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Le Partage: The Joy of Sharing France, One Friendship at a Time
One of the biggest pleasures of travel is "le partage" - sharing special moments with others. I just returned from a 5-week trip, rich with authentic experiences, that took me almost to the four corners of the hexagone. Exploring a vast array of landscapes and enjoying a variety of escapades makes me fall in love with France over and over again.
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Business first. I started in Occitanie meeting with Ginny Blackwell of International Property Shares and Deborah Bine, the Barefoot Blogger. Together we immersed ourselves in the beauty and traditions of small villages, did some wine tasting, and explored the Canal du Midi. We each have our special "niche" - Ginny with her fractional ownership homes and Deborah with her expertise on expat life and living in Uzès. While I decided not to become Ginny's successor at IPS and instead focus more intently on my French Detours projects, all three of us share a love for authentic France and will enjoy collaborating together for years to come.
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Next I visited friends in Rennes, in Brittany. I met Les Normands Voyageurs in 2018 and we instantly became friends. This dynamic couple loves the US as much as I love France, and somehow this simple thread wove itself into a lifelong friendship that feels as strong as family. And their family is growing! Their 4-year old son stole my heart the moment I saw him, shortly after he was born. Somehow he still finds me interesting, even with my accent and my misunderstanding of many toy names. The joy of holding their 3-week-old daughter in my arms brought me to tears.
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Next I was off to Bordeaux. (Trains make travel in France so easy and rewarding!). I had met Nathalie during my Compostelle walk in 2023 and she graciously invited me to come visit. Having grown up in Minnesota where invitations are merely lip service, and knowing that an invitation to a French person's home is not a common thing (friends prefer to meet somewhere), I accepted with great honor. Her family welcomed me with such open arms! I had not been to Bordeaux since 2018 so it was an absolute joy to reacquaint myself with this beautiful city, and to experience it with such warm and lovely hosts.
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Finally, I met my husband back "home" in Nice. We have met so many amazing people over the past few years, so this quick trip was filled with lunches and dinners with new friends. While we enjoy wandering "à deux", it has been fun to connect with others, and we plan to join the Accueil des Villes Françaises. Did you know that there is a "welcome" service in each French town to help newcomers integrate into the city? I am embarrassed to say I did not know about this, but we plan to take advantage of the amazing programs when we return.
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Each of these shared moments is such a gift. I have such a passion for showing people how to fall in love with the real France. Now it is your turn!
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Please join me for unforgettable, carefully curated experiences in Occitanie - the "other" South of France. Together we will walk in living history in Nîmes, home of the oldest Roman arena in the world. We will stay inside the walled city of Carcassonne, dating from the 6th century, and traverse the Pont du Gard, one of the most impressive and well-preserved Roman aqueducts in the world. In addition to iconic destinations we will delight in authentic experiences such as a cooking class and a barge cruise. Our 10 days together will be the perfect blend of guided excursions and free time to wander - "human" cities and small villages - and of course an accent on regional specialties to savor!
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Why Uzès?
The vast majority of Americans cannot pronounce this town name, or pinpoint it on a map. And yet, Deborah Bine not only discovered this charming village, but decided to make it her permanent home nearly a decade ago! This cobblestone village stole my heart as well, and I am delighted to share it with you during our May Trip.
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I love her story! In an effort to share "news" of how she was adapting to her new lifestyle, in a country where she didn't speak the language, she began a blog "The Barefoot Blogger". After nearly a decade, she is an expert on expat life, the highs and lows that brings, as well as Uzès and the surrounding area. Her blog inspires travelers, giving practical tips on where to find all of the "best" of Occitanie. She candidly shares experiences, paving the way for other brave explorers!
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Although she travels extensively, we are hoping that Deborah will be available to join us for lunch in Uzès in May. Until then, enjoy reading about the wonders of this village.
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For the second time this year I had the immense pleasure of visiting "Maison Bleue" in the charming village of Quarante (located near Béziers). My dear friends Joni and Chip bought a fraction of this charming home during Covid, site-unseen, and have enjoyed every moment here, building roots and a sense of community. While they weren't here during my visit, (some year we will get our calendars to align!) I can easily understand being smitten. The exposed stone walls, the cozy living room and open kitchen are all warm and inviting. And this house is perfect for entertaining, with 2 ensuite bedrooms on the lower level and the primary bedroom located upstairs from the main living area. Everyone has their privacy, and yet there is ample gathering space.
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This time I had more time to wander the quaint village of Quarante. Wandering into l'Abbatiale Notre-Dame de l'Assomption, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe as I saw the names of the Abbês (Abbots who lead the church) dating from 1027! That is a rich history!
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Strolling down the windy streets, colorful shutters and whimsical doorways beckoned more photos. Small and peaceful, it is a living community, linked to many other villages that beg to be explored. Until next time ....
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A glimpse of the charming village of Quarante!
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Venez Nombreux!
I hope you can make it to my last Marché de Noël! Stop by for great deals, good cheer and a final au revoir! Between travel and tariffs, it has become increasingly difficult to maintain my boutique. Although my love of artisan products has not faded, I will focus more on travel - connecting curious travelers with the authentic France they dream of discovering - in the form of storytelling, custom itineraries and small group experiences.
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All products must go! Artisan perfumes ... soaps ... tea towels ... trays ... tote bags ... stuffed animals ... games ... books ... and more. I have a fresh batch of Moulin Castelas Olive Oils (which unfortunately will not be part of the sale). If you plan to buy more than 3 bottles, please email, text or call so I am sure to have plenty in stock!
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*Please note, I will continue to order olive oils twice a year as I know that like us, many of you can't fathom using anything else!
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frenchdetours@gmail.com 612.170.6081
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8920- 250th Street East, Elko New Market
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Wishing you a Fabulous Thanksgiving, and a tasty Beaujolais Nouveau Celebration!
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