[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"blog-detail-2-weeks-touring-france-a-kathy-kuo-home-travel-diary":3,"blog-related-2-weeks-touring-france-a-kathy-kuo-home-travel-diary":30},{"id":4,"slug":5,"title":6,"subtitle":7,"bodyHtml":8,"heroImageUrl":9,"heroImageAlt":7,"authorName":10,"authorImageUrl":7,"publishedDt":11,"categories":12,"tags":15,"products":22,"inlineProducts":23,"seo":24},312,"2-weeks-touring-france-a-kathy-kuo-home-travel-diary","2 Weeks Touring France: A Kathy Kuo Home Travel Diary",null,"\u003Cdiv>\r\n\u003Cdiv>\r\n\u003Cdiv>\r\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\">\r\n\u003Cp style=\"text-align: left;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: opensans-regular;\">Friends of The Kuotes, I am excited to say that right now I am more inspired than ever. About a month ago, I was fortunate enough to travel with my family to \u003Ca href=\"https://www.kathykuohome.com/Styles/FrenchCountry?utm_source=social&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=france\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">France\u003C/a>. There, we toured the country's coastline and experienced some of the most beautiful architecture, \u003Ca href=\"https://www.kathykuohome.com/designservices?utm_source=social&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=france\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">interiors\u003C/a>, and landscapes. If you're familiar with \u003Ca href=\"http://www.kathykuohome.com\">KKH\u003C/a>, you know that our products are informed by my travels—whether it's a small mountainside village in Nepal or an antique market in \u003Ca href=\"https://www.kathykuohome.com/Styles/FrenchCountry?utm_source=social&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=france\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Paris\u003C/a>—and we piece together our curations so you can bring these inspired pieces into your home. \u003C/span>\u003C/p>\r\n\u003Cp style=\"text-align: left;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: opensans-regular;\">While in France, I took some time to write about my travels so I could share my adventures (and some tips!) with all of you. And don't worry, there are plenty of photos of Will and Maya along the way if you just want to skim for the pictures! Enjoy!\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\u003Chr />\r\n\r\n\u003Ch3>\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: opensans-regular;\"> First Stop: Trouville Sur-Mer\u003C/span>\u003C/h3>\r\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\">\r\n\u003Cdiv>\r\n\u003Cdiv>\r\n\r\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: opensans-regular;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: opensans-regular;\">Day one, we flew into \u003Ca href=\"https://www.kathykuohome.com/Styles/FrenchCountry?utm_source=social&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=france\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Paris\u003C/a>. The \"we\" here comprises my husband Scott, my two lovelies, Maya and William, and our nanny. As you may well know, it isn't a true family vacation unless something goes wrong just moments after your feet hit the red \u003Ca href=\"https://www.kathykuohome.com/Product/ProductList/rugs?utm_source=social&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=france\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">carpeting\u003C/a> of the Charles de Gaulle. Pro tip: When traveling internationally with kids, always consider what may happen when the \"Audi Q7\" you requested turns out to be the size of a miniature Smart Car and you're a party of five. Out goes the extra clothes, the stroller, and any notion you may have gathered from bloggers and \u003Ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/kathykuohome/?utm_source=social&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=france\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">instagrammers\u003C/a> that family vacations are picture perfect.\u003C/span>\u003C/span>\r\n\r\n\u003Chr />\r\n\r\n\u003C/div>\r\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\">\u003Cdiv class=\"row\"> \u003Cdiv class=\"col-lg-6\"> \u003Cimg class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-11900\" src=\"https://d307biz9bwtpmz.cloudfront.net/articles/content/France_1.jpg\" alt=\"France_1\" width=\"800\" height=\"1200\" /> \u003C/div> \u003Cdiv class=\"col-lg-6\"> \u003Cimg class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-11901\" src=\"https://d307biz9bwtpmz.cloudfront.net/articles/content/France_2.jpg\" alt=\"France_2\" width=\"800\" height=\"1200\" /> \u003C/div> \u003C/div>\u003C/div>\r\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: 10pt;\">\u003Cem>\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: opensans-regular;\">These half-timber houses were out of a storybook! \u003C/span>\u003C/em>\u003C/span>\u003C/div>\r\n\u003C/div>\r\n\u003Cdiv>\r\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\">\r\n\r\n\u003Chr />\r\n\r\n\u003C/div>\r\n\u003Cdiv>\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: opensans-regular;\">But if anyone is questioning whether or not the effort of traveling with kids is worth it, all apprehension vanishes as you're driving due south into Trouville Sur-Mer. For those unfamiliar, Trouville is a quaint fisherman's village in the Normandy region on the west coast of France. I was immediately enamored of the half-timbered \u003Ca href=\"https://www.kathykuohome.com/Product/ProdGroup/farmhouse-furniture?utm_source=social&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=france\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">farmhouses\u003C/a> and unique Normandy architecture I discovered here. We learned during our stay that the town was built to emphasize Normandy's \"traditional character\" as opposed to the \u003Cem>très chic \u003C/em>style of neighboring Deauville. In short, the town looks like a charming seaside postcard, complete with French-style Swiss chalets perched next to the beach. And to top it all off, the seafood is naturally abundant and O-M-G delicious.\u003C/span>\u003C/div>\r\n\u003Cdiv>\r\n\u003Cdiv>\r\n\r\n\u003Chr />\r\n\r\n\u003C/div>\r\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"> \u003Cdiv class=\"row\"> \u003Cdiv class=\"col-lg-6\"> \u003Cimg class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-11904\" src=\"https://d307biz9bwtpmz.cloudfront.net/articles/content/France_3.jpg\" alt=\"France_3\" width=\"800\" height=\"1200\" /> \u003C/div> \u003Cdiv class=\"col-lg-6\"> \u003Cimg class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-11905\" src=\"https://d307biz9bwtpmz.cloudfront.net/articles/content/France_4.jpg\" alt=\"France_4\" width=\"800\" height=\"1200\" /> \u003C/div> \u003C/div>\u003C/div>\r\n\u003C/div>\r\n\u003C/div>\r\n\u003C/div>\r\n\u003C/div>\r\n\u003C/div>\r\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\">\u003Cimg class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-11906\" src=\"https://d307biz9bwtpmz.cloudfront.net/articles/content/France_7.jpg\" alt=\"France_7\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" />\u003C/div>\r\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\">\r\n\r\n\u003Cdiv class=\"row\"> \u003Cdiv class=\"col-lg-6\"> \u003Cimg class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-11907\" src=\"https://d307biz9bwtpmz.cloudfront.net/articles/content/France_5.jpg\" alt=\"France_5\" width=\"800\" height=\"1200\" /> \u003C/div> \u003Cdiv class=\"col-lg-6\"> \u003Cimg class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-11908\" src=\"https://d307biz9bwtpmz.cloudfront.net/articles/content/France_6.jpg\" alt=\"France_6\" width=\"800\" height=\"1200\" /> \u003C/div> \u003C/div>\r\n\r\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: 10pt;\">\u003Cem>\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: opensans-regular;\">Maya loved all the time we spent on the beach, and I can't get over Will cruising Euro-style on his mini moped! So cute!