All episodes: 238 found

Eugène Delacroix: The Painter Critics Loved to Hate

Episode #606 aired on July 12, 2026

He painted Liberty Leading the People, yet critics tore Eugène Delacroix apart for decades. Elyse Rivin and I trace his life: the family debts, the brutal Salon reviews, the seven months in Morocco that changed his art, and where to see his work in Paris, from the Louvre to Saint-Sulpice.

Alexandre Dumas: Adventure, Scandal, and 100,000 Pages

Episode #604 aired on June 28, 2026

Alexandre Dumas wrote over 100 novels, 100 plays, and an estimated 100,000 pages — all while running through fortunes, mistresses, and at least one Italian revolution. His grandmother was a slave. His father was France's first non-white general. The man lived like one of his own characters. Come find out how.

Vichy's Story and the Best of the Allier Department

Episode #602 aired on June 14, 2026

Vichy's name brings World War II to mind, but that's just four years of a nearly 2,000-year history. Annie and Elyse explore the Allier department: Roman thermal baths, royal spa visitors, and why locals call themselves Vichyssois. Plus Moulins' costume museum, the Maison Mantin time capsule, and medieval villages worth a detour.

Who Was Coco Chanel Really? Her Life Story, Unvarnished

Episode #600 aired on May 31, 2026

Born poor in rural France, Coco Chanel rewrote both fashion history and her own biography. Episode 600 tells her real story — the brilliant parts, the ugly parts, and everything in between.

Joan of Arc: The Real Woman Behind 20,000 Statues

Episode #598 aired on May 17, 2026

She was never a shepherdess. She broke an arranged engagement at 13, convinced noblemen to take her to the French king, and led an army at 16. Joan of Arc died at 19, burned at the stake for wearing men's clothes. Listen to learn about the real woman behind the legend.

Viollet-le-Duc: The Self-Taught Architect Who Shaped France's Medieval Landmarks

Episode #596 aired on May 3, 2026

Eugène Viollet-le-Duc never had an architecture degree, but he restored Notre-Dame, Carcassonne, and dozens of France's most visited medieval monuments — and reinvented most of them along the way. We look at what he actually added, the one project that got completely torn down a century later, and the quiet, controversial end to a very loud career.

France's Most Stunning Destinations: What's Worth the Hype (and What Isn't)

Episode #593 aired on April 12, 2026

France has stunning destinations — but not all of them deliver. We go through the places that genuinely earn a wow, from prehistoric caves to perched villages and Loire châteaux, and get honest about the ones that disappoint depending on the season, the weather, or the crowds.

The Guédelon Project: A Modern Take on Medieval Construction

Episode #588 aired on March 8, 2026

Step back in time with Annie Sargent and Elyse Rivin as they explore the Guédelon Project, where a medieval castle is being built using only 13th-century techniques. Discover the history, challenges, and educational aspects of this unique project. Listen now to learn more about this fascinating journey into the past.

Why Southern Brittany Should Be Your Next French Escape

Episode #580 aired on January 11, 2026

Join Annie and Elyse as they explore Château de Suscinio and the serene Île d’Arz—two of the best places to visit in Southern Brittany. Discover medieval castles, tidal islands, and Breton charm in this coastal paradise. Perfect for history lovers and families!

Charles de Gaulle: The Man Who Saved France and Shaped Modern Europe

Episode #576 aired on December 14, 2025

Charles de Gaulle: The Man Who Defied Defeat – Join Annie Sargent and Elyse Rivin as they unpack the fiery life of France’s most iconic leader. From WWII resistance to reshaping modern France, his story is one of stubborn vision and unshakable patriotism. Plus: What’s changing for New Year’s Eve in Paris 2025? Listen now to explore history—and plan your next trip!