From City Lights to Charming Châteaux
With Linda Beach & France of a Lifetime
May 21-30, 2024
Ladies, you spend a lot of time taking care of others. Are you ready to do something absolutely amazing for yourself? If so, this incredible adventure is for you!
Before I share all the details of this glorious escape, I want you to imagine this…
You’ve just arrived to the charming fairytale town of Amboise, deep in the heart of the Loire Valley.
Your afternoon stroll through cobbled streets reveals an enchanting tapestry of medieval architecture, where half-timbered houses lean gracefully against one another.
You stop in front of a bakery and take a moment to inhale the scent of freshly baked baguettes mingled with the sweet fragrance of blooming flowers.
After ducking inside for a mouth-watering treat, you continue to scour the quaint boutiques that showcase a myriad of local craftsmanship.
The distant melody of an accordion wafts through the air and you wander in its direction.
Just as you approach the banks of the Loire River, the Château d'Amboise comes into focus, its turrets reaching towards the azure sky.
Tomorrow you’ll explore breathtaking châteaux and enjoy delectable cuisine along with a group of fun, soulful and passionate women.
In fact, the whole trip is a fusion of discovering, tasting, smelling and experiencing all the magic that Paris and the Loire Valley has to offer.
You’ve given yourself the gift of adventure and for once, there’s nothing to plan or manage. Every little detail has been carefully arranged so you can just sit back and enjoy the freedom that comes with not being in charge.
Doesn’t that sound amazing?
I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel’s sake. The great affair is to move.
~Robert Louis Stevenson
INTRODUCING…
A Joyful French Escape
With Linda Beach & France of a Lifetime
Here's a little closer peek at what you can expect: 🔎
Exciting Adventures
When I’m designing a new adventure, I try to imagine visiting the area for the first time. What would I want to see? What experiences would best represent the region we’re visiting? Often I am left to fend for myself, which can be time-consuming and filled with misadventure (oh the stories I could tell!). 😎
Well lucky you, because for this particular journey, we have the amazing advantage of having a personal guide who lives in the region!
I've paired up with France of a Lifetime, owned by the dynamic duo Mallory & Ben, who are orignially from the US but now call the Loire Valley their home.
I've been able to convince Mallory to join us as we explore Paris and beyond. Not only does she speak a bit of French (whew !!! 😅), but she knows the very best places to visit and how to navigate the trains and metros...all a huge PLUS for newbies.
So rest assured that you are in good hands. Together we have created an itinerary that incorporates culture, architecture, adventure, shopping, dining and more. It’s definitely going to be an unforgettable experience. Eeek….I can’t wait!!! 🥳
Delectable Cuisine
French cuisine is a veritable feast of color, texture, taste and healthy eating. The fields and orchards provide an incredible variety of seasonal delights. In fact, the Loire Valley is know as the Garden of France because approximately 80% of the country's produce is farmed there.
The French sprinkle everything with a dash of fresh herbs – think thyme, rosemary, marjoram and oregano – and the food nearly jumps off the plate.
Meals are savored slowly and deliberately, with numerous courses, typically paired with a heavenly regional wine.
While a formal French meal can consist of 7 courses (or more!), meals in the countryside are often less fussy and would likely include:
- L'Entrée - This is your appetizer (the entrance to the meal). Imagine hearty soups, savory tarts, gougères (cheese pastry puffs), Crottin de Chavignol (regional goat cheese) and rillettes (meat pâté), all served with warm, crusty bread.
- Le Plat Principal - Your main course. Unless you’re a vegetarian (like me!), you’ll be served a hearty meat dish with a savory sauce, accompanied with side dishes of veggies, salads or fried delights.
- Le Dessert - Yes, you guessed it. This yummy finish to the meal is light and small. Think profiteroles, mousse, macarons, crème brûlée, tarts, sweet breads, ice cream and more!
I told you you wouldn't go hungry! Are you salivating yet?
Bountiful Shopping
A trip to France wouldn’t be complete without a little retail therapy. There will be several occasions where you can purchase intricate pottery, exquisite perfumes, original artwork, fine wines and lovely linens.
We'll visit Galleries Lafayette, a cornucopia of colors, scents and sounds as well as Rue Cler. You’ll delight in the endless array of stores filled with local food specialities, including tapenade, goat cheeses, fresh pastries and so much more!