\u003C/span>\u003C/em>\u003C/span>\r\n\r\n\u003Chr />\r\n\r\n\u003C/div>\r\n\u003Cdiv>\r\n\u003Cdiv>\r\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\">\r\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\">\r\n\u003Cdiv>\r\n\u003Cdiv>\r\n\u003Cdiv>\r\n\r\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: opensans-regular;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: opensans-regular;\">One question you'll get in Trouville is: Have you tried whelks? They're a type of sea snail, and we had them cooked au poivre. You're supposed to eat whelks with \"mayonnaise\" as the \u003Ca href=\"https://www.kathykuohome.com/Styles/FrenchCountry?utm_source=social&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=france\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">French\u003C/a> say—which was such a turn off for me as a New Yorker—but what they're NOT telling you is that by mayonnaise they actually mean a delicious \u003Cem>Dijonnaise. \u003C/em>Yes, that's a thing. And it's delicious. \u003C/span>\u003C/span>\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: opensans-regular;\">I decided I wanted to eat everything with Dijonnaise. French fries, potato chips, salad, and yes—snails au povire. Even William, my 2-year-old son, ate four whelks!\r\n\u003C/span>\r\n\r\n\u003Chr />\r\n\r\n\u003C/div>\r\n\u003C/div>\r\n\u003Cdiv>\r\n\u003Cblockquote>\r\n\u003Ch4 style=\"text-align: center;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: opensans-regular;\">\"In short, Trouville looks like a charming seaside postcard, complete with French-style Swiss chalets perched next to the beach. And to top it all off, the seafood is naturally abundant and O-M-G delicious.\"\u003C/span>\u003C/h4>\r\n\u003C/blockquote>\r\n\r\n\u003Chr />\r\n\r\n\u003Ch4 style=\"text-align: center;\">\u003C/h4>\r\n\u003Cfigure class=\"kkh-caption\">\u003Cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-12000\" src=\"https://d307biz9bwtpmz.cloudfront.net/articles/content/WhelkswithDD.jpg\" alt=\"Best brunch ever!\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1375\" /> \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: 10pt;\">\u003Cem>\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: opensans-regular;\">Best brunch ever!\u003C/span>\u003C/em>\u003C/span>\u003C/figure>\r\n\r\n\u003Chr />\r\n\r\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: opensans-regular;\">Before I finish writing about Trouville, I have to mention the BEST meal I had on the trip...if not in my life! Indulge yourself in a massive plateau de fruits de mer at Cap Oceane. These guys bring the maritime goodies in early in the morning, and by midday (and by midday I mean 10 am.), you're sipping Petit Chablis, shucking \u003Cspan lang=\"fr\">huîtres\u003C/span>, cracking crab claws, and chopping down on gambas bigger than your face! The highlight of any European trip for me, however, is to be able to experience white asparagus—which is a \u003Cem>must\u003C/em> if you see it on the menu or at the morning market. We had it with a simple Dijonnaise again (DUH), but it can be done with a Hollandaise or any other simple vinaigrette. Dessert was a simple \u003Cem>fraise à la crème fraîche \u003C/em>(strawberries and cream), which is the most elegant dessert one can serve. Why are strawberries this amazing impossible to find in the US???\u003C/span>\r\n\r\n\u003Chr />\r\n\r\n\u003C/div>\r\n\u003C/div>\r\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\">\r\n\r\n\u003Cdiv class=\"row\"> \u003Cdiv class=\"col-lg-6\">\r\n\r\n\u003Cfigure class=\"kkh-caption\">\u003Cimg class=\"wp-image-11913 size-full\" src=\"https://d307biz9bwtpmz.cloudfront.net/articles/content/France_8.jpg\" alt=\"France_8\" width=\"800\" height=\"1200\" /> \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: 10pt;\">\u003Cem>\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: opensans-regular;\">the BEST white asparagus I've had in my life \u003C/span>\u003C/em>\u003C/span>\u003C/figure>\r\n\r\n\u003C/div> \u003Cdiv class=\"col-lg-6\">\r\n\r\n\u003Cfigure class=\"kkh-caption\">\u003Cimg class=\"wp-image-11914 size-full\" src=\"https://d307biz9bwtpmz.cloudfront.net/articles/content/France_9.jpg\" alt=\"France_9\" width=\"800\" height=\"1200\" /> \u003Cem>\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: opensans-regular; font-size: 10pt;\">the strawberry game in Trouville is on point ??\u003C/span>\u003C/em>\u003C/figure>\r\n\r\n\u003C/div> \u003C/div>\r\n\r\n\u003C/div>\r\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\">\u003C/div>\r\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\">\r\n\r\n\u003Chr />\r\n\r\n\u003C/div>\r\n\u003Ch3 style=\"text-align: center;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: opensans-regular;\">Second Stop: Bayeux\u003C/span>\u003C/h3>\r\n\u003Ch3 style=\"text-align: center;\">\u003Cimg class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-11919\" src=\"https://d307biz9bwtpmz.cloudfront.net/articles/content/France_10.jpg\" alt=\"France_10\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" />\u003C/h3>\r\n\u003C/div>\r\n\u003C/div>\r\n\r\n\u003Chr />\r\n\u003Cp style=\"text-align: left;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: opensans-regular;\">Many bottles of rosé later, I found myself on my way to Bayeux (We got Maya to remember the name as \"Bye-You\"). The town is situated upon the Aure river, and it has a historic, medieval feel with its cobblestone streets, half-timbered houses, and towering cathedrals. Most notable, of course, is the famed Tapisserie de Bayeux. The incredible 68-meter, 11th-century tapestry depicts the 1066 invasion of England \u003C/span>\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: opensans-regular;\">by William, the Duke of Normandy. The long version of the story can be found \u003Ca href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bayeux_Tapestry\">here\u003C/a>, but in short: the family drama that led to the Hundred Year War between France and England resulted in one of the most beautiful tapestries known to man.\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\u003Chr />\r\n\u003Cp style=\"text-align: center;\">\u003Cdiv class=\"row\"> \u003Cdiv class=\"col-lg-6\"> \u003Cimg class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-11920\" src=\"https://d307biz9bwtpmz.cloudfront.net/articles/content/France_11.jpg\" alt=\"France_11\" width=\"800\" height=\"1200\" /> \u003C/div> \u003Cdiv class=\"col-lg-6\"> \u003Cimg class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-11921\" src=\"https://d307biz9bwtpmz.cloudfront.net/articles/content/France_12.jpg\" alt=\"France_12\" width=\"800\" height=\"1200\" /> \u003C/div> \u003C/div>\u003C/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\u003Chr />\r\n\u003Cp style=\"text-align: left;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: opensans-regular;\">If you take a look above, you'll see how the amount of detail and labor that went into its construction is unparalleled. Pro tip: Always get the audioguides for your kids as well as yourself... because if not, they'll want to take yours and you'll miss out! Maya's favorite scene in the tapestry was when the men took their pants off to push their viking-esque ships into the water, and then put their pants back on after they got into the boat. Apparently even in 1066, vanity was still a thing!\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\u003Chr />\r\n\r\n\u003Cfigure class=\"kkh-caption\">\u003Cimg class=\"wp-image-11922 size-full\" src=\"https://d307biz9bwtpmz.cloudfront.net/articles/content/Paris_13.jpg\" alt=\"France_13\" width=\"750\" height=\"1000\" /> \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: 10pt;\">\u003Cem>\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: opensans-regular;\">and with that, our second stop is complete!