An Unforgettable Girls’ Getaway: Discovering the Charms of Southern France
After much anticipation, I am thrilled to finally share all the vibrant details of my recent girls’ trip to the enchanting region of Southern France this past June. This adventure was more than just a vacation; it was a journey of connection, discovery, and personal growth, complete with a delightful surprise announcement towards the end!
The genesis of this incredible journey lies with Lauren of Aspiring Kennedy, a remarkable individual whose online presence I’ve admired for years. Lauren has a unique talent for curating elaborate and fun group trips, transforming virtual connections into tangible, real-world friendships. Her previous ventures, including a romantic couples trip to Normandy and a festive girls’ Christmas market adventure spanning London, The Cotswolds, and Scotland, laid the groundwork for what she always envisioned: a quintessential Southern France girls’ getaway.
Lauren’s core philosophy resonates deeply in our increasingly digital world. She believes that while social media connects us, allowing us to peek into each other’s lives through stories and double-tapped photos, it also highlights a profound yearning for genuine human connection and friendship. These trips are her answer to that yearning—an invitation to step away from screens, put aside technology, and rediscover the art of personal interaction. Imagine reverting to a pre-digital era where conversations flow freely, and bonds are forged face-to-face, unmediated by glowing screens. This very premise is what made this Southern France group trip so exceptionally compelling.
Embracing the Unknown: A Solo Traveler’s Journey to Southern France
This particular Southern France girls’ trip brought together 32 incredible women, the vast majority of whom arrived as solo travelers, having never met each other before. Despite our initial unfamiliarity, we coalesced into a vibrant community, truly having the time of our lives. While a few attendees brought along their mothers or best friends, the overwhelming majority sought precisely what I did: an opportunity to forge real, lasting friendships and experience the magic of group travel in France.
Stepping into this experience was 100% outside my comfort zone. Saying “YES” felt both exhilarating and utterly terrifying. The familiar chorus of “what ifs” echoed in my mind: “What if the girls don’t like me? What if I don’t find a group to hang out with? What if my roommate hates me? What if I’m just alone?” These anxieties are universal when venturing into such vulnerable situations. However, it’s precisely this vulnerability that fuels personal growth and transformative change. The comforting realization quickly dawned on me: everyone else was likely harboring similar anxieties, making us all united in our shared leap of faith.
Upon returning home from this exquisite journey, my heart was full, my spirit renewed, and my phone filled with contacts of incredible new friends. This trip reaffirmed that taking risks and embracing the unknown can lead to the most beautiful and unexpected rewards.
The Luxury of Letting Go: Stress-Free Group Travel in France
One of the most cherished aspects of this Southern France chateau vacation was the complete absence of planning responsibilities on my part. I am typically the meticulous organizer of every trip I take, so relinquishing control to Lauren was incredibly refreshing and liberating. The process was wonderfully simple: pay, book your flight, and simply show up. All the arduous logistical work, from transportation to lodging, food (excluding personal indulgences), and activities, was expertly handled. Lauren truly managed every detail like a seasoned professional, ensuring a seamless and opulent girls’ getaway in France.
The itinerary offered a perfect blend of structured activities and spontaneous freedom. While a plethora of engaging experiences were planned daily, participation was entirely optional. One morning, I might choose to luxuriate by the pool, soaking up the Southern French sun – a decision I happily made multiple times. On another day, I might join a serene pilates class held in the picturesque garden, followed by an exciting bus trip to explore a charming medieval town. This flexibility allowed everyone to tailor their experience to their personal desires, making it a truly personalized adventure within a group setting.
Our meticulously curated activities included:
- An authentic French cooking class, delving into local culinary traditions.
- An exquisite wine tasting session, savoring the renowned Languedoc vintages.
- Invigorating private pilates classes amidst stunning natural backdrops.
- Idyllic picnics featuring local delicacies.
- Creative painting sessions inspired by the beautiful surroundings.
- Lively game nights, including a memorable Bingo session.
- Fascinating day trips to nearby historic towns and villages.
Our Dreamy French Chateau: Château les Carrasses in Languedoc
Our accommodation for this dream Southern France girls’ trip was none other than the absolutely enchanting Château les Carrasses. Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Languedoc region, this property is nothing short of stunning. The sprawling estate invites exploration, with miles of breathtaking scenery and its very own vineyard. Imagine leisurely biking through verdant landscapes, past rows of grapevines, under the warm Mediterranean sun – it’s an experience that truly defines a luxurious French escape. The chateau’s strategic location also offered convenient access to the magnificent medieval city of Carcassonne and countless other charming small villages, perfect for spontaneous excursions.
Is this not the epitome of a dream vacation? I purposefully extended my stay by a couple of days just to fully immerse myself in the glorious Southern French sun and the tranquil ambiance of the chateau. My newfound friends and I would rise early, claim our preferred lounge chairs by the sparkling pool, and settle into a blissful routine of tanning, refreshing dips in the water, and enjoying delightful drinks and food from the patio bar. It was pure, unadulterated relaxation – the perfect antidote to the stresses of daily life, making it an ideal choice for a rejuvenating solo female travel in France or a group retreat.
