What’s it like to explore France on your own? In A Solo Traveler’s Experience in Southwest France, host Annie Sargent chats with Dawn Fairchild, a seasoned traveler from Los Angeles who set out on a two-week solo adventure through the stunning regions of the Lot, Dordogne, and Toulouse.

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Dawn shares her honest impressions, travel tips, and favorite moments—from learning French in a relaxed immersion program near Cahors to wandering the medieval streets of Sarlat. She talks about her visit to the painted cave at Pech Merle, wine tasting in Cahors, the markets of Toulouse, and unexpected joys like stumbling into a vide-grenier in Montignac. Annie and Dawn discuss beautiful châteaux like Beynac and Milandes, Josephine Baker’s legacy, and how Southwest France is a treasure trove of history, food, and natural beauty.

Whether you're dreaming about Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, want to explore Toulouse’s vibrant markets, or plan to visit the Cité du Vin in Bordeaux, this episode is packed with useful details and inspiration. Annie and Dawn also reflect on the joys and challenges of solo travel, including navigating language and culture with confidence.

Subscribe to Join Us in France for more conversations like this—real stories from travelers who dive deep into French life, culture, and history. New episodes drop every week. Let’s look around France together!

Table of Contents for this Episode

• Introduction and Trip Overview
• Today on the podcast —
  • Podcast supporters —
  • The Magazine segment —
• Annie and Dawn Fairchild about the Southwest —
  • When did this trip take place?
  • First Impressions of Southwest France —
• Immersion Program Experience —
• Exploring the Lot Department and Painted Caves —
• Wine tasting in Cahors —
• Discovering Sarlat and Surroundings —
• Losse Chateau and Garden —
• Montignac —
• Highlights of the Dordogne —
  • Chateau des Milandes and Josephine Baker’s Legacy —
  • Chateau de Beynac —
  • Boat and Hot Air Ballon Tours in Beygnac —
  • Exploring the Dordogne: Chateaus, Rivers, and Prehistoric Caves —
• Falling in Love with Toulouse: A City of Charm and Joy —
  • The Allure of the Toulouse Accent and Local Life —
  • A Delightful Stay in Les Carmes: Le Clos des Salins —
  • Toulouse Markets and Culinary Adventures: Take Elyse’s VoiceMap tour of Toulouse! —
  • Museums and Historical Sites in Toulouse —
• Bordeaux: Historic Center and Cité du Vin Museum —
  • Political Conversations and Market Experiences —
• New Things Learned in the Trip —
• Travel Challenges and Personal Growth —
• Reflections on the Trip and Future Plans —
• Thank you Patrons! —
• Podcast Listeners Discount —
• Itinerary Consultations with Annie —
• Hidden messages in the obelisk at Place de la Concorde. —
• Next week on the podcast —
  • Copyright —

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