Bonjour Reader,

I just got back from two weeks in France, and I am not exaggerating when I say I came home more excited about this country than I have been since I lived there for culinary school.

I landed in Paris, then headed off to Burgundy, and ended at a kind of speed-dating conference in Nice where I met dozens of partners. Some we already work with, some gave us their latest info on their offerings, and others I'm thrilled to be bringing into the fold. It was research and revelation at once, and I've been sitting with my notes ever since trying to figure out what to share with you.

Here's what I can't stop thinking about...

Burgundy & Its Stunning New Hotels

Burgundy has always been one of my favorite regions to recommend. Legendary vineyards, ancient abbeys, and a food culture that treats lunch as a sacred act. But there's a new reason to make the trip: Les Sources de Vougeot just opened, and it's the kind of property that you'll want to build an entire itinerary around. I was completely taken by the design, the nod to the building's history, and the amenities like this spa!

If Burgundy has been sitting in the back of your mind, this is the sign to stop waiting. And, of course, we have all sorts of perks we can pass on when you book with us!

New Paris Recommendations

Paris was a working stop for me, which is honestly my favorite way to experience it — slowly, purposefully, with a long list of things to verify in person. I was checking in on old favorites, doing property tours of hotels to determine which room is best at which hotel, and scoping out what's new, and as always, the city had plenty of both. I'm updating our France travel guides based on what I've found and will share them soon.

Côte d'Azur & Experiences Worth Seeking Out

This might be what I'm most excited to tell you about. I've been building relationships with a few new partners in the south of France who specialize in exactly the kind of experiences we love: hikes through the foothills of the Alps, cooking sessions in local villages, artisan workshop experiences, and itineraries genuinely shaped around you.

The Côte d'Azur has so much more depth than just beach time (though, of course, that should be on your agenda too!), and I feel like we truly have the right mix of partners to help you do just that.

France in the Off-Season (Trust Me on This)

One of the things we love to promote is visiting France outside of the height of summer. The Loire Valley at Christmas is genuinely magical. Fewer crowds, colder air, and a sense of atmosphere that July simply cannot match. Wine country in autumn has a quality of light that stops you mid-sentence. Spring in Côte d'Azur, when the weather is sunny, but the crowds aren't around. We're working on new itineraries built around these quieter windows, because I truly believe the best time to visit France is not July.

See our Best Places to Visit in France for more inspiration.

What this trip reminded me, more than anything, is that France is not one destination. It's dozens, each with its own rhythm and its own reason to return. My job, Salt & Wind's job, is to match the right version of a place with the right traveler at the right moment.

If you've been thinking about France, whether for this year or for 2027, please reach out. I have fresh eyes, new partners, and a lot of ideas I'm excited to share with you.