stephanie557

Thanksgiving has always been a moment to pause, take a deep breath, and look around at the life I’m building. This year, that reflection feels deeper than ever, because Maison d’Amies (once just a fragile little dream) is now something real, something rooted, something I’m profoundly proud of. When this journey began, it was simple: I wanted to see more of France and share my love for travel, culture, food, and the slower rhythms of life with other women. I imagined intimate gatherings, long...

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 went to Normandy!...

Traveling solo in France is one of those experiences that’s equal parts grounding and exhilarating, kinda like taking a deep breath of morning air in the French countryside. I’ve done it myself: wandered cobblestone streets with no plan, eaten way too much cheese, and fallen completely in love with how effortlessly beautiful this country is. If you’re dreaming of a trip that feels independent but still deeply connected, you’re in the right place. I’ll share the real stuff (tips, stories, and...