Pick up a selection of sachets filled with salt rubs and interesting seasonings. You definitely can’t go home without a box of pralines or macarons, a Parisian staple.
Speaking of staples, if there’s one goodie you have to bring back from your trip to France, it’s perfume! We'll be joining in on a fun olfactory workship, where you'll create your own custom scent.
And don’t forget to bring home some French wine. The Loire Valley produces some of the most famous dry whites such as Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé.
No matter what your shopping budget is, you’ll be certain to find unique treasures to commemorate your time in France!
Some love from past participants...❤️
Joyce Hague
I attended the Footloose and Fancy-Free retreat in 2023 and it was a life-changing adventure for me. We visited so many amazing places, but my absolute favorite was Camogli because it was a quaint fishing village. It’s beautiful and has the feel of Capri, but with fewer people. We explored lots of unique places full of good wines, beaches, and churches. I loved the cooking classes the most (even though I don’t even like to cook) because they introduced me to the authenticity of Italian cuisine. We all laughed so much, which made it extra fun! I left Italy feeling refreshed, inspired, and on top of that, I made new friends for life.
Susie Goodwin
I’ve attended three of Linda’s retreats now and they were truly remarkable experiences! They all offered a perfect balance of culture, history, sightseeing and amazing food. We enjoyed multiple wine tastings, a lively catamaran cruise along the coast of Tuscany, an adventurous Vespa excursion, and my favorite…a bike tour on the walls of Lucca. Linda is fun, knowledgeable and organized. Those adventures were life-changing for me and I am immensely grateful to Linda for her dedication and the wonderful experiences she created for me and the other guests.
Donna Martindale
Linda is an expert at putting together amazing adventures. I've attended two of her unforgettable trips and was blown away by the attention to detail. The tours, food and wine tastings were absolutely wonderful and there were countless unexpected surprises. Linda makes even the "challenges" fun as we had a couple funny misadventures along the way. We all laughed the entire time and now we have so many great stories to share. The friendships I made will last a lifetime (along with the magical memories). I’m already packing for Linda’s next adventure!
Now check out this spectacular itinerary!
Day 1: Tues, May 21st
Arrive by plane or train into Paris, then hop into a taxi and head to our charming boutique hotel. We’ll greet you in the lobby and help you get settled into your room. Depending on your time of arrival, feel free to unwind, nap or explore the neighborhood.
As dusk descends, we’ll gather back in the lobby for a welcome drink, then a scenic walk to our first adventure: a sunset dinner cruise on the Seine!
You'll enjoy a breathtaking view of the stars and iconic monuments as they dazzle the night's sky with their sparkling lights.
You’ll get to know your fellow retreat participants while we review the itinerary for the incredible week ahead.
Meals included: dinner
Day 2: Wed, May 22nd
After a delicious breakfast, we're heading to the world famous Le Cordon Bleu for a culinary workshop.
From mythical macarons to the art of chocolate, from tarts to choux pastry, the Condon Blue chefs will share their culinary secrets with you to create pastries with a special touch. An added bonus? We get to eat our creations! 🧁😋
Next we'll head to Galeries Lafayette, the most incredible (and gorgeous) shopping mall in all of Paris.
First up will be lunch on the rooftop terrace with a panoramic view of Paris and its famous monuments. Then you'll have time for shopping at the most beautiful “mall” you’ve ever seen! This upmarket French department store chain, the biggest in Europe, has over 750,000 square feet of retail space and beautifully designed window displays.
Day 2: May 22nd, cont.
Last but certainly not least, we'll delve into perfume making. We'll start with a tour of Musée du Parfum Fragonard, then attend a workshop where you'll create your personal blend of Eau de Toilette to commemorate your first day in Paris.
Once we return to the hotel, the rest of the evening is yours. Don't stay out too late because we're up early tomorrow for a special photo shoot in the City of Lights!
Meals included: breakfast, lunch
Day 3: Thurs, May 23rd
Rise and shine! We'll be out the door early to have the sun-kissed glow of morning light illuminate our joy for this adventure in Paris. Our professional photographer will capture your unique essence with both individual portraits and group shots against the breathtaking backdrop of the Eiffel Tower. 📸
Then we'll take a leisurely stroll through the city and soak in the sights along the way. Shall we duck into a shop or two? Sit at a cafe and watch the world go by? Visit a museum? How about all of the above? Yes please!
Once we arrive back at the hotel, you'll have the rest of the afternoon to "choose your own adventure."
