Our First Trip to France: Paris, Plum Village, and the French Riviera

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France had been on my bucket list for years, but this trip felt different from the start. My husband and I were not just visiting Paris and the French Riviera for the scenery, the food, or the postcard moments — though France delivered plenty of those. This trip also included something deeply personal: traveling to Plum Village, where my brother lives as an ordained Buddhist monk.

We began in Paris with the Louvre, Notre Dame, the Seine, and that unmistakable Eiffel Tower glow. From there, we traded city energy for quiet countryside in Bordeaux, then continued south to the Mediterranean light of Villefranche-sur-Mer, Èze, Monaco, and Cannes. The Côte d’Azur is where sun-washed villages, polished seaside towns, blue Mediterranean water, and a little old-world glamour all meet without trying too hard.

It was our first trip to France together, and it gave me exactly what I always hope travel gives my clients: beauty, perspective, connection, and a few moments you cannot quite plan — but never forget.

Paris — Food, the Seine, and the Eiffel

We spent our first day checking out the Louvre and the Jardin des Tuileries (Tuileries Garden)

Afterwards we roamed the streets including bookshops, coffee shops and my due diligence on the Paris vs. U.S. Louis Vuitton math.

Dinner at a nearby restaurant, Le Zinc d’Honor

7:30 PM

A cozy, classic Parisian meal recommended by the concierge —and the best filet mignon I have ever eaten. (I was once a server at Ruth’s Chris…not my first time at the rodeo)

Savor the rich, buttery meat, the layered potato gratin, and the relaxed conversation. Consider ordering a bottle of Bordeaux red and leave room for a light dessert and a single espresso to finish.

Day Two – Notre Dame and the Seine River

10 am – We didn’t get out of bed fast enough to be first in line at Notre-Dame, but thankfully the line moved faster than my caffeine level. Inside, it was breathtaking. Soaring stone, glowing stained glass, and centuries of history all around us. It was definitely crowded, but still deeply moving in that only-Paris-can-do-this kind of way. I picked up a beautiful charm from the Notre-Dame gift shop to wear on my gold necklace — and truly, if you visit, consider purchasing something there. It is a meaningful little keepsake, and it helps support the care and restoration of this extraordinary cathedral after the 2019 fire.

Evening on the Seine — river traffic and the Eiffel at nightfall

A tranquil riverside moment after dinner. The air carries a faint mix of river moisture and city warmth. Watch tour boats glide by, listen to distant conversation, and let the glittering Eiffel Tower and its flags punctuate the skyline — an ideal time for reflective wandering for a river cruise that included 5 courses of delicious food (Yes! Southwest duck foie gras made me fall in love again!), cocktails, excellent servers and even a photographer. I knew this was the best option to book for clients, and I was right to treat ourselves!

Train to Bordeaux, then to Plum Village — From City Hustle to Quiet Presence

Train from Paris to Bordeaux, onward to Sainte-Foy-la-Grande and Plum Village

Early morning → afternoon

A travel day that shifts the rhythm from Parisian energy to pastoral calm. Expect the visual change from urban facades to wide fields and low stone farmhouses. Keep a light jacket for breezy station platforms and bring a small daypack for the hamlet walks.

We met my brother at Plum Village, where he lives as an ordained Buddhist monk. We were there to celebrate his 40th birthday and spend two days experiencing the peaceful surroundings that are now such an important part of his life.

A warm, contemplative reunion set in a quiet retreat atmosphere. Expect gentle smiles, calm greetings, and an easy pace — a good moment to breathe, take photos, and walk the grounds together. Keep conversation soft to match the meditative environment. I understand why this community has visitors 365 days of the year. We need to breathe.

Bell pavilion and communal spaces at Plum Village

Late afternoon — exploring the hamlet

A handcrafted wooden pavilion with a bell offers a quiet focal point — pause here for reflection or to listen to the resonant tone if rung. The pavilion and its steps are good spots for contemplative photos and to observe daily life at the retreat.

Field of meditative stone Buddhas

Late afternoon — contemplative walk

A serene outdoor installation of seated Buddhas that invites quiet exploration. The statues create a rhythm across the meadow — ideal for slow walking, reflective photography, and noticing small natural details like moss and lichen.

Day 5 started with an early morning Bordeaux to Nice flight.

11am

Our transfer dropped us off in what quickly became our new favorite seaside town: Villefranche-sur-Mer. We chose the top hotel in town, and it absolutely lived up to its reputation.

