Healed by France: An Unexpected Trip Restored My Peace
When Real Estate Burnout Meets French Daydreams
In the fall of 2023, after a particularly grueling week in real estate, a particularly challenging client—let’s call him George—had us as his fifth listing agent, and his frustrations became our daily burden. I found myself questioning my career choices. Real estate can be emotionally taxing; clients often treat us as therapists during their most stressful life events, from divorces to financial hardships. That week, I was everyone’s sounding board, and it took a toll.
One evening, after an especially taxing day, I found myself scrolling through Instagram, seeking a mental escape. I stumbled upon a post from Château de Gudanes, a 14th-century château nestled in the French Pyrenees. I’d been following their restoration journey for years, captivated by their transformation of a once-dilapidated fortress into a stunning retreat. Owned now by an Australian family that had spent over a decade restoring it, that night, they announced new dates for their “Seven Starry Nights” experience in July 2024. Intrigued, I delved into their website, reading about cooking classes, antique shopping, restoration workshops, and elegant dinners. It felt like the escape I desperately needed.
However, the price tag was daunting. I hesitated, questioned the practicality, and tried to sleep it off. But the thought lingered. Around midnight, driven by a mix of exhaustion and yearning, I leaped. I booked the trip for two, not knowing who would accompany me, but certain I needed this escape.
The following morning brought a wave of panic. July is peak season in real estate. Who would I take? Could I afford this? But the deposit was paid, and there was no turning back. Over the next year, the anticipation of the trip became my beacon. It gave me something to look forward to amidst the daily grind.
Planning the Perfect Parisian Prelude
Paris. Just saying the word feels like sipping champagne under the stars. With a little help from Google Sheets, travel blogs, and my deep love for curated, meaningful travel, this trip was happening, and we were ecstatic.
But let’s rewind. Before I was sipping espresso near the Louvre or biking along the gardens of Versailles, I was deep in trip-planning mode — because if you know me, you know I don’t do things halfway. ✨✈️
It all started when I realized: If I’m going to do Paris, I’m going to do it right. As the trip approached, I decided to extend the adventure with a two-night stay in Paris on the front end and a night in Toulouse before heading to the château, as well as an extra night in Toulouse before our flight back home. My best friend of 19 years, Kim, had recently endured a personal tragedy, and I knew this trip could offer her some healing. She was the perfect companion for this journey filled with cooking, decorating, and floral arrangement classes.
We booked lay-flat seats on American Airlines—her first time flying first class, and a decision that proved fortuitous when I broke my tailbone just six days before departure. The comfort of those seats made the long flight manageable. There’s something about boarding early, reclining without guilt, and sipping wine before takeoff that makes the whole journey feel just as magical as the destination. So we did. We sipped champagne together, ate seabass, had cookies, slept, and watched movies, and were in absolute awe of how lucky and fortunate we were to be on such a spectacular journey…together.
Once the flights were secured, I dove into planning the perfect Parisian itinerary. I used everything from Pinterest boards to seasoned travel blogs and spreadsheets, mapping out train tickets, hotel transfers, and show reservations, much like a general organizer planning her dream campaign.
🛎️ A Chic Stay Near the Louvre: Hôtel Britannique
After combing through options, I booked Hôtel Britannique, a charming boutique hotel nestled in the heart of Paris, just steps from the Louvre and perfectly situated for a walking tour dreamer like myself. It was historic, clean, cozy, and gave us that true Paris feel without the cold grandeur of some larger hotels. One of the main draws is a precious balcony patio with a bistro table! So chic, so Parisian.
The staff? So warm and welcoming. The location? Chef’s kiss. It truly became our little haven between outings.
Our whirlwind two days in Paris included (in addition to very little sleep):
- The Louvre: Pre-booked tickets allowed us to marvel at masterpieces without the long lines.
- Moulin Rouge: A late-night show filled with dazzling performances and an included bottle of champagne.
- Late night aperitif: Banana Café; The lively LGBTQ+ venue was intimate, unforgettable, and full of joy.
