Last updated on November 19th, 2023 at 12:21 am
Two weeks ago we took a family trip to France to see some of our close friends that live there. They have lived there for years and have moved around France quite a bit so each visit we have had the pleasure of seeing a lot France. They have recently moved to a beautiful area outside of Cannes, where they used to live. Each year, we love visiting them and their two lovely little girls. Our kids are similar ages so this time was the first time they could properly run around and play, no longer babies.
I think there is something so amazing about having friends that live all over the world. (no I don’t mean for using them as holidays) but I love that my kids can make friends with kids from other countries and see their culture and how they live. I want my kids to know more about the world and see more of the world than I ever did. I am grateful we can do that for them as I know my own mother couldn’t. I love traveling with my kids and it’s the only thing I hope to always be able to do with them.
France is a beautiful country. I would absolutely love to live there even if it was for just a year and learn french. There are so many places I still want to visit both north and south in France. As the kids get older we can venture out a bit further and explore these places with our friends.
We had been desperate for some fun in the sun. After a really wet visit to Venice a few weeks ago I was even more desperate for it. The sun just makes people happier and I noticed right away how much it positively affected MM. She came alive in France completely. She had space to run around and be free in the sun with two other little girls. She was mesmerized by the whole experience. MM came home so much more grown up than I thought could happen in a long weekend away. I think the sun soaked into her bones and right to her very heart and she blossomed. 
Poor B wasn’t as lucky as MM in enjoying the sun and fun with the other kids as he came down with a horrible throat infection which made swallowing water or food almost impossible. We did our best to keep him comfortable and in the shade so he could recover. It was a good thing we were with close friends and not in a hotel. It allowed B to rest in his bedroom or on the sofa while we played outside.
Our friends gardens and home was absolutely stunning. I could have spend a whole week just snapping up the fruit trees, flowers, and various different sitting areas they had around the house. Inside was just as stunning. A true french villa. I love that we have been going to see our friends for years and we have saw known each other from when I first came to the UK and getting married and each time we visit it was either her or I pregnant or with another baby. This time we all were a family of four, complete. The kids played amazing together. MM was in awe of it all. I just know that it’s going to be a great visit every time we see them. They are such a fun, happy, spirited family. 
Let’s not forget it’s always amazing when your friends kids are so well behaved. I hope my two are like their two as they get older. I love that my friend, V and I are very similar in routines and how we raise our kids. She actually was the one that taught me about routines and making homemade purees when she had her first before I had B. And after spending a long weekend with her when her eldest was a baby I vouched I wanted to be a similar parent like she was. They both as a couple are amazing and it shows in their children. Not to mention their girls are so beautiful. 
It will be interesting to see these four each year and how they bond and get along. MM and their littlest A were like shadows to each other. It was the first time MM has ever bonded really with another child that wasn’t one of her brother’s friends. I need to get her in playgroups of her age so she can start making her own friends too as B had that chance when I took him. MM watched A like a hawk. How she was doing something, what she was doing, or eating and followed suit. It was so bittersweet to watch my baby act so grown up. And B when he could would come out and try to make the most of playtime with the kids and I think him and C would be great friends and I am sad they didn’t’ get to play more because he was so sick.
Family trips are about exploring and not necessarily having huge plans for big days out but just little adventures of seeing different parts of the world together. We loved walking up and down the little streets, finding little cafes and boutiques to poke our heads in. MM joined in with the french kids playing down a side street with some trains. The kids thought it was amazing that the ponds in the village had fish in them. I may have let them put their hands in it and have splash vest, why not we were on vacation. (poor fish). 
MM was a big Daddy’s girl on vacation. It was great to see them cuddling and bonding over our long weekend away. Daddy was loving the sun and exploring. I love that there is so much to see down every lane.
I couldn’t resist taking a photo in front of this door. ^
It was a lovely holiday minus an illness but we made the most of it. Had great wine and chats with our friends and made memories to last a lifetime. Stay tune for part two where we visit Cannes, France!
What a wonderful trip – i love how well travelled your children are, they always look so happy!
