There are places you visit once and remember fondly, and then there are places that quietly claim you. Avignon is the latter for me. I’ve returned to this region more times than I can count, and each visit feels less like a trip and more like coming back to myself. It’s where Maison d’Amies began, long before it had a name, rooted in shared meals, wandering streets, and the belief that travel should be savored, not rushed. Avignon isn’t a destination you conquer with a checkl

For many travelers, Normandy is a place you pass through. A day (or two at most) anchored around the D-Day beaches, a museum visit, maybe Mont-Saint-Michel if you’re ambitious. And while its history deserves reverence, Normandy is so much more than a chapter in a history book. It’s a region that reveals itself slowly, generously, and best over time. I fell in love with Normandy not because of a single landmark, but because of how it feels when you stop rushing. The quiet lan

I don’t want to take the same vacation every time I travel. And I don’t expect our guests to want that either. That’s why I’ve intentionally chosen not to anchor Maison d’Amies to a single vacation home or a one-size-fits-all retreat model. While repeating the same structure would certainly be easier, it would also mean sameness, and sameness isn’t indulgent.

There’s something I need to say. Something I’ve been holding in for quite a while, something that makes me want to gently shake the shoulders of all the well-meaning travelers I've planned trips for over the years. Here it is: Normandy is not a two-day destination. It’s not a quick detour. It’s not a box to check as a quick add on to your Paris itinerary. And the truth? It breaks my heart that so many people treat it that way. Every time I meet someone who says, “Oh yeah, I w

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At Maison d’Amies, every retreat is thoughtfully curated, right down to the region, the experiences, and even the recipes you’ll bring home. We’re not about rushing for Instagram photo op, we’re about slow travel, savoring the food, history, and culture that make each corner of France so special. Whether it’s a cooking class in Provence, cider tasting in Normandy, or uncovering hidden gems in Avignon, here’s how we craft unforgettable journeys just for you.

Step inside our trip-planning process with a behind-the-scenes look at how we found La Maison Pomme for our Normandy Beyond the Beaches retreat. Nestled in the heart of one of France’s Plus Beaux Villages, this charming apple-hued haven is owned by Nathalie, a passionate local host who makes every guest feel at home. From the storybook streets to the thoughtful touches inside, see how we choose retreat homes that make you fall in love with France.

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