Travel Journal

A Week of Food and Antiques: From Paris to Normandy

A journey through French flavours, antiques, and countryside charm, from the heart of Paris to the quiet beauty of Normandy.

October 21, 2025

Every tour has its own rhythm, its own little world that comes alive for a few days and stays with us long after it ends. Our Food and Antiques in Paris and Normandy tour was one of those weeks that felt both joyful and deeply personal, full of moments shared around a table, walks through antique markets, and laughter over good food and wine.

All the photos you’ll see here were taken by Stacey and Sharon during the tour. They’re not staged or polished, but personal glimpses into what it truly feels like to travel with us, the behind-the-scenes moments, the details you don’t always see on camera. This is what we love most about these tours: the intimacy of small groups, the friendships that form naturally, and the way each day unfolds into something memorable.

Over the course of six days, we wandered through Paris and Normandy discovering the beauty of French craftsmanship, the pleasure of slow meals, and the joy of connecting with the people who bring these experiences to life.

We began our journey in Paris, where the first morning already felt like something special. Our chef greeted us at a local market, guiding us through the stalls filled with fresh vegetables, cheeses, and herbs. Baskets in hand, we selected ingredients for the cooking class ahead. The class took place by the Seine, in a light-filled space. Together, we cooked, laughed, and learned a few new recipes to take home. The meal we shared afterwards was as delicious as it was satisfying, made all the better by the company.

Afterwards, we took a slow walk along the river and stopped at a small antique market in the 6th arrondissement that only happens once a year. We browsed through old prints, furniture, and little treasures that each seemed to carry a bit of Parisian history.

The following days were filled with good meals and even better company. We explored the famous Saint-Ouen flea market, vast, lively, and impossible to see in just one day, where everyone found something unique to take home. We had lunch there before heading back to the Left Bank to visit a few of our favourite boutiques. One highlight was La Maison du Bac, which closed its doors just for us that evening. We had the chance to meet the owners, explore the shop in private, and share a beautiful dinner together, a truly special Parisian night.

On Sunday morning, we stopped at the Vanves antique market, a local favourite for its charm and friendly atmosphere. After finding a few treasures, we treated ourselves to a relaxed brunch at Monsieur Bleu, with the Eiffel Tower across the river. The weather couldn’t have been more perfect. Later that afternoon, we boarded a private boat for a cruise along the Seine, champagne in hand, watching Paris drift by as the sun began to set.

©Janne Ford

The next morning, it was time to say goodbye to Paris and head towards Normandy. On the way, we stopped at Rungis for a bit of antique shopping and then continued to Giverny, where Monet’s gardens were still full of colour. Before reaching our hotel, we visited Sharon’s home to pick up flowers for the tablescape we were preparing for dinner that evening.

At Domaine de Primard, our home for the next two nights, we arranged Sharon’s flowers, enjoyed an aperitif in the greenhouse, and sat down to a wonderful dinner. The next day was dedicated to antique shopping in Le Perche, with a lovely lunch at a small local restaurant run by a husband and wife who cook everything themselves. In the afternoon, we were welcomed into a private château by its owner, an intimate visit that made the day unforgettable.

©Janne Ford

Our final evening at Primard was spent around a table once again, with the chef cooking right in front of us in a private room. The atmosphere was warm and full of laughter, the perfect way to end such a beautiful journey.

On our last morning, we visited Edouard’s gardens and potager, a peaceful and inspiring place. The tour ended with a final lunch at Abbaye des Vaux de Cernay, surrounded by autumn light and the quiet satisfaction of a week well spent.