Bonding with girlfriends while soaking up the local charm, culture, and cuisine of this fabled French destination.
It was at a dinner together in Manila one evening that serendipity waved its magic wand, opening the doors to a beautiful château that would soon welcome us for a week-long autumn holiday.
A few months later, amidst glorious fall weather, the seven of us found ourselves reconnecting for a magical week at this charming château in Provence. We marveled that, in spite of our hectic schedules, each of us was able to carve out the same seven days to meet up.
Village Life
Our home base was in the quaint village of Saint-Didier, nestