The last few weeks have felt like a bit of a dream if I’m honest.
A life-affirming, truly uplifting (très corny but true) sunny adventure in one of my favourite parts of the world: the South of France with surprisingly good as gold kids and my unsurprising sweetheart of a husband.
I’ve felt like a lucky, lucky lady after quite the busy year.
Let the good times roll (again)!
A place that feels like a home from home for me, I’ve been lucky enough to holiday in Nice, Grasse, St Tropez, Monico and Cannes and the surrounding areas since my brother and I were small and now a chance to take my own babies, it proved the perfect pick for our recent vacay in the sun.
My bae!
The South of France always feels so shiny and inviting (pristine streets with Hermes on every corner will do that to a region)-but most importantly our trip was a window of time where we all got to truly chill out, eat our body weight in carbs and walk more than we have in years!
We totted up 12 miles one day! And in my wedges too! What do I win?!
Check us out ‘pink wall-posing’ in this insta-ready shot! So many pretty walls, so little time!
And hello carbies!
…Together, hand in hand, we explored cobbled back streets and new towns (Arles is a must-see for Roman architecture, the amphitheatre below is a beauty to behold), played in parks enveloped by postcard-pretty palm trees and swam in clear warm waters in the Cote d’Azur.
We couldn’t have asked for more!
So pour yourself a strong espresso or a glass of fizz (my fave) and let me show you what we got up to!
First off, huge thanks to Eurostar for inviting us to Avignon in the first place- and the Avignon Tourist Board for their generosity.
A fun super fast and relaxed journey on the speedy and oh-so comfortable Eurostar meant it felt more like 4 hours than 7 and the time honestly, flashed by.
As kids, my Dad usually would usually drive us to the South of France and the journey was very much part of the actual holiday. We’d stop off and stay in towns on our way and this mode of transport reminded me of those fun times, a chance for quality time as we sat together and took in the pretty countryside as we went.
The boys also got to play on their beloved computer games and watch their favourite shows making it a real pleasure to take the train to the South of France.
Before we knew it, we’d reached Avignon, an achingly beautiful Medieval city in Provence.
Tranquillity washed over us as we wandered the streets of this historic city for the first time and took in the sights. I joked to my husband I felt I was on a wellness retreat because you can’t help but feel relaxed there. The vacay vibe dial was set to ‘chilled’ and stayed that way throughout our trip.
Me, as chilled as can be!
…We spent 6 leisurely days in total in the truly picturesque Avignon, 5 by the stunning coast in Cannes and then finished up with 4 days in London town- making it one of our most favourite holidays to date!
We’d spend our days in Avignon roaming the sun-streamed streets, catching the sweet riverboat over to the banks of the River Rhone so we could picnic under the trees, before eating under the stars and fun at the fair and listening to buskers outside the town hall, by night.
He loved it honest (he had 3 goes)!
Magical is most definitely the word.
Look at this babe of a place! Avignon you stole my heart!
The gilded Virgin Mary Statue at Avignon Cathedral is spectacular.
Just look…I would move to this street tomorrow…
We adored the heart of Avignon: the historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site no less, where you’ll find the Palais des Papes (where seven successive popes took residence between 1309 and 1377, the cathedral, the famous bridge: the Pont d’Avignon and not far off, a ceiling of umbrellas above a street of quaint shops- a blogger’s dream or what?!
Now follow me as I take you round the Palace which moved me to tears.
And just look at the view from the top!
We often hung out in the square in Avignon too, for ice cream, a late lunch, to hit the playground in the shade and it doubled up as the perfect backdrop for a fun fashion shoot with the most vibrant of threads thanks to stunning Swedish brand Me&i.
Xander taking his shoes off! Standard!
These pictures not only capture bold and beautiful clothes and carefree moments but a bond between two brothers that was cemented this summer. Kids who finally got to understand one another and gel. It was pretty special to witness.
‘Cheese’!
My sweet boys!
And Mama wasn’t left out either, look at this 70’s style beaut of a dress!
After all that posing, we popped on the train to nearby Arles and grabbed some more shots in a park we picnicked in!
…Our sons were so well behaved this holiday my husband and I have questioned (several times) if, in fact, these were actually our kids.
Xander with two hats on, as you do!