Thanks Alice. We are grateful we have so many friends that live in various countries so they can see the world and make lots of foreign friends too. lol 🙂
Looks like a fab holiday (apart from B being poorly 🙁
It is amazing the effect a bit of sun has and how much happier it makes everybody! x
I think so too. It felt great to soak up the vitamin D and the kids be running around so happy. B has mended well so all good now. lol
It looks like you had a lovely time – especially the children. I love how kids just make friends so easily and play together. Poor Bubba though! x
Thanks Donna. I know he always gets the short end of the stick bless him. But he is a trooper. We had a lot of fun.
Really impressed that you did so much hon, and with sick kids in tow! You got some gorgeous photos too. Looks like it was an amazing trip 🙂
Thank you hunny, yes I try to make them be troopers but still give them down time and snuggles when they needed it too. They were both troopers the whole time I will say that. If I thought they needed to go back and be in bed then we did that. It was a lovely trip. Wish my video had come out better.
Such a shame that B was ill but I’m glad you all had a lovely time. Exploring and wine sound like the perfect combination in my book. I know I’m the same as you about the sunshine – I always feel so much happier.
I know typical isn’t it? Venice it flooded for three days then France B was very ill for the four days we were there. My travel experience is cursed. Hope Spain in two weeks if smooth sailing. lol Sunshine always makes everyone and everything so much better. It’s like happy medicine.
Looks like a very special holiday Jenny! It’s all about the little adventures. So sorry to hear Bubba wasn’t very well -poor little man! #sharewithme
Oh yes it truly is and we love our traveling together, sick or not. lol B has a knack for always being ill while we are traveling it’s almost like we just assume it will happen and go with the flow still. Bubble boy we call him.
Your friends have a beautiful garden! And yes, it’s wonderful to have friends around the world so you can visit them. I’d love to go to France one day 🙂
it truly is and a great way to see more of the world. Thank you hunny. France is amazing you should definitely put it on your list.
What an amazing trip. The children look so happy playing together. Lovely pictures honey xx
Thanks Aby. It was so fun catching up with friends and their home was beautiful. The kids were playing so lovely together – it really was bittersweet.
What a fantastic trip! I’ve been loving all your instagram updates while you were there. That shot of all the kids on the sofa is really beautiful, and love your couples selfie too 🙂
We do NEED sun don’t we! I mean we REALLY NEED it. Happiness, friendship, easy going, all easier in the sunshine 😉
Oh thank you Steph. They were so cute all together even bubble boy with his illness gave us a few smiles here and there. I agree sunshine makes everything seem better and happier.
Beautiful photos and looks like you had a wonderful time apart from B being unwell. How lovely to be able to visit friends in France and have the children play together, experiencing a taste of life in a different country. We have friends who live in the south of France too and loved being able to visit them last year. Your photos made me want to go back! 🙂
Thank you Louise. We had a great time and I think when you stay with friends it’s easier to handle when something like illness strikes on holiday. If we all had been in a hotel it could have been the worse holiday ever but because he could sleep on the sofa while we all caught up with friends and enjoyed the sunshine outside it made it a lot better to handle. Our friends are getting used our son always being ill when we visit. It’s a curse.
I totally agree that family trips are about exploring and creating your own little adventures x
Oh they certainly are darling. Thank you. We are lucky to have so much family and close friends all over the world to explore to and with.
First of all let me tell you I love France! My hubby’s half French and we go to Provence every summer. How lucky are you to have friends to go and stay with?! And their house looks stunning. What a shame your boy came down ill, poor little thing. It’s not fair to be ill on holiday is it? Your pictures are so beautiful and are really making me look forward to our summer trip.
Oh thanks hun. That’s amazing you get to go to Provence every summer. We do the same with my expat family and spend summers in the states. lol But France is absolutely amazing and I would love to see more of it.