\u003C/span>\u003C/em>\u003C/span>\u003C/figure>\r\n\r\n\u003Cdiv>\r\n\r\n\u003Chr />\r\n\r\n\u003Ch3 style=\"text-align: center;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: opensans-regular;\">Third Stop: Omaha Beach\u003C/span>\u003C/h3>\r\n\u003Ch3 style=\"text-align: center;\">\u003Cimg class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-11925\" src=\"https://d307biz9bwtpmz.cloudfront.net/articles/content/France_14.jpg\" alt=\"France_14\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" />\u003C/h3>\r\n\u003Cimg class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-11991\" src=\"https://d307biz9bwtpmz.cloudfront.net/articles/content/IMG_0571.jpg\" alt=\"Omaha Beach\" width=\"1512\" height=\"2016\" />\r\n\r\n\u003C/div>\r\n\u003C/div>\r\n\u003Cdiv>\r\n\r\n\u003Chr />\r\n\u003Cp style=\"text-align: left;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: opensans-regular;\">Although it's a very emotional location, one of the most beautiful places we visited on our trip was Omaha Beach, perhaps better known as \"D-Day Beach,\" in Normandy. It's impossible to arrive here without getting a little overwhelmed as you revisit this turning point in history. We paid a visit to the Omaha beach bunkers and climbed the steep incline as our brave soldiers once did. It was an eerie and surreal moment. I tried to imagine what it must have felt like, seasick and beyond frightened, to trudge over the massive hill, bullets whizzing overhead, heart pounding. We paid our respects \u003C/span>\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: opensans-regular;\">to all those that have fallen for our freedom at the memorial and said a few prayers.\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\u003Chr />\r\n\u003Cp style=\"text-align: center;\">\u003Cdiv class=\"row\"> \u003Cdiv class=\"col-lg-6\"> \u003Cimg class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-11926\" src=\"https://d307biz9bwtpmz.cloudfront.net/articles/content/France_15.jpg\" alt=\"France_15\" width=\"800\" height=\"1200\" />\u003C/p>\r\n\u003Cp style=\"text-align: center;\"> \u003C/div> \u003Cdiv class=\"col-lg-6\"> \u003Cimg class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-11927\" src=\"https://d307biz9bwtpmz.cloudfront.net/articles/content/France_16.jpg\" alt=\"France_16\" width=\"800\" height=\"1200\" /> \u003C/div> \u003C/div>\u003C/p>\r\n\u003Cp style=\"text-align: left;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: opensans-regular;\">Perhaps the most surprising thing about Omaha beach is how vast and stunning it is. For such a violent and historic battle, the landscape is strikingly serene: \u003Ca href=\"https://www.kathykuohome.com/Product/ProductList/faux-florals?utm_source=social&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=france\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">gorgeous wild flowers\u003C/a> abundant alongside stretches of wide flat beach. In the distance, we watched as people trained for an upcoming triathlon, swimming against the current in the frigid water. A few casual horseback riders strolled by as we walked. The weather was perfect, and I felt so appreciative of my family. I felt at peace.\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\u003Chr />\r\n\r\n\u003Ch3 style=\"text-align: center;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: opensans-regular;\">Fourth Stop: Fromagerie Durand\u003C/span>\u003C/h3>\r\n\u003Ch3 style=\"text-align: center;\">\u003Cimg class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-11993\" src=\"https://d307biz9bwtpmz.cloudfront.net/articles/content/IMG_0831-e1501090184478.jpg\" alt=\"Fromagerie Durand\" width=\"1512\" height=\"2016\" />\u003C/h3>\r\n\u003Ch3 style=\"text-align: center;\">\u003Cimg class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-11928\" src=\"https://d307biz9bwtpmz.cloudfront.net/articles/content/France_18.jpg\" alt=\"France_18\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" />\u003C/h3>\r\n\u003Cp style=\"text-align: center;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: 10pt;\">\u003Cem>\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: opensans-regular;\">Scott and Maya taking in the pastoral views!\u003C/span>\u003C/em>\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\u003Chr />\r\n\u003Cp style=\"text-align: left;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: opensans-regular;\">If you rack your brain for some of your French 101 vocab, you may know that a fromagerie is where they make...you guessed it: cheese! Fromagerie Durand is a world-renowned farm in Camembert. Here we stopped by to say hello to the world's cutest French cows. We tasted the \u003Cem>freshest\u003C/em> 28-day cheese that had just finished ripening, and somehow we got Maya to agree that the stinkiest cheese is actually the most delicious! \u003C/span>\u003C/p>\r\n\u003Cp style=\"text-align: left;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: opensans-regular;\">Fun Fact: Depending on when you get your Camembert cheese, the taste could be completely different due to the different grasses the cows have been grazing on. The best cheeses are the ones ripened on spring grass, so the June cheeses that we tasted were the best of the year!\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\r\n\r\n\u003C/div>\r\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\">\r\n\r\n\u003Chr />\r\n\r\n\u003Cdiv class=\"row\"> \u003Cdiv class=\"col-lg-6\"> \u003Cimg class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-11929\" src=\"https://d307biz9bwtpmz.cloudfront.net/articles/content/France_17.jpg\" alt=\"France_17\" width=\"800\" height=\"1200\" /> \u003C/div> \u003Cdiv class=\"col-lg-6\"> \u003Cimg class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-11930\" src=\"https://d307biz9bwtpmz.cloudfront.net/articles/content/France_19.jpg\" alt=\"France_19\" width=\"800\" height=\"1200\" /> \u003C/div> \u003C/div>\r\n\r\n\u003C/div>\r\n\u003Cdiv>\r\n\r\n\u003Chr />\r\n\r\n\u003C/div>\r\n\u003C/div>\r\n\u003Cdiv>\r\n\u003Ch3 style=\"text-align: center;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: opensans-regular;\">Fifth Stop: Honfleur\u003C/span>\u003C/h3>\r\n\u003Ch3 style=\"text-align: center;\">\u003Cimg class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-11932\" src=\"https://d307biz9bwtpmz.cloudfront.net/articles/content/France_20.jpg\" alt=\"France_20\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" />\u003C/h3>\r\n\u003Cp style=\"text-align: center;\">\u003Cdiv class=\"row\"> \u003Cdiv class=\"col-lg-6\">\u003C/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\u003Cfigure class=\"kkh-caption\">\u003Cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-12041\" src=\"https://d307biz9bwtpmz.cloudfront.net/articles/content/France_Add.jpg\" alt=\"look at all of these cute nautical flags!\" width=\"800\" height=\"1200\" /> \u003Cem>\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: opensans-regular; font-size: 10pt;\">look at all of these cute nautical flags!