1 rich Libsyn https://www.libsyn.com 90 600 In &quot;Taste of Gascony: Life, Food, and Tours in France’s Hidden Gers Region&quot;, Annie Sargent welcomes Jenine Lurie, a New Yorker who swapped city life for the rolling hills and medieval villages of the Gers. This episode dives into Jenine’s journey—from volunteering on a pig farm 15 years ago to building a new life (and a tour business) in one of France’s most authentic, off-the-beaten-path departments. If you’ve ever dreamed of escaping to rural France or crave travel stories packed with flavor, culture, and real-life adventure, this conversation delivers. Listen to this episode ad-free Annie and Jenine explore why the Gers feels like a well-kept secret. Here, tourists are rare, medieval bastide towns stand frozen in time, and the Pyrenees loom in the distance. Jenine shares how she fell for the region’s slow pace, warm locals, and rich gastronomy—think Armagnac, floc, and duck confit—while navigating the challenges of buying a home, learning French, and launching Taste of Gascony, her immersive tour company. She takes visitors beyond the usual wine tastings, introducing them to artisan bakers, Armagnac distillers, and even jazz festivals in Marciac. Listen as she spills the details on her five-day tours, where guests roll up their sleeves to make baguettes, explore hidden art galleries, and dine with expats who’ve made the Gers their home. The episode also tackles the nitty-gritty of moving to France: visas, healthcare, and the infamous French bureaucracy. Jenine’s honest advice? Follow the rules, embrace the process, and lean on your community. She reveals how she secured her titre de séjour, snagged a health card for just €23 at the dentist, and why buying her Bassoues cottage felt like the start of a new chapter—champagne included. Annie adds her own insights, comparing the Gers to busier French hotspots and explaining why this region rewards those who love history, tranquility, and a taste of la vie rurale. But it’s not all countryside charm. Annie wraps up with a timely update on Paris’s crackdown on illegal Airbnbs—including eye-popping fines for rule-breakers—and teases next week’s episode on Guédelon, the medieval castle being built using only 13th-century tools. Perfect for francophiles, future expats, or anyone curious about France beyond Paris, this episode proves why the Gers deserves a spot on your travel list. Hit subscribe to Join Us in France for more hidden gems, practical tips, and stories that make you feel like you’re exploring France with a friend. Whether you’re planning a trip or just armchair traveling, Annie’s conversational style and Jenine’s infectious enthusiasm will leave you craving croissants, countryside drives, and maybe even a move to Gascony. Subscribe now and never miss an episode of the podcast that’s like a postcard from France—delivered straight to your earbuds. Bon voyage! More episodes about the southwest of France Table of Contents for this Episode Welcome and Preview Today on the podcast: Taste of Gascony Podcast supporters Magazine segment Meet Jenine in Gers From Workaway to Gers Buying in Bassoues Why Gers Feels Special Language and Local Life Culture and Getting Around Weather in the Gers Bastide Town History Taste of Gascony Tours Finding Rentals by Network Visa and Health System Closing Day Emotions Notaire and Legal Basics Healthcare and French Values Building Taste of Gascony Politics and Perceptions Health Card and Visa Steps Expat vs Immigrant Mindset Bonjour and Local Etiquette Armagnac Floc and Aperitifs Patrons Tours and Reviews VoiceMap Tour Reviews Private day trips Paris Airbnb Crackdown Next week on the podcast Copyright &amp;nbsp; Join Us in France Travel Podcast https://joinusinfrance.com/ <iframe title="Libsyn Player" style="border: none" src="//html5-player.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/40263385/height/90/theme/custom/thumbnail/yes/direction/forward/render-playlist/no/custom-color/f70909/" height="90" width="600" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen></iframe> https://assets.libsyn.com/secure/content/199064920