I’m 50!!!
France at 50: A Birthday Celebration I’ll Never Forget 🇫🇷✨
Turning 50 felt like a milestone worth celebrating in a truly meaningful way—and what better place than France, surrounded by great friends, unforgettable food, and timeless beauty?
Our journey began before we even took off. At the Delta Lounge, the staff surprised me with a birthday cake and a full rendition of Happy Birthday. As if that wasn’t enough, our Delta status worked its magic and we were upgraded to first class. Champagne before wheels up? Yes, please. It was already shaping up to be a special trip.
We landed in Paris on my actual birthday—September 11th—and checked into our hotel in Le Marais, one of my favorite neighborhoods in the city. Cobblestone streets, boutique shops, and effortless Parisian charm set the tone immediately.
Our first stop was Sainte-Chapelle. This was my third visit, and somehow it was just as breathtaking as the first. The stained glass never fails to stop me in my tracks. From there, we toured Notre-Dame Cathedral. Seeing it after the restoration was incredible—the stonework is so bright and clean now, almost glowing. It felt like witnessing history renewed.
After freshening up at the hotel, we headed out for a wonderful birthday dinner, soaking in the magic of Paris at night and feeling incredibly grateful to be celebrating with such an amazing group.
The next day was filled with art and elegance. We spent the morning at the Musée d’Orsay, one of my favorite museums in the world. Afterward, we wandered through Saint-Germain-des-Prés, stopping into cafés and shops, fully embracing the Parisian pace of life.
That evening, we dressed up and made our way to the Trocadéro for photos with the Eiffel Tower sparkling behind us; an iconic, unforgettable moment. From there, we boarded the Don Juan II, the world's only Michelin-starred dinner cruise. Cruising down the Seine, surrounded by the City of Lights, while enjoying an extraordinary meal was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. We ended the night back at the hotel with celebratory cocktails and lots of laughter.
Next, we headed south to the French Riviera, homebasing in Nice. Our first day was all about exploring—strolling the Promenade des Anglais, enjoying the sunshine, and settling into the relaxed coastal vibe.
The following day, we ventured to Monaco. Highlights included the Prince’s Palace of Monaco, the legendary Monte Carlo Casino, Princess Grace’s burial site, and a little (okay, a lot of) high-end window shopping.
One of my favorite days was spent in Èze, a medieval hill town straight out of a fairytale. The narrow stone streets, charming shops, and sweeping views of the countryside were absolutely magical.
On our last day in the Riviera, we slowed things down—sunbathing on the beach across from our hotel and savoring the Mediterranean breeze. That evening, we headed to Villefranche-sur-Mer for what may have been the best seafood dinner I’ve ever had. Fresh, simple, and perfectly prepared—an unforgettable meal in an unforgettable setting.
Our final stop was Avignon, a city rich with history and charm. We explored the Palais des Papes and wandered the quaint streets, soaking in the Provençal atmosphere.
The next day brought a full wine tour through Châteauneuf-du-Pape. We visited three wineries, tasted incredible wines, and enjoyed a beautiful lunch under the trees at Les Vergers des Papes—a setting so perfect it felt cinematic.
We spent one last leisurely day in Avignon before heading back to Paris and flying home, our hearts full and our cameras overflowing.
Turning 50 in France was more than a birthday—it was a celebration of friendship, love, life, and gratitude. Great friends, incredible food, unforgettable wine, breathtaking sights, and memories I’ll treasure forever. I couldn’t have imagined a better way to mark this milestone. 💛
What is Tranont Travel?
Tranont Travel gives you access to wholesale travel pricing—meaning you’re not paying the marked-up rates you see on most booking sites.
It’s a smarter way to travel, whether you’re planning a quick trip or something much bigger.
Want a FREE $100 Tranont Travel Savings Pass that can be used toward your next hotel stay, car rental, condo reservation, etc? For more information reach out to me here