As featured in the Wall Street Journal, Boxwood Abroad expertly curated group trips to France offer you an exclusive luxury trip of a lifetime!
Travel through the French countryside with Chloe as your personal France tour guide. Owner and principal designer of Boxwood Avenue, Chloe will guide you through the most beautiful and historic parts of southern France!
Imagine four days of stunning architecture and French culture, you will experience the awe and wonder of Provence – like a local!
You will tour France like never before, through curated experiences, delicious cuisine, wine tasting, artisan workshops, local restaurants and luxury five-star accommodations featured in Architectural Digest! Learn French history through our carefully selected local experiences as Chloe shares her absolute favorite places of Provence.
A Boxwood Avenue group trip to France will allow you to experience the magic of France in an unforgettable way. Not only will you have an expertly curated trip highlighting the most wonderful sites of the area, but you’ll enjoy the company of like-minded people and leave with memories and life-long friends.
Ready? Let’s dive in!
What are you waiting for?
There’s certain magic about France that is unlike any other, and I believe everyone should experience a trip to France at least once in their life.
We are all aware of the wine, the cheese, the lavender fields, and the beauty – but there’s so much more to experience in this gorgeous country!
If you’re considering joining a group trip to France, you’re in the right place. Let’s talk about why this is a decision that will change your life…for the better.
By the time you’ve read this post I have no doubt you will be hitting “book” and breaking out your duo lingo!
About Chloe, Your Expert Guide
From culinary treasures to artisans with age old techniques, experiencing different cultures is so inspiring and no matter how many times I travel back to a place, I will always leave with new found appreciation of the people, culture and unique experiences.
Creating our Boxwood Abroad Retreats was born from the love of travel and experiencing the unique pieces of cultures that one wouldn’t normally get.
I always wanted to create a curated experience that sheds light on the everyday beauty of a culture. With a focus on art, design, and quality craftsmanship, Boxwood small group tours took shape to be able to share unforgettable and irreplaceable memories.
Let’s go back ten years ago…a younger version of myself, eager to visit a country I felt to deeply entangled with. I came across a “group trip to France” that seemed just the thing for me: photography, antiquing, cooking, and site seeing.
I remember questioning myself: “Could I really go to France by myself? I won’t know anyone… I don’t even speak the language!“
When I learned there were only two spots left in the trip to central France, I considered it a sign and reserved my spot.
I was nervous and excited all at once. I hadn’t ever traveled alone before, and didn’t know what to expect. Little did I know that trip would change my life entirely and it’s one of the best things I’ve ever done for myself.
Since that first trip, I was determined to share this experience on a broader scale with as many people as possible. I truly believe it can be the basis for a life-changing experience allowing you to live in more alignment and infuse a new sense of purpose into your day-to-day.
What began as an idea to bring people together has become a beautiful point of connection for those interested in slow, meaningful travel throughout Europe, specifically France!
Featured by the Wall Street Journal and now having served hundreds of guests, it’s safe to say: our group trips to France are providing truly memorable experiences that people come to time and time again.
Did I ever think I’d add “local expert guide” to my life bingo card? Nope! But I am sure grateful that I find myself here – sharing my expertise and knowledge of European slow living with people from all walks of life!
Throughout my extensive travels throughout Europe, I have discovered some of the most incredible artisans, five-star boutique hotels (and Chateaus), brocantes and created a network of local friends to provide a completely immersive and unique experience in our group trips to France. And the best part? You can join me!
Boxwood Abroad group trips are all about slowing down and staying away from the major cities.
Instead, we travel like locals. Connecting with the wine makers of local vineyards, touring beautiful gardens, indulging in delectable food tours, of course a glass of wine in hand!
These experiences allow us to provide a deeper connection with the small group of like-minded travelers who join us on these incredible trips!
I truly believe group trips are the best way to reignite inspiration into your life. These tours inevitably bring together likeminded folks and allows you to meet people you may have never come across, but instantly feel connected to due to common interests.
Additionally, this is also a wonderful way to find community while solo traveling, I love taking small group tours or joining in group trips whenever I travel. In fact, I’ve made some wonderful friends this way!
If you find yourself here, searching, bienvenue! I’m so glad the internet has placed you here. Is this your sign?
Group Trips to France | The Best Luxury Travel
I have always been inspired by my French roots, after all, it’s the foundation of the Boxwood Avenue brand! France has always been, and will always feel like home.
As a lifestyle influencer, blogger, and interior designer my passion for design has grown and evolved over the years. The foundation of that passion has always been an appreciation for the luxury in simplicity, incorporating old world European inspired living in modern times, and translating that through spaces that allow people to live their lives fully and intentionally.