\u003C/span>\u003C/em>\u003C/figure>\r\n\u003Cp style=\"text-align: center;\">\u003C/div> \u003Cdiv class=\"col-lg-6\">\u003C/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\u003Cfigure class=\"kkh-caption\">\u003Cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-12042\" src=\"https://d307biz9bwtpmz.cloudfront.net/articles/content/France_Add2.jpg\" alt=\"the sweetest little antique shop :)\" width=\"800\" height=\"1200\" /> \u003Cspan style=\"font-family: opensans-regular; font-size: 10pt;\">\u003Cem>the sweetest little antique shop :)\u003C/em>\u003C/span>\u003C/figure>\r\n\u003Cp style=\"text-align: center;\">\u003C/div> \u003C/div>\u003C/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\u003Cfigure class=\"kkh-caption\">\u003Cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-11989\" src=\"https://d307biz9bwtpmz.cloudfront.net/articles/content/IMG_0138.jpg\" alt=\"Scott William Honfleur\" width=\"3024\" height=\"4032\" /> \u003Cem>\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: opensans-regular; font-size: 10pt;\">#glacélife\u003C/span>\u003C/em>\u003C/figure>\r\n\r\n\u003Chr />\r\n\r\n\u003C/div>\r\n\u003C/div>\r\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: opensans-regular;\">If you're looking for the most gorgeous port town—look no further than Honfleur. If you've never been, it's like taking a step back in time to a bustling medieval trade port. We had to shop at their Saint James location to get all of our iconic blue and white striped tops and nautical-inspired foul weather gear. William loves Paddingon the Bear, so naturally he got a nautical yellow raincoat with wool lining and large buckles. Maya got a lamb that she named Mouton. We wrapped the day up with some glacé, crème moulée, and a carousel ride (By the way, almost every town on the coast has a gorgeous carousel. It's the perfect reprieve for the kids after a long day of walking).\u003C/span>\r\n\r\n\u003Chr />\r\n\u003Cp style=\"text-align: center;\">\u003Cdiv class=\"row\"> \u003Cdiv class=\"col-lg-6\">\u003C/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\u003Cfigure class=\"kkh-caption\">\u003Cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-12043\" src=\"https://d307biz9bwtpmz.cloudfront.net/articles/content/FranceAdd_2.jpg\" alt=\"House of Ham...straight to the point, just how I like it :-)\" width=\"800\" height=\"1200\" /> \u003Cem>\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: opensans-regular; font-size: 10pt;\">House of Ham...straight to the point, just how I like it :-)\u003C/span>\u003C/em>\u003C/figure>\r\n\u003Cp style=\"text-align: center;\">\u003C/div> \u003Cdiv class=\"col-lg-6\">\u003C/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\u003Cfigure class=\"kkh-caption\">\u003Cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-12044\" src=\"https://d307biz9bwtpmz.cloudfront.net/articles/content/FranceAdd_3.jpg\" alt=\"salt shop! Why don’t they have these in NYC??\" width=\"800\" height=\"1200\" /> \u003Cem>\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: opensans-regular; font-size: 10pt;\">salt shop! Why don’t they have these in NYC??\u003C/span>\u003C/em>\u003C/figure>\r\n\u003Cp style=\"text-align: center;\">\u003C/div> \u003C/div>\u003C/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\u003Chr />\r\n\u003Cp style=\"text-align: center;\">\u003C/p>\r\n\r\n\u003C/div>\r\n\u003Cdiv>\r\n\u003Cdiv>\r\n\u003Cdiv>\r\n\r\n\u003Cfigure class=\"kkh-caption\">\u003Cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-11998\" src=\"https://d307biz9bwtpmz.cloudfront.net/articles/content/IMG_0945.jpg\" alt=\"Caught in the act! Buying more salt!\" width=\"1512\" height=\"2016\" /> \u003Cem>\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: opensans-regular; font-size: 10pt;\">caught in the act! buying more salt!\u003C/span>\u003C/em>\u003C/figure>\r\n\r\n\u003Chr />\r\n\u003Cp style=\"text-align: center;\">\u003Cdiv class=\"row\"> \u003Cdiv class=\"col-lg-6\"> \u003Cimg class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-11933\" src=\"https://d307biz9bwtpmz.cloudfront.net/articles/content/France_21.jpg\" alt=\"France_21\" width=\"800\" height=\"1200\" /> \u003C/div> \u003Cdiv class=\"col-lg-6\"> \u003Cimg class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-11934\" src=\"https://d307biz9bwtpmz.cloudfront.net/articles/content/France_22.jpg\" alt=\"France_22\" width=\"800\" height=\"1200\" /> \u003C/div> \u003C/div>\u003C/p>\r\n\u003Cp style=\"text-align: center;\">\u003Cem>\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: opensans-regular; font-size: 10pt;\">time for some carousel fun!\u003C/span>\u003C/em>\u003C/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\u003Chr />\r\n\r\n\u003Ch3 style=\"text-align: center;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: opensans-regular;\">Sixth Stop: Deauville\u003C/span>\u003C/h3>\r\n\u003Cp style=\"text-align: center;\">\u003Cdiv class=\"row\"> \u003Cdiv class=\"col-lg-6\"> \u003Cimg class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-11938\" src=\"https://d307biz9bwtpmz.cloudfront.net/articles/content/France_23.jpg\" alt=\"France_23\" width=\"800\" height=\"1200\" /> \u003C/div> \u003Cdiv class=\"col-lg-6\"> \u003Cimg class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-11939\" src=\"https://d307biz9bwtpmz.cloudfront.net/articles/content/France_24.jpg\" alt=\"France_24\" width=\"800\" height=\"1200\" /> \u003C/div> \u003C/div>\u003C/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\u003Chr />\r\n\u003Cp style=\"text-align: left;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: opensans-regular;\">We decided to take a quick stop in Deauville, just a 5-minute drive across town from where we were staying in Trouville. Deauville is the \"grand chic\" sister to Trouville. It's a high society beach town with lockers reserved for celebrity clients like Orlando Bloom and Mick Jagger. If you have the chance to visit, it's such a vibrant and lively city to walk around and absorb. Make sure to check out the colorful cabanas that have been made famous by Deauville post cards and the hippodrome that was used for horse races at Hotel Normandy. The Normans are huge into horse racing: watching, bidding, and just as our kids have soccer camp, Norman kids have horse camp!  \u003C/span>\u003C/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\u003Chr />\r\n\r\n\u003Ch3 style=\"text-align: center;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: opensans-regular;\">Seventh Stop: Dinard\u003C/span>\u003C/h3>\r\n\u003Ch3 style=\"text-align: center;\">\u003Cimg class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-11942\" src=\"https://d307biz9bwtpmz.cloudfront.net/articles/content/France_25.jpg\" alt=\"France_25\" width=\"800\" height=\"1200\" />\u003C/h3>\r\n\r\n\u003Chr />\r\n\u003Cp style=\"text-align: left;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: opensans-regular;\">We started our drive to Dinard along the Brittany coast and spent three days in medieval France pretending to be pirates and jousters while we chomped on langoustines and Breton fares. \u003C/span>\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: opensans-regular;\">Along the way we realized that it would be a perfect opportunity to \"casually swing by\" Mt. St Michel just in time for the tour buses to leave. Albeit a short stop, the views driving into the town of Mt. St. Michel were breathtaking and well worth it.\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\u003Chr />\r\n\u003Cp style=\"text-align: center;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: opensans-regular;\">\u003Cdiv class=\"row\"> \u003Cdiv class=\"col-lg-6\">\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\u003Cfigure class=\"kkh-caption\">\u003Cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-12049\" src=\"https://d307biz9bwtpmz.cloudfront.net/articles/content/FranceAdd_5.jpg\" alt=\"such a darling little town!\" width=\"800\" height=\"1200\" /> \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: 10pt;\">\u003Cem>\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: opensans-regular;\">such a darling little town!