Such a shame Buba wasn’t very well but I’m glad he made the most of it. I just love France, it has to be one of my favourite places! It is so great to travel with you children and I love that they just get stuck in. MM really is looking so grown up now and that is such a beautiful picture of both of you. Lovely photos of them exploring the garden, it does look amazing and I’m glad you got to catch up with good friends too #sharewithme
Thanks Hayley so sweet of you to say. We could have just played out back in the garden with their kids and ours all vacation long. It was beautiful and the company was phenomenal. lol France is a beautiful place. I would love to see more of it when the kids get a little older.
I love France. It’s been way too long since I’ve been. Mostly I go for the cheese. Mmm…cheese….
Ahem- you’re such a talented photographer. What are you shooting with?
#sharewithme
Oh yes the cheese and wine is superb! That’s very sweet of you. These were taken with my iphone hahaha. As my dlsr is in the camera doctors. You can do some amazing things with iphones these days.
What a lovely post and pictures! I have never been to France before, and I’d love to go! #sharewithme
Thank you Sophie. We had such a great time. Family adventures are always the best memories.
Glad the weather was nice. My parents live in South West France and whilst it can be very hot it can also rain a lot #sharewithme
Oh how exciting to have your parents there to visit. That must be amazing. Yes we have been there before we its hit or miss.
The Mother says – What a lovely post and your photos are delightful. It looks like you had a fab time and I hope B is feeling better x #sharewithme
B is all better now thank you. Mother is right it was a lovely vacation. Its always great to have family adventures in another country as much as it is at home.
Wow! What a wonderful time you and your family had. France looks like a lovely country and your children are so lucky that they get to immerse themselves in its culture and surroundings. Sorry to hear about Bubba. I hope he’s feeling better, and perhaps has better luck on your next family get-away. Thank you for sharing these lovely photos, Jenny. It’s always such a treat to look at and read about your wonderful adventures with family. Have a lovely day!
Thank you so much for your lovely comment Maria. Yes we had a great time despite B’s illness. He is all better now, thank you. We can’t wait for our next trip and hoping weather and illness are good to us this time. Our luck hasn’t been great lately.
Amazing photos and looks like such a gorgeous trip! I’ve been to France and loved the South of France. Will definitely consider taking my family there 🙂 xx #sharewithme
The south of France definitely is a favorite place of mine. It was bittersweet watching the kids all play together too. I would love to know and teach them french one day. Thanks it was a beautiful trip.
Looks like an amazing time was had!
I adore France, I could live out the rest of my days there! Between Paris and Orléans.
Oh me too I keep asking Mr P can we please move there. It’s stunning place to be. Thanks.
Looks like you had a wonderful time going by all of your lovely photographs, I’d love to visit France, really should seen as it is only a boat trip away for me!! x #sharewithme
hahah I can’t imagine going on a boat to France but how fun you should totally do it. We love flying as it’s such a short flight and then you are there to enjoy it all. Thanks hun we really did make the most of it.
Oh, what a beautiful family! I used to holiday in the south of France and adore it. I’m sorry that your little on wasn’t well, what rotten timing. Linking up for the first time this week x
Thanks Hannah, just our luck. But it won’t be the last time we go it’s beautiful and we love seeing our friends and all the kids play together.
Looks like you had a wonderful time and the kids thoroughly enjoyed themselves despite the poorly one 🙁 We are off to France at the end of the month – not far across the channel but still in France hehe! It’ll be Zach’s first trip abroad 🙂 #sharewithme
Oh how exciting. Have fun hunny the weather should be amazing for you. Good luck with the road trip too. Bring lots of snacks and things to do. lol
sounds like you had a great time! We spend a lot of time in France as my husband is french. I’ve been to Cannes and absolutely love it but we usually go to the Atlantic coast near the border of Spain. For us is more about visiting family now but I think next time we go we will drive and make a little road trip of it! #sharewithme
Oh that’s fab. I would love to see more of it. we have been lucky as our friends have lived a few places north and south in France. We are waiting for the kids to get a little older than drive further around it too. Thanks hun.
I remember visiting family in France when I was 5 and it was great to see the different lifestyle my cousins had over there. It’s great to explore the world at a young age I think and kids remember the bits we don’t! #sharewithme
It’s a beautiful country isn’t it? We love having friends with kids there too so fun for the kids to all play together. It was just lovely. Can’t wait to go again.
