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If January is for resolutions, and possibly some post-holiday blues, February is for making dreams into reality. As the days start to get longer we realize that spring is just around the corner. It's time to bring those spring, summer and fall trips to life! Where will 2026 bring you? What regions do you have yet to discover? Need some inspiration?
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Here are some of the destinations on my list:
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The absolutely charming resort called Le Manoir des Petites Bretonnes, located 5 minutes from the beach near Perros-Guirec in Brittany, stole my heart in 2021. It is the perfect place to celebrate "big" birthdays: me turning 60 later this summer and my "French cousin" Hélène turning 40. We will spend a glorious week here, starting our day with breakfast picnic baskets delivered to our doors, then exploring the wild Pink Granite Coast. I have not shared nearly enough of this extraordinary region with you, and plan to share this magical destination with you later this spring. Lighthouses, a myriad of small islands, and beaches featuring huge boulders that have defined the landscape for centuries ... it is something to behold!
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If you plan to go: book well in advance! Every room has its own name and "personality" - Valérie has gone to great lengths to ensure everyone feels cozy!
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Fall is the perfect time to visit Occitanie, and I am delighted to offer you an Early Bird Special to register for our small group tour before April 1st! ($75 off for one person, and $100 off for 2 people)
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Join me September 15-24, 2026 to discover all of the riches this relatively undiscovered region has to offer. A bit mysterious to many, this region, formerly known as Languedoc-Roussillon, is filled with history, enchanting landscapes (such as the Canal du Midi) and a myriad of gastronomic pleasures, including Cassoulet, featured in The Barefoot Blogger.
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Speaking of The Barefoot Blogger, a VERY
Happy 80th Birthday to Deborah Bine!
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If you don't follow her blog, you need to add it to your list! She is a treasure!
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Rennes-le-Château
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If the Tour Magdala ooks familiar, then you have an amazing memory! It was featured in the 2006 film The Da Vinci Code. Steeped in mystery, this tiny village of 60 inhabitants is located in the Aude department of Occitanie. I had a fascinating conversation with Malia Thuret-Benoist, the head of Tourism for the Domaine Abbé Saunière. Born and raised in Rennes-le-Château, she returned to "the most beautiful place on Earth" after a short stint away. She proudly shares the history, legends and natural beauty of this hidden gem (well maybe not so "hidden" - there have been over 1000 reports and hundreds of books written about this village, shrouded in mystery.) I graciously accepted her invitation to come and experience this marvel for myself and look forward to sharing my findings this summer - as well as a mini-itinerary for you to follow!
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Filling in the Gaps
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Planning trips, for myself or for others, remains one of my favorite things to do! Although I am an independent travel agent, I love consulting as well. Often people come to me with a basic itinerary - a destination and some activities - but just need some help rounding it out. For example, Laura and David are planning a trip to Beaujolais. Winemakers themselves, they have a complete list of domaines to visit, but wanted some help with restaurants and other activities. Carrie, Kate and their husbands did a bike trip in Provence a few years ago. The hotels and bikes were reserved by a local company, but they wanted to know what to see and do along the way. Melanie and Katia had their sights set on Normandy, but wanted help navigating the daily itineraries. These are the kind of trips that enchant me as well and it is a delight to fill in the gaps!
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Contact me to see how I can make your trip just a bit more extraordinary! Adding special experiences to your itinerary is my petit bonheur!
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Stay tuned for our next Small Group Tour to Burgundy, in spring 2027!
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Pro Tip: May Holidays
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"Shoulder Season" travel is becoming more and more popular as people avoid the canicules (heat waves) and crowds of summer. May has become increasingly popular, (I love spending the month of May in France as well!) However, May is filled with holidays, so you need to be sure to plan and reserve ahead. May 1st often sparks protests that can disrupt travel. Other holidays mean places may be closed, have special hours, or simply be filled with French families also on vacation.
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Here's what you need to know:
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To welcome in the warm spring days to come, look no further than a quick visit to Menton, Nice or Villefranche-sur-Mer in February-March. Menton features the Fête du Citron, a magical display of citrus, flowers and performers. The Carnaval de Nice focused on the Reine (queen) instead of the Roi (king) this year, and was just as festive and full of confetti as years past. Le Combat Naval Fleuri in Villefranche is the most charming of all, with small fishing boats throwing fresh flowers into the crowd.
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If you missed it again this year, get your inspiration to plan for next year.
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