Romantic French Escapade - April 2026 - Hostess Roundup - Carolyn Allen

In a crazy world, we arrive in Paris. Thank you to Thai Airways for delivering us safely. We venture to Normandy, just outside Paris to Giverny and Versailles.  Whilst these iconic places need no introduction, I can tell you that visiting both in Spring is simply magical – Monet’s Garden is alive with blooms of every colour, perfectly reflected in still water and bathed in wondrous light – c’est magnifique.  Versailles in all its grandness is a perfect way to round out our day. Paris – ooh la la!  Your history, your culture, your lifestyle – the sisters are in love.

We venture to the beautiful Loire Valley to visit Chenonceau Castle,  have lunch in the gorgeous town of Amboise, and stand in awe at Chambord Castle.  A very special part of this history-laden country. 

On to the Côte d’Azur, where we stay in a beautiful hotel overlooking the sea in Mandelieu; we venture through Nice on foot, taste the local wine, dip our toes in the Med, and explore the beautiful hilltop village of Saint-Paul de Vence.  Life is good!

Next stop, Provence!  We meet our friend Gilles at the market in Aix.  He shares his knowledge of local produce before heading to his farm to prepare gastronomique delights. As we head north through the wine regions of Burgundy and Champagne, we taste wine in Beaune, make our own moutarde (mustard), marvel at History in Lyon, Troyes and Reims.

Finally we toast friendship and a fabulous journey together – at what better place than the champagne caves of GH Mumm! Thank you to my travelling sisters for the love and laughter shared in beautiful France. Au revoir!