\u003C/span>\u003C/em>\u003C/span>\u003C/figure>\r\n\u003Cp style=\"text-align: center;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: opensans-regular;\"> \u003C/div> \u003Cdiv class=\"col-lg-6\">\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\u003Cfigure class=\"kkh-caption\">\u003Cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-12050\" src=\"https://d307biz9bwtpmz.cloudfront.net/articles/content/franceadd_6.jpg\" alt=\"beautiful 4pm light while climbing up to the Abbey at Mont Saint-Michel\" width=\"800\" height=\"1200\" /> \u003Cem>\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: opensans-regular; font-size: 10pt;\">beautiful 4pm light while climbing up to the Abbey at Mont Saint-Michel\u003C/span>\u003C/em>\u003C/figure>\r\n\u003Cp style=\"text-align: center;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: opensans-regular;\"> \u003C/div> \u003C/div>\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\u003Chr />\r\n\r\n\u003Cfigure class=\"kkh-caption\">\u003Cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-12006\" src=\"https://d307biz9bwtpmz.cloudfront.net/articles/content/IMG_1670.jpg\" alt=\"Castelbrac Exterior from the bay\" width=\"1512\" height=\"2016\" /> \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: opensans-regular;\">\u003Cem>Castelbrac exterior from the bay\u003C/em>\u003C/span>\u003C/figure>\r\n\r\n\u003Chr />\r\n\u003Cp style=\"text-align: left;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: opensans-regular;\">We stayed at the lovely \u003Ca href=\"http://www.castelbrac.com/\">Castelbrac\u003C/a>, where Jean-Baptiste Charcot lived before he set sail to the South Pole and discovered penguins! This luxury resort is literally carved into the side of a mountain on the water, so you feel like a pirate seeking refuge in the gorgeous coast (aptly named the Côte d'Émeraude due to the sparkling emerald green reflection off the water's surface). Dinard is a well-heeled resort town that is walking distance to the beach, yet everyone happens to be in pressed white linen. How can you tell you're in a chic French resort town and NOT an American shore? No flip-flops.\r\n\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\r\n\r\n\u003C/div>\r\n\r\n\u003Chr />\r\n\u003Cp style=\"text-align: center;\">\u003Cdiv class=\"row\"> \u003Cdiv class=\"col-lg-6\"> \u003Cimg class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-11943\" src=\"https://d307biz9bwtpmz.cloudfront.net/articles/content/France_27.jpg\" alt=\"France_27\" width=\"800\" height=\"1200\" /> \u003C/div> \u003Cdiv class=\"col-lg-6\"> \u003Cimg class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-11944\" src=\"https://d307biz9bwtpmz.cloudfront.net/articles/content/France_29.jpg\" alt=\"France_29\" width=\"800\" height=\"1200\" /> \u003C/div> \u003C/div>\u003C/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\u003Cfigure class=\"kkh-caption\">\u003Cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-12003\" src=\"https://d307biz9bwtpmz.cloudfront.net/articles/content/IMG_1624.jpg\" alt=\"Maya kept begging me to let her drive this car!\" width=\"1512\" height=\"2016\" /> \u003Cem>\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: opensans-regular; font-size: 10pt;\">Maya kept begging me to let her drive this car!\u003C/span>\u003C/em>\u003C/figure>\r\n\r\n\u003C/div>\r\n\u003Cdiv>\r\n\r\n\u003Cfigure class=\"kkh-caption\">\u003Cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-12020\" src=\"https://d307biz9bwtpmz.cloudfront.net/articles/content/FullSizeRender2.jpg\" alt=\"William at Castelbrac\" width=\"1512\" height=\"2016\" /> \u003Cem>\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: opensans-regular; font-size: 10pt;\">William \"reppin' Brooklyn\" at Castelbrac :-)\u003C/span>\u003C/em>\u003C/figure>\r\n\r\n\u003C/div>\r\n\u003Cdiv>\r\n\r\n\u003Cfigure class=\"kkh-caption\">\u003Cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-12007\" src=\"https://d307biz9bwtpmz.cloudfront.net/articles/content/IMG_1674.jpg\" alt=\"View from Castelbrac\" width=\"1512\" height=\"2016\" /> \u003Cem>\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: opensans-regular; font-size: 10pt;\">château views while walking through Dinard, gazing at the incredible Côte d'Émeraude\u003Cspan style=\"text-align: center;\"> \u003C/span>\u003C/span>\u003C/em>\u003C/figure>\r\n\r\n\u003C/div>\r\n\r\n\u003Chr />\r\n\u003Cp style=\"text-align: center;\">\u003Cdiv class=\"row\"> \u003Cdiv class=\"col-lg-6\"> \u003Cimg class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-11945\" src=\"https://d307biz9bwtpmz.cloudfront.net/articles/content/France_28.jpg\" alt=\"France_28\" width=\"800\" height=\"1200\" /> \u003C/div> \u003Cdiv class=\"col-lg-6\"> \u003Cimg class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-11946\" src=\"https://d307biz9bwtpmz.cloudfront.net/articles/content/France_26.jpg\" alt=\"France_26\" width=\"800\" height=\"1200\" />\u003C/p>\r\n\u003Cp style=\"text-align: center;\">\u003C/div> \u003C/div>\u003C/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\u003Chr />\r\n\r\n\u003Cblockquote>\r\n\u003Ch4 style=\"text-align: center;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: opensans-regular;\">Bonus round: If you're in Dinard, stop off at nearby Dinan. It's a beyond charming storybook town that Disney modeled Belle's town after in \u003Cem>Beauty and the Beast. \u003C/em>\u003C/span>\u003C/h4>\r\n\u003C/blockquote>\r\n\r\n\u003Chr />\r\n\r\n\u003Cfigure class=\"kkh-caption\">\u003Cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-12008\" src=\"https://d307biz9bwtpmz.cloudfront.net/articles/content/IMG_2078.jpg\" alt=\"View from Dinard\" width=\"1512\" height=\"2016\" /> \u003Cem>\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: opensans-regular; font-size: 10pt;\">view from Dinard\u003C/span>\u003C/em>\u003C/figure>\r\n\r\n\u003Chr />\r\n\r\n\u003Ch3 style=\"text-align: center;\"> \u003Cspan style=\"font-family: opensans-regular;\">Eighth Stop: Loire Valley\u003C/span>\u003C/h3>\r\n\u003Ch3 style=\"text-align: center;\">\u003Cimg class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-11949\" src=\"https://d307biz9bwtpmz.cloudfront.net/articles/content/France_30.jpg\" alt=\"France_30\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" />\u003C/h3>\r\n\u003C/div>\r\n\u003Cdiv>\r\n\r\n\u003Chr />\r\n\r\n\u003C/div>\r\n\u003Cdiv>\r\n\u003Cdiv>\r\n\u003Cdiv>\r\n\u003Cdiv>\r\n\u003Cdiv>\r\n\u003Cdiv>\r\n\u003Cdiv>\r\n\r\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: opensans-regular;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: opensans-regular;\">Next, we drove to the home where we'd be staying for a few days. My jaw DROPPED driving through the long tree-lined driveway as it opened up to the pale blue stucco house. The owners of the house clearly knew a thing or two about interior design, and when we chatted, the owner mentioned that she loved \u003Ca href=\"http://www.kathykuohome.com\">Kathy Kuo Home\u003C/a>! A few things I learned about living in Central France: NEVER leave your shutters open during the day when it is hot out, unless you want your home to be cooked from the inside out! Having lived in Asia for years in my youth, I was completely transported back to the time when I had no AC, just a mini Hello Kitty water bottle next to my bed and fan to literally \"mist me\" through the night. Everyone here keeps the windows and shutters closed during the day time to keep out the harsh sun. Then at night, all shutters and windows are opened. Bats and moths do find a way to get in and, ultimately, out of your house by the end of the night. DEAL WITH IT. I learned that that's how it works, and sometimes it's best to just accept what you can't change!