Discover France by Train and Bus: A Solo Traveler's Budget Guide
Join Us in France Travel Podcast
Annie Sargent
4.8 • 1.1K Ratings
🗓️ 28 September 2025
⏱️ 58 minutes
🧾️ Download transcript
Summary
Planning to explore France without renting a car? In this episode of the Join Us in France Travel Podcast, host Annie Sargent talks with solo traveler Helena Fedorec about her practical, budget-friendly journey across France. The episode, Discover France by Train and Bus: A Solo Traveler's Budget Guide, is packed with tips for anyone eager to see more of France using public transportation.
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Helena shares how she built her itinerary around France's excellent train and regional bus network, saving money and skipping the stress of driving. She proves that it's possible to travel solo in comfort, even at 70, and enjoy a rich, flexible experience.
Her journey included Nice, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Menton, Èze, Cagnes-sur-Mer, Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Toulouse, Bordeaux, La Rochelle, Île de Ré, Angers, Chartres, Paris, Fontenay-aux-Roses, Domaine de Sceaux near Paris. Each stop brought new discoveries—historic towns, museums, vibrant markets, and scenic routes. She highlights the value of regional trains (TER) and intercity buses for reaching charming towns and hidden gems.
Annie and Helena talk about booking strategies, the pros and cons of rail passes, and how to keep travel costs low without missing out on memorable experiences. They also share tips for traveling off-season, packing light, and making the most of France's reliable public transit.
If you're curious about car-free travel in France, or you want to stretch your budget while exploring French culture and history, this conversation offers inspiration and practical guidance.
🎧 Subscribe to the Join Us in France Travel Podcast for more stories and tips about traveling in France—whether by train, bus, car, bike, or on foot.
More episodes about traveling solo travel in France
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Transcript
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| 0:00.0 | You've been through one diet after another, maybe for years. You've counted calories, pushed |
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| 1:02.9 | Treatments will only be prescribed if deemed appropriate. This is Join us in France, episode 565. |
| 1:27.5 | Hello, I'm Annie Sargent, and join us in France, episode 565. Bonjour, I'm Annie Sargent, and join us in France is the podcast where we take a conversational journey through the beauty, culture, and flavors of France. |
| 1:37.8 | Today I bring you a conversation with Elena Fidorek, who celebrated turning 70 in style. She traveled solo, she was incredibly savvy, |
| 1:49.3 | and she did it all on a budget. You'll hear her share her month-long adventure across France by train, |
| 1:56.1 | bus and foot, uncovering hidden gems, art, gardens, and the joys of slow travel. |
| 2:03.2 | She went from Nice to Shaftre. |
| 2:06.2 | You will discover how to explore France affordably, |
| 2:09.7 | connect with locals, which she loves doing, |
| 2:13.1 | and embrace the freedom of the open road. |
| 2:16.2 | There is inspiration for every traveler in this chat with |
| 2:19.6 | Elena, who is a wonderful boot camper as well, so I know her in person. She's an amazing human |
| 2:24.9 | being. This podcast is fueled by chocolate tin, coffee, and the generosity of listeners like you. |
| 2:32.1 | You book itinerary consoles, take my voice map tours, join the |
| 2:36.8 | bootcab, hop in my electric car for a day trip or chip in on Patreon and I'm so grateful for that. |
| 2:44.9 | Want to keep me going and skip the ads? There's a link for that in the show notes. |
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