We’ll always have Paris
The Louvre along The Seine in Paris
We’ve been home for just over a week from our amazing trip to France….and I’m having major withdrawal from all things French. This was my second time to France -- we traveled to Paris and Nice for our honeymoon exactly 10 years ago and it was magical! I’ve been dreaming of going back ever since and our 10 Year Wedding Anniversary seemed like the perfect reason. This time with our kids and my parents in tow - and it was nothing short of a dream vacation. My husband planned an incredible itinerary for us - we spent a few days in Paris then drove 2 hours south to Amboise in the Loire Valley (hello castles, cobbled stone streets, wine and history!) for a long weekend then returned back to Paris for a few days before flying home.
Château de Chenonceau
We were lucky enough to see so many incredible sites…. Notre Dame, The Louvre, Versailles, The Eiffel Tower, Château Royal d'Amboise (a palace to royals in the 15th century), Château du Clos Lucé (Leonardo da Vinci’s home)…and of course some shopping at Le Bon Marché (puts other department stores to shame), La Grande Épicerie (the most amazing grocery store I’ve ever seen!!) and Dior (because when you work for the brand in NYC for 15 years you have to stop by the flagship!)
I soaked in every detail, especially as a new Interior Designer it was an absolute treat to take in the sites. I was in constant awe of how well-preserved the history of France was and how they protect the architecture of the city. Even new builds look old. Of course - many of the places we visited were once palaces or castles so the architectural details were on another level, but you can see how these details influence modern day design and I’m excited to incorporate many of these details into future designs.
The layers and texture in every room are what make the design so special - if the room were empty, the walls, the floors and the ceilings had such incredible detail that even without furniture, art or decor the rooms were incredible. It all starts with a good foundation (something my career at Dior beauty taught me as well!).
While we didn’t have much time to shop I did bring home a few special souveniers including French Sea Salt, Dijon Mustard, Butter (yes you can bring home butter!) and I did find some very pretty vintage forks and a cake server at a shop near our hotel in Amboise that I’m excited to use!
Until I can get back to France I’ll definitely be looking for some local “French Finds” to tide me over - whether it’s French inspired or a true vintage or antique find that’s been imported to the states, a girl can’t get enough of what France has to offer!
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If you’re looking to infuse a little more French style into your home, I’ve rounded up 10 French Inspired Finds from Amazon!
One can't enjoy champagne without an ice bucket to keep it chilled!
A souvenir I’ve brought back twice from France is soap, I especially love throwing the bars in my drawers to keep my clothes smelling fresh and to remind me of my trip!
This French Fleur de Sel or Sea Salt is perfect as a finishing touch whether you’re grilling a steak, preparing some French fries or making some scrambled eggs. PS it’s actually from France!
Lavender and lavender scents are something that are synonymous with France - I love this French Lavender candle from Voluspa.
I have a similar cutting board in my kitchen - it’s usually mostly a decor piece propped on my counter, but it’s the perfect board for charcuterie or cheese boards!
I love these tea towels - the colors feel so French and they’d make a beautiful accent in any kitchen or on any table.
7. This French Perle Vase by Lenox adds a little French flair to any flower arrangement. It’s a petite size but with beautiful detail!
8. Reusable bags are much more of a thing in Paris, I picked up two from Le Grande Epicerie that are much chicer than you standard grocery reusable bag - shopping will feel like a luxury with this market tote.
9. Marble was everywhere in France - this scallop catchall won’t break the bank but will add a little je ne sais quoi to your night stand.
10. I can’t get all the marble flooring I saw in France out of my head - these peel & stick Floor Pops by Chris Loves Julia might be the answer to my flooring woes! These would be amazing in a foyer or even powder room.