It’s crazy to think it’s been over a month since we got back from France. I guess I’ve just been still living there in my mind. I haven’t shared many photos on social media because honestly, the trip was just so special that I didn’t have a desire to put anything out there. I just wanted to savor it for myself and let it all soak in. Going to France was on of those things in my head where it’s like you make a Pinterest board about it, but never actually thought you’d get to go, so it almost still feels like a dream. I feel so lucky that I got to experience such a beautiful place with my family! Here is a visual journey entry of sorts of where we went.
We landed in Paris first, caught a train to Lyon, and then from Lyon drove to Annecy, a small, northeast lakeside town that is basically straight off Pinterest. We stayed at an ancient monastery that has been converted into a hotel, but still has all it’s old world charm.
After Annecy, it was time to head to Grignan, where I was attending a photography workshop. Again, we stayed at a monastery– it’s a common thing there apparently, because we actually only stayed in converted monasteries the whole trip! I don’t really have any “personal” photos from our time here, because I was in “work mode,” but you can view the photos I took away from the workshop here. We said goodbye to Grignan and then headed towards Versailles. We didn’t do anything touristy in Versailles, though there where various options, and I’m glad. It was so nice to relax at this cute farmhouse! We learned very quickly that French breakfasts consist of a few staple items– namely, cheese and bread. It’s funny because I feel like everybody knows those are staple French foods, but when you’re actually over there, you realize that yes, it’s true– they LOVE their cheese and bread! And for good reason. While the cheese was a little “exotic” for me, the breads were so good! I should have taken more photos of the numerous pain au chocolat that I had. I’ve been craving one for weeks now…
From Versailles, we made a day trip up to the coast to see the white cliffs of Etrétat. This was probably my favorite place that we visited. It was all beautiful, but Etrétat made France seem even more amazing than the traditional ideas many have. Paris is incredibly romantic, all of the old towns are so cute, and the countryside will make you want to move there next week, but I had no idea there was also an incredible ocean view off these cliffs just a couple of hours away. So amazing. This is the one spot I wish we would have had more time!
From the cliffs, we headed to Giverny, our last stop on the trip. Giverny is near Paris, and specifically known as Monet’s hometown. Of course, with my mom being a flower enthusiast, as well as myself, we got up as early as we could to go see Monet’s Gardens. They were incredibly lush (and incredibly crowded) and so worth the trip!
Since we were so close to Paris, of course we hopped on a train after Monet’s Garden for just a little sightseeing. We decided that the Eiffel Tower was something we could not miss while there and trekked on foot to go snap some obligatory photos. Along the way, we saw the most picturesque hotels and shops. Since it was August, France’s vacation month, many shops were closed, but we still managed to find a chocolate shop along the way.
Well, there is it. I still can’t believe that we were there, but I also can’t wait to go back. There are many places I would love to revisit, and many more that I would like to add to my list. If you are considering saving up for a trip like this, do it! It’s so worth the experience and if you watch your flights carefully, you can grab a great deal! I never thought I’d think of myself as a “traveler” one day, and I’m not sure I own that title yet, but I will say, it is addicting once you start seeing the world bit by bit!
