7 Days in France
Day 1 & 2
Paris & Versailles
Day 3 & 4
Loire Valley
Day 5
Saint-Rémy-de-Provence
Day 6
Gordes & AIX-EN-PROVENCE
Day 7
CASSIS
THE LOUVRE
Museum
The world’s largest and most visited art museum. The palace was once a residence for french kings and is now home to the beloved Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci, along with over 380,000 historical objects and 35,000 priceless works of art in the permanent collection.
LOCATION: Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris, France
WEBSITE: louvre.fr/en
Café Saint-Régis
Restaurant
White aprons, vintage decor, and walls decorated in gleaming ceramic tile create the classic Parisian cafe atmosphere in a well-established neighborhood on the islands. A perfect choice for a breakfast of eggs and pastries before visiting nearby Notre-Dame.
LOCATION: 6 Rue Jean du Bellay, 75004 Paris, France
WEBSITE: cafesaintregisparis.com/en
Shakespeare & Company
Bookstore
Opened in 1951 by George Whitman and named in honor of Sylvia Beach and the original Shakespeare and Company of the 20’s. Whitman continued the tradition of creating a home for artists and literary life in Paris. In Whitman’s words: “I created this bookstore like a man would write a novel, building each room like a chapter, and I like people to open the door the way they open a book, a book that leads into a magic world in their imaginations.”
LOCATION: 37 Rue de la Bûcherie, 75005 Paris, France
WEBSITE: shakespeareandcompany.com
Versailles
Palace
A landmark in France that doesn’t need an introduction. Once the seat of royal power and now a museum of the history of France, this World Heritage site is one of the greatest achievements of the 17th century. An opulent and mesmerizing creation surrounded by vast gardens and grounds of equal grandeur.
LOCATION: Place d’Armes, 78000 Versailles, France
WEBSITE: en.chateauversailles.fr
Domain Bourillon Dorléans
Wine Cave
Wine cave in the Loire Valley run by the charismatic Frédéric Bouillon. The cave was dug first to mine stone and then later used to hide wine during WWII (bottles were discovered long after the war). The cave is now open as a wine cellar and is a place to gather, taste wine, and explore the winding passageways. An artist friend of Frédéric’s has carved the walls of the cave into an imaginative experience known as tufa cellar sculpture.
LOCATION: 30 Rue de Vaufoynard, Rochecorbon, France
Chateau d’Ardree
Bed & Breakfast
LOCATION: 63 Route du Dolmen Chateau d’Ardree, 37360 Saint-Antoine-du-Rocher, France
WEBSITE: booking.com/hotel/fr/chateau-d-39-ardree.html or airbnb.ca/rooms/10026502
Chateau du Chaumont
Chateau & Garden
History, modern art, and grounds overflowing with mind-bending garden installations. Home to the annual International Garden Festival, Chateau du Chaumont offers a fresh take on the chateau experience and an exhilarating blend of old and new. Creative and relevant for today’s audience.
LOCATION: 41150 Chaumont-sur-Loire, France
WEBSITE: domaine-chaumont.fr/en
Chateau de Villandry
Chateau & Garden
Built during the grandeur of the renaissance on the site of an even older feudal fortress. The original keep was preserved and incorporated into the design of the new chateau. The owner had a special interest in gardening and laid out intricate formal gardens that are truly exquisite, earning this World Heritage site a reputation worldwide.
LOCATION: 3 rue Principale, 37510 Villandry, France
WEBSITE: chateauvillandry.fr/en/
La Mere Hamard
Restaurant
Tucked away in the small village of Semblançay, this gem of the Loire Valley offers a satisfying and elegant french dining experience. Not surprising, as the owner’s father was one of the most respected chefs in France. In the warmer months, diners can enjoy the pretty outdoor garden terrace.
LOCATION:
Bensimon
Shop
Modern and positive with a flair for color, this iconic french brand has an interesting history and long-lived following ever since they began making their 100% natural, easy-to-clean sneakers. Inspired by world travel and the military, this brand has now expanded to include a full-range of fashion and home/design inspiration.
LOCATION: 34 Boulevard Victor Hugo, Saint-Remy-de-Provence 13210
WEBSITE: bensimon.com/fr_fr
Sessùn
Shop
Dreamed up by an anthropology student at Montpelier, Sessún is a global feast for the senses. The french brand is inspired by artisans who weave, sew, and create by hand. Its mission is clearly grounded and Sessún continues to partner with and delight both artists and consumers in the community.
