Boxwood Abroad Group Trips to France | Luxury Travel Tours

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. 

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!