French La Vie Journeys

A Quick View of the Dates Available for 2025

 

The dates for next year are now set and open for booking:

May 6-13th, 2025 - One place available

 

May 20-27th, 2025 - Full

 

June 3-10th, 2025 - Two places available

 

September 9-16th, 2025 - FULL

 

September 23-30th, 2025 - Full

 

October 2-8, RST 2025 - Full

 

October 7-14th, 2025 -Full

 

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If you would like a personal experience in Provence or Paris, we can create a one-of-a-kind journey for you, too, whether it is the brocante, art, cooking, vintage clothing/textiles, or a little of everything that makes you happy. 

One to six persons.

Costs vary depending on your choices.

 

For more information about the French la Vie scroll down.

 

 

French la Vie 2025 Dates

 

The French la Vie believes that the best way to experience the heart of Provence is by exploring its picturesque towns and villages through the eyes of its people. That's why we curate intimate groups of no more than four guests and create a one-week itinerary around handpicked brocantes, stunning landscapes, and charming villages, allowing you to immerse yourself in the Provencal lifestyle.

 

 

During your stay, we'll have ripe occasions to connect with antique dealers and visit markets and brocantes. There are so many of them you will lose count! We will visit at least 19 of them, the best of the best. We will take a peek into my antique/brocante friends' homes, who generously invite us into their world, where you can see how they created their homes with their antique finds, share a meal with them, and, of course, we will visit various antique dealers' spaces, and each one will tempt you with their collections. We aim to fill your senses with delicious moments that will fill you with joy, longing, and more to carry the experience for years.

 

 

 

 The French la Vie offers a unique voyage of experiencing Provence with someone who has lived in and loved the area for over thirty-five years and who is happy to share what they have come to know as graceful and heartfelt. 

 

 

 

The dates for 2025:

 

May 6-13th, 2025 - Two places available

 

May 20-27th, 2025 - Full

 

June 3-10th, 2025 - Two places available

 

September 9-16th, 2025 - Full

 

September 23-30th, 2025 - Full

 

October 2-8, RST 2025 - Full

 

October 7-14th, 2025 -Full

 

***

If you would like a personal experience in Provence or Paris, we can create a one-of-a-kind journey for you, too, whether it is the brocante, art, cooking, vintage clothing/textiles, or a little of everything that makes you happy. 

One to six persons.

Costs vary depending on your choices.

 

***

 

 

 

4.000 Euros (Single room shared bath)

 

The cost of our one-week journey includes:

• Seven nights accommodation with shared bathrooms in my home.

• Transportation: We arrange a group transfer from Marseille on the first day at 11 am and a return transfer to Marseille airport, hotel, or train station (arrival at the airport at 9 am).  And all transportation during the French la Vie week (in a minivan)

• All meals: French breakfast and seven lunches and dinners. We will do a mix of charming restaurants, picnics, and hosted meals at my friend's homes, with drinks included.

• My services include being a bilingual guide for all brocantes, flea markets, and planned activities. 

• Packing material is provided in advance for a fee, a detailed guidance on how to send your treasures home, whether by mail, plane, or container.

• We will visit places in Marseille, Aix en Provence, Lourmarin, Cotignac, Carpentras, Isle sur la Sorgue, and other delightful villages.

When you sign up for your French la Vie week, a non-refundable 2.000 Euro deposit will secure your spot. The remaining amount is to be paid two months before the set date of your visit. Payment is accepted either by international bank transfer or through PayPal. (You must add a 4.0% service fee to cover PayPal’s service fee.)

 

 

If you have any questions or concerns, please email me at [email protected]

Thank you, and we hope to see you soon,

Corey and Chelsea

 

The Dates for 2024 French la Vie in Provence

 

 

Bonjour!

2024 dates for the French la Vie are here.

Four persons maximum:

 

April 9 to the 16th FULL

 

April 18th-25th FULL RST

 

May 7th -14th, FULL

 

May 21 to the 28th, FULL

 

September 17 to the 24th, FULL

 

October 3rd-10th FULL RST

 

October 15th-22nd FULL

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Welcome to seeing Provence through the lens of the brocante, where you can immerse yourself in the world of antiquing like never before. We explore private addresses that only a lucky few can go to and are invited to French people's homes to savor homemade meals, experience the real life of the French, and marvel at their curated homes of every style. Of course, antiquing in their homes is the bonus!

 

This retreat is truly off the beaten path, offering a one-of-a-kind experience that only a seasoned French resident like myself can provide. We'll visit places that are rarely or never accessible to the public, making for an exclusive and intimate shopping experience that you won't soon forget.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Whether you're a seasoned antique collector, buying for a shop, or just starting, this experience is ideal for anyone looking to explore the enchanting world of French antiques/brocante in Provence. 

