My Summer in France: A Journey Through Lavender Fields, Art Villages, and an Unforgettable Summer Camp
This summer, I explored the south of France, and it left me utterly enchanted. Before getting into the details, I have to give a shoutout to the person who made this dream trip possible: my amazing travel planner, Baylee Markward. Baylee, who was a Honey Fox Film bride not once but twice (Big Sur elopement during COVID and a later wedding celebration in Sayulita, Mexico), has since become a travel agent extraordinaire. Her expertise was the secret sauce behind the perfectly planned itinerary, hotel recommendations, and all the perks we enjoyed. Think room upgrades, dining credits, and sweet treats. If you’re planning a personal trip, honeymoon, or adventure of any kind, I highly recommend working with her. Thanks to Baylee, our trip was as seamless as it was magical.
PS - All images in this blog post are straight from camera images taken with my Fujifulm X-T50 with the 16-50mm f/2.8 lens and pocket dispo lens.
French Riviera: Coastal Charm
We began our adventure by flying into Nice and taking a scenic train ride to Villefranche-sur-Mer. There, we stayed at the charming Hôtel Le Provençal, a delightful pink hotel with a breakfast spread that set the tone for our days. Villefranche-sur-Mer itself is a dream. We wandered its streets, basked on its beaches, and soaked in the coastal vibes.
Exploring nearby Nice was a highlight. We walked the iconic Promenade des Anglais, indulged in a food tour that was nothing short of heavenly, and took in panoramic views from high above. Another standout experience was our visit to the village of Èze. After climbing what felt like a bajillion stairs (and catching a bus for the final stretch), we wandered through the breathtaking gardens and quaint streets. A quick train ride brought us to Menton, where we discovered a natural history museum, savored authentic Italian food, and gazed at the Italian Alps. Of course, there was gelato which is a must in the Mediterranean summer.
Into the Alpes: Food, Art, and Adventure
From the coast, we rented a car and headed into the Alpes for a change of pace. One of the most charming stops was a rural commune adorned with lavender hanging up above the streets between shops. We watched a painter at work and enjoyed fries at a café. Best surprise was that they had my favorite Belgian samurai sauce.
Our next destination, Mougins, is a mountaintop art village that stole our hearts. Exploring the village’s art shops and enjoying a delicious meal at Resto des Arts were highlights of our stay in Mougins. The views from Mougins at sunset were stunning, and we never would have discovered this gem without Baylee’s recommendation. We stayed at Hôtel de Mougins, where the pool was a welcome respite from the heat.
Adventure called, and we answered with a trip to Verdon Natural Regional Park. Kayaking up the river and swimming in the pristine waters was the perfect way to cool off. Driving through the mountains afterward was an experience in itself. Those roads were some of the wildest I’ve ever navigated. Our reward was arriving at Château de Trignace, a medieval castle in the tiny village of Trignace. The food at the château was phenomenal and easily our favorite meal of the trip. I don’t understand what kind of witchcraft they do to the food there but I like it. Wandering through the village, we encountered friendly locals (including an adorable dog and a crusty-but-cute cat) and savored local bread and cheese. Trignace was off the beaten path, but oh-so-worth it.
Provençal France: Lavender Fields and Luxurious Retreats
One of the most magical days of the trip was spent driving through fields of lavender and sunflowers in full bloom. The hum of bees, the vivid colors, and the soothing scent of lavender created an atmosphere that felt like heaven. We were tempted and stopped at some farmers' markets along the way for treats.
We stayed at Hôtel Crillon Le Brave, where a suite upgrade made us feel like royalty. We spent hours lounging by the pool, exploring the property, and indulging in exquisite meals. The chocolate dessert we shared at Hôtel Crillon Le Brave still haunts my dreams (in the best way).
After Crillon Le Brave our destination was Château de Fonscolombe, my favorite hotel of the trip. With its sprawling grounds and Bridgerton-like charm, it felt like stepping into a fairytale. I particularly loved the 24/7 pool—perfect for night swims during the July heat. From here, we explored the entirety of Provence, visiting places like Aix-en-Provence, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, Gordes, and Roussillon. Each village had its own unique charm, but highlights included ancient Roman ruins, Vincent van Gogh’s history (including his room at Monastery Saint-Paul de Mausole), and a Mediterranean feast at Tita in Aix. I have never seen so much food on my plate in my life and I ate it all up!
Our final stop together was in Marseille. When we arrived, a storm foiled our plans to visit Château d’If and the National Park, but we made the best of it by exploring Old Town, visiting a soap factory, and dining at the circus-themed Italian restaurant Slendido. The photobooth in the bathroom had us in stitches.
Camp Chateau
I dropped McKay off at the airport after Marseille and then traveled solo to Arles, where I took a million photos of the Arles Amphitheatre, saw the yellow café Van Gogh painted, and enjoyed the best gelato of my life - raspberry lychee rose, in case you’re wondering.
A scenic drive through Parc Naturel Régional des Grands Causses (and a pit stop at Burger King) brought me to my final destination: Camp Chateau, an all-inclusive women’s retreat near Figeac.
Camp Chateau was a transformative experience. There are simply no words to describe what it was like. With morning yoga overlooking fog-filled valleys, art classes like cyanotype, watercolor, and flower arranging, wine tastings, excursions like horseback riding and a market day, and delightful three-course dinners made by a chef, lounging and reading by the pool, roaming the grounds, etc. It was a perfect blend of relaxation and creativity. I met incredible women from all over the world who inspired and uplifted me. It’s a place I hope every woman gets to experience -a sanctuary for just being yourself and nothing else.
After an incredible week at summer camp, I drove my Dutch friends to the airport and made my way to Toulouse, the charming "Pink City." Exhausted but eager to explore, I spent the evening wandering through the vibrant streets and enjoying the view from my cozy room at Mama Shelter. With a poke bowl and movies to cap off the night, it was the perfect low-key end to a whirlwind trip.
Final Thoughts
As I flew home, I couldn’t help but reflect on how much this trip had changed me. From the vibrant coastal towns to the peaceful lavender fields and the laughter-filled days at Camp Chateau, every moment was a treasure. I’ll forever be grateful to McKay as my travel buddy, Baylee for her expert planning, to the people I met along the way, and to France itself for being so utterly captivating (and delicious). Until next time, France. You’ll always have a piece of my heart.