\u003C/span>\u003C/span>\r\n\r\n\u003Chr />\r\n\r\n\u003C/div>\r\n\u003C/div>\r\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"> \u003Cdiv class=\"row\"> \u003Cdiv class=\"col-lg-6\"> \u003Cimg class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-11950\" src=\"https://d307biz9bwtpmz.cloudfront.net/articles/content/France_31.jpg\" alt=\"France_31\" width=\"800\" height=\"1200\" />\u003C/div> \u003Cdiv class=\"col-lg-6\"> \u003Cimg class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-11951\" src=\"https://d307biz9bwtpmz.cloudfront.net/articles/content/France_32.jpg\" alt=\"France_32\" width=\"800\" height=\"1200\" />\u003C/div> \u003C/div>\u003C/div>\r\n\u003C/div>\r\n\u003C/div>\r\n\u003C/div>\r\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\">\u003Cdiv class=\"row\"> \u003Cdiv class=\"col-lg-4\"> \u003Cimg class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-11953\" src=\"https://d307biz9bwtpmz.cloudfront.net/articles/content/France_34.jpg\" alt=\"France_34\" width=\"800\" height=\"1200\" /> \u003C/div> \u003Cdiv class=\"col-lg-4\"> \u003Cimg class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-11954\" src=\"https://d307biz9bwtpmz.cloudfront.net/articles/content/France_35.jpg\" alt=\"France_35\" width=\"800\" height=\"1200\" /> \u003C/div> \u003Cdiv class=\"col-lg-4\"> \u003Cimg class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-11952\" src=\"https://d307biz9bwtpmz.cloudfront.net/articles/content/France_33.jpg\" alt=\"France_33\" width=\"800\" height=\"1200\" />\u003C/div>\r\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\">\u003C/div> \u003C/div>\u003C/div>\r\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\">\u003C/div>\r\n\r\n\u003Cfigure class=\"kkh-caption\">\u003Cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-12010\" src=\"https://d307biz9bwtpmz.cloudfront.net/articles/content/IMG_2339.jpg\" alt=\"Drive into La Restrie\" width=\"1512\" height=\"1748\" /> \u003Cspan style=\"font-family: opensans-regular; font-size: 10pt;\">\u003Cem>the driveway into La Restrie: our home away from home for the next 3 days!\u003C/em>\u003C/span>\u003C/figure>\r\n\r\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\">\u003C/div>\r\n\u003C/div>\r\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\">\r\n\r\n\u003Chr />\r\n\r\n\u003C/div>\r\n\u003Cblockquote>\r\n\u003Ch4 style=\"text-align: center;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: opensans-regular;\">My jaw DROPPED driving through the long tree-lined driveway as it opened up to the pale blue stucco house. The owners of the house clearly knew a thing or two about interior design, and when we chatted, the owner mentioned that she loved \u003Ca href=\"http://www.kathykuohome.com\">Kathy Kuo Home\u003C/a>!\u003C/span>\u003C/h4>\r\n\u003C/blockquote>\r\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\">\r\n\r\n\u003Chr />\r\n\r\n\u003Cdiv class=\"row\"> \u003Cdiv class=\"col-lg-6\"> \u003Cimg class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-12053\" src=\"https://d307biz9bwtpmz.cloudfront.net/articles/content/interior1.jpg\" alt=\"interior1\" width=\"800\" height=\"1200\" /> \u003C/div> \u003Cdiv class=\"col-lg-6\"> \u003Cimg class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-12054\" src=\"https://d307biz9bwtpmz.cloudfront.net/articles/content/inteiror_2.jpg\" alt=\"inteiror_2\" width=\"800\" height=\"1200\" /> \u003C/div> \u003C/div>\r\n\r\n\u003C/div>\r\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\">\r\n\r\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: opensans-regular; font-size: 10pt;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: opensans-regular; font-size: 10pt;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: opensans-regular; font-size: 10pt;\">\u003Cem>this dining room makes me want to get an oval table right now!\u003C/em>\u003C/span>\u003C/span>\u003C/span>\r\n\r\n\u003Chr />\r\n\r\n\u003C/div>\r\n\u003C/div>\r\n\u003Cdiv>\r\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\">\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n\u003Cfigure class=\"kkh-caption\">\u003Cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-12012\" src=\"https://d307biz9bwtpmz.cloudfront.net/articles/content/IMG_0669.jpg\" alt=\"Living Room at La Restrie\" width=\"1400\" height=\"1867\" /> \u003Cem>\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: opensans-regular; font-size: 10pt;\">living room at La Restrie\u003C/span>\u003C/em>\u003C/figure>\r\n\r\n\u003C/div>\r\n\r\n\u003Cfigure class=\"kkh-caption\">\u003Cimg class=\"wp-image-12015 size-full\" src=\"https://d307biz9bwtpmz.cloudfront.net/articles/content/IMG_0675.jpg\" alt=\"Upstairs Bedroom at La Restrie\" width=\"1512\" height=\"1904\" /> \u003Cem>\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: opensans-regular; font-size: 10pt;\">upstairs bedroom at La Restrie\u003C/span>\u003C/em>\u003C/figure>\r\n\r\n\u003C/div>\r\n\u003Cdiv>\r\n\r\n\u003Cfigure class=\"kkh-caption\">\u003Cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-12017\" src=\"https://d307biz9bwtpmz.cloudfront.net/articles/content/IMG_0695.jpg\" alt=\"La Restrie Kitchen\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1333\" /> \u003Cspan style=\"font-family: opensans-regular; font-size: 10pt;\">\u003Cem>La Restrie kitchen\u003C/em>\u003C/span>\u003C/figure>\r\n\r\n\u003Cdiv>\r\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\">\u003C/div>\r\n\u003Cdiv>\r\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\">\r\n\u003Cdiv>\r\n\u003Cdiv>\r\n\u003Cdiv>\r\n\u003Cdiv>\r\n\r\n\u003Cfigure class=\"kkh-caption\">\u003Cimg class=\"size-full wp-image-12018\" src=\"https://d307biz9bwtpmz.cloudfront.net/articles/content/IMG_0700.jpg\" alt=\"Colander Clock\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1658\" /> \u003Cem>\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: opensans-regular; font-size: 10pt;\">colander clock - so stinking cute!\u003C/span>\u003C/em>\u003C/figure>\r\n\r\n\u003Chr />\r\n\r\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: opensans-regular;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: opensans-regular;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: opensans-regular;\">Our first night was challenging since our house manager left the windows closed but the shutters OPEN, so it was a sauna when we got home that evening. When we opened the windows, I swear every bug from our house to Amboise came inside, and there was NOTHING I could do about it except have more wine! However as the night cooled, the house finally regulated, and we could enjoy the evening. Our kids also loved eating with no clothes on! I absolutely loved the look of this home, and I'm so excited to bring all of the inspiration I found here to \u003Ca href=\"https://www.kathykuohome.com/?utm_source=social&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=france\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Kathy Kuo Home!\u003C/a>\u003C/span>\u003C/span>\u003C/span>\r\n\r\n\u003Chr />\r\n\r\n\u003C/div>\r\n\u003C/div>\r\n\u003C/div>\r\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\">\r\n\u003Ch2>\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: opensans-regular;\">Ninth Stop: The Chateaux \u003C/span>\u003C/h2>\r\n\u003Cimg class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-11957\" src=\"https://d307biz9bwtpmz.cloudfront.net/articles/content/France_36.jpg\" alt=\"France_36\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" />\r\n\r\n\u003Chr />\r\n\r\n\u003C/div>\r\n\u003C/div>\r\n\u003Cdiv>\r\n\r\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: opensans-regular;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: opensans-regular;\">We came to the Loire to see all the amazing chateaux the region has to offer. We ultimately made it to two. Our first stop was Château de Chenonceau, one of the best known chateaux of the Loire Valley. This beauty stretches thinly across the River et Cher, and it was basically constructed by women (talk about girl power!). These mistresses and queens were forced to live under the same roof and ultimately rule the estate. All the florals inside Chenonceau came from the gardens of the estate as well. Simply stunning!