 

The French la Vie starts at 1:00 on the first day and ends at 8 am on the last day:

 

Our all-inclusive package is designed to provide a stress-free and seamless experience throughout your stay in Provence. From the moment you arrive at the airport, we'll take care of everything, including transportation to and from my home, where you'll be staying for the duration of your trip.

You'll enjoy a range of culinary delights, from home-cooked meals to authentic French dining experiences at handpicked restaurants in the area. Your dining expenses are included in the package, ensuring you can savor the local cuisine without worrying about additional costs.

During our time in Provence, we'll explore the region with private transportation. I will also help with translation and negotiation, ensuring you get the best deals on the antiques that catch your eye. I'll also be able to provide guidance on sending your purchases home so you can relax and enjoy shopping without concern about logistics.

Please note that airfare and travel insurance are not included. Nor are packing material or posting purchases.

Single room / shared bathroom.

Join me for an unforgettable, all-inclusive experience in Provence, where you'll discover the beauty and charm of this enchanting region while indulging in your love of antiques.

Cost: 4,000 euros per person.

 

I appreciate your interest in the French la Vie retreat. Before securing your spot, please get in touch with me to confirm availability for the dates you want to attend.

To reserve your spot, a non-refundable deposit of €2000 is required. You can send the deposit through PayPal, either as a friend and family transfer or by adding a PayPal service fee.

The second payment installment is due one month before your scheduled arrival.

Please note that the deposit is non-refundable, so confirm your availability and travel plans before paying.

Thank you again for considering the French la Vie retreat,

Au bientôt

Corey

 

French la Vie 2023 Dates

 

Hello!

I am a Franco-American married to a Frenchman and have lived and breathed the French lifestyle and brocantes for over thirty years in Provence. 

I am passionate about old things and enjoy sharing my experience and connections with others. When you come along on a French la Vie, you will meet like-minded people who create with and collect antiques. We will be inspired by visiting private homes, shops, and studios in the Provençal countryside. I am meeting the French on their intimate, off-the-beaten-path to shop and dive deeper into the French lifestyle.

This truly is a one-of-a-kind journey.

 

 

 

 

French la Vie Brocante

Dates for 2023

Brocante adventures in Provence.

Four guests - maximum:

April 18-25th - FULL

May 3-10th - FULL

May 24th-31st - FULL

June 2nd--9th FULL

September 26th - October 3rd FULL

October 19th- October 26th FULL

 

 

 

 

Includes:

Eight days and seven nights

Private room shared bath.

In my home.

Includes to and from transport from Marseille.

It begins on the first day at 11 am and ends at 8 am on the last day.

All transport within our stay.

All breakfasts, cafe breaks, six lunches, six dinners, and drinks are included.

Two meals are not hosted.

Visits to private homes, studios, shops, and brocantes
At least 19 various addresses.

Guidance translations, negotiating,

And with packing and sending purchases home.

---

Does not include

Travel Insurance

Airfare

Health insurance

Nor packing materials or shipping costs.

 

 

 

Cost

4000 Euros non-refundable.

2000 Euros non-refundable deposit to secure your place in due in advance.

And the final 2000 euros non-refundable deposit a month before starting date if your arrival.

 

 

 

We will wander through villages, often on cobbled streets,

though we will not be climbing steep hills,

nor thousands of stone steps.

Nevertheless, you must be able to keep up with the group.

Please bring your smile and positive attitude to share with others.

 

 

 

We will stop by two Provençal markets that will fill your senses!

Color, fragrance, a landscape of texture and taste.

Honey, Lavender, Provencal tablecloths, Cigalles, Olives, Linens, Baskets, Wine, Cheeses...

 

 

 

Private Tailored Groups

If you would like to organize a private group, it is possible too.

No matter the size of your group. 

I can create a unique, tailored group for couples, a group of up to six, and larger groups,

I have teamed up with Red Shed Tours with their Provençal and Brittany travels.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

One must be in good physical shape and able to walk and carry their purchases on an average of 5000 steps daily. 

We will not be climbing steep hills,

nor thousands of stone steps.

Nevertheless, you must be able to keep up with the group.

Please bring your smile and positive attitude to share with others.

 

 

 

Sending your Treasures back Home

Whether your purchases are souvenirs filling your suitcase, boxes full of smalls, or home furnishings

We can help you manage to send your parcels back home. 

We have plenty of options at various price points depending on your needs.

We have connections for shipping boxes to containers.

Nothing is too big, too small, and impossible except sending the Eiffel Tower.

