My French Country Home Travel

Travel Joural

Highlights from Our 2024 MFCH Tours

Dinner at Domaine de Primard

Looking back on our 2024 tours, we’re reminded of the beautiful places we visited, the wonderful people we met, and the unforgettable moments we shared.

Each trip was unique, filled with history, incredible meals, antiques, gardens, and experiences that could only happen in France. Whether it was a long lunch in the sun, a private visit to a hidden château, or an afternoon spent treasure hunting in a bustling antique market, every moment felt special. As we look ahead to our 2025 tour season, we wanted to share a few of our favorite memories from the past year, snapshots of what makes our tours so magical.

©MFCH Travel

A Private Lunch in Dordogne

In Dordogne, we were invited into the home of Jenny. She had set the table in her dining room, each place laid with a different antique plate from her collection.

Lunch was a slow, beautiful affair—homemade dishes, fresh ingredients, and plenty of good conversation. Between courses, Jenny shared the stories behind her collections, telling us how she had gathered pieces over the years. It felt like stepping into another time, a place where every object had a past and a purpose.

And then, just as we thought we had seen everything, she led us downstairs to a hidden space beneath the house. A little surprise, a touch of mystery, and another layer to an already magical visit.

©MFCH Travel

Antique Shopping in Isle-sur-la-Sorgue

Provence is also a paradise for antique lovers, and Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is one of the best places to hunt for treasures. With Sharon as our guide, we explored her favorite dealers, learning about different pieces, their history, and how to spot something truly special. She helped us negotiate prices and arrange shipping because when you fall in love with a 19th-century mirror or a set of antique linens, you must find a way to bring them home. It was a day of discovery, laughter, and learning; exactly what makes an antiques tour so exciting.

©MFCH Travel

A Flower Atelier in a Greenhouse

A highlight of our Normandy tour was a flower atelier in the greenhouse at Domaine de Primard, where we spent the morning with Lucy Hunter. With buckets of freshly gathered blooms from Edouard’s garden and Sharon’s garden, the table was overflowing with dahlias and delicate wildflowers.

Lucy guided everyone through the process of creating their own floral arrangement, sharing tips on composition, movement, and color. There was something so peaceful about working with flowers, each person’s arrangement reflecting their own style and creativity. Once the bouquets were complete, Lucy carefully photographed them, capturing the beauty of each piece. It was a chance to create something truly special with our own hands.

©MFCH Travel

A Château Visit Like No Other

Dordogne is full of fairytale châteaux, but our visit to a privately owned estate in Veyrignac felt particularly special. Instead of a formal tour, we were guided by a childhood friend of the owner, someone who had spent summers running through these gardens, who knew every hidden corner and family secret.

Walking through the gardens, we could feel the layers of history, the mix of grandeur and intimacy that defines these old French estates. Some areas were perfectly manicured, with elegant hedges and carefully sculpted topiaries. Others had been left to grow wild in the most beautiful way, blending seamlessly into the surrounding countryside.

After our tour, we gathered for a quiet drink on the terrace, watching the afternoon light shift over the landscape. It was a peaceful moment; the kind that makes you stop and appreciate just how special these places are, and how lucky we are to experience them.

©MFCH Travel

A Long Lunch in the Heart of Provence

We always eat well on our tours, but Provence is all about sharing—both stories and meals. One of our favorite lunches was in Lourmarin, where we spent the morning exploring the local market and antique shops before sitting down for a feast at Le Moulin, a little restaurant tucked away in the heart of the village. Plates of fresh vegetables, burrata, charcuterie, and just-picked tomatoes were brought to the table, all meant to be shared. We sat under the shade, sipping rosé, soaking in the sunshine, and letting the afternoon stretch on just a little longer.

©MFCH Travel

A Private Château Visit in Normandy

Normandy is filled with grand estates, but our visit to Château de Canon felt truly special. The owner herself welcomed us, sharing stories of the château’s past, from its 18th-century origins to the present day.

Inside, we explored beautifully preserved rooms, some filled with family archives dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries. Walking through the old kitchens, we could almost imagine the life that once filled the house. Outside, the gardens were breathtaking, a perfect blend of manicured formality and wild romantic beauty.

To be welcomed into a private home like this is a rare privilege, and it was one of those moments that reminded us why we love traveling this way: meeting people, hearing their stories, and seeing history through their eyes.

©MFCH Travel

A Magical Evening with Ceramicists

One of the most memorable evenings in Provence was spent at the home of local ceramicists. Walking into the atelier, we were surrounded by shelves of beautiful, handmade pieces; each one shaped, fired, and glazed with care.

We listened as they explained their craft, showing us the subtle details that make each piece unique. There’s something magical about meeting the people behind the objects we use every day, it makes you appreciate the skill and artistry that goes into every step of the process.

As the sun set, we moved to the garden for a special dinner. A private chef had prepared a beautiful meal, and we lingered over each course, talking, laughing, and soaking in the warm evening air.

MFCH Travel Experiences

Be Part of the Journey: Explore France with Us in 2025

As we look ahead to 2025, we’re excited to create even more unforgettable moments on our tours. Whether you’re drawn to the antique markets of Paris, the breathtaking gardens of Normandy and Brittany, or the sun-drenched landscapes of Provence, each trip is designed to offer a truly immersive and personal experience.

Every Tuesday

Postcards From France

Get the latest updates on French travel, culture, and more delivered right to your inbox.

This Site Uses Cookies

Don’t be alarmed, we do not use or store your information. We are a French site and this is simply a regulation for the European Union to let you know that this website uses cookies to improve your user experience. By using our website you consent to all cookies in accordance with our Cookie Policy. Read More