Travel Beach Love

France was the perfect way to begin nearly four weeks in Europe. A French summer spent one city at a time.

I started in Paris, easing into the time change at one of my favorite hotels, Plaza Tour Eiffel, just a short stroll from the Trocadéro. This wasn’t my typical Paris itinerary. With Cannes Lions just around the corner, the city became my office as much as my destination. Between planning calls and last-minute logistics, I still found time for my annual French pharmacy haul, a stop inside Chanel (because… tradition), and slow mornings working from my balcony with the Eiffel Tower standing in the distance. It was the perfect way to ease into what would become an unforgettable few weeks across France.

One evening, I traded my laptop for a little Parisian glamour and an evening at the legendary Crazy Horse. Sophisticated, artistic, and undeniably Parisian, the performance celebrated femininity with an elegance only Paris seems to master. It was the perfect blend of beauty, confidence, and a touch of mischief—a reminder that even on a work trip, there’s always room for a little magic.

After a few days in Paris, I boarded the train to Lyon, a city that quietly worked its way into my heart. At first, I caught myself comparing it to Paris, but somewhere along the way I stopped trying to measure it against another place and simply let Lyon be Lyon.

One of my favorite afternoons was spent beneath the breathtaking dome of the InterContinental Lyon – Hôtel Dieu, lingering over afternoon tea. Delicate pastries, refreshing spritzers, soft conversation, and sunlight filtering through the historic architecture made time seem to slow down. It was a beautiful reminder that some of the best travel moments aren’t found on an itinerary; they’re discovered when you simply allow yourself to linger.

My journey then continued to Avignon, where centuries of history, charming streets, and the magnificent Palais des Papes offered an entirely different side of France. My visit also coincided with the start of France’s record-breaking heat wave, making sightseeing a little more unbearable than expected. To escape the afternoon temperatures, I hopped aboard the city’s little tourist train—a fun way to take in Avignon’s historic streets without melting in the Provençal sun.

From Avignon, I traded the train for a scenic drive to Aix-en-Provence. I arrived before my room was ready, so rather than rush off to explore, I settled in by the pool with my laptop. Between answering emails, reviewing planning grids for the busy week ahead, and cooling off with refreshing dips in the water, it was the perfect balance of productivity and relaxation.

Later that afternoon, I wandered into the heart of Aix-en-Provence. Known as the “City of a Thousand Fountains,” Aix was everything I imagined Provence would be. I spent the evening strolling its charming streets, admiring the beautiful fountains tucked into nearly every square, lingering at cafés, and soaking in the relaxed rhythm of the city. With its elegant architecture, colorful shutters, and golden light, Aix felt effortlessly beautiful, a place where the best itinerary is simply to wander.

My final French stop was Cannes, where vacation mode gradually gave way to work mode. Before Cannes Lions officially kicked off, my assistants and I spent the morning making the rounds across the city, checking venues, running last-minute event errands, and putting the finishing touches on weeks of planning. With our final venue checks complete, we rewarded ourselves with a few hours at a beach club along the French Riviera before the whirlwind began.

Floating in the Mediterranean, soaking up the sunshine, and sipping a Hugo Spritz was the perfect reset before Cannes Lions officially began. The following days were filled with early mornings, long hours, and bringing our clients’ events to life, but that afternoon served as a reminder to pause and enjoy the very destination we had come to work in.

Looking back, this journey reminded me that every city deserves to be experienced on its own terms. Once I stopped comparing each destination to Paris, I discovered something to love about every stop along the way. Paris will always have my heart, but Lyon slowed me down, Avignon immersed me in history, Aix invited me to wander, and Cannes reminded me that even a work trip can leave room for moments of joy.

France, thank you for another unforgettable adventure. Until next time. 🇫🇷✨

xoxo

Travel. Beach. Love.