\u003C/span>\u003C/span>\r\n\r\n\u003Chr />\r\n\r\n\u003C/div>\r\n\u003C/div>\r\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\">\u003Cdiv class=\"row\"> \u003Cdiv class=\"col-lg-6\"> \u003Cimg class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-11958\" src=\"https://d307biz9bwtpmz.cloudfront.net/articles/content/France_37.jpg\" alt=\"France_37\" width=\"800\" height=\"1200\" /> \u003C/div> \u003Cdiv class=\"col-lg-6\">\u003Cimg class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-11959\" src=\"https://d307biz9bwtpmz.cloudfront.net/articles/content/France_38.jpg\" alt=\"France_38\" width=\"800\" height=\"1200\" /> \u003C/div> \u003C/div>\u003C/div>\r\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\">\r\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\">\r\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\">\r\n\r\n\u003Chr />\r\n\r\n\u003C/div>\r\n\u003Cp style=\"text-align: left;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: opensans-regular;\">The second chateau we visited, Château de Chambord, looks like its own city from far away due to its unique architectural spires. I imagine this to be the perfect place for the Lannister's from \u003Cem>Game of Thrones \u003C/em>to live: all 440 rooms, 282 fireplaces and 84 staircases. Maya got to drive an electric motor boat through the moat (She's four by the way and already LOVES to drive.), which afforded us vantage points onto this spectacular hunting lodge by the waterway.\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\u003Chr />\r\n\r\n\u003C/div>\r\n\u003Cp style=\"text-align: center;\">\u003Cimg class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-11960\" src=\"https://d307biz9bwtpmz.cloudfront.net/articles/content/France39.jpg\" alt=\"France39\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" />\u003C/p>\r\n\r\n\u003C/div>\r\n\u003Cp style=\"text-align: center;\">\u003Cdiv class=\"row\"> \u003Cdiv class=\"col-lg-4\"> \u003Cimg class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-11961\" src=\"https://d307biz9bwtpmz.cloudfront.net/articles/content/France_40.jpg\" alt=\"France_40\" width=\"800\" height=\"1200\" /> \u003C/div> \u003Cdiv class=\"col-lg-4\"> \u003Cimg class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-11963\" src=\"https://d307biz9bwtpmz.cloudfront.net/articles/content/France_42.jpg\" alt=\"France_42\" width=\"800\" height=\"1200\" /> \u003C/div> \u003Cdiv class=\"col-lg-4\"> \u003Cimg class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-11964\" src=\"https://d307biz9bwtpmz.cloudfront.net/articles/content/France_41.jpg\" alt=\"France_41\" width=\"800\" height=\"1200\" /> \u003C/div> \u003C/div>\u003C/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\u003Chr />\r\n\u003Cp style=\"text-align: left;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: opensans-regular;\">Our last day in the Loire Valley ended with a trip to Mini Chateaux, an \"amusement park\" where kids can experience the 45 castles of the Loire in 1/25th the size. I was blown away with the quality of the miniature castles, with their perfectly-mini trees and gardens. They even had mini monks perched into the mini abbey. Maya and William were the modern day King Kong's next to the mini Chenonceau and Chambord. A final trip to another \u003Cem>boulangerie\u003C/em> with the most epic strawberry meringue, and we were off to our final stop.\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\u003Chr />\r\n\u003Cp style=\"text-align: center;\">\u003Cdiv class=\"row\"> \u003Cdiv class=\"col-lg-6\"> \u003Cimg class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-11965\" src=\"https://d307biz9bwtpmz.cloudfront.net/articles/content/France_46.jpg\" alt=\"France_46\" width=\"800\" height=\"1200\" /> \u003C/div> \u003Cdiv class=\"col-lg-6\"> \u003Cimg class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-11966\" src=\"https://d307biz9bwtpmz.cloudfront.net/articles/content/France_47.jpg\" alt=\"France_47\" width=\"800\" height=\"1200\" /> \u003C/div> \u003C/div>\u003C/p>\r\n\r\n\u003C/div>\r\n\r\n\u003Chr />\r\n\r\n\u003C/div>\r\n\u003Ch3 style=\"text-align: center;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: opensans-regular;\">Final Stop: Paris\u003C/span>\u003C/h3>\r\n\r\n\u003Chr />\r\n\r\n\u003Ch3 style=\"text-align: center;\">\u003Cimg class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-11967\" src=\"https://d307biz9bwtpmz.cloudfront.net/articles/content/France_45.jpg\" alt=\"France_45\" width=\"1200\" height=\"567\" />\u003C/h3>\r\n\r\n\u003Chr />\r\n\u003Cp style=\"text-align: left;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: opensans-regular;\">How could we not? Dropping off our car, we checked into the Prince de Galles. I honestly \u003Cem>love\u003C/em> this hotel. There is so much old world glamour all around you, and it is next to THE George V (which is a Four Seasons). There was constant paparazzi, and the taxi lane in front of our block was reserved for the vintage Ferraris and Aston Martins that Maya managed to ram her stroller into every day. The highlight of the stay is always the service and attention to detail. The GM rushes out to say hi to our kids every time we're there, and as rowdy and scream-y as my son is, they somehow manage to bring over bonbons always at the right time.\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\u003Chr />\r\n\u003Cp style=\"text-align: center;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: opensans-regular;\">\u003Cdiv class=\"row\"> \u003Cdiv class=\"col-lg-6\"> \u003Cimg class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-11968\" src=\"https://d307biz9bwtpmz.cloudfront.net/articles/content/France_48.jpg\" alt=\"France_48\" width=\"800\" height=\"1200\" /> \u003C/div> \u003Cdiv class=\"col-lg-6\"> \u003Cimg class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-11969\" src=\"https://d307biz9bwtpmz.cloudfront.net/articles/content/France_49.jpg\" alt=\"France_49\" width=\"800\" height=\"1200\" /> \u003C/div> \u003C/div>\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\u003Chr />\r\n\u003Cp style=\"text-align: left;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: opensans-regular;\"> Our short three-day Paris trip was broken up like this: Eat, eat and eat some more. Just kidding. After 2 weeks of rustic French fare, we were craving something more ethnic. In Paris, we always go to our favorite shrimp tempura udon place near Saint-Anne, a restaurant called Kunitoraya. Scott always shops at our favorite men's stores in the Marais, and then we stop by the famous falafel places. New York definitely has the best bagels and Jewish delis, but the L'as de Fallafel is spectacular.\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\r\n\r\n\u003C/div>\r\n\u003Cdiv>\r\n\r\n\u003Chr />\r\n\u003Cp style=\"text-align: center;\">\u003Cimg class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-11970\" src=\"https://d307biz9bwtpmz.cloudfront.net/articles/content/France49.jpg\" alt=\"France49\" width=\"800\" height=\"1200\" />\u003C/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\u003Chr />\r\n\r\n\u003Ch3 style=\"text-align: center;\">\u003Cstrong>\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: opensans-regular;\">Shop French Inspired Furniture\u003C/span>\u003C/strong>\u003C/h3>\r\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400; font-family: opensans-regular;\">\u003Cdiv class=\"row\">\u003Cdiv class=\"col-lg-4\">\u003C/span>\r\n\r\n\u003Ca href=\"https://www.kathykuohome.com/Product/Detail/26007-Babel-French-Country-Gold-Accent-Dining-Side-Chair/?utm_source=social&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=france\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u003Cimg class=\"aligncenter wp-image-24906 size-full\" src=\"https://d307biz9bwtpmz.cloudfront.net/articles/content/product_26007.jpg\" alt=\"chair\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1000\" />\u003C/a>\r\n\r\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400; font-family: opensans-regular;\">\u003C/div>\u003Cdiv class=\"col-lg-4\">\u003C/span>\r\n\r\n\u003Ca href=\"https://www.kathykuohome.com/Product/Detail/52052-Larry-French-Country-Antique-Cream-Drawer-Dresser/?utm_source=social&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=france\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u003Cimg class=\"aligncenter wp-image-24907 size-full\" src=\"https://d307biz9bwtpmz.cloudfront.net/articles/content/product_52052.jpg\" alt=\"dresser\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1000\" />\u003C/a>\r\n\r\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400; font-family: