How We Curate Experiences in France: Behind the Scenes at Maison d'Amies Retreats
- stephanie557
- Aug 17
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 18
When people think of France, certain images immediately come to mind: Provence awash in lavender, Normandy's windswept beaches and World War II memorials, Parisian cafés and boulangeries busting with croissants. And while those icons are beautiful, at Maison d'Amies we believe that the magic of travel lies in going deeper, past the postcards and into the heart of a region.
Every retreat we host is designed with intention. We slow down, immerse ourselves, and build experiences that help women feel connected to the place, the people, and each other. Whether you're joining us in Provence, Normandy, or Avignon, no two retreats are ever the same. Here's a behind-the-scenes look at how and why we curate our retreats the way we do.
Choosing the Right Region
We don't pick retreat destinations simply because they're "instagram famous." Instead, we select regions that have layers to uncover. Yes, Provence is gorgeous in lavender season, but that's only one facet of it's story. It's also home to olive groves, colorful markets, medieval hilltop villages, and artisans whose families have ben perfecting their craft for generations.
The same goes for Normandy. Many travelers visit only for the D-Day memorials, but there's so much more: apple orchards and cider farms, dramatic coastal cliffs, charming fishing villages, and some of the best butter and cheese you'll ever taste.
By slowing down, we allow our guests to see both the highlights and the hidden corners. Instead of rushing from landmark to landmark, we take our time and savor the essence of the region. This makes every retreat not just a trip, but an experience of place.
Food: Always at the Heart
At Maison d'Amies, we love food. Even when a retreat isn't specifically food focused (like our Savor Avignon culinary journey) there will always be an element of taste woven in. We strongly believe that food connects us to culture, tradition, and to each other.
In Provence, that might look like a private olive oil tasting with a local producer. In Normandy, it could be sampling oysters fresh from the coast or enjoying crêpes in a small village crêperie. Across each region, you'll find local markets, farm-to-table meals, and intimate dinners prepared by our retreat chefs.
Food is never just about the plate in front of us, it's about the people who grew, harvested, and cooked it. It's about gathering together, raising a glass, and celebrating the flavors of a place.
Local Partnerships That Make It Special
We believe that the soul of a retreat lies in its people. That's why we collaborate with local guides, chefs, and artisans who open doors into their worlds. These aren't cookie-cutter tours, they're authentic encounters with individuals who are passionate about what they do.
Whenever possible, we seek out women-owned business to partner with. From vineyard owners to chefs to craftswomen, these collaborators create not only unique guest experiences but also meaningful support for the communities we visit.
This approach ensures that no two retreats are ever alike. The guides we work with bring different perspectives, the chefs create seasonal menus, and the artisans share evolving traditions. Your experience is rooted in the moment, in the people you meet, and in the living culture of France.
Taking Home More Than Photos
We don't travel just for pretty pictures, we travel to learn, grow, and carry something back with us. That's why our retreats always include opportunities to engage in something hands-on.
It might be a cocktail masterclass where you learn to shake and stir like a pro, or a cooking lesson that leaves you with recipes to wow your friends back home. Sometimes its an artisan workshop where you make something with your own hands, guided by someone who's been doing it for decades.
These experiences stay with you long after the retreat ends. They're not just souvenirs, they're stories, skills, and memories you can share.
Why Every Retreat Is Unique
One of the most important things we want our guests to know: no two Maison d'Amies retreats are the same.
Even when we return to the same region, we design a new itinerary. That means if you've been to Provence with us once, you'll have an entirely different experience when you come again. Different villages, different activities, different stories.
This intentional curation allows our guests to keep coming back, and many do. Each retreat becomes a fresh chapter, a new way to connect to France and with yourself.
The Maison d'Amies Difference
At the heart of all of this is our philosophy: travel isn't about checking boxes, it's about connection. We design retreats for women who want to:
Slow down and truly savor a region
Immerse themselves in history, culture, and daily life
Share meaningful meals and conversations
Learn something new and bring it home
Experience France in a way that's both luxurious and welcoming
By focusing on regions with depth, integrating food and culture, partnering with locals, and weaving in hands-on learning, we create retreats that feel personal and unforgettable.
Ready to Join Us?
If you've been dreaming of France, not just the France you see in travel magazines, but the France that lives in its markets, kitchens, and conversations, we'd love to welcome you.
Our 2025 and 2026 retreat span Provence, Normandy, and Avignon, each offering something distinct. Whether it's your first Maison d'Amies retreat or your fifth, you'll discover a new side of France every time.
Join us, and experience the kind of travel that lingers long after you've unpacked your bags.
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