Parisian Inspiration & Provencal Pace
This trip to Paris and Provence was more than just a vacation; it was an eye-opening, heart-bursting adventureâa beautiful shift into a broader, more inspired perspective. Art, in all its forms, is so deeply woven into the French fiber that it can’t help but rub off on you.
In Paris, Michael and my brother, Mark and I immersed ourselves in culture, visiting the fascinating Louis Vuitton exhibit of Gerard Richter and the intimate home of Victor Hugo. Beyond the landmarks, we savored interesting little shops, remarkable architecture, and delicious restaurants.
The art of living is palpable hereâan appreciation for the sensual, the present experience. This was especially true in Provence, where we found a deeply grounding, laid-back vibe. Walking on streets paved with stones from the Middle Ages felt like the land itself was saying, “What’s the hurry? We’ve been here waiting for you⌠stop and enjoy.”
People watching was an art in itself. The French possess such incredible styleânot a singular look, but a singular attitude. They carry themselves as if they are the art, exuding a quiet confidence and sensuality.
The Effervescence Afterglow
Itâs been a week since we left France, and I’m still digesting the experienceâmentally, spiritually, and physically. My mind and spirit are energized and inspired. My body, still happily a bit hung over from all the fabulous food, wine, and travel, will fade back to normal with a few good sleeps and trips to the gym.
But hopefully, the spirit and mind will hold onto this effervescence afterglow of France. This feeling of exploration, sensuality, and self-confidence is truly empowering to creativity. You see it in how folks dress, walk, eat, laugh, and look at each other.
It’s no wonder France has birthed so many influential authors, artists, and creative thinkersâitâs in the terroir. I’m excited to return, but even more excited to carry this newfound sense of l’art de vivre forward into my everyday life.
đ¨ Paris: The Free Man in Paris (and Friends!)
Our journey began in Paris, the City of Light, where Michael and I met up with my brother, Mark. This dynamic start immediately brought to mind Joni Mitchellâs “The Free Man in Paris”âthat feeling of easy, bustling, vibrant life. Over five days, we plunged headfirst into the mix of grand history, modern art, and superb dining that makes Paris utterly unique.
Settling In & Marais Charm
We settled into the HĂ´tel Saint Martin Bastille on October 13th. Our very first day set the tone for l’art de vivre. We had to make a pilgrimage to Chez Janou for lunch, specifically for their legendary chocolate mousse (a non-negotiable French requirement!). That afternoon, we walked through the charming Le Marais district to the beautiful Place des Vosges and visited the Victor Hugo Apartment, gaining a fascinating peek into the life of the great writer. We capped off the day with dinner at Lissit.
| Date | Key Highlights | Notes |
| Mon, 10/13 | Chez Janou, Place des Vosges, Victor Hugo Apartment, Lissit Dinner | Arrival Day! |
| Tue, 10/14 | Eiffel Tower, Pont Neuf, Notre Dame, Louvre, Tuileries Gardens | Iconic Sightseeing Day |
| Wed, 10/15 | Mark Arrives, Dinner at La Petite Chaise | Warm welcome for Mark |
Iconic Sights and Modern Masterpieces
With Mark joining us on Wednesday, the pace continued. Tuesday was dedicated to the classics: a walk up to the Eiffel Tower and across the Seine to the TrocadĂŠro for those perfect views. We continued over the Pont Neuf to see Notre Dame (its enduring presence is always moving) before exploring the grandeur of the Louvre grounds and the serene Tuileries Gardens.
By Friday, we were ready for contemporary inspiration:
- Foundation Louis Vuitton: The visit to the Gerhardt Richter exhibit was truly amazing. The light, the scale, and Richter’s phenomenal body of work left a massive impression and underscored the power of modern art.
- Le Marais Dining: We enjoyed incredible dinners at Le Colimacon (Thursday) and the highly recommended Pamela Popo (Friday), savoring the quintessential Parisian bistro experience.
A Few Parisian Must-Sees
Though time was tight, a few other exciting Parisian exhibitions were on my radarâa perfect blend of history, fashion, and contemporary cool:
- Bourse de Commerce (Pinault Collection): I was eager to see the “Minimalism” show in this stunning, newly renovated building. It’s the kind of architectural and artistic fusion Paris excels at.
- Rick Owens Exhibit at Palais Galliera: A free but must-book experience showcasing the work of a groundbreaking designer.
On to Provence!
On Saturday morning, we boarded the 10:30 AM train from Gare de Lyon heading south. While Mark was likely continuing on to Arles, Mike and I were off to Avignonâand the shift in atmosphere toward the grounding, ancient beauty of Provence was already palpable.
đ§ââď¸ Provence: The Art of Slow Living & The Power of Terroir
After five exhilarating days in Paris, Mike and I took the train south to Avignon for the second, very different chapter of our trip: a seven-night yoga and cultural retreat in the heart of Provence. This experience perfectly embodied the “art of living” I had been searching for, allowing leisure to soak into our bones.
Our beautiful, luxuriously appointed château/gĂŽte-style accommodation served as our home base. This was where we found our rhythm, starting most mornings and ending each evening with yoga sessions to anchor the day’s adventures.
The Provençal Rhythm: Wine, Food, and Markets
The magic of Provence lies in its dedication to locally sourced, seasonal living. Our meals were chef-catered and truly farm-to-table, featuring fresh, organic ingredients that celebrated the region.
Our days were dedicated to soaking up the culture and connecting with the terroir (the complete natural environment in which a particular wine is produced). The highlights of our immersion included:
- Becoming Winemakers: We deep-dived into the amazing organic and bio-dynamic wine scene. The most unforgettable experience was visiting a local vineyard to create, blend, and even bottle our own unique glass of vino! We also enjoyed an evening of tasting the region’s best during a session with a local sommelier.
- Market Day: We fully aligned with the pace of slow French country-living by strolling the vibrant market stalls in St. RĂŠmy on Wednesday morning, filling our senses with fresh pastries, colorful produce, and the sounds of local life.
- Olive Oil Immersion: In the picturesque Alpilles region, we visited a family farm to learn about and sample locally-made olive oil, connecting another foundational element of Provençal cuisine.
History, Art, and Scenic Adventures
Our days were not just about food and wine; they were balanced with deep dives into local history and culture:
- Avignon Exploration: We spent a day in Avignon, featuring a guided tour of the massive 14th-century Palace of the Popes (Palais des Papes).
- Van Gogh’s Footsteps: A profoundly moving experience was visiting Vincent Van Gogh’s asylum, the setting where he created over 150 masterpieces in his single year thereâa powerful testament to creativity amidst struggle.
- Natural Beauty: We took a leisurely hike to the Roman-built Pont du Gard, marveling at the ruins of the ancient aqueduct, even discovering sections tourists usually miss.
- E-Bike Thrills: A thrilling E-bike adventure took us to the stunning and historic medieval village of Les Baux-de-Provence, perched dramatically atop a rocky outcrop.
- The Scent of Provence: We even got hands-on experience, participating in the picking and distilling process at a local organic essential oils distillery, learning how lavender (and other seasonal plants) are captured and bottled.
By the end of the week, wandering through medieval villages and soaking up French culture as the locals do left us feeling deeply grounded, inspired, and creatively energizedâthe perfect conclusion to our French adventure.
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