opensans-regular;\">\u003C/div>\u003Cdiv class=\"col-lg-4\">\u003C/span>\r\n\r\n\u003Ca href=\"https://www.kathykuohome.com/Product/Detail/5034-Lucie-French-Country-Beige-High-Back-Solid-Oak-Wood-Linen-Sofa-Dining-Bench/?utm_source=social&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=france\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u003Cimg class=\"aligncenter wp-image-24908 size-full\" src=\"https://d307biz9bwtpmz.cloudfront.net/articles/content/product_5034.jpg\" alt=\"bench\" width=\"999\" height=\"979\" />\u003C/a>\r\n\r\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: opensans-regular;\">\u003C/div>\u003C/div>\u003C/span>\r\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400; font-family: opensans-regular;\">\u003Cdiv class=\"row\">\u003Cdiv class=\"col-lg-4\">\u003C/span>\r\n\r\n\u003Ca href=\"https://www.kathykuohome.com/Product/Detail/24653-Moira-French-Country-Beige-Acacia-Beige-Upholstered-Shelter-Bed-Queen/?utm_source=social&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=france\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u003Cimg class=\"aligncenter wp-image-24910 size-full\" src=\"https://d307biz9bwtpmz.cloudfront.net/articles/content/product_24653.jpg\" alt=\"bed\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1000\" />\u003C/a>\r\n\r\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400; font-family: opensans-regular;\">\u003C/div>\u003Cdiv class=\"col-lg-4\">\u003C/span>\r\n\r\n\u003Ca href=\"https://www.kathykuohome.com/Product/Detail/23179-Oly-Studio-Hanna-French-Antique-White-Raffia-Nailhead-Trim-Arm-Chair/?utm_source=social&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=france\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u003Cimg class=\"aligncenter wp-image-24911 size-full\" src=\"https://d307biz9bwtpmz.cloudfront.net/articles/content/product_23179.jpg\" alt=\"chair\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1000\" />\u003C/a>\r\n\r\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400; font-family: opensans-regular;\">\u003C/div>\u003Cdiv class=\"col-lg-4\">\u003C/span>\r\n\r\n\u003Ca href=\"https://www.kathykuohome.com/Product/Detail/12224-Gamble-Rustic-Lodge-Salvaged-Fir-Stone-Wash-Rectangular-Coffee-Table/?utm_source=social&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=france\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u003Cimg class=\"aligncenter wp-image-24912 size-full\" src=\"https://d307biz9bwtpmz.cloudfront.net/articles/content/product_12224.jpg\" alt=\"coffee table\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1000\" />\u003C/a>\r\n\r\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: opensans-regular;\">\u003C/div>\u003C/div>\u003C/span>\r\n\r\n\u003Chr />\r\n\r\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: opensans-regular;\">I will say in Europe, kids and even toddlers stay out LATE—or maybe parents are just more laid back. This is definitely true in the book \"\u003Ca href=\"https://www.amazon.com/Bringing-Up-B%C3%A9b%C3%A9-Discovers-Parenting/dp/1594203334\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://www.amazon.com/Bringing-Up-B%25C3%25A9b%25C3%25A9-Discovers-Parenting/dp/1594203334&source=gmail&ust=1500566812284000&usg=AFQjCNHVQe-hzrlaF4XmIqhDzz84_zm9Cw\">Bringing Up Bébé\u003C/a>\" where an American mothers discovers the wisdom of French parenting. Needless to say, I was glad to be enjoying a glass of wine a \u003Cspan class=\"aBn\" tabindex=\"0\" data-term=\"goog_1566654976\">\u003Cspan class=\"aQJ\">10 PM \u003C/span>\u003C/span>after my spectacular duck confit dinner with my kids still playing by my side. We can always sleep in right? On the last day in Paris, we decided to go to the Musée de l'Orangerie, where my husband fell in love with with the paintings by Modigliani and Maya slumped over and fell asleep in front of the Monet water lilies (not embarrassed at all...). In the end, our two week adventure in France was perfect: a little culture, a lot of food, and incredible family memories that I'll always remember. Stay tuned on the blog for some of the exciting interior design trends. Au revoir!\u003C/span>\r\n\r\n\u003C/div>\r\n\r\n\u003Chr />\r\n\r\n\u003Ch2 dir=\"ltr\" style=\"text-align: center;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: opensans-regular;\">\u003Cstrong>Kathy Kuo Home Design Services\u003C/strong>\u003C/span>\u003C/h2>\r\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: opensans-regular;\">Need design help? In addition to being a source for beautiful high quality furnishings, designer books, and decor, Kathy Kuo Home has a team of professional \u003Ca href=\"https://www.kathykuohome.com/designservices?utm_source=social&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=france\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.kathykuohome.com/designbar&source=gmail&ust=1578606810757000&usg=AFQjCNH6Pwdal8jhoFuLhLnOvNeD922GkA\">interior designers\u003C/a> that are ready to assist with all of your interior design needs. Our services provide multiple layout and design options that fit your style and budget for any room. You will work with a team of designers and project managers to help you truly love where you live.\u003C/span>\u003C/div>\r\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\">\u003C/div>\r\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: opensans-regular;\">\u003Cem>\u003Cstrong>Call (888) 908-3486 or email \u003Ca href=\"mailto:designs@kathykuohome.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">designs@kathykuohome.com\u003C/a> today to get started!\u003C/strong>\u003C/em>\u003C/span>\u003C/div>\r\n\u003Cdiv>\r\n\r\n\u003Chr />\r\n\r\n\u003C/div>","https://d307biz9bwtpmz.cloudfront.net/articles/hero/franceCover.jpg","Kathy Kuo Home","2017-07-27T15:18:23Z",[13,14],"Home","Pro Tips from Kathy",[16,17,18,19,20,21],"design ideas","kathy kuo","Travel","french country","french country ideas","France",[],[],{"title":25,"description":26,"keywords":27,"canonicalUrl":28,"noIndex":29},"2 Weeks Touring France: A Kathy Kuo Home Travel Diary - Kathy Kuo Home","I am excited to say that right now I am more inspired than ever. About a month ago, I was lucky enough to travel with my family to France.","france","/blog/2-weeks-touring-france-a-kathy-kuo-home-travel-diary",false,[31,43,52],{"id":32,"slug":33,"title":34,"excerpt":35,"heroImageUrl":36,"authorName":10,"publishedDt":37,"categories":38},1068,"custom-cabinetry-kathy-kuo-home-unique-kitchens-baths","Custom Heirloom Cabinetry, Reimagined: Inside Our New Collaboration with Unique Kitchens & Baths","Introducing six European-inspired cabinet designs that are completely customizable.","https://d307biz9bwtpmz.cloudfront.net/articles/hero/Kathy-Kuo-Home-x-Unique-Kitchens-Baths-Bristol-Rolling-Fog-painted-kitchen-cabinetry.jpg","2026-05-07T10:00:38Z",[13,39,40,41,42],"The Designer's Handbook","Bedroom","The Trade Exclusive","Kitchen & Bath",{"id":44,"slug":45,"title":46,"excerpt":47,"heroImageUrl":48,"authorName":10,"publishedDt":49,"categories":50},1067,"investing-in-heirloom-furniture","Why Heirloom-Quality Home Goods Are Worth the Investment: 7 Pieces to Shop Now and Keep Forever","A designer's guide to heirloom furniture and décor that's worth the investment.","https://d307biz9bwtpmz.cloudfront.net/articles/hero/Worlds-Away-Rattan-Dresser-in-a-cozy-traditional-living-room.jpg","2026-05-01T10:00:21Z",[13,51,42],"Living Room",{"id":53,"slug":54,"title":55,"excerpt":56,"heroImageUrl":57,"authorName":10,"publishedDt":58,"categories":59},1066,"sunbrella-interiors-fabrics","Sunbrella Interiors Fabrics We Love for Beautiful, Exceptionally Durable Upholstery","What we love about our newest performance fabrics from Sunbrella.","https://d307biz9bwtpmz.cloudfront.net/articles/hero/Sunbrella-upholstered-furniture.jpg","2026-04-24T10:00:45Z",[13,39,51]]