 

 

 

For more information or questions, don't hesitate to get in touch with me at:

[email protected]

And or follow me on

Instagram 

Facebook 

My personal blog 2005 -

FRENCH la Vie Dates for 2022

 

 

 FRENCH la Vie dates for 2022 and very soon 2023

One place remains open for 2022

The dates for the French la Vie 2022 filled quickly. There is one place that has come up.

We will have fun, and I bet you won’t want to go home.

xxx

The dates for the FRENCH la Vie 2022

I look forward to sharing the love of antiquing and more adventures with you! 

 

 

 

 

April 21st - 27th, 2022, FULL

May 24th - 31st, 2022, FULL

June 10-14th, 2022 FULL

September 6th - 13th, 2022, FULL

October 6-13th 2022, FULL

 

Dates for 2023 will be announced soon.

4000 Euros for one week in Provence includes:

Private room shared bath.

Breakfast and dinners included.

I am helping with packing purchases and arranging to post.

Transport to and from the airport and our travels within France.

2000 Euros non-refundable deposit to secure your place.

The final non-refundable payment is one month before arrival.

 

Dates for 2023 will be announced within the week.

 

 

 

For more information, email me at

[email protected] 

 

French la Vie Journeys

 

 

 

 

 

Join me on an unforgettable experience in Provence, where you will explore the world of artists, antique dealers, and makers celebrating art, history, and culture who will entice you to cultivate French-inspired beauty in your life. French la Vie goes into the heart and soul of France by rambling along the backroads to one-of-a-kind places, going to the brocantes (antique/flea markets) and private homes visit with creative makers who offer personal shopping of curated objects with a pace that invites you to feel the subtle magical elegance for which France is famous. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

French La Vie Journeys are for those who enjoy days filled with delicious discoveries as we traverse the Provençal landscape soaking our senses with local specialties, gathering inspiration, and listening to folklore.
What do you need to join us?
A desire to share beauty, and old treasure finds, mingle with locals, and experience friendship instantly, good walking shoes, comfortable clothes, and a bag to carry your "finds" home with you are a must.

 

 

 

 

 

 

We will discover France through different lenses, taking you to heart and soul of France, Aix en Provence, Cassis, Lourmarin... Baguettes, wine, cheese... Gilders, painters, basket weavers... Antique collectors, textiles, potters... Sharing stories, gathering memories, planting dreams.

 

 

 

 

Continental breakfasts are at home. Lunches are in small restaurants, one-of-a-kind places, picnics amongst the ruins, or private gardens. Aperitifs and some dinners are served at home in comfortable elegance.

 

 

 

 

There is richness in the everyday lifestyle of Provence.

Farm to table freshly picked and served, grapes, figs, almonds, olives... the multitude of cheeses and baguettes with conversation flowing as quickly as the wine, arms ready to pat on the back, laughter as music, and a generous table that welcomes anyone who pops in. Provence is laid back, with a vast landscape that runs to the sea, and let's not forget that painter's trekked here to capture the light, to share the story on canvas.

The French la Vie Journey dares you to come and explore your heart's desire.

 

 

 

 

 

The Cost:

Provence 

4000 Euros for the French la Vie's one-week journey includes transportation, lodging, most meals, and drinks.

Air transportation to and from France, personal expenses, and travel insurance are not included.

 

The Payment Plan:

A non-refundable 1000 Euros deposit is due upon registration. 

The remaining 2750 Euros non-refundable payment must be made two months before arrival.

Payment by international bank transfer or through Paypal where a 3.5% convenience fee needs to be applied.

A confirmation plus a questionnaire will be sent to you shortly after receiving your deposit.

  

The Lodging:

We will be staying in a four-hundred-year-old Maison de village home in Saint Zacharie at the base of Saint Baume mountain between Marseille and Aix en Provence. Each person will have a room with a shared bathroom. 

 

Cancellation Policy:

Suppose you need to cancel your trip to France and for the French la Vie Journey. In that case, your initial non-refundable deposit (500 Euros) will not be refunded. Other monies sent may be refunded if notice of cancellation is given six months before your French la Vie Journey date. After this date, any reasons for your cancelation on your part or due to your travel arrangements cannot be refunded. Do not hesitate to ask if you are unclear about the French la Vie's booking and cancellation policies.

  

Travel Arrangements:

We provided transport to and from the Marseille airport on the arrival date at 2:00 pm and the departure date at 9:00 am. Please arrange your flights accordingly.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask. If you are staying in Marseille the day(s) before or after the French la Vie Journey, I can provide hotels, restaurants, and things to see and do.

 

  Private Groups:

Please do not hesitate to ask if you would like to come for a week or longer, with a group of two to four people.