LOCATION:
WEBSITE: sessun.com/en
Aix & Co
Shop
A creative space crafted by the charming Laëtitia Macquin as a place to celebrate and partner with local artists and designers. A seamstress herself, Macquin has created a passionate tribute to Provence that is fueled by heart and hard work.
LOCATION:
WEBSITE: aixetco.business.site
Le Petit Bijou
Luxury Village House
Picture-perfect village house owned and decorated by author Vicky Archer in the provençal style. Many of the design elements were sourced locally. Updated to include every modern comfort needed, while still enveloping guests in that distinctly beautiful and relaxing way of life that Provence does best.
LOCATION: Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, France
WEBSITE: airbnb.ca/rooms/4818097
Saint Paul de Mausolé
Museum
A respite for artist Vincent van Gogh during an especially tumultuous yet productive time during his artistic career. The monastery is now a museum that includes Van Gogh’s room, as well as the gardens and views that inspired some of his best-loved paintings. A separate part of the property continues to operate as a private mental health institution with an art therapy studio on the grounds.
LOCATION: 2 Voie Communale des Carrières, 13210 Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, France
WEBSITE: saintpauldemausole.fr
Saint-Rémy-de-Provence
Scenic Village
Situated in the heart of Provence and brimming with the character of the region. Winding stone streets, plenty of shops and restaurants, leafy squares, and a weekly market are a few of the things that make this village easy to love. Also home to artist Vincent van Gogh during his stay at Saint Paul de Mausolé.
LOCATION: Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, France
WEBSITE: saintremy-de-provence.com/home.html
Gordes
Scenic Village
Named one of the “most beautiful villages” in France. Gordes is no secret, but it is worth the trip to see its stone houses and winding streets cascading down the hillside. Set against the Luberon mountains, picturesque views abound. Because of this, many artists have made Gordes their home, including Marc Chagall, André Lhote, and Victor Vasarely.
LOCATION: Gordes, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, France
la petite maison
Guest House
Minimalism at its best. This tastefully designed and decorated guest house is an inspiring respite surrounded by a quiet garden. It is situated near the historical center of Aix-en-Provence and the Saint Victoire Mountain, region of Paul Cézanne and other well-known impressionists.
LOCATION: Aix-en-Provence, France
WEBSITE: airbnb.ca/rooms/17568037
Poissonnerie Laurent
Restaurant
Simple seafood restaurant well-situated for a view of the quaint Cassis harbor. Items like fresh catch of the day, mussels, and fish stew are on the menu. A nice place to rest after a hike along les calanques.
LOCATION: 5 Quai Jean Jacques Barthélémy, 13260 Cassis, France
Les Calanques
Nature
Dramatic 20-mile stretch along the southern coast of France designated as a National park. Steep, limestone cliffs form inlets that weave in and out against the Mediterranean Sea. Multiple hiking paths to choose from. Boats also available for a view from the water.
LOCATION: Between the city of Marseille and the town of Cassis
WEBSITE: calanques-parcnational.fr/en
TRAVEL TIPS
- May is a nice time to visit France for fewer crowds, though be sure to bring a jacket as the weather may be cool on some days.
- When visiting Versailles, try later in the day for a chance to photograph the hall of mirrors at closing time after the rest of the guests have left and then head outside to enjoy the gardens, which stay open later than the palace and will be less crowded by then as well.
- Be sure to leave plenty of time for the Louvre and have a plan beforehand of what you want to see and in what order as the museum is massive and you may not be allowed to enter some areas near closing time if it requires exiting and re-entering other parts of the building. Also, there are evening hours on designated nights of the week that should be less crowded.
- Roads are well-kept in France and renting a car is a good option if you value independence and plan to travel much around the country. Driving in Paris, however, is not ideal.
- If you visit Shakespeare and Company, be sure to explore the rooms upstairs: play a song on the old, out-of-tune piano, say hi to the resident cat, and read about Sylvia Beach in the little library dedicated to her.
- Many restaurants close in the early afternoon and do not reopen until late in the evening for dinner, so plan accordingly to make sure you don’t end up stuck between meals and hungry. If that happens, look for a bakery.
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