France, for me, is transportive in a way few places are. From rustic stone villages to the twinkling lights of Paris, the brilliant blues of the French Riviera and the sweet fragrance of lavender wafting through Provence, this place is different.
The slow pace of France brings me so much joy. A day browsing antique markets, strolling through pastel towns, or sipping wine with a view in a seaside village is time well spent.
These guides cover the places I love most and will show you how to slow down and smell the croissants.
Last Updated March 2026 Last month we spent three weeks in the south of France, starting with the French Riviera. This part of France is known for incredible ocean views, picturesque towns, and delicious restaurants. We felt right at home the moment we arrived at our first stop just outside of Nice, the seaside town of Villefrance-Sur-Mer. From there, our…
Read the PostLast updated March 2026 After spending time on the French Riviera, we made our way north to the Provence region of France to experience the lavender fields in full bloom. Typically, the perfect time to visit and see lavender is mid-July. Our days were long, with the sun rising early in the morning and setting around 10pm each night. It’s…
Read the PostThere are many things that come to mind when I think of Paris. Food, wine, picnics by the Eiffel Tower, immaculate gardens, evening strolls… Paris is so picturesque and timeless. What I love most about the city is each individual neighborhood’s charm and quirks. No matter where you are, you’re sure to stumble upon a local spot that will quickly become…
Read the PostProvence’s lavender season is a sensory escape unlike any other, which is why it ends up on so many France travel bucket lists, including mine. This is the sort of experience that requires some planning to pull off and my guide has everything you need to know.
10-14 days is enough to comfortably explore Paris and one or two other regions.
Most first-time travelers to France want to visit Paris and it’s a city well worth exploring. If you have more than a few days I recommend adding on Provence, known for quaint stone villages, sweeping scenery, and a quintessentially French ambience.
Learning a few basic phrases in French will go a long way with the locals. Saying please and thank you, greeting people as you enter businesses, and keeping a low voice in public places will help you blend in to French culture.
For me, I always prefer smaller towns over big cities so somewhere like Provence really speaks to me. I also love to be by the water so the French Riviera is also a favorite of mine.
We always opt for a rental car in France. While they do have a good rail system, we like the freedom of a car and the ability to visit smaller towns and villages.
Last updated April 2026 Why Choose Lourmarin as Your Provence Home Base Nestled in the heart of the Luberon region, Lourmarin stands out as one of the most charming villages in Provence. This picturesque town, officially recognized as one of the “Plus Beaux Villages de France” (Most Beautiful Villages of France), has the perfect blend of authenticity and convenience that…
Read the PostOne of the most authentic ways to experience Provence is through its markets. These colorful gatherings are not just places to shop, they’re cultural institutions that have been at the heart of Provençal life for centuries. From the scent of freshly baked bread and lavender to the vibrant displays of local produce and handcrafted goods, French markets are the ultimate…
Read the PostLast Updated September 2026 There are few travel experiences as transportive as standing in a lavender field in full bloom. Provence’s lavender season is a sensory escape like no other—the rich scent in the air, the meditative hum of honey bees, and the endless rows of violet stretching to the horizon. If you’re dreaming of photographing iconic purple fields or…
Read the PostLe Galinier de Lourmarin, a dreamy French provincial country house steps from downtown Lourmarin in Provence. Over the years exploring European destinations, my travel style has evolved to prioritize accommodation more than I used to. While I once gravitated toward budget-friendly options to maximize my travel experiences, I now carefully weigh the perfect balance between the setting, location, and price…
Read the PostLast updated March 2026 After years of admiring French antiques from afar, my girlfriend and I finally made our way to Paris this March to experience the legendary Foire de Chatou and other Parisian antique markets. We set out with a mission: to find special pieces for our homes while experiencing the authentic charm of French antiquing at the Paris…
Read the PostLast Updated March 2026 Last month we spent three weeks in the south of France, starting with the French Riviera. This part of France is known for incredible ocean views, picturesque towns, and delicious restaurants. We felt right at home the moment we arrived at our first stop just outside of Nice, the seaside town of Villefrance-Sur-Mer. From there, our…
Read the PostLast updated March 2026 After spending time on the French Riviera, we made our way north to the Provence region of France to experience the lavender fields in full bloom. Typically, the perfect time to visit and see lavender is mid-July. Our days were long, with the sun rising early in the morning and setting around 10pm each night. It’s…
Read the PostLast Updated May 2026 I’ve been wanting to visit the Gorges du Verdon for years. Located a couple hours north of the French Riviera and east of the Provence region, the Gorges du Verdon is the perfect add-on to any South of France trip. We visited mid-July after our trip to Provence and opted to stay nearby in Cotignac, a…
Read the PostPARIS, FRANCE – LE ROYAL MONCEAU Hotel Website | Link to Book I’ve been to Paris a number of times, but something about this trip made it feel like a completely new city. Jacob and I were invited by Le Royal Monceau — Raffles Paris to spend Valentine’s Day weekend in Paris, a dream stay. Le Royal Monceau is a…
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