What to Wear in France, What to Eat & Where to Stay: A French Rental Guide for Women Over 50
If there’s one trip I’ve been dreaming about longer than I care to admit, it’s this one. Steve and I are finally doing it . We are spending two weeks in France, time in Paris, rentals in the countryside, and enough rosé to last us through summer. As someone who has spent an embarrassing amount of time with spreadsheets, guidebooks, and Google Maps, I can tell you that planning a trip like this is half the fun. I am packing this very moment so I thought I would share the things that really matter: where we’ll stay, what I’ll wear, and what we might be eating and drinking. If you’re dreaming of France too, whether you’ve been a dozen times or it’s still on your list, share your favorites and let’s dive in to What to Wear in France, What to Eat & Where to Stay: A French Rental Guide for Women Over 50.
Vicki Archer’s Charming St. Remy Rental
I know many of you were avid readers of Vicki Archer’s wonderful blog. Vicki has a charming rental in St. Remy (which we tried to rent but it was already booked). If you are planning a trip, you might enjoy checking out Le Petit Bijou.
Outfits of the Week
We will be on our way to France as you are reading this. This week I thought I would share a little of what I packed for my trip. I don’t want to look like a tacky tourist, but I also will not be wearing what many of the influencers tout as proper Paris attire. I plan to be comfortable. Anything I am taking could easily be worn with sneaks or my comfy gentle souls booties or loafers. I am packing a pair of flip flops in case of blisters!
Chef Billy Parisi’s Pommes Frites
I know I am going to be eating way too many of these while in France. This pommes frites recipe by Chef Billy Parisi also has a baked healthier option!
Our French Itinerary
Paris-April 27-30th
Beaune-April 30th-May 3
Bonnieux-May 3-May 6
Lilisle-sur-la-Sorg-May 6-9th
Any last minute suggestions for restaurants, or not to miss gardens, restaurants, shops, antiques, wine tasting are still appreciated. Thank you so much for all of your suggestions. I have noted them all!!!
My French Country Home’s Interview with Garden Photographer Clive Nichols
If you find yourself drooling over a gorgeous European garden, chances are the photography is by Clive Nichols. He also has a wonderful book Brilliant English Gardens. I am ordering it as soon as I return from France. His IG is perhaps the most beautiful profile on the platform. Sharon Santoni’s interview with Clive on her wonderful French Country home is a delightful read.
Thanks for reading What to Wear in France, What to Eat & Where to Stay: A French Rental Guide for Women Over 50. I am hoping France has a way of making you feel like the best version of yourself, unhurried, well-fed, and just a little more chic than you actually are back home. I’ll be reporting back with all the details once we’ve lived it, but for now, consider this my love letter to a trip not yet taken. If you’re planning your own French adventure, or just want to steal a few style and table ideas maybe this will give you a place to start. And if you’ve been to Paris or the French countryside and have a restaurant, a market, or a little rental secret you swear by, please leave it in the comments. I’m still listening.
Editors Note: Here is the correct link to my Wayfair Outdoor Faves
Now let’s pop over and visit Mary Ann and Annie for their favorites.
Hi Cynthia!
We just returned from a week in Normandy and Paris. We stayed in a tiny town named Bayeux which was charming. Toured the beaches and museums as my dad was on Omaha Beach on June 6. Truly a trip of a lifetime. I would recommend Hotel Belle Normandy for your stay. In Paris, we stayed at Hotel Lancaster which was an indulgence.
Hope you are enjoying good weather and delicious wine and cheese!
Hotel Caumont in Aix Arts Centre – fabulous – includes a cafe with delicious food especially the desserts. Try to spend some time at a village “brocante”. They are facinating. Enjoy your time in Provencw.
Hi Roberta
We spent most of our time in the smaller villages and loved every minute!!
Have a great time. Montmartre is unique. The basilica is beyond belief. I stayed at my Daughters apartment in the 16th arrondissement . My next trip is Ralph’s Restaurant next to the Ralph Lauren store in the 6th arrondissement. 173 Boulevard Saint Germain . Good place to go if you want a break from French food. Galleries Lafayette and the Arc De Triomphe are a must. I was intrigued by the number of plaques all over Paris that remind Parisians of the Resistance. And of Nazi occupation. Have a great time!
Agree with the comment to be sure to greet shop keepers and other service people with eye contact and Bonjour or Bon Soir, sil vous plait and merci! they will know you are not French but it is how things are done! I have tried to speak slower. If I am struggling someone seems willing to jump in and help. we are on a river cruise this year (last year self guided in Toulouse)
It’s very warm already. Denim and sneakers, scarves and hats! . Cobblestones very common so be sure shoes are also kind to your feet. Window shopping is not to be underestimated!
Monoprix is very fun, useful and they are different in different areas. Local pastries, and cafes. So delightful. Look forward to your updates and reviews. LOOOVE the handbag you are bringing!!!
You will have a fabulous time – can’t wait to hear about it and see your pics!
You have a fabulous trip & wardrobe planned. Over the years we have spent many happy stays in L’isl sur la sorgue as our base with day trips from there.
Hope you will keep us posted along the way with pics and comments.
Cannot wait!
In Paris right now, and the weather is a lovely 70 degrees in the afternoon – perfect weather! I fear you may have packed too warm for Provence and the Luberon – fingers crossed that everything works! Everyone here in Paris is wearing jeans of all sorts except skinny, and my Adidas Sambas are blending right in. I hope you have as wonderful a time as I’m having.