There’s so much going on day to day, school and nursery to attend, homework to complete, food to eat, routines to follow, deadlines to meet, that holidays are a complete break from all of that, a chance to be a little freer, to feel that little bit more alive, to eat candy floss before bedtime and sleep in until 12……
And in between doing the tourist thang like hopping on to the bridge for snaps, strolling around the Palais and slurping ice cream in every flavour (dark choc for me), we got to breathe again, to release ourselves of the daily grind, we got to feel the sun on our cheeks and just ‘be’… eat watermelon on demand of course (without the worry of the mess)!
And eat watermelon on demand of course (without the worry of the mess)!
It was bliss.
After almost a week of joy in Avi- we took the TGV to Cannes on a 2 hour 20-minute journey that felt like minutes, the perfect place for sand and sea…
Cannes was all about the relaxation as with Avignon-I was there in the spring for the festival and felt excited to return, this time with babes in tow- and the days saw us divide our time between the pool and sea, mostly dining al fresco, with fair and playground visits too and a chance for the kids to make friends with others whilst lapping up that sweet sea air.
We hit the Old Town too and took shade in picturesque cafes and watched the world go by.
Cooling off, later in the day, we would head back to the Croisette at the bottom of the hill and fill up on our daily dose of vitamin sea!
Often staying until sunset as the magic hour unfolded.
Lush…Playgrounds at every turn and most, sea-facing too, Cannes couldn’t be more suited to all the family’s needs.
And the hotels in Cannes are world-renowned.
Je t’aime the Carlton!
#Cargoals can naturally, be found on every street corner. I can strap the kids to the roof right?!
After all that lusting after supercars we needed to refuel!And boy did we eat, huh boys (!) and here are foodie shots snapped throughout the holiday!
And boy did we eat this holiday, huh boys (!) Here are foodie shots snapped throughout!
We just had to pop into Ladurée my favourite patisserie in the world (you can also find them in Covent Garden) for a cake that was (almost) too pretty to eat!
All the yummy feels!
And here’s Cannes by night. It wasn’t dancing until dawn like my usual trips in the city but it was just as fun. Strolls down the Croisette and crepes most nights kept this mama and her brood content!
Miraculously I managed to fit into a UK size 8 skirt from Monoprix, my favourite store in the region I picked up there. And whilst size does not matter a dot it was a nice surprise as I can be so hard on myself, especially in the summer!
The bag was bought on my last trip to Cannes so had to have an airing!
So there you have it, a sweet, sweet holiday in the South of France. We’re so grateful for the memories, the special times we’ll treasure, not forgetting, arranging the troops (!) for pics below (insert crying with laughter emoji)!
Thanks to House of Fraser for my floral frock!
Et voila!
A mummy blogger’s life huh!
What a hol!
I love this Gif from our travels back!
Have you been to the South of France?
I’d love to read your experiences there in the comments.
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Ah man! I am in the middle of planning our France trip for September! Your photos have just made my insides burst into an excited flame!! Looks like your kids are having a ball! We are leaving our two eldest daughters behind as it is sooo expensive to fly from Australia! But our little bubba will be coming with! Can’t wait!
Aw you will have the BEST time, such a stunning part of the world! Let me know when you blog about it please!
We stay a little further along from here but visited Avignon for the day last year. It’s a beautiful town so typical of the area. I think I could live in the south of France given half a chance. Love all your photos, a wonderful looking holiday.
I feel the same, magical part of the world x
I really love the south of France and your photos show it off in spectacular fashion. Children learn so much from a trip abroad and I can see they loved all the fresh food. A great holiday xx
They really do, an amazing part of the world x
Sounds like a great holiday Vi, and the pictures are utterly stunning, the food looks mouth watering as well!. Guess it was great seeing Cannes when there is no festival and you feel no need for work. x
Aw thank you darling, so true, different vibe completely, so chilled! We have to have a girly holiday there one time or a family one with our babies xx
Absolutely beautiful photos of your family and this place!
Thanks so much x
So so lovely . Not been to the south of france since i was 20. A number of years. I have also never been on the Eurostar!
