French lessons
Why we keep returning to France
I don't live in France, although sometimes I wish I did. I simply return whenever I can.
And perhaps that is why I notice things that the locals may take for granted.
Each visit brings familiar pleasures: market mornings, village cafés, long lunches, the scent of jasmine drifting over stone walls, and conversations that seem in no hurry to end. But alongside the food, wine and beautiful landscapes, I find myself returning home with something else—small lessons about how to live.
The French have a remarkable talent for appreciating ordinary things. A ripe melon is celebrated. A good baguette is worth a detour. Lunch is rarely eaten standing up, and dinner is not something to be rushed through while checking emails.
There is an understanding that pleasure need not be extravagant. In fact, it is often found in the simplest moments: buying cherries from the farmer who grew them, sharing a bottle of wine with friends, or taking an evening walk simply because the light is beautiful.
Each time I visit, I am reminded that a good life is not necessarily built from grand achievements. More often, it is made up of small rituals, repeated often enough that they become a way of being.
These are some of the lessons I keep bringing home from France:
Stop for lunch. Every day. Sit down. Pour a glass of wine. Laugh. Talk. Catch up with those around you. Allow yourself that pause in the middle of the day to restore your spirit before taking on whatever comes next. Make it a ritual.
Fill your life with beautiful things - beauty inspires creativity, and creativity touches everything we do - whether it is something we make with our hands, the way we approach a challenge, or simply how we see the world. Surround yourself with things that bring you joy and spark your imagination.
Live to eat. Food is not just fuel; it is one of life’s great pleasures. It is about connection, celebration, and nourishment. Savour it, every morsel. Enjoy it. And yes, mop up that delicious sauce with a piece of crusty bread!
Be proud of where you live and who you are. The way we speak about our lives, our people, and our countries shapes how we experience them. Pride creates care. Care creates beauty. Create the world around you that you want to be a part of.
Simple is always better! A perfectly ripe tomato, a crusty baguette, a drizzle of good olive oil and a sprinkle of flaky salt can become an unforgettable meal. A colourful scarf, or a beautiful hat can transform an outfit. A napkin, a candle, a single flower will make your meal taste better. Small touches, thoughtfully chosen, can make all the difference.
Perhaps this is what I love most about France - the reminder that a beautiful life is not necessarily complicated. It is built in the everyday moments: a shared meal, a little beauty, a pause, and the appreciation of what is already in front of us.
It is also why I keep inviting others to come with me…because these lessons are best experienced, not just read about - sharing a meal under the ancient trees, learning the stories behind the food, wandering through markets, cooking together, laughing around the table, and discovering the beauty of slowing down.
I am thrilled to announce that my June 2027 French Food Tour is now open for bookings hot on the heels of the last beautiful week we enjoyed together. I would love to take you on this journey with us next year. Come join me at the château…
Beautifully written, as always, and a timely reminder for us all to be more in the moment, wherever in the world we happen to be ... ❤️