Sounds like an amazing trip! I have always wanted to visit France, it looks absolutely gorgeous in your photos!
It’s really good prices to fly there too from the UK i was so surprised. We will be going more often I think as the kids get older and can do more road tripping too. Thanks hun.
Poor B! But how wonderful for MM – she looks like she is absolutely in her element! I long to visit France again – particularly the south. One of my best friends from university’s granddad had a house in Perpignan and I visited there with her in our early twenties.. actually some of my favourite holidays were in southern France! X
Oh yes you should go again and relive those great memories. We love France. I hope we get to go a lot more in the future see more of it.
Your trip to France looks fab Jenny, and I love your hair, always looks lovely! I’ve just had all mine cut but feel lost without it now… eek… Love those stripy shorts too! xx
Oh thank you my lovely that’s sweet thing to say. Me and my hair have had our ups and downs over the years but its finally at a place I am content with it. It can be very naughty and frizzy at times. I always cut all my hair off and try to grow it all back again. lol Thanks the stripey shorts are Boden. My first purchase from them but not my last. I love them now.
Fab trip and so sorry your little monkey was unwell. Kids can be a bit more resilient so hope he coped ok.. Sounds like a the making of your little girly. Making friends and running about in the sun is one of the best bits of holidays. The photos are just lovely xxx #sharewithme
Kids are amazing and can adapt and deal with so much more than we give them credit for, for sure. Thanks hun. It was a great family adventure with friends.
Looks like you all had a fantastic time, so nice to be able to explore the world together x
Thank you Louise, Yes I couldn’t agree more we are very grateful. It helps having friends and family to stay with and take away all those cost of hotels and driving around etc.
I love your photos. I have to say that the one with the three children standing in the shrub archway is amazing. It really captures the essence of childhood and that desire to explore.
It is such a shame your little one was unwell. #sharewithme
Thank you so much. I thought that when I saw them running through it. Its a little more blurry than I like but I wanted them to not know I was taking it. So funny watching them play together. B is all better and hopefully out of his system for our trip to Spain in two weeks.
I love the south of France! We always used to go to Antibes every year when I was growing up, and my parents still go to Biot every year. I loved looking at your photos, brings back a lot of lovely memories of that part of the world! x
Oh that is lovely that you have those memories of your childhood and I really hope my two have those type of memories going to France each year to see our friends too. Thank you so much, I usually take more but it was a quick weekend away to catch up with friends and see the sunshine.
Do you know, you’ve hit the nail on the head there – it’s about the little adventures not the big days out on holiday – I SO agree with that, my favourite part of like every day! I’m sorry to hear B was ill, that sucks. Hope he got better quick. The photos are lovely, it’s so nice to see kids play together. #sharewithme
Sabrina xx
Thanks hunny. Life isn’t about the big things it’s about the small things and I think they remember those more too. I am glad I can document it all here for them too. The kids were lovely all playing together.
How lucky to get to travel like that. There is so much more of the world I’d like to see, I love your photos, it looked a great weekend. Can’t wait to see more in part 2.
Thank you hunny. I am very grateful for it. It was a brilliant weekend with friends and family.
What a lovely little holiday and how gorgeous is your friend’s terrace and garden?! Such lovely photos 🙂 It’s so cute seeing how kids bond with another particular child isn’t It? My niece especially loves Lizzy at the moment. #sharewithme
Oh yes their house is absolutely stunning and true French style. I loved it. The kids played so well together. Wish we could have stayed a little longer so B could have got better and joined in more. Bless him.
Lovely photos, your friends garden looks gorgeous too! Shame about the illness, but lovely to see kids bonding together, I love it when my boy’s bond with other kids, it’s just very sweet to watch! 🙂 xx
Thank you Jenny. I wish we could have stayed longer so B could have got better and bonded more with the girls too. MM really came alive and grew up on that trip. It really is bittersweet to watch children playing together. Brings back great memories growing up for me.