- Versailles: A guided tour of the opulent palace, followed by a bike ride through Marie Antoinette’s estate and gardens.
- Dining: From cozy cafés serving French onion soup to a memorable dinner at La Girafe, offering stunning views of the Eiffel Tower adorned with Olympic rings.
**All tour tickets, train tickets, and show tickets we booked well in advance. Things book up quickly so do not wait until the last minute. This ensures you have the best spots possible at the places and times you prefer.
☕ Coffee Near the Louvre
One of my favorite slow moments was a casual morning stop at a darling coffee shop just around the corner from the Louvre. Cafe Palais Royal. You know the type — exposed brick, buttery croissants, the smell of espresso swirling in the air, and locals laughing over their tiny cups like something out of a movie. It wasn’t Instagrammed. It wasn’t planned. It was perfect. A little Mona Lisa, Napoleon, and some delicious Bailey’s & Coffee with home-made whipped cream and our first REAL croissant (“kwah-sahn” lol)
🎭 Cabaret Nights: Moulin Rouge & Crazy Horse
I wanted a blend of classic and modern — so naturally, I booked us seats at Moulin Rouge. On a previous trip to Paris, my friends and I had enjoyed the show at Crazy Horse. Both are spectacular and a must-see when traveling to Paris.
Moulin Rouge was bold, nostalgic, and decadent. Red velvet, feathers, and high kicks galore — the show didn’t disappoint. We enjoyed the late 11:30 show (without dinner) and a complimentary bottle of champagne. After being seated for a few moments, we were escorted to the front table just next to the stage, so we definitely had some of the best seats in the house! Meanwhile, Crazy Horse was sensual, artistic, and beautifully lit — more avant-garde but deeply mesmerizing. Each one made us feel like we’d stepped into a slice of Parisian nightlife history, and they were so worth the tickets.
I can’t forget to mention Kim’s absolute favorite bite of the trip — the pizza we devoured just before the Moulin Rouge show! She still insists it’s the best pizza she’s ever had. If you find yourself in a time crunch before curtain call, do yourself a favor and pop into Pizzeria La Scuderia Mulino. Quick, flavorful, and totally worth it! 🍕
A Surprise Addition to Our Parisian Adventure 🇫🇷✈️
Oh! I nearly forgot to mention — but how could I? At the very last minute, one of our dearest friends from Wichita, Ryan, decided to join the trip. Life had been a bit bumpy for him too… a tough year, some heartbreak, and that familiar itch to step outside your comfort zone and learn from a new culture. ✨ He was craving clarity, connection, and—let’s be honest—a little Parisian mischief.
We were so excited to have him on board. Traveling with friends you love, especially those who understand your journey and are looking for their own spark of joy, is something so special. So after a fabulous, electric evening at the Moulin Rouge, we knew it was time to get Ryan a little more in his element.
That’s when we made our way to Banana Café — a cozy little spot tucked away, yet absolutely alive with energy. 💃🏳️🌈 It’s known for catering to men who love men, but from what we experienced that night, everyone is welcome and celebrated. The crowd was a kaleidoscope of joyful, stylish, dancing souls. It was loud, it was tiny, it was absolutely unforgettable. The kind of place where you don’t just people-watch—you join the party.
Even if Banana Café wasn’t on our original itinerary (hey, the best things rarely are!), it ended up being one of those serendipitous Paris moments that stays with you. One more reminder that this trip wasn’t just about sightseeing—it was about healing, connection, laughter, and saying yes to life in every form it showed up. 🍌💛
🚴 Versailles: Biking, Beauty, and Lunch by the Water
After a whirlwind first day in Paris — landing that morning, exploring the Louvre, sipping late-night apéritifs at Banana Café, and catching the dazzling Moulin Rouge show — we somehow popped out of bed with a surprising amount of energy. Maybe it was the delicious 4 a.m. burgers we Ubered into the hotel from Smash City 🤭, but by 9:30 a.m., we were dressed, caffeinated, and ready for our group tour of Versailles.