Oh you must, the Eurostar is a joy as is France, time to return x
So glad you had such a great time – I tend to take the south of France for granted, having lived there for 12 years and due to the fact we go back there so often to visit my mother-in-law who lives in Avignon and friends in the Nice region. Loved these pics as they took me back to various visits to both places over the years, and to my time being tour guide for friends or family when they came to stay 😉
Sophie x
Aw you are so lucky to have lived there and to feel so connected, it feels like a home from home for me too, a place I’ve holidayed in since I was a baby. We really must buy a holiday place out there, always so anxious to return! Lots of love darling x
You had me at the picture of bread & cakes. What a amazing holiday. I sadly have not been to the South of France but after seeing your pictures it’s on my places to visit list #BrilliantBlogPosts
Aw you will love it, such a beautiful part of the world x
I just love France and lived there for a year in college. You pictures are great and they really brought me back to my time there. Vive la France!
Woop, Vive la France indeed, bet you had the best time x
Wow! Wonderful pictures 🙂 Makes me wanna go there 😉 #BrilliantBlogPosts
Aw you must visit x
Your photos are so incredibly stunning. You’re making me want to jump on the Eurostar now! Roll on half term – very,very tempted to go even though my default is always long-haul. But you’ve sold me. And you all look so relaxed and chilled – just how it should be. xx
Go girl, you guys will have the BEST time I promise xx
Wow! Stunning photos of a beautiful place and family holiday. It’s so lovely making memories with your children – I will add this to my ever-growing list of places to visit with my little family. I’m glad you had a fab time and I LOVE your dresses! Xxx
Aw we had the most wonderful time, you guys will love it xx
I can’t believe you walked so far in wedoes, go girl! Such beautiful photographs. Looks like you had an amazing time. So wonderful to have quality family time together! #brillblogposts
So true, I’m either nuts or deserve a medal but they were so comfy too! Ha xx
Oh gosh what beautiful photos, I felt as though I was there with you! France is such a beautiful country, I spent most of my childhood holidays in France and we took my eldest to France when he was younger. I have to admit, the recent terrorist issues in France made me very reluctant to take the family over this year as we had discussed, but we are considering it for next year as you really can’t put your lives on hold for a small minority of people. I’m so glad you had an amazing time, thank you for hosting. #brilliantblogpost
Thanks lovely, it was a wonderful holiday and whilst that is worrying, it can happen anywhere. We spend a lot of time in London and that’s another target. You are right, you just have to live your life and not put it on hold xx
Wow, Those pictures are amazing! I’ve never been to France but its on my wish list. Looks like you had a wonderful time. Love the pictures of you and your boys … They are so cute 🙂
Thanks for sharing your trip with us #BrilliantBlogPosts
xxx
Thanks so much Sarah-Jane, sad we didn’t get a whole family photo but Peter was behind the camera a lot and he hates being in front! xxx
It looks amazing! Avignon is stunningly beautiful…that umbrella-covered street! I think next time I visit my Dad in Brittany we’ll have to make an extended trip and go to the South of France for a week. Well done on walking 12 miles in wedges – that’s almost a half marathon!
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com
Oh you must! Haha it is nearly a half marathon isn’t it! The shoes are miraculously OK too! xx
Wow, gorgeous pictures! I’ve only been to the south of France once many many years ago, it was pre-kids and hubby and I stayed in a static caravan on the coast just outside Nice. We were there for the Monaco Grand Prix (couldn’t afford to stay in Monaco itself so took the train in each day), and we stayed longer so we could explore Nice and Cannes. It’s such a beautiful place and I would definitely love to go back the one day. Looks like you had an amazing holiday.
#Brillblogposts
Oh wow sounds like so much fun, I’d love to attend the Grand Prix. I adore Monaco but we decided to stay in Cannes as we travelled back to Avignon on our last day. Thanks for your comment x
Not been to the South of France in many years, although I had relatives living not too far from the region you were in. It is indeed a wonderful place to visit for a holiday, even in winter. You have certainly made it look very appealing. Monoprix…that brings back some memories! Gotta love the Eurostar too. The only real way to travel deep into France. great post Vicki, you’ve captured the spirit of the region very well.