Head to a nearby cafe for a leisurely Parisian lunch, then take a short walk to the gorgeous Luxembourg Gardens. Or visit the Saint Chappelle Church with over a thousand spectacular stained glass windows. Maybe you'll ride to the top of the Montparnasse Tower to behold incredible views of the city.
Day 3: May 23rd, cont.
Whatever you decide, make sure to meet us in the lobby in time to experience the mysteries of the Palais Garnier.
During our special “after-hours” tour, you’ll discover one of the most emblematic monuments of the 9th arrondissement. Also known as Opéra Garnier (the largest opera house in France), this stunning building will charm you with its famous grand staircase and many architectural influences.
As if this day hasn't been incredible enough, we're not done just yet! After we freshen up back at the hotel, we'll take a short walk for a delectable dinner at Le Procope, the oldest café in Paris.
Located in the heart of Saint-Germain des Prés, this mythical restaurant is steeped in history since its establishment in 1686. It was the gathering place of some of our greatest writers and intellectuals who no doubt dined like kings and queens, just like you will when you indulge in their traditional and bourgeois French cuisine.
Meals included: breakfast, dinner
Day 4: Fri, May 24th
Pack your bags because we’re off to Amboise, a charming town in the center of the Loire Valley. To get there, we'll board a train for a scenic journey through the picturesque French countryside. As we weave our way over rivers and gently rolling hills, you’ll catch glimpses of fields of grapevines and flowers abloom. You may even catch sight of charming village or a majestic château in the distance.
After checking into our second charming hotel, we’ll head to Château de Clos Lucé, a small, but very interesting estate that was given to Leonardo Da Vinci to utilize at the end of his life.
Here you’ll see the furniture as used by Da Vinci as well as operational replicas of many of his inventions. There will be time to wander the expansive grounds, with its sparkling streams and diverse plant life.
Later that evening, we’ll take a stroll to Le 36, a magnificent restaurant acclaimed for its refined cuisine and renowned wines. Perched between the last wild river in Europe and terraced gardens bordered by troglodyte caves, Le 36 is a perfect gastronomic stop on our fun France adventure.
Meals included: breakfast, dinner
Day 5: Sat, May 25th
After our hearty breakfast buffet, we’ll take another scenic train ride to Château Royal de Blois. This historic monument presents a magnificent panorama of the art and history of the castles of the Loire.
Surrounding the court, its four wings constitute a unique example of the development of French architecture from the 13th through the 17th century, with its unique blend of medieval, Renaissance, and classical styles. Notable for its stunning facades, intricate sculptural details, and a central spiral staircase, this fully furnished château (a rarity) served as a residence for several French kings.
After our tour, a quick walk will take us to Les Banquettes Rouges, a charming cafe for lunch, after which we’ll head to the upscale Spa Sisley Fleur de Loire!
Here we’ll relax, unwind and submit to a nature-inspired massage that uses premium essential oils and natural plant extracts. You’ll have time to enjoy the indoor and outdoor pools, whirlpool tub, sauna, steam room and herbal tea bar. Ahhh…doesn’t that sound amazing?! 💆♀️
Once back at the hotel, feel free to enjoy dinner in town and then wind down the day any way you'd like.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch
Day 6: Sun, May 26th
Today we’re off to explore the exquisite Château de Chenonceau, a favorite among château lovers. This romantic castle has an interesting history featuring a succession of women who built, embellished, protected, restored and saved it.
Also known as Château des Dames, “The Ladies’ Château,” because of an interesting (and scandalous) story involving King Henry II, his mistress, Diane de Poitiers, and his wife, Queen Catherine de’ Medici. Don’t worry, the details will be revealed on our tour!
After we've spent the morning imagining what it would be like living in this amazing castle, we'll enjoy a leisurely lunch onsite, then head to the castle's wine cellar where we'll sample their estate wines.
Day 6: May 26th, cont.
Then you'll have the rest of the day free to explore Amboise. You might take a stroll through the old town and visit the quaint shops or rent a bike and pedal along the Loire River, known as "the last wild river in Europe."
If you'd fancy more castle touring, head to the former medieval fortress now known as Château Royal d'Amboise. Feeling particularly adventurous? Then take to the skies in a hot air balloon and witness the vineyards and forests of Touraine as the sun sets on the horizon.
Whatever you choose, we'll see you bright and early for another amazing day in France!