The concierge team was warm and incredibly helpful, and the gentleman who looked after the guest rooms even brought us chocolate for Easter Sunday — a thoughtful little touch that made the stay feel personal.

Morning

Start the day slowly with coffee on a balcony that frames the Mediterranean. The scene is defined by gentle sea sounds, fluttering flags, and bright morning light — a perfect time for journaling, a slow breakfast, or watching boats come and go.

Wandering the waterfront and marina

Midday — stroll

A relaxed midday wander along the marina lets you watch local boat activity and fishermen at work. Pause at a café for a light lunch or a chilled glass of rosé. Keep an eye out for colorful shutters and fishing gear drying in the sun.

Èze — Hilltop Streets and Château de la Chèvre d’Or

Walk the medieval village of Èze and check out Château de la Chèvre d’Or

Late morning

Wander narrow, cobbled lanes filled with artisanal shops and perfumeries. Stop at the Château de la Chèvre d’Or for a coffee or light meal and to take in the village’s layers of stone architecture. Wear comfortable shoes — the lanes are steep!

Clifftop viewpoint and coastal panorama

Afternoon

Climb higher for a sweeping panorama of the coastline — it’s dramatic and windswept. Bring a light layer for the ocean breeze and pause to photograph the jagged coastline and distant blue horizon. Le Jardin Exotique d’Èze sits at the very top of the medieval village, with cactus-filled terraces, sculptures, and some of the best panoramic views over the Côte d’Azur.

As we were heading out of Èze, we stopped at Galimard, a historic perfume house with deep roots in the French Riviera’s fragrance tradition. I brought home their lavender, which felt like the perfect scent to remember the South of France — simple, elegant, and very Provence.

We left Èze by way of the Nietzsche Trail, which was a little more harrowing than I expected — steep, rocky, and definitely not the casual stroll I had pictured. I also felt deeply for the woman making her way up in skinny-heeled boots. Some lessons on the French Riviera are learned one cobblestone at a time.

Monaco

Monaco is one of those places that feels almost unreal for a day trip — sparkling marina, spotless streets, luxury cars casually rolling by, and enough old-world glamour to make you understand why people are curious about it. It is polished, dramatic, and definitely worth seeing once while you are on the Riviera.

Public sculpture discovery

Monaco / Monte Carlo — Racing Route, Sculpture, and Coastal Walks

Walk a section of the Formula One route and explore Monte Carlo

Walking the Grand Prix route is unexpectedly thrilling — small details like barriers, painted curbs, and tight corners come into focus. Combine the route walk with stops at harborside cafés, and allow time to window-shop or people-watch in the upscale districts.

Our last full day included both Antibes and Cannes — Palm Trees, Festival Facade, and Group Shots

Palais des Festivals area — shoot the #CANNES sign

Late morning

A classic, camera-ready Cannes moment — the large hashtag sculpture is perfect for a group photo. Arrive mid-morning to catch directional light on the glass façade and avoid the heaviest crowds. Nearby cafés make it easy to turn the photo stop into a relaxed coffee break. That coffee break might cost 75 Euro, but it is Cannes!

Coastal stroll and small-town festival atmosphere

Afternoon — seaside wander

Finish the trip with a leisurely seaside walk: soak in the festival buzz, browse boutique shops, and enjoy a café lunch or gelato along the Croisette. The vibe is festive but relaxed in spring — ideal for people-watching and capturing candid moments.

What I loved most about this trip was the contrast.

Paris gave us elegance, energy, and those little side-street moments that make a city feel personal. Plum Village gave us quiet, presence, and a chance to slow down in a way that felt rare and needed. The French Riviera gave us color, sea air, cliffside villages, and that wonderful feeling of wandering without needing every minute accounted for.

That is what makes France so special. It can be glamorous, peaceful, historic, spiritual, coastal, culinary, and deeply personal — sometimes all in the same trip.

For me, this journey was both research and a reminder. The best trips are not just about checking off famous sights. They are about finding the right rhythm, the right places, and the moments that stay with you long after you are home. And, of course, visiting my favorite Buddhist monk in his new home. ♥️ 🪷 📿

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Kristina Hawkins specializes in personalized travel for couples, friends, families, and groups, with a thoughtful approach to creating seamless, meaningful, and beautifully planned journeys. She will guide you through every detail, from where to stay to how each experience fits together, so your trip feels effortless, elevated, and deeply personal.

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