In "Taste of Gascony: Life, Food, and Tours in France's Hidden Gers Region", Annie Sargent welcomes Jenine Lurie, a New Yorker who swapped city life for the rolling hills and medieval villages of the Gers. This episode dives into Jenine's journey—from volunteering on a pig farm 15 years ago to building a new life (and a tour business) in one of France's most authentic, off-the-beaten-path departments. If you've ever dreamed of escaping to rural France or crave travel stories packed with flavor, culture, and real-life adventure, this conversation delivers.
Annie and Jenine explore why the Gers feels like a well-kept secret. Here, tourists are rare, medieval bastide towns stand frozen in time, and the Pyrenees loom in the distance. Jenine shares how she fell for the region's slow pace, warm locals, and rich gastronomy—think Armagnac, floc, and duck confit—while navigating the challenges of buying a home, learning French, and launching Taste of Gascony, her immersive tour company. She takes visitors beyond the usual wine tastings, introducing them to artisan bakers, Armagnac distillers, and even jazz festivals in Marciac. Listen as she spills the details on her five-day tours, where guests roll up their sleeves to make baguettes, explore hidden art galleries, and dine with expats who've made the Gers their home.
The episode also tackles the nitty-gritty of moving to France: visas, healthcare, and the infamous French bureaucracy. Jenine's honest advice? Follow the rules, embrace the process, and lean on your community. She reveals how she secured her titre de séjour, snagged a health card for just €23 at the dentist, and why buying her Bassoues cottage felt like the start of a new chapter—champagne included. Annie adds her own insights, comparing the Gers to busier French hotspots and explaining why this region rewards those who love history, tranquility, and a taste of la vie rurale.
But it's not all countryside charm. Annie wraps up with a timely update on Paris's crackdown on illegal Airbnbs—including eye-popping fines for rule-breakers—and teases next week's episode on Guédelon, the medieval castle being built using only 13th-century tools.
Perfect for francophiles, future expats, or anyone curious about France beyond Paris, this episode proves why the Gers deserves a spot on your travel list. Hit subscribe to Join Us in France for more hidden gems, practical tips, and stories that make you feel like you're exploring France with a friend. Whether you're planning a trip or just armchair traveling, Annie's conversational style and Jenine's infectious enthusiasm will leave you craving croissants, countryside drives, and maybe even a move to Gascony. Subscribe now and never miss an episode of the podcast that's like a postcard from France—delivered straight to your earbuds. Bon voyage!
Annie Sargent invites you to pull up a chair for a genuine conversation about all things France. Join Us in France Travel Podcast feels less like a formal guide and more like getting insider advice from a friend who knows the country intimately. Each episode builds a richer understanding of the place, weaving together practical travel tips with deep dives into French culture and history. You’ll hear from local tour guides, get suggestions for savoring regional food and wine, and learn how to navigate your journey with savvy and respect. The discussions go beyond simple itineraries, touching on the social nuances and historical layers that make France so compelling. Whether you're dreaming of a future visit or simply love hearing stories from abroad, this podcast offers an engaging and informative escape. Annie’s passion is contagious, making every conversation feel like a shared discovery of beautiful destinations and everyday French life. Tune in to transform how you think about travel, one story at a time.
Author: Annie Sargent
Language: English
Episodes: 50
Annie Sargent talks with Elyse Rivin about Jean-François de Galaup, Comte de Lapérouse. He was born near Albi. He became one of France's greatest naval explorers. Louis XVI sent him to finish mapping the Pacific after Ca…
Annie Sargent chats with Nan and Marty Deniston, two Americans who spent three whole months living in Avignon. They wanted more than a vacation. They wanted real French. Nan started young, studying in Toulouse as a stude…
Annie Sargent sits down with Elyse Rivin to tell the story of Louis Braille. He lost his sight at age three. He was completely blind by five. That didn't stop him. By his teens, he had invented a whole new way to read. A…
Annie Sargent takes you to Lyon in this episode. She met with Mikayla Sibner, an American who's taught French in Lyon for years, and they walk you through the city together. Listen to the episode ad-free You'll hear abou…
Camille Claudel trained alongside Auguste Rodin. She fell in love with him. She became a brilliant sculptor in her own right. Then her family locked her away. Listen to the episode ad-free Annie Sargent talks with Elyse…
109-word iTunes description: Sacha Cohen and her husband spent two and a half years scouting France. They tried Rouen, Dijon, Bordeaux, Toulouse, and more. Then they chose Paris and moved in December 2025. Annie Sargent…
Two Italian banker's daughters married French kings. Both ended up ruling France. Annie Sargent sits down with Elyse Rivin to sort out Catherine de' Medici and Marie de' Medici, cousins who together span the entire 1500s…
In episode 607, Annie Sargent talks with Julie Lynch, an Australian costume designer turned painter, about her week-long art retreat in Noyers, a tiny medieval village in Burgundy. Julie traded her precise, detailed styl…
Critics called his paintings smudges. He kept painting anyway. In this episode, Annie Sargent and Elyse Rivin tell the story of Eugène Delacroix, the man behind Liberty Leading the People. His father left the family in d…
Five weeks solo in Paris. Twenty museums. Four monuments. And a whole lot of surprises. Annie Sargent chats with Larry Rosenblum to talk about his trip. Larry swims in the Seine. He watches a play at the Comédie-Français…