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch
Day 7: Mon, May 27th
Are you ready to explore another gorgeous château while pretending to be French? Today we’re headed to Château de Villandry, a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture.
Renowned for its meticulously manicured formal gardens, the château is a living canvas where vibrant flowers, geometric patterns, and serene water features come together in a breathtaking symphony of color and design.
We'll have lunch at the on-site restaurant, known for its seasonal cuisine inspired by the château's impressive vegetable garden.
Day 7: October, cont.
After wandering to our heart’s content, we’ll head back out to the gardens of Villandry, grab a paintbrush, dab it in some watercolors and paint our own masterpiece!
Our instructor, Linda H. Matthews, has worked as a full time professional artist and tutor for over 20 years. All materials are included.
For dinner, grab a retreat friend (or two or three) and check out one of the adorable cafés near the hotel. Just don't stay out too late because tomorrow is an adventure like none other!
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch
Day 8: Tues, May 28th
Rise and shine and pack your bags, because we're on the move. We’ve truly saved the best for last!
After breakfast, we'll board a train to Versailles, where we’ll check into the third exquisite hotel on our journey. Once we arrive in this bustling little town, we’ll drop our luggage and head out to our favorite café for lunch.
After we check in, we’ll take the short walk to the Palace of Versailles, with its breathtaking blend of history, artistry, and unparalleled beauty.
Starting in the massive gardens, we’ll board a little train for a grand overall tour of the grounds. We’ll hop off to explore Marie Antoinette’s private estate, Petit Trianon, built between 1762 and 1768 during the reign of Louis XV. This was her place to escape the formalities of court life at the Palace, entertain close friends, engage in leisure activities, and cultivate her interests in art and nature. The gardens were redesigned by Marie Antoinette in the English style, featuring meandering paths and picturesque landscapes.
After we return to the hotel, you’ll have the rest of the evening to explore the town of Versailles and dine in one of the lovely restaurants nearby while reflecting on another perfect day in France.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch
Day 9: Wed, May 29th
This morning we’re heading back to the Palace of Versailles to continue our exploration.
We’ll start with an exclusive guided tour behind the walls and royal life of the private apartments of Louis XV and Louis XVI as well as the King’s Chapel, you’ll understand why this imposing structure is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the world.
After our guided tour, we’ll be transported into the opulent world of French royalty as we visit the Hall of Mirrors, where the Treaty of Versailles was signed. We’ll wander through the meticulously landscaped gardens, replete with sculpted greenery and captivating displays of water, music, and light. Don’t worry about walking the sprawling 2000 acre estate because we’ll be cruising the grounds in golf carts!
You’ll have the rest of the afternoon to immerse yourself in the splendors of Versailles, making this visit a truly unparalleled and unforgettable affair.
Dinner will be a lavish celebration to reflect on our journey and commemorate our time together. Expect hugs, tears, laughter and a surprise or two!
Meals included: Breakfast, dinner
Day 10: Thurs, May 30th
Today is the day you start your journey back to the “real” world. We’ll gather at breakfast for our final farewells before you head to your next destination. If you’ve chosen to extend your stay in France, we’ll be happy to offer suggestions for your onward itinerary.
While it’s always sad to say goodbye, this isn’t the end of our time together. We’ll see each other in our private Facebook group to share photos and stories. You’ll have made unforgettable memories and some new friends to help remind you that life is short so never ever stop exploring. Au revoir!
Meals included: Breakfast
Our Beautiful Accommodations...
Night 1-3: Paris
Ideally located within walking distance from the most emblematic Parisian monuments, our first home away from home is a feminine cross between a designer boutique hotel and a contemporary photo gallery.
The neighborhood is home to an ecclectic array of art galleries, boutiques and antique shops as well as restaurants, cafes and jazz clubs. Each room features an ensuite bathroom, selected beauty products, coffee machine, flat-screen TV, air conditioning and unlimited Wifi. You’ll enjoy a generous breakfast buffet, including an assortment of french pastries, toasts, jams, cereals, fruits, cheeses, meats and eggs as well as fresh juices, tea, coffee and hot chocolate.
This gorgeous 4-star hotel is the perfect venue from which to start our big adventure!