I really do love the slow pace of life that the french live by. How much better than here?! Looks like your two munchkins loved it! Bar the illness of course. Looks like an amazing place too Jenny x
They really do live a slower pace don’t they especially for me as an American we live a very fast pace life even more than English so it’s great to just relax and take everything easy and slow. lol The two munchkins had a blast despite B’s illness. Thanks hun.
You have captured some gorgeous photographs, sounds like you all had a lovely time despite B being poorly. x
Yes we really did. Thank you so much.
Love the smiley faces in the photos! The place that you went too is chic and quirky!
I love little french towns that are quirky for sure. It makes for great exploring. We had a brilliant time with friends thank you.
Holidays are so restorative. We just came back from 5 days at Center Parcs and even that short break did wonders for us as a family.
x
Oh we love CP and hope you had a great time. Short breaks really do, do wonders for the family. I love all the memories it brings. Thank you.
Wow, looks like you had a lovely trip. I love exploring places- all the little lanes look lovely. I wish we had more friends abroad haha x
#sharewithme
The lanes were so tiny to drive on though I was very nervous but did ok in the end. Yes makes some friends next time you are abroad. lol It is definitely helpful in the traveling side of things. The kids played so amazing together.
Ah I am so sorry B was solely bless him, its lovely haven’t friends with similar parenting attitudes, it makes life so much more relaxed doesn’t it, and its wonderful how they all grow together xx
Yes I can’t wait to see how they all get on the next time we go and they are all out of the toddler stage pretty much and all in school age then. It will be intriguing. lol Thanks hun.
I shamefully have never been to France, I would love the visit at some point!
I think it’s so important for kids to experience different cultures and have first-hand exeperience and knowledge of the world.
Great posts and such amazing photos, you have a very photogenic family 🙂
Thank you so much. I agree and it’s great because its so cheap to fly to France from the UK and I love that I have the opportunity to take my kids as if we moved back to the USA I could never just hop to France for the weekend.
It looks like you had a wonderful time despite Bubba being poorly. You’re right about the sun, it really does make everyone happier.
Oh yes that lovely sunshine really does soak into our bones and makes us all better. I love the feeling of it on me. So do the kids. lol 🙂 thank you.
Awesome! Looks like a lovely trip. 🙂
Thank you hun it really was a lovely last minute trip to see friends.
Beautiful photos and family! Looks like an amazing time, thanks for sharing!
Thank you Jody so lovely of you to say.
I am totally jealous, I would love to have friends in far off places! How lovely to see all the children getting on so well!
Yes it really is a true blessing to have so many live abroad. We keep laughing asking other friends if they will move to places like Greece and Italy so we can visit there often too hahaha
Lucky kids! High five to you for being brave enough to travel across the world with your children.
Thank you. It isn’t as bad as you think as they are used to it. We are grateful we get the opportunities to travel to see family and friends for sure.
Glad you had a wonderful time and really good weather, despite B being poorly. Hope they’re feeling better now. #sharewithme
Yes we were lucky with the weather and nothing bad like Venice was. B really was a trooper on the trip so we still made some great memories.
What an amazing trip Jenny. You’ll remember it for years to come. Gorgeous photos too – and I especially love the shot of you with that door! XX
Oh yes we will and hoping to do it every year!!! Be great to see the kids bond each time. Thanks hunny.
Looks idyllic. I spent my uni year out in France and Belgium and loved every minute of it. Thanks for hosting. #sharewithme
Oh I would have loved that. We don’t do anything like that in uni. Jealous. I definitely want to live there for a year one day. Lol thanks.
What a shame B wasn’t well. But sounds like you had a fab time regardless! Handy place to have friends! X #shareWithMe
Oh yes it really is but we had a blast nevertheless. Thank you.
This looks and sounds like a lovely break away with your family and visiting friends. And such gorgeous photos. Sorry to here you little one was poorly but I hope he has fully recovered now. These things always seem to happen when we are on holiday but its great you were with friends #ShareWithMe xx
Oh yes they really do especially to us too. We had a lovely visit though.