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Welcoming in 2026
It is one of my long standing traditions to choose a word as my guiding compass for the new year. I can’t remember which guru taught me this practice, but I embrace it fully! I don’t so much choose the word, as it seems to choose me. Toward the end of the year a term will just appear out of nowhere in my thoughts - one that feels cozy and comforting - and I know it will be my north star for the year. With no further ado, my word for 2026 is épanouissement.
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Epanouissement: It’s one of my favorite French words. It takes time to roll off of the tongue, making it big and important. While it commonly translates to “fulfillment” it encompasses much more than that - it’s spreading your wings … finding joy in what you do … reaching new summits. To me it is the ultimate goal in life - feeling a sense of purpose and wholeness in something.
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French has always been important me, starting at the tender age of 5 when I vowed to learn this language of my paternal ancestors. I traveled, studied, explored, then enjoyed an intensely satisfying career teaching French. I immersed myself in professional French organizations, took more classes, and eventually opened a French artisanal boutique.
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I began French Detours in 2018 with the goal of sharing the nuances of each region of France with curious travelers: those who wanted to go beyond Paris and discover the diverse landscapes, flavors and culture that each corner of the Hexagone has to offer. While my business plan has taken many detours itself, I am confident that in 2026, with newfound clarity and partnerships, I will spread my wings and reach new summits.
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What would épanouissement look like in your own life or travels this year?
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I always love to hear what others have chosen for their word, as well as the momentum behind it. Please feel free to share!
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“Some of the most meaningful travel moments happen when we discover places we weren’t even looking for.”
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Often there is a moment of épanouissement when discovering something new—when a place surprises us, stirs something within, and makes us feel truly alive. Finding beauty where we least expect it can be a wild and wonderful thing.
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Welcome to Occitanie, the “other” South of France. Think of it as Provence’s quietly brilliant younger sibling—perched next door, basking in the same sunshine and Mediterranean light, yet still flying under the radar.
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In my latest article, I share why Occitanie feels so different, and why this lesser-known region may just be one of France’s most rewarding places to explore. → Read the article here
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To everything, there is a season.
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Winter is a time for reflection—when plans mature, intentions deepen, and the right timing reveals itself.
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After careful thought, we’ve chosen to move our Occitanie small-group journey from May to September—a season that offers golden light, harvest flavors, and a slower rhythm that perfectly suits the spirit of this trip.
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We invite curious travelers seeking a more authentic France to join us September 15–24 for a small-group journey through Occitanie. With local guides, we’ll explore a region rich in history and beauty—one that still feels wonderfully under the radar.
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The Magic of the Bal Viennois at the Hôtel Negresco
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Last spring, I had the chance to attend the Bal Viennois at the Hôtel Negresco, and I’m still not quite sure how to put the experience into words—except to say that it felt like stepping into another era. As guests arrived in flowing gowns and tuxedos, the air filled with anticipation, music, and a kind of old-world elegance that feels increasingly rare.
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Viennese balls have a long and storied history, rooted in tradition, ritual, and celebration. From the formal opening procession to the live orchestra and carefully observed customs, these evenings are about much more than dancing—they are about grace, connection, and honoring beauty as an experience in itself. Even as a guest, you feel swept into something timeless.
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There could be no more fitting setting than the Hôtel Negresco, itself a jewel of the Belle Époque. Overlooking the Promenade des Anglais, this iconic hotel has long been synonymous with art, history, and refinement. Just recently elevated to coveted Palace status, the Negresco continues to affirm its place as one of France’s most extraordinary hotels—not simply a place to stay, but a living cultural landmark.
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As the music swelled and couples took to the floor beneath glittering chandeliers, I was reminded why moments like this linger with us long after a trip ends. They are unexpected, immersive, and deeply transporting—the kind of experiences that don’t just show you a destination, but allow you to feel it.
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The evening unfolded in layers of magic, from sumptuous dishes prepared by a Michelin-star chef to the international circle of strangers who, after sharing a table, quickly became friends.
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The night culminated with every guest invited onto the dance floor to try their hand at the graceful steps performed by the Viennese dancers. Most of us were sporting two left feet—barely hearing, never mind understanding, the steps being called out. As the music grew faster and faster, swirling gowns, twisting heels, and contagious laughter filled the room. It was a joyful, hilarious bonding moment—one that left us all with a lasting sense of fun, elegance, and connection among newly made friends.
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The Bal Viennois returns March 7, 2026, and if you find yourself in Nice at just the right moment, it is truly an evening to remember. For more information or to purchase tickets, click on Bal Viennois.
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Moments of true épanouissement often arrive quietly—when we feel fully present, deeply connected, and unexpectedly moved. Experiences like the Bal Viennois are a reminder of how powerful those moments can be.
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They are also at the heart of where French Detours is headed next.
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A New Direction for French Detours
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At its heart, French Detours has always been about more than travel—it’s about how places make us feel. As the world grows louder and faster, I find myself drawn even more strongly to experiences that invite us to slow down, look closer, and connect more deeply.
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In the coming year, French Detours will continue to evolve with that intention in mind. You’ll see a greater focus on regions that still fly under the radar, on small-group journeys that allow for genuine connection, and on experiences that feel immersive rather than hurried. Fewer checklists, more meaning. Less “must-see,” more why it matters.
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Whether through stories shared here, articles on the blog, or thoughtfully curated journeys in France, my hope is to offer you moments of discovery that feel personal, enriching, and quietly unforgettable—the kind of travel that stays with you long after you return home.
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As we step into this new year, I’m holding épanouissement close—allowing plans to unfold naturally, trusting timing, and leaving space for joy, beauty, and growth to emerge in unexpected ways.
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My wish for you is the same: that this year brings moments that surprise you, nourish you, and make you feel fully alive—whether close to home or somewhere entirely new.
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