in the south of france
brb plotting my move
Life update!! I recently spent one week in the south of France, planted in one location by the ocean… for my wedding!!! I’d call it a slow week, but last minute wedding planning, as well as shopping for groceries and general hosting things for our family that came out took up loads of time.
Regardless, even with daily grocery shops, coordinating with the photographer and caterer, and general organizing a big event things- it still felt zen. I doubt you want to hear me yammer on and on about the wedding, but I do want to gush about France.
After this week, France had been solidified as one of my favourite countries in the world. In a dream life, I have a vacation home along the coast, and I’m desperate to see more of the country. So, let this piece be another baguette & blue cheese love letter, because there are so many different kinda of vacations you can do in France, and this, this, was my favourite.
I’ve done the whirlwind three days in Paris. I’ve done the road trip around Provence. I’ve done the lounge on a beach and sip cocktails in Nice trip. And I enjoyed it. A lot. There’s a reason we keep being drawn back to France, after all. But this slow trip, planted in one place along the coast, is what really sealed the deal.
I am in love with this country- and this is why.
The south of France is beautiful. Whether you’re driving under arches of trees as you drive towards some picturesque Provencal village, lounging by clear blue sea water, or at a view point looking out over lush greenery.
There was something about those quiet mornings in the area of Rayol Canadel Sur Mer. I’d wake up and make myself a little cappuccino (my attempts at steaming milk with the fancy airbnb machine was always fraught with struggle- waking me up more than the caffeine did) and sit out on the balcony facing the water.
It’s easy to feel content. The lighting is soft, it was warm; the view was truly stunning. I’m so used to the chaos of jumping from one location to the next, spending all day sight-seeing and trying to do as much as possible. This is great in its own right- but I came to love the simplicity of being still for awhile.
Of course, I was there with family so my days were pretty full on, between the planning and socializing etc. But I LOVED the lifestyle.
In France, food doesn’t have the same preservatives ours does. You want a baguette? Go for it, but eat it that day because by the next, a staleness will begin to set in. A nuisance sure, but once you get used to it- the routine becomes peak.
Morning coffee, then heading out for a quick round of grocery buying. Get croissants, baguettes, maybe some cheeses or meats (not necessary every morning, but man we went through our stock quick) and prepare for a simple but peak breakfast.
Once we got back, my favourite part of the day commenced. Yep, I am a lover of a good breakfast. And in France, our breakfasts were the best. The French food scene has become one of my favourites in the world. Not for the restaurants or street food- but for the availability of truly immaculate bread for a dirt cheap price. The buttery croissants that always hit. The fact that I could spend less than $5cad for a hefty hunk of cheese from a grocery store and it still be better than the cheese from fancy shops at home.
The meats were priced higher, but again, you could find reasonable deli meat that wasn’t pure fat and processed grossness. The eggs, the milk, the affordable fruit and produce… we thrived. If you’re close to markets where locals frequent, the deals and quality will only increase.
Each morning, I’d rip off a section of baguette and cut it in half, slathering it in the worlds best butter: Grand Fermage with giant hunks of sea salt. I’d eat that straight up, or sometimes with a bit of jam. Then I’d take the other half and top it with thick chunks of goat cheese and my beloved Bon Mamman (get it at Costco in Canada if you can).
Of course, the carbs didn’t stop here as I never could resist a croissant on the side. Somehow, even with each morning here including the biggest breakfasts I’ve had in awhile, I always left feeling light. There was never that same carb crash I may experience elsewhere here- the food is quality stuff.
And so, the week of my dreams unravelled. Good bread. Lounged in the sun. Enjoyed the decadence of French cooking as the bnb staff prepared lasagnes with rich béchamel, ham and hearty ragu, roasted chicken dripping in oil, and made us fluffy quiches.
I dream of the day I tore into baguettes and truffle cheese on a boat tour, and bodied bags of Bretts chips (something about being in the sun makes my appetite feral). I long for our daily grocery stop drives that often involved pit stops at the most stunning view points and scaling rocks jutting from the sea.
I know this experience is unique, but it truly made me fall in love with the slow life in Southern France. It’s the kind of place I really think I could live- for awhile, at least. As much as I’ve loved so many destinations this trip, I can only really say that about France, Italy and Cape Town.
If I’m being perfectly honest, I’m not exactly sure where I’m going with this piece. But France is a country I think, with mixed reviews. You hear about rude people. The Paris syndrome. The fact that it can be dirty.
Honestly? I think it all has to do with travelling to any major tourist city and nowhere else in a country. Of course Parisians may be more curt, or it’s dirtier (though I love, Paris and never experienced the stereotypical “bad”)- look at the tourist hoards. But get away from that, and man, you’ll have a great time. France is a great place for slow travel, and I am aching to return.
Thanks for tuning in, guys. Catch ya on Sunday!
Congratulations on your wedding, Grace! You look stunning and the south of France sounds like a dream 😍