Night 4-7: Amboise
Our first hotel in the countryside is an adorable manor that was founded as a monastery in the 12th century. The residence has since been lovingly restored over time and its soul comes through in the period furnishings, stained glass windows and doors. Each room is unique and has a satellite TV, safe and free Wi-Fi. The spacious bathrooms are complete with a hairdryer and bathrobes and either a shower or tub. Outside you’ll find a tranquil garden replete with a heated swimming pool and secret staircase. This sweet little hotel is a haven of peace from which we’ll explore the historic centre of Amboise and all the châteaux of the Loire Valley.
Night 8-10: Versailles
Our final venue is a 4-star hotel in the heart of Versailles, just a few steps from the famous Château of the same name. Here you’ll discover an unforgettable experience with a unique interior design that blends contemporary elegance and classic refinement. On the grounds you’ll find a restaurant, fitness room and relaxation area with sauna and hammam (extra charge). Your room is decked out with a 48' TV, desk space, minibar, kettle, “Maison Pure” tea and Segafredo coffee. Each spacious bathroom is equipped with a rainshower bath or shower, Clarins products, bathrobes and slippers. We are so excited to be ending our journey at this classy luxury hotel!
Check Out These Exciting Extras!
French Lessons
Let's prepare for the journey ahead by learning some common French words and phrases! Our pre-retreat lesson will be conducted via Zoom by our very own Mallory, who will also share some insider tips on fitting in while in France.
Pre-Trip Happy Hours
Before our big adventure, we’ll hop on a few group calls to discuss our exciting plans and get to know each other. Not only will you be prepared for the journey ahead, but once we join together in person, it’ll be like meeting up with old friends!
Private Facebook Group
As soon as you register, you’ll be invited to join our private group where you can meet your fellow travel companions. We'll be sharing travel and packing tips as well as other important information about this Joyful French Escape.
More love from past participants...❤️
Tracie Joyner
I can't thank Linda enough for the wonderful experience she curated for me and the other women. Although I generally prefer to travel solo, it was so nice to have everything pre-planned. I really enjoyed getting to know the other ladies from all over the US. We all got along fabulously and still keep in touch! Linda and her retreat assistant were fun, knowledgeable, and organized. I felt cared for and supported throughout the retreat. I came home feeling renewed and inspired, which was a great asset to my art and photography business. I look forward to joining Linda on another amazing retreat one day soon!
Leslie Wall
I attended the Footloose and Fancy-Free Retreat in May of 2023 with 10 other women, most of whom I hadn’t met before.We had several group calls even before we left home so I was excited to see everyone in person. After the first day together we were like old friends! Linda is a pro at designing and organizing these adventures. She and her assistant were so helpful and knowledgeable that it made the whole experience easy. It was a whirlwind of exciting activities each day and I loved that every little detail was taken care of. It was the trip that I had been dreaming of for a long time and I absolutely would do it again!
Terry Packard
When I joined Linda on her retreat in Tuscany, it had been on my bucket list for many decades. The program that Linda put together surpassed all my expectations. She has an eye for detail and provided our group with everything we could have imagined and more! The amazing people I met on the retreat have all become my new friends. I am looking forward to joining Linda for more fun adventures in the future. I am grateful I said yes and highly recommend you do too. I'm still smiling because it was the trip of a lifetime! 😊
Double Occupancy
$5997
Per Person - Pay in Full Price (Payment Plan Available)
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9 nights double-occupancy in stunning hotels in Paris, Amboise and Versailles
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All ground transportation from our Paris hotel to our Versailles departure
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Daily breakfasts, five lunches and four dinners, plus snacks, coffee, tea and water
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Exciting excursions throughout France
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A perfectly pampering spa visit with massage
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Private Facebook group, pre-retreat Zoom sessions, tips, advice, gifts, surprises and much more!
Got Questions? We’ve Got Answers!
What if I can't afford a trip to France?
I can't take the time away from my family
I don't know how I feel about traveling with a group of strangers.
I'm stressed thinking about all the activities. Will I have any time to myself?
Do I have to be physically fit for this retreat?
Which airport do I fly into?
Can I arrive early or stay longer?
What about Covid-19 travel restrictions?
What will the weather be like in France in May?
I have more questions and want to talk with someone personally.
Head over to the registration page & grab your spot!
Take me to the registration page. I'm already packing! 🧳🎒Would you like to know more about this amazing journey?
We get it, we're excited too! Linda would love to hop on a call and answer any questions you might have asap! Just click the button below...⬇️
Let's chat!
