This episode dives deep into a dream many Francophiles share: owning a piece of Paris without the full-time commitment or price tag. In this episode, host Annie Sargent sits down with Marie Tartar, a fractional apartment owner in the Marais, to break down everything you need to know about this smart alternative to traditional real estate. If you've ever wondered how to enjoy Paris like a local—with your own keys, favorite café, and neighborhood routines—this conversation is packed with practical insights.
Marie shares her firsthand experience owning a share of a one-bedroom apartment in the heart of the Marais. She explains how fractional ownership works: instead of buying an entire property, you purchase a share with a small group of owners, typically 12 to 13 people. Each owner gets four weeks a year—two fixed and two floating—so you always know when your next Parisian getaway is on the calendar. Unlike timeshares, you're a deeded owner, which means you can sell your share, pass it on, or even trade weeks with other owners. Annie and Marie discuss the costs, which range from €100,000 to €800,000 depending on the size and location, plus annual dues that cover maintenance, housekeeping, and property management. For Marie, it's been a game-changer, offering the freedom of a second home without the hassle of upkeep or dealing with a French syndic.
The conversation covers the perks of fractional ownership, like having a concierge on call for anything from a broken kettle to restaurant recommendations. Marie's apartment comes with a storage bin in the basement for personal items, and a WhatsApp group keeps owners connected for sharing tips on local exhibitions and hidden gems. Annie highlights the importance of choosing a well-managed property, where a strong developer handles conflicts and logistics, so you can focus on enjoying your stay. They also talk about the lifestyle—imagine spending your days exploring the Marais, visiting quirky museums like the Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature, and strolling to the Left Bank for movies and meals.
If you love Paris but don't want the responsibility of full ownership, fractional apartments offer a flexible, lower-stress way to have a pied-à-terre in the city. Marie and Annie discuss the best neighborhoods for fractional ownership, how to find opportunities, and what to watch out for when reviewing contracts. Whether you're a frequent visitor or just dreaming of longer stays, this episode reveals how fractional ownership can make Paris feel like home.
Ready to turn your Parisian dreams into reality? Hit subscribe to Join Us in France for more insider tips, hidden gems, and stories that bring France to life. Perfect for travelers, Francophiles, and anyone curious about owning a slice of Paris!
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…