Versailles easily ranks as one of the most magical and unforgettable experiences of our entire Paris trip. We had booked a guided walking and biking tour through City Experiences (around $110 per person), and from the moment we arrived, it felt like stepping straight into a dream. The crisp air, the tree-lined boulevards, and the glimpses of those iconic gilded gates were somehow even more breathtaking in person.
Despite my broken tailbone — something I conveniently chose not to mention to my friends — I was determined not to miss a moment. We hopped on our bikes and set off to explore the palace’s sprawling grounds, pedaling all the way out to Marie Antoinette’s charming Trianon estate, her idyllic gardens and farm, and King Louis’ Grand Trianon. I kept the pain to myself because I didn’t want anyone to suggest skipping the bikes — and truly, if you’re visiting Versailles, renting bikes is absolutely non-negotiable. If you’re feeling extra frisky (or slightly chaotic), rent a two-seater and grab your favorite co-adventurer to give it a whirl! 😄
About halfway through our ride, we took a break for lunch at La Terrasse de Petit Venise, a picturesque little spot nestled right beside the garden waters. We feasted on French onion soup, warm baguettes, and hands-down the most divine mozzarella, balsamic, and tomato salad I’ve ever tasted. It was one of those golden, joy-filled moments — swans gliding by, the breeze softly rustling the trees, and our laughter echoing through the air. A memory I’ll tuck away forever, wrapped in the magic of Versailles.
La Suite Rooftop Dinner
Later that evening, we capped off our day with an unforgettable dinner at La Suite, just on the rooftop of Girafe Paris, a rooftop gem we had discovered thanks to a last-minute TikTok deep dive (sometimes the algorithm really does know best 😉). We managed to snag a 10 PM reservation — a time our jet lag and packed itinerary didn’t mind one bit — and were promptly whisked up to a dreamy rooftop setting that offered a front-row seat to the Eiffel Tower, which happened to be dressed in its Olympic glory. Yes, the iconic tower was already adorned with the Olympic rings, just days ahead of the summer games kicking off in Paris.
The vibe? Impeccable. Think: gorgeous people, chic outfits, and nearly every table turning toward the tower to catch its sparkling light show. We joined right in, snapping photos and sipping what might just be the world’s most addictive passionfruit martinis (pretty sure we had more than one each… no regrets!). Dinner for the three of us came to around $430, including a couple of those divine cocktails apiece and a truly elevated meal. From the setting to the service to the Parisian glam, Girafe was a highlight we’ll be dreaming about for a long time.
🚆 Train Tickets & Itinerary Magic
To make our journey smooth, I booked train tickets in advance to Toulouse. I’m a planner at heart, and having all our routes lined up gave me the freedom to be spontaneous in the moments that mattered most. I recommend booking these 3 months in advance to ensure you get to select the most appropriate seating for your group. We chose the top of the double-decker with seats that faced one another. Tickets were around $175/pp, and we booked via SNCF Connect. Another amazing find that we utilized, which I hadn’t mentioned, was the private escort from the airplane terminal to our hotel. Carylis was a Godsend. This charge was around $300 total and helped us maneuver through customs without waiting in line, as well as drop us at our hotel doorsteps with ease. We also used their services on the last day in Paris to assist us in getting to our correct train and seats.
With a little bit of planning, I built our daily itinerary to balance the iconic and the quiet: museums, shops, gardens, and those little in-between slices of life that make Paris so intoxicating.
From walking along the Seine to watching boats glide by at sunset, every moment felt handpicked — because it was. 🥐🌿🗺️
💫 A Paris Chapter Worth Savoring
This trip was more than just a vacation — it was a soul refresh. A reward for seasons of hardship, healing, and hope. And it was only the beginning.
Stay tuned for Part Two, where I’ll take you deep into the French countryside — to the magical, otherworldly Château de Gudanes, a place that felt like it was pulled from the pages of a fairytale.
But for now, I’ll leave you with this:
If Paris is ever calling your name… answer. And when you do, plan it with heart, with curiosity, and with a little splash of sparkle. ✨
With Love & Passion for travel,
Tiffany