Some of the girls were fortunate enough to stay in one of the private villas on the property, complete with their own private pools. I cannot emphasize enough how truly dreamy and luxurious this setting was. Every corner of Château les Carrasses exuded elegance and comfort, creating an unparalleled backdrop for our unforgettable group travel France experience.
Immersive Experiences: Adventures and Cultural Exploration in Southern France
As highlighted earlier, our itinerary was thoughtfully designed with daily activities, yet always offering the flexibility to choose between participation and personal relaxation. On our very first full day, a thrilling excursion to the beach beckoned!
Mediterranean Bliss: A Day at the Beach
I had never before dipped my toes into the azure waters of the Mediterranean Sea, and this trip provided the perfect opportunity. While the water in June was still quite brisk, the sheer joy of spending a day on the sun-kissed sands was undeniable. It was a perfect way to unwind after what had been a rather long 42-hour travel day prior to our arrival.
Picture this: 32 women, fresh off a tour bus, descending upon a quaint beachside restaurant where lounge chairs had been reserved for us. It was quite a spectacle, indeed – a bustling group of women ready to embrace the French Riviera experience! Unfortunately, this particular dining experience was an anomaly on our otherwise delightful trip. The staff at this establishment displayed an alarming level of rudeness, which we attributed to our American nationality. Despite having prior reservations for our large group, they seemed reluctant to serve us, even shouting at us for attempting to order food inside the restaurant. We were repeatedly told service would come outside, yet it took a frustrating two hours to simply receive a glass of water, with every request met with a dismissive “it’s coming.” This four-hour dining ordeal was truly a shame, especially as we observed French patrons around us receiving prompt and courteous service. It felt as though they unfortunately perpetuated a negative stereotype, which was disheartening. However, we quickly brushed off the negative experience, choosing to focus on the glorious beach and the camaraderie that our Southern France girls’ trip was truly about.
Medieval Majesty: Exploring Carcassonne
Among our many day trips, an excursion to the medieval town of Carcassonne was an absolute highlight. The history embedded within its ancient walls is utterly fascinating. This UNESCO World Heritage site served as a formidable fortress, designed to keep invaders at bay for centuries. Walking through its narrow, cobbled streets, past imposing towers and battlements, felt like stepping back in time. It offered a profound glimpse into France’s rich past and the ingenuity of its ancient builders, making it an essential Carcassonne day trip for any history enthusiast.
Beyond organized tours, we also enjoyed the freedom to explore independently. The chateau staff graciously assisted us in arranging a taxi to the town’s vibrant farmers’ market. There, we each picked up a pint of the most succulent, flavorful strawberries – a truly delightful treat to enjoy by the pool later. The freshness of local produce in Southern France is simply unparalleled.
Charming Roquebrun and a Culinary Redemption
Without a doubt, Roquebrun was my absolute favorite town visited during our Southern France girls’ trip. This enchanting village boasted the most gorgeous doors, each one a unique work of art, and exuded an undeniable quaint charm. Here, we experienced a true culinary redemption! We dined at a restaurant run by the sweetest couple who, despite not speaking a single word of English, managed to communicate perfectly with us. This experience was truly beautiful; it demonstrated that language barriers can be effortlessly overcome by kindness, patience, and a genuine desire to connect. We felt so much warmth and hospitality, enjoying a wonderful meal together. Roquebrun undeniably deserves a spot on any Roquebrun travel guide for its authentic French allure.
While in Roquebrun, an exciting opportunity for paddle boarding on the serene local river presented itself. My friend and I decided to embark on this adventure. Though swimming is an option, for those seeking a bit more thrill, kayak and paddle boarding rentals are conveniently available slightly upstream. Not having brought my bathing suit, I cleverly straddled the paddle board while my friend masterfully navigated for us. We had a blast, and I’m proud to report that despite our teamwork (and her doing most of the paddling!), we managed to stay perfectly balanced and dry!
And of course, no Southern France girls’ trip would be complete without a quintessential French picnic! We arranged a delightful spread in one of the exquisite gardens at the chateau, an experience that was truly as idyllic and charming as one could imagine, perfectly encapsulating the romance of France.
An Exciting Announcement: Our Next Adventure in Spring/Summer 2020!
For those who followed along with my Instagram stories and witnessed all the joy and laughter from this trip, and perhaps even inquired about similar adventures for spring/summer 2020, I have thrilling news: we are doing it again!
Yes, you read that right – WE! Lauren and I are officially teaming up to plan another spectacular group travel experience for early summer. This upcoming adventure will take us to an entirely new and exciting destination, but rest assured, it will maintain the same unparalleled level of luxury, fun, and opportunity for creating cherished memories and forging incredible connections. Get ready for another unforgettable Aspiring Kennedy trip!
To be the first to receive all the exciting details and announcements regarding our next group trip, be sure to follow both of us on Instagram: @aspiringkennedy and @tablefortwo. We’ll be revealing everything very soon!
Our unforgettable Southern France journey culminated in a fantastic themed cocktail and dancing dinner. Aptly named “The Pink Party,” it was a vibrant celebration of the friendships forged, the laughter shared, and the incredible experiences we had together. It was a perfect send-off to an extraordinary week of girls’ getaway France.