Just wonderful John, you must visit again soon and thank you for your kind words. Travelling by Eurostar was superb x
Ooooh so pretty!! (and the South of France ain’t bad either 😉 ) Looks like you guys had an AMAZING holiday. Totally agree with you about Avignon and Arles being awesome places to visit and Cannes is definitely on the wish list!! I was so pleasantly surprised at how much of a child friendly destination the South of France actually is. Or at least my kids really loved it! Would really recommend Aix for another time too, such a gorgeous place – they call it the Paris of the South of France and it so is!! Your comment about walking so much made me laugh – Hubby and I ate and drank loads whilst on holiday, weighed ourselves when we got back and we were actually lighter than when we went and we were like ‘eh?’ and then it dawned on us – all the walking!!! And yes, I would definitely give you a medal for doing 12 miles in wedges!! 🙂 Eb x
Yes I am certain I lost weight on holiday too! Your comment made me laugh too! Mwah! Must visit Aix next time, I am missing the SOF already! My feet weren’t even sore after! Amazing huh xx
wow wow wow this looks amazing. What a stunning place to visit and looks like you all had the most wonderful time. The photos are great and I love the painted building. Glad you had a great time xx
Thanks darling, such a super holiday xx
It’s so important to spend some chill out time, and so special to take your kids back to places that were special to you growing up. I have similar feelings about the South of France and we recently took our daughter back there. It was lovely! Glad you had a lovely break x #brillblogposts
Oh that’s so wonderful, really makes it extra special when you’ve got so many lovely memories from your own childhood in a place. Feel so much stronger from taking time out too xx
Looks like you had a fabulous holiday and the photos are stunning; We’re looking forward to Cannes in October!
Thank you lovely, husband took most of these and he’s a wonderful photographer. Cannes in October will be wonderful, still warm too. Have fun x
Absolutely gorgeous photos. This place looks idyllic. We live just on the border of France so I can’t wait to visit sometime! #brilliantblogposts
Oh you must, where are you based? So lucky xx
Fantastic photos. I’ve never been to France but you’ve sold it to me. Really must go.
#brillblogposts
Such beautiful shots. I’d heard about the Eurostar running direct to Avignon. It’s one of the places in France I’ve never visited, so I’ll have to go soon.
Oh you must, totally dreamy Nell x
Oh my goodness it looks flippin fantastic!! I think I could wander the streets of Avignon for an entire week based on your photos. I would never think to go to Cannes on a family holiday but it looks so relaxed and kiddie friendly. And wow, that food! Fabulous holiday that I now want to look into 🙂
You must, we had the best holiday darling x
12 miles in wedges? That’s beyond amazing!
I’ve never really considered going to the south of France before, but after reading this and seeing your photos, I MUST go. Avignon looks absolutely beautiful. #brillblogposts
Haha I know right! You must go, it is dreamy darling xx
It looks like you had such an amazing time (beautiful pictures by the way 🙂 ). I haven’t been to the South of France for years and my holiday was very different with lots of canoeing involved. I’m look though all of your pictures and thinking it’s about time I headed down there for another trip.
Oh wow, sounds amazing, look forward to reading about it all x
What an amazing way to capture your holiday. It all looks great. No wonder it’s tough getting back into everyday post-holiday life! So many of my favourite things – french beans, doughnuts (ate 6 in a row the night before baby no1 was born), pretty little side streets and kids fooling around!
Oh my gosh, amazing, donuts are the best huh! It was such a perfect holiday xx
Oh mon dieu! You make me feel like going back to France now! Even if where I am from is not that nice!!!! Your pics are gorgeous, you are always so smiley and your little boys look so Frenchies LOL #brillblogposts
Thanks so much, they do look French don’t they, they Daddy is part French xx
What a heady journey you just took us on! I’ve actually never had the urge to go to this region but oh my, now it’s on my must-do list! Looks like you all had an idyllic time and amazing the boys were so fab! Wish I could say the same about mine this summer! Thanks for real holiday envy!!!
It is absolutely stunning, you would love it x
I think it’s always special taking your children somewhere that was special to you as a child! The photography in this post is truly stunning! I’m rubbish at taking photos. I especially love that first cobbled street one, with the feet just disappearing into the distance. Exciting! #brillblogposts
P.S. I have a little one who has a thing about taking her shoes off too 😉
Aw thanks darling, husband took most although I took a few of the sea and palm tree ones, how funny that our kids like to take their shoes off! x
Wow, what a magnificent holiday you and your family had! I’ve been to many of the places you went, and with your luscious photos, I feel like I went again. Thank you so much for sharing all of those, and thank you for hosting!
PS I adore the candy floss photo with you and your son; it is so charming.
Aw that’s so lovely and thank you, a lot of candy floss was consumed on this trip! So lovely to take the kids to places I’ve been going since I was a child, you really get to relive your life through your little ones x