French Lifestyle Dream in the Loire Valley

Have you ever dreamed of owning a home in France? In From Paris to Saumur: Real Estate Dreams and Travel Tips for France Lovers, host Annie Sargent sits down with guest David Palachek to talk about making that dream a reality—and all the adventures along the way. David shares how he and his partner fell in love with Saumur, right in the heart of the Loire Valley. They bought a home in the center of town, surrounded by history, wine culture, and beautiful châteaux. Annie and David swap tips for exploring the region, including visits to Candes-Saint-Martin, Montsoreau, Fontevraud-l’Abbaye, the Château of Langeais, and the gardens of Villandry. Before heading to Saumur, David spent time in Paris and stayed at the Off Paris Seine, a floating hotel he loved for its unique design and great location. They also talk about the Cadre Noir, France’s prestigious equestrian school, and why it’s a must-visit for horse lovers. This episode blends personal stories, travel recommendations, and cultural insights for anyone dreaming about French life or planning a Loire Valley trip. Subscribe to the Join Us in France Travel Podcast for weekly inspiration, practical tips, and authentic stories that will help you explore France like a local. Whether you’re a traveler, a future expat, or just curious about French culture, this episode will make you want to pack your bags. Table of Contents for this Episode [00:00:15] Introduction and Welcome [00:00:30] Today on the podcast [00:00:54] Podcast supporters [00:01:25] Magazine segment [00:02:09] Welcome, David Palacheck [00:02:18] David’s Previous Appearances [00:02:46] Business Trip to Paris [00:03:55] Exploring Real Estate in the Loire Valley [00:04:45] Traveling with Family [00:05:31] Frequent Visits to France and Making a Plan to Move to France [00:06:33] Dreaming of Moving to France [00:10:40] First Trip on the Metro and How to Get Around Using Trains in France [00:13:12] Why Saumur? [00:17:48] Showing Paris to a Newcomer [00:24:55] Ticket Troubles in Paris [00:28:41] Navigating the Paris Metro [00:31:48] Exploring Montparnasse and the Eiffel Tower [00:33:05] Art and Architecture in Paris [00:38:14] Things learned about France [00:39:37] Hotel on a barge [00:44:39] Exploring the Loire Valley [00:46:24] Final Thoughts and Farewell [00:46:49] Thank you Patrons [00:47:23] Video for Patrons [00:48:42] Personal Update: Listing my Spain Apartment on Home Exchange [00:50:08] Annie’s Services [00:51:03] The Eiffel Tower’s Secret Engine [00:53:39] The Statues of Notre Dame Return [00:56:25] Copyright More episodes about the Loire Valley