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.

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