Lately, I’ve been trying to limit my travel bug itch to destinations within the states, but for some reason, my mind keeps wandering across the pond, to France.
I don’t have any regrets about my time spent studying abroad in the UK – I squeezed in so much more than I ever imagined I could – but if I did, it would be that I didn’t hop the ferry over to France.
I spent some time in Dover, England, and on a clear day, while hiking the famous white cliffs, could literally see the coastline of Calais across the water. It felt so incredibly close, as if I could reach out and touch it. And yet, my travel priorities at the time took me to other lands, and I promised myself I’d visit France later.
Years later, my heart is practically screaming at me to go for it. My head, on the other hand, is politely requesting that I take more time to save, plan, and dream… and I guess I’ll listen.
I imagine just about any time of year would result in a lovely visit, but my daydreams always whisk me away to France in the springtime, when all is in bloom.
Paris would certainly be on the agenda. My, do I have a lengthy bucket list for that city!
I’ve also heard that Provence is magical in the spring and summer months. The blooms, the scents, the markets, the sun…
I became friends with the sweetest girl from Bordeaux while studying abroad, and she always encouraged me to visit that region, if nowhere else. She commented frequently on the quality of food and wine there, as well as the slower paced lifestyle the area had to offer.
Of course, the idea of spending a week in the French Riviera sounds like a dream, in addition to the many, many cities and villages I’ve not mentioned here.
I suppose I might need a year to explore the country, but I’d happily take a week or two to experience even the tiniest dose of France in the spring.
Sigh. One day, France. One day I’ll fulfill my promise to visit.
What cities or countries are you longing to visit lately?
xo, Aly