I spent the previous 10 years living on a small cattle ranch in Northern California in a town of 99. Living on the ranch forced me to slow down and become present in my everyday existence. This beautiful lesson shifted my mindset to what has now become the Boxwood ethos: “you don’t need more, you need meaningful“.
After that first trip, I started traveling to France regularly.
I imagined a life and business where I would be able to share the beauty of France with anyone who already appreciated the essence of Boxwood Avenue. I fell in love with the Mediterranean Sea, the darling centre of town in each village, the walking holidays, and the je ne sais quoi of Provençial way of living.
Slow living in France perfectly encapsulates what Boxwood Avenue stands for and my mission became creating an immersive experience that is representative of every day living in France with unique cultural experiences that you normally wouldn’t be able to participate in should you travel there alone – think meeting local artisans and witnessing their craft, creating art of your own, and learning about the little things they never mentioned in our history books!
This is where Boxwood Abroad was born.
Boxwood Abroad: What to Expect
Boxwood Abroad group trip itineraries vary based on our guest’s particular interests.
Each trip is tailored to fit the lifestyle of our guests. With our expertise, we have many options to choose from, leaving our guests with a completely customized experience.
At Boxwood Avenue, we are lovers of timeless luxury and meaningful travel and our itineraries are reflective of such.
During our four-day retreats we visit local artisan workshops to learn local crafts and spend time in the kitchen with local chefs to glean authentic culinary skills of the region. This is one of my favorite activities because it’s something you can bring home to share with friends and family, there’s nothing like cooking from the heart!
It wouldn’t be a complete trip to France without bread, cheese, and wine! I feel lucky to have gotten to personally know many wine makers of the regions we travel in and love getting to share these more boutique experiences that would otherwise be undiscoverable with curated wine tastings.
These salt-of-the-earth experience result in such a large impact! One of benefits of these friendships, is that our favorite driver is quite the history buff and an expert local guide, giving our group trips even more insight into the layers of the French culture.
If you can imagine: a typical day starts with an authentic French breakfast (full of cheese and cold cuts) on the terrace of our private chateau in Provence. Then, it’s off for some antiquing at an antiques dealer home in a historic city, followed by wine tasting in a secret garden.
We work closely with local artisans and who have extensive knowledge of the area, its history, art and design – all of our favorite things! In my opinion, its the best way to experience living in France without having to actually buy a chateau – which doesn’t sound bad either!
Wandering the narrow streets of small Provincial towns is one of my favorite past times. Just ask our guests…it’s their favorite too!
Experiencing Slow Living in France Through Chloe’s Expertise
Slow travel is a natural extension of slow living and provides a truly restorative vacation. Our day tours throughout France prioritize connection with the local culture through personalized experiences with artisans and culinary experiences that are centered around seasonal produce and local fares. All good things!
Over the years, I have had the great opportunity to become friends with many local people in the areas we visit and am grateful to be able to peel back the curtain so to speak to allow a closer look at daily life in the areas we visit.
Naturally, we have gravitated toward experiences that highlight intentional living, such as painting, crafting, cooking, and wine tasting. Rather than simply touring these parts, we dive in and experience what it is like to live in the area.
Whether this is your first visit to France or your 100th, you will leave feeling inspired and invigorated!
Special Touches: Local Markets and Unforgettable Experiences
The village markets are one of the most special experiences in Europe; the “marché” in the south of France are something to be marveled!
These markets are truly a part of essential living in France: think local food, organic produce, and artisan wares!
You will find that village locals visit their weekly market to stock up on groceries, spices, and necessities. It’s quintessential European living! You’ll find fresh produce, local cheese, French wine, baked goods, roasted chicken and suasion, bread, savon de Marseille, and a multitude of treasures and trinkets!
Markets are held in the morning time, wrapping up around 1 o’clock, just in time to settle into a cafe to people watch with a glass of cool rose. Ice cubes acceptable on a hot day!
On our group trips we visit multiple markets such as Gordes, Lourmarin, and St. Remy (to name a few). The markets at the base of the beautiful mountain ranges offer a glimpse into the world of the Provençial people.
Exploring the French Countryside, Historic Sites, and Cultural Gems
France is one of the most beautiful countries in the world, and its past is something to be marveled. You will see the years of history before you eyes, and I can personally attest, it will change your life!
The first time I saw the beauty of St. Emilion, I teared up. There’s something so impactful about the history of France, specifically the impact of the French Revolution and WWII. The rich culture of the French people remains evident, and its no wonder we are all enamored with France!
Coming from the US, it’s amazing to see the history of the architecture, something we simply don’t see in the states. With my background as an interior designer, and many of our attendees interest in architecture, being surrounded by such beauty is incredibly inspiring.
