Sometimes the best trips aren’t about rushing from one attraction to the next—they’re about slowing down, reconnecting with friends, and seeing how people really live. On a recent journey to rural France, I experienced exactly that, thanks to longtime friends who now call the French countryside home.
From Aviation History in Toulouse
My trip began with a flight to Paris, then onto Toulouse, France, a city known worldwide as the home of Airbus. I used the Air France lounge in Paris to recoup after my overnight flight—a definite win with a long layover. My friends kindly picked me up at the airport and indulged my love of aviation with a stop at the Aeroscopia Aviation Museum, right next door.
Even for someone who doesn’t consider themselves an aviation expert, this museum is impressive. Highlights included:
- The Super Guppy, a uniquely shaped cargo aircraft and one of the largest aircraft in the world
- Two beautifully preserved Concordes, one inside and one outside, are proud symbols of French aviation history
The museum is spacious and well laid out with plenty of exhibits, making it an easy and fascinating visit—even on a dreary day.
The Drive into Rural France
From Toulouse, we headed north toward their home, about two hours away, traveling on France’s excellent major highways before turning onto narrow country roads that truly define rural France. These back roads can feel intimidating—especially when two cars pass each other—but they’re part of the charm.
My friends live in a golf-course community, a peaceful and welcoming place where many residents are retirees and expats. People here come from all over—Britain, Germany, and beyond—creating a lively and social atmosphere. The community clubhouse quickly became a favorite spot, with several dinners spent meeting neighbors and hearing their stories.
Staying with Old Friends in the French Countryside
This visit was especially meaningful because Eric and I have been friends for about 40 years, going back to the 1980s when we shared life in Los Angeles. Spending time together again—now halfway across the world—felt easy and familiar.
Their home was cozy and comfortable, with a beautifully updated kitchen and a surprisingly luxurious oven. I had the entire upstairs to myself, complete with a bedroom and bathroom overlooking a quiet patio. The bed was so comfortable I briefly considered figuring out how to bring the mattress home.
The only challenge? Very narrow, squeaky stairs, which required some careful navigation—but that’s part of living in an older European home.
Food, Pubs, and Local Favorites
One of the joys of staying with friends is eating where the locals eat. We visited several favorite restaurants, including:
- The Black Duck, a welcoming Irish pub run by an Irish expat, serving excellent fish and chips
- Casual neighborhood spots that never disappointed
At home, meals were just as memorable. Deb is an excellent cook, Eric holds his own in the kitchen, and I was exceptionally well fed throughout the week.
Exploring Châteaux and Villages Near Home
No trip to rural France would be complete without exploring its châteaux and medieval villages. Eric expertly navigated the countryside—no small feat, considering he had to pass his French driving test in French after months of study.
Highlights included:
- Market day in Sarlat
- Chateau de Beynac, home of Richard the Lionhearted, is a striking 12th-century medieval castle overlooking the magnificent Dordogne countryside.
- Les Jardins de Marqueyssac, impressive views over the Dordogne.
- The Château des Milandes, once home to Josephine Baker, whose story as a performer, resistance hero, and humanitarian made the visit especially meaningful. The raptor demonstration was impressive. See a clip here.
We even attended a Halloween celebration at Château de Castel Novel, complete with various decorations and booths. While dinner plans didn’t go quite as expected, the experience itself was memorable—and sometimes that’s what travel is about.
Markets, Chocolate, and French Grocery Stores
One afternoon brought a visit to the Bovetti Chocolatier, where crowds limited the tour but not the enjoyment. Hot chocolate and carefully chosen sweets still made it worthwhile. French chocolate is worth the price!
I always love visiting grocery stores in other countries, and France was no exception. From familiar chains like ALDI to supermarkets resembling Walmart, the experience felt both familiar and fascinating. The biggest difference? The language—otherwise, they had everything we do.
A highlight was a visit to a local market in Sarlat, filled with:
- Leather goods and blankets
- Food stalls offering everything from cheeses to a stunning pan of paella
- Small wine shops and chocolate vendors
French markets have a rhythm all their own—sometimes welcoming photos, sometimes not—but always full of character.
Could I Live in Rural France?
Seeing how my friends live answered a question I’ve often wondered about: Could I live abroad? While rural France is beautiful, I realized it wouldn’t be the right fit for me in the long run. The narrow roads, fast-moving cars, and reliance on driving would be challenging.
If I ever lived in France, it would need to be somewhere more urban—with trains, buses, walkable markets, and public transportation. Still, it was comforting to know that another way of life is always possible.
Traveling by Train to Barcelona
When it was time to leave, I boarded a train from Souillac to Barcelona, beginning the next chapter of my journey. The trip involved multiple connections and about six hours of travel, but it was smooth and surprisingly relaxing. European trains are comfortable and on time.
Thanks to thoughtful planning—and a homemade lunch packed for me—I navigated the stations easily and arrived in Barcelona without stress. From there, a short taxi ride brought me to the Diagonal Mar Barcelona oceanfront hotel, marking the end of a truly perfect travel day.
I had only one day in Barcelona, so I visited the Sagrada Familia. It is stunning and an architectural feat. Yes, crowded but worth the time.
Why This Trip Mattered
More than museums or châteaux, this trip was about friendship, slowing down, and seeing another side of life. Sitting around in the evenings, sharing meals, and catching up after several years mattered more than any sightseeing checklist. Please don’t discount the sightseeing, it was stunning!
Sometimes the best journeys aren’t about the distance—they’re about feeling at home wherever you land. Bonjour, y’all !
