France travels with Jess Klein
France (Paris, Alps, Provence, Annecy)
Favorite places we visited — Saint Julien in Champsaur (an awesome spot in the alps for kids + adults to get in the lake, eat lunch, etc.), Gordes and Saint Rémy in Provence are all such idyllic towns in Provence.
Favorite restaurant — Perruche in Paris
Favorite shop — Cinabres in Gordes
Favorite site / activity — the Tour de France and strolling different towns with the cutest shops and restaurants.
Favorite thing(s) about France — I have a long list. The pharmacies, the countless options for bistros in Paris, the family line at customs in the airport, the rest stops during our driving days, this general feeling of people wanting to live first / work second, everything is smaller (less waste in general), & the lack of snacking for kids. They do a 4pm snack and that’s it 👏🏼
Our France Itinerary
No. 01 Paris
- Versailles
- Louvre
- Musée Rodin in Le Jardin de Rodin (great museum for kids!)
- Palais Royal
- Restaurants: Fontaine de Mars (there’s a great spot to see the Eiffel Tower near here), Perruche, Daroco Trattoria (LOVED! pizza/pasta for kids)
- Château Royal for lunch and kids to play
- Stay: Hôtel Du Louvre & our friends house in Louveciennes area
- Grenoble – stopped here on our way to Le Noyer
No. 02 Alps: Tour de France
- Stayed at an airbnb in Le Noyer (Alps)
No. 03 Provence: Aix En Provence
- Gordes
- Lacoste (got to visit where SCAD has an immersive study abroad location)
- Château des Baux in Provence (LOVED this spot)
- Saint Rémy in Provence (seriously the cutest town!!)
- Stayed at an airbnb in Cavaillon (Provence)
On our way back to Paris, we stopped in….
No. 04 Annecy
- The lake with the mountains behind it are UNREAL
- It’s busy but worth the stop
a few things that made it in my suitcase —
FRANCE RECAP OF OUR TRAVELS
The materiality was something that really stuck out to me (as it always does in Europe)—the mix of stone, natural countertops, etc. creates such a warm and interesting palette. The colors on the doors and awnings were also quite bold in Paris, which I didn’t remember as much from my previous trips. The red awnings at restaurants weren’t particularly my favorite, but I loved seeing them next to boldly colored doors. All of the different tile work in restaurants, museums, and shops was truly impressive.
Naturally as we were shopping through the city, I couldn’t help but keep an eye out for pieces for current clients as well as design forward places that sparked inspiration. Honestly, we had the kids with us, so there wasn’t as much time for sourcing as I would have liked, but I did find a couple vendors that ship to the states! stay tuned 😉
The French culture is something I’m desperately missing. Sitting down for lunch, taking our time, not having screens on, and not feeling rushed while dining were refreshing. Their slow-paced lifestyle was something we truly enjoyed! Learning a new language, cooking more, and romanticizing food and dining out are some of the most inspiring things I hope to instill in our home this year (wish me luck). I will be eating more baguettes and French butter 😉
The best part of it all: watching Evie interact with others in French.
Something I will cherish forever.
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