A Road Trip in Southwest France: Top Tips and Destinations, Episode 542

Join Us in France Travel Podcast

Annie Sargent

History, Art, Lifestyle, Travel, Paris, Places & Travel, Culture, Tour, Language, Monuments, Society & Culture, Visit, France

4.6 • 1K Ratings

🗓️ 20 April 2025

⏱️ 66 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

Planning a road trip in southwest France and wondering where to start? In this episode of the Join Us in France Travel Podcast, titled "A Road Trip in Southwest France: Top Tips and Destinations," host Annie Sargent chats with guest Craig Anderson about a two-week itinerary through Occitanie, from Montpellier to Toulouse.

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Craig, a seasoned traveler from the U.S., shares how he and his wife Pamela explored the region by rental car, with stops in Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert, Sète, Béziers, Carcassonne, Albi, Rabastens, and Toulouse. They dive into local experiences—like a wine tour with lunch at a winemaker's family farm, visiting Cathar castle ruins at Lastours, and eating oysters by the lagoon in Sète.

You’ll hear why Montpellier's university-town vibe is so lively, how Béziers surprised them with its charm and renovation, and why staying inside the medieval walls of Carcassonne makes for a magical evening. In Toulouse, they booked both a guided history tour and food tours to connect deeper with the city.

This episode is packed with practical travel tips, great food and wine stops, and ideas for travelers who want to experience more than just the highlights.

Subscribe to Join Us in France to hear more trip reports, cultural insights, and itinerary ideas all around France. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned Francophile, Annie’s conversations will help you plan smarter and travel better.

Table of Contents for this Episode

Transcript

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0:00.0	This is Join us in France, episode 542, 542. Bonjour, I'm Annie Sargent, and join us in France, episode 542. 542.
0:22.5	Bonjour, I'm Annie Sargent, and join us in France is the podcast where we take a conversational
0:27.5	journey through the beauty, culture, and flavors of France.
0:31.6	Today I bring you a conversation with Craig Anderson about an extensive drive through
0:36.7	the southwest of France, from Montpellier to Toulouse.
0:40.7	Discover hidden gems, delightful food tours, UNESCO World Heritage Sites,
0:46.0	Cathar castles, and vibrant cities.
0:49.2	Craig shares unique experiences, practical travel tips, and insightful observations that will make you want
0:55.3	to pack your bags for an adventure in the beautiful region of Longa Dock.
1:01.0	Whether you're planning your first trip or a season traveler, this episode has something
1:05.6	for everyone.
1:06.7	This podcast is supported by donors and listeners who by my tours and services, including my itinerary consult service, my GPS self-guided tours of Paris on the VoiceMap app, or take a day trip with me around the southwest of France in my electric car.
1:21.6	You can browse all of that on my boutique.
1:24.3	Join us in France.com for it slash boutique.
1:27.3	And remember, Patreon supporters get the podcast ad free and as soon as it's ready.
1:32.8	Click on the link in the show notes to enjoy this Patreon reward for as little as $3 per month.
1:38.5	For the magazine part of the podcast, after my chat with Craig today, I'll discuss the wonderful Bibliotech National
1:45.3	of France, François-Miterrand site, which is having a birthday, and tips for
1:51.4	buying your Paris metro tickets on your smartphone. Hello, Craig and Pamela Anderson, and welcome to join us in France.
2:09.5	Bonjour, good morning.
2:11.6	Wonderful to have you on the podcast.
2:14.1	We're going to talk about your extensive drive through the southwest of France, which
	...

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