Whether you visit the south of France and get in touch with your inner Picasso or Van Gogh, or visit the northern area where Monet’s gardens can be found, France is full of historical sites and cultural gems. A must see while visiting.
Finding Luxury in Simplicity with Chloe
By now you may be beginning to understand how deeply I believe in intentional living, and when developing our trips, I place a large emphasis on the details. Just as in our design projects, the little details create the largest impact.
While scouting locations, I am always considering location, proximity, and of course – design! In France, you’ll (unfortunately) find that many French people do not appreciate the “charm” of older houses, and completely dismantle and renovate the historic stone houses in a terribly modern way.
This becomes evident when one goes in search of an airb&b, you’ll find nothing but Ikea kitchens and low profile furnishings – a crime when the country is chock full of incredible antiques!
That said, it’s imperative to me that our first class accommodations during the retreats maintain the original charm and lean more traditional, than modern.
The location of our retreats in France (and beyond) capture the magic of old town vibe and start with accommodations that lend to an inspirational setting. I hunt down authentic locations that have retained their history and charm through the decades – quirks and all!
This foundation allows us to honor the ethos of the trip: luxury in simplicity. I believe that travel is the most impactful way to broaden one’s insight into other cultures which creates life-changing experiences that are worth more than gold.
Through cuisine, design, history, art, architecture, and way of living – we can understand that there is so much more to life than our to-do lists and worries.
I remember meeting a couple at a local restaurant in Gordes, France. The next day, I was enjoying lunch at their home outside of Avignon, learning about their life story. Another time I met a wine maker at the Lourmarin market, whose winery I later visited and enjoyed spending hours talking with.
These experiences open my eyes to the fact that we are all humans, experiencing life, and can learn so much from one another. We are all on our own journey’s, yet connected. It’s quite beautiful.
Through our group trips, you will experience the local culture on a more intimate level. The connections I have made over the years provide a more impactful experience where you’ll learn the stories of the people, which I believe is what truly matters and is why we are drawn to traveling.
It’s not just about the five-star hotels, gourmet meals, or exclusive experiences…it’s about getting to know the people, their stories, and finding gratitude in our shared experiences.
In addition, I have watched countless life-long friendships blossom during our Boxwood Abroad retreats. We seem to draw a wonderful crowd of women ranging in ages from 25 to 75, all walks of life, yet form a lasting bond over a love of luxury in simplicity. If you’re worried “I’m too old!” “I’m too young!” or “But, I’m a solo traveler!”
Set your worries aside, we host guests from all walks of life and trust me, you’ll make amazing friendships (and have many laughs!).
The Boxwood Avenue Lifestyle: Inspiration and Slow Living
When I began Boxwood Avenue, it was because I felt there was a missing link between the realities of daily life and the true meaning of living.
It was when I moved from the city to the country that I saw just how meaningless the expectations of life seemed to be: buy this car, get this house, wear these clothes… None of it mattered. What did matter? The type of person you are, how you show up for your community, the impact you make on the world. Satisfaction in creating and a job well done.
My idea of luxury shifted, and with that, Boxwood Avenue was born. A place we could come together to celebrate living more meaningfully. With an appreciation for beauty in craftsmanship and tradition – heritage.
I have always been deeply influenced by “the old way of doing things”, be it through preserving, gardening, or interiors. Having the opportunity to travel through Europe, I see just how beautiful things once were, and I hate to say it, but they just don’t make em like they used to anymore!
Marble cobblestones, hand-chiseled stone, dovetail furniture, and the details…oh the details!
I have carefully crafted our group trips to honor these beautiful elements of the past because I think there’s something to celebrate about them.
There’s a reason people flock to monuments and museums like the Louvre Museum, Arc de Triomphe, and Eiffel Tower. There’s a reason people stop to take photos of old stone houses and pretty bridges…because they’re interesting and beautiful.
No matter your profession or passion, seeing these things first hand provides unmatched inspiration and sparks creativity! That is why we work with local artisans to carve out time to learn a craft: painting, ceramics, etc… these memories will last a lifetime.
Ready? Join Us in Europe!
Traveling through France, England, or Italy with Boxwood Abroad is a unique opportunity to connect with people and a much better way than booking a large group tour bus, river cruises, or small ship cruises. You are in good hands with Chloe through this small group travel experience of a lifetime!
Join us on a Boxwood Abroad retreat to immerse yourself in the French countryside. You’ll learn techniques from local artisans, shop the brocantes, taste the wine, eat the croissants, but more importantly, meet the people.
Our explorative trips will leave you feeling fulfilled and reignite a passion for living! Check our travel website for current ticket availability! Au revoir!
