds.
First Trip to France? Here’s What You Really Need to Know from 50 Years of Visits, Episode 592
Planning your first trip to France? Annie Sargent talks with Nancy and Michael Armstrong about what decades of travel have taught them. From packing light and using trains to slowing down and staying flexible, this episode is full of practical tips to help you enjoy France without stress and make every moment count.
Buying a Home in France: Lessons from a Real-Life House Hunt in the South of France, Episode 591
Thinking about buying a home in France? In episode 591, Annie Sargent talks with Juliana and Craig Linssen about their real-life house hunt in Provence. They share surprises, backing out of a deal, and lessons learned while exploring beautiful hilltop villages in the South of France and planning their move abroad.
What People Get Wrong About French Food, Episode 590
French food is famous around the world—but the reality of what French people cook at home is very different from the fantasy.
Moving to France: Realities, Challenges, and Rewards, Episode 589
Discover the ins and outs of moving to France! This episode covers visas, bureaucracy, and daily life challenges. Get practical advice on making France your new home, from navigating paperwork to integrating into the community. A must-listen for anyone considering the move!