Bonjour, France: My Love Letter to the Country That Raised Me (Sort Of)
Let me set the scene: I’m twelve, awkward in the best way, standing on the rocky beaches of Cap d’Ail just outside Monaco. I’ve just had my first sip of rosé (thank you, France), my first kiss (blushing), and I’m surrounded by kids from all over the world, speaking in accents that make even the most mundane conversations sound romantic.
That was the summer I fell for France. Hard.
I went back to that same French camp for five summers in a row. I cried every time I left and wrote love letters (yes, actual cursive ones) to the friends I’d made. That camp didn’t just teach me French—it cracked me wide open to the world. It’s where my obsession with the language, the culture, the food, and the people (yes, they’re cold at first—but once you’re in, you’re in for life) began.
Fast forward: I’ve since spent countless trips wandering the arrondissements of Paris, sipping wine along the Riviera, and most recently, celebrating my 30th birthday in St. Tropez with my husband and our then-one-year-old. Full circle in the best way—same Mediterranean air, this time with a baby on my hip and champagne in hand.
Now, France isn’t just a love story. It’s one of my top-booked destinations as a travel advisor. I know the boutique hotels with the best croissants at breakfast, the countryside retreats that’ll make you cancel the rest of your itinerary, and the secret spots that feel like your own private dream. Whether it’s a chic pied-à-terre in Paris or a barefoot-luxe escape in Provence, I’ve got favorites I return to again and again.
Let’s dive in. These are the places, dishes, and dreamy little corners of France that live rent-free in my heart—and that I’d love to plan for you.
01. Paris: My First True Love
Paris is a cliché for a reason. It’s magic. It’s moody. It’s always a good idea.
Where I Eat (and Daydream About When I’m Home):
Café de Flore – For the history, the people-watching, and the iconic chocolat chaud.
Derrière – Hidden gem with a secret smoking room. Order the île flottante—you’ll thank me.
Le Relais de L’Entrecôte – Steak frites and only steak frites. Simple. Perfect.
L’Avenue – Splashy, sceney, and still genuinely good.
L’As du Fallafel – Legendary. Still haven’t been. Someone hold me accountable.
Café Kitsuné – Chic caffeine stop near Palais Royal.
Hotel Costes – Cocktails and vibes. Iconic.
Le Meurice – The dreamiest afternoon tea.
Frenchie to Go – For sandwiches that ruin all other sandwiches.
Pink Mamma – Gorgeous pizzas and the prettiest surprise basketball court upstairs.
Where I Wander:
Jardin du Palais Royal – Symmetry, shops, and serenity.
Jardin du Luxembourg – A park made for playdates and picnics.
Musée d'Orsay – Less chaotic than the Louvre, with better views.
Musée Rodin – Peaceful gardens and timeless sculpture.
The Seine – Grab a bottle of wine and let Paris soundtrack the moment.
Palace of Versailles – Rent a golf cart, pack a rosé, channel Marie Antoinette.
Le Marais – Art, vintage, and my favorite gallery: Galerie Emmanuel Perrotin.
Eiffel Tower – Yes, it’s touristy. But a twinkling tower and baguette picnic? Still magic.
Vintage Shopping – Les 3 Marches de Catherine B for dreamy Chanel finds.
Where I Stay (or Book Often):
Villa Madame – Charming and tucked away on the Rive Gauche.
Hotel San Régis – Elegant, classic, intimate.
Hotel Providence – For the design-obsessed.
Hotel Le A – Modern and central.
Hotel Panache – Sweet balconies and perfect Parisian light.
02. The French Riviera: Coastal Chic Meets Nostalgia
This region feels like my soul’s home. I have vivid memories of laughing with friends in Cap d’Ail until sunrise—and now I return as a mom, soaking in the same salt air with a new perspective.
Pro tip: Rent the convertible. Just do it.
Beach & Chill:
Plage Mala – My all-time favorite beach. Full stop.
Cap Ferrat – Swim in turquoise waters, then lunch at the Four Seasons.
Château de la Chèvre d’Or – Views for days. Truffle everything.
Culture + Cute Towns:
Èze – Medieval charm meets cliffside glamour. Don’t miss Anjuna Beach Club.
Antibes – A personal favorite. Picasso Museum + perfect seafront strolls.
Foundation Maeght – Modern art in a Provençal dreamscape.
Monaco – For dining (Beefbar, A’trego), views (Le Grill), golf, and beach clubs.
Where I Stay or Recommend:
Château de la Chèvre d’Or – Michelin-starred magic.
Les Roches Rouges – Earthy, photogenic, and effortlessly cool.
Hotel Belles Rives – Old-school glam in the best way.
Grand Hotel du Cap-Ferrat – Iconic luxury.
Hotel Hermitage
Eden Roc – A legend.
03. St. Tropez: Bougie and Worth Every Bit
We went for my 30th birthday—me, Max, Mila, and a baby monitor tucked into my beach bag at Loulou’s. Iconic behavior.
Where to Play:
Le Club 55 – Long, sun-soaked lunches. The dream.
Loulou, Bagatelle, Nikki Beach – Dance, lounge, sip champagne.
La Réserve Plage
Playamigos – Underrated, well-priced, and fabulous.
Gigi Restaurant – Trendy in the best way.
Les Moulins de Ramatuelle – Dinner, pétanque, and pure charm.
Jardin Tropézina – Live music and magical meals.
L’Opéra, Byblos Beach Club
Château des Marres – Gorgeous winery.
Sénéquier – Coffee or lunch by the port = always worth it.
Where to Stay:
Château de la Messardière – My favorite hotel. Luxe, serene, sweeping views.
Villa Marie – Chic, peaceful, perfection.
Byblos – Legendary energy, still so fun.
Don’t Miss:
The Tuesday/Saturday markets
The Dior Café
La Tarte Tropézienne
Cyril Lignac’s bakery
Shopping the port (not during peak hours!)
Stunning home rentals (ask me—I book the best!)
*Coming Soon: Provence
Next on my personal list: sipping wine in lavender fields, getting lost in markets, and visiting properties I keep booking for clients.
Places I'm Eyeing:
Auberge La Coste
Les Sources de Caudalie
Château La Chenevière
Hotel d’Europe
Something tells me I’ll fall just as hard…
France: My Forever Muse
France has given me so much—style, flavor, perspective. Whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, there’s always more to discover.
Ready to plan your French getaway?
Let me help you design a trip that’s curated, immersive, and très chic.
Reach out to start planning
À bientôt, Michelle
