A Journey Through France
Some places stay with you long after you leave. For me, France is one of them. The scent of espresso in the morning, the sound of footsteps on cobblestone streets, the creaking of old wood floors, and the feeling of moving through a place where time seems to exhale.
The first week in France was for play. I went with no strict plan other than to wander, to take in the beauty, and to see what might unfold while visiting Paris and Bordeaux. The time was filled with pastries and late dinners, for watching life move at a gentler pace. And then, the second half of the trip opened into something deeper: a guided antique sourcing experience with Kathy Cox of Atelier Chatelaine, through The Unretreat.
Paris was my starting point. It was everything and not everything all at once; overwhelming, underwhelming, but still unforgettable. I loved Montmartre neighborhood most of all. Its cobblestone streets felt straight out of a storybook. Tiny shops, pastel shutters, the sweet façade of La Maison Rose Café. The café has graced the corner of Rue de l’Abreuvoir in Montmartre since the early 1900s. Once a gathering place for artists and writers, including Picasso, Modigliani, and Gertrude Stein, it embodies the creative spirit that defined Paris’s bohemian era. Today, it remains one of the city’s most photographed cafés, a symbol of Montmartre’s enduring charm where history, art, and everyday life still quietly intertwine over a glass of wine or an afternoon coffee.
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One evening was spent at LouLou Montmartre dining above the city and taking in the view in complete awe. It was the kind of moment that invites you to pause, breathe, and simply take it all in. I also visited the Eiffel Tower for the first time and, quite by surprise, stumbled into Paris Fashion Week!
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Paris had its moments...antique shops that smelled faintly of dust and history, charming cafés on every corner, and the joy of being greeted with “bonjour” each time I stepped inside a shop, then saying “merci beaucoup, au revoir” on my way out. I loved hearing women referred to as madame, (a small word, but one that carries such grace and respect,) the soft rhythm of the language all around me, and the fact that people really do say oh la la and bon appétit. I even broke my year-long coffee hiatus because European coffee is simply impossible to resist. Each morning began with a chocolate croissant; one night ended with the best lasagna I’ve ever had; and one dinner, by accident, included foie gras ordered under the assumption it was salad. Oops! I had to google what foie gras was. Duck liver. I ordered duck liver, also known as a French delicacy, so I guess while in France, it is only fitting that you eat the foie gras. I managed to take approximately 3.5 bites.
Then came Bordeaux. I think that’s where my heart exhaled. The city feels smaller and quieter. The streets are lined with tall, honey-colored buildings and doors adorned with exquisite detail. Every café spills out onto the street with little bistro tables, and people actually sit, they talk, they linger... There’s an ease to life there that felt like an invitation to slow down.
And then, The Unretreat began. Kathy led us through France’s antique heart, small countryside shops, village brocantes, and the famous Rauzan Brocante, a treasure trove of old-world beauty. We even got to shop one evening after hours in a little shop in the darling village of Eymet.
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While in the countryside, we stayed at FigTrees, a lovely 200 year old farmhouse owned by Cheryl and Simon, tucked quietly among the rolling hills. Cheryl and Simon were the most gracious hosts where it didn’t feel like staying at a guesthouse; it felt like being welcomed into someone’s home. My biggest regret of the farmhouse was not being able to spend more time relaxing and enjoying the beautiful space and property. Our itineraries each day kept us busy, busy, but I do hope to return some day.
During the Unretreat, I met some truly wonderful people. Kindred spirits who share the same love for the hunt, the story, and the beauty found in imperfection. Lise from @annies_alcove, Kassie from @backporch_vintage and Kathy with @atelierchatelaine quickly became three of those people. We bonded over long days of sourcing, and an instant understanding of what makes this work worth it.
What also made this trip feel extra special was that October was my 40th birthday month. Yikes, I can’t believe I just said that out loud! While I didn’t spend my actual birthday in France, the Unretreat crew surprised me with an early celebration, and their thoughtfulness made me feel so seen and celebrated in the middle of all the adventure.
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There was something sacred about the entire trip. The act of searching, of finding beauty tucked into unexpected corners. I loved how, even when language failed, connection didn’t. Vendors spoke French, some a little English, and somehow we all understood each other. There was laughter, gestures, shared smiles, and a mutual appreciation for the objects between us. I did, admittedly, say “si” instead of “oui” more times than I can count.
One of my favorite things was watching the rhythm of daily life; how, between noon and two, everything slows. Even at the markets, vendors would gather around small tables, pour wine, share bread, and talk with friends. It wasn’t just charming; it was a gentle reminder that life doesn’t have to be rushed to be full.
I came home with three suitcases stuffed with treasures and one large box that had to be shipped, because of course I bought more than I could bring back with me. But more than anything, I came back with more inspiration than I can hold.
Everything in France felt touched by magic. Even the smallest corners. A window box overflowing with flowers, an antique mirror hung just so, café chairs arranged at the perfect angle. It was all so charming, so intimate and imaginative. Every space, every object was a reminder that beauty belongs in the everyday, if only you pause long enough to notice.
This trip awakened something in me... a deeper love for the craft of collecting antiques, and a curiosity about how to bring more of that European spirit into my work and daily life. The French way of life, of beauty, of balance, of living to live, has settled into me.
Now, as I prepare each piece on its journey to its new home, I can still reflect on not just what it is, but where it was discovered, who I met, and what I felt in that moment. That is truly the spirit that I hope these beautiful treasures will bring you!
Merci beaucoup! Au revoir!