Hi Carol
I actually ended up packing perfectly. It was not hot at all when we were there.
Dear Cindy,
I can imagine how you have spent endless hours planning out your holidays to France. I’m sure you will have a wonderful time. I look forward to hearing all about your adventure when you Steve return.
All the clothes you are packing look comfortable, that is the key when you are traveling isn’t it?
Take TLC of yourself and stay safe out there.
In France, I love looking in the drug stores (green cross signs) and Monoprix. They carry so many interesting things, from food to cosmetics at Monoprix. You can find Caudalìe, Nuxe and so much more. One other tip: in France, I like drinking a zero sugar product made by Schweppes that I can’t get in the US. It’s made from about 3 citrus flavors and is so refreshing (for the times you’re not drinking wine, lol). One evening after I had walked miles, I was on the Champs de Elysee, still walking and getting hungry. There were many crepe stands along the route but one caught my attention because it offered pistachio butter with banana. I had one and it was just what I needed for a quick meal. So tasty and I love pistachios and in this form, it was wonderful. You really can’t go wrong eating just about anywhere.
Good itinerary-staying 3 or more nights in each locale makes you feel like you have really been there, not just passed through. So happy you are staying in Bonnieux-you will not want to leave! Savor every moment!0
Hi Janet
I am so glad to hear you loved Bonnieux. We planned to stay in St Remy but it didn’t work out so Bonnieus it is!!
Cindy I hope you have a lovely trip. Be sure and say Bonjour Madame or Monsieur when you enter a shop or any place as it is part of the correct manner to do so. Keep some change handy for the ladies rooms as there may be a minder collecting it. Facilities may be far between in the country! or at least they used to be. I found the lovely people outside big cities were more relaxed and approachable. At present the EU is sorry for us and there are discrete inquiries about our ‘survival’..just got an e-mail from a friend who is traveling in Spain about that last week. If you find a piece of clothing that fits into your wardrobe buy it! You may not see it again and regret. Case in point: a black coat with white trim my daughter still thinks about which she passed up in Paris. The wine is divine! Donnie
Hi Donnie
Great tips! Thank you so much! I made that mistake in Italy…always thinking I woud find something better. I ended up coming home with dishtowels!!
I often buy dish towels! The key is to buy a “ treasure”- a gorgeous scarf, earrings or something so classic you have it forever and ten years later still able to say – “Oh this? A little something from ……Paris, I bought this from a little shop at the top of The Spanish Steps …..”. I also collect a paperweight or two ( they come home in hand luggage) my Granddaughter looks at my collection and calls them ““The memories of my dreams!” She is so right!
Hi Deb
I love your granddaughter’s comment!! I meant to bring dish towels back to both my dil and daughter and failed to do it!
A number of years ago my husband and I stayed in the rental of Vickie Archer. It was a great location, you can walk up a short distance to village. We had a car and went all over the country side. Enjoy a wonderful time.
Try to hit some of the morning markets in your destinations, or close by. Such visual splendor! This time of year, you’ll see some fun linen pieces too. OnlyProvence.com offers a nice list.
Jardin Exotique d’Èze was the most amazing place !
Hi Cindy,
We spend each April in Paris and are heading back to Paso Wednesday. My favorite restaurants are in the 9th and 10th arrondissements so if you are staying near there I can let you know of some favorite spots. Some special exhibitions are worth seeing: Renoir at the Musée d’Orsay, Calder at the Fondation Louis Vuitton and the Galerie Dior . Sneakers will be your friend and are worn with everything here.
You are a lucky girl!
We were in Paris last summer. We stopped in at Le Jardin Saint-Germain Restaurant after looking at the posted menu. The purple storefront is difficult to pass by. It was our favorite restaurant in Paris! We ate there 3 evenings out of 5. We were not impressed the 2 evenings we ate at highly rated restaurants and neither was our wallet. Sean, the chef, and Christian, co-owner, are gracious, wonderful hosts.
Love how you pack! Those Gentle Soles, the green sweater and the Zara scarf are on my shopping list!
Safe travels and enjoy!
Hi Marie
We aren’t planning any Michelin excursions. I am relying on the recommendations of all of you! FYI those Gentle Souls loafers are super comfy. I own them in two colors!
We’ll be living vicariously through you and Steve. Stay well and safe, and love with all your hearts! xoxox, Brenda
Thanks pal!! How is the new book coming?
m excited to hear about your trip! We are headed to France next April! Please tell us where you stayed in Paris!! Looking forward to your adventures!
Hi Martha
We are staying at the Hoxton. Will report on that apres Paris!!
I can’t wait to hear about your trip as we are going in September to spend 5 weeks in France. We are skipping Paris as we have been there before . We have the other places on our itinerary.
Love reading your blog! I live in Nicasio, grew up in Woodside and spent 32 years in Atlanta before returning in 2022 after my husband died. I now live with the love of my life-an old friend whose wife died in 2023. Never would have believed finding love again at 75!
Hi Noel
I am so happy for you!! That is a wonderful story…Enjoy France!
Hope you have a wonderful trip. Can’t wait to hear about Ile-sur-la-Sorgue in particular. My husband and I are heading there in June. Bon voyage!
Hi Karyn
I am super excited about L’lisle de la Sorgue!!
MAGICAL. You are going to have an amazing time. Love all your outfits.
Bon voyage.
Thanks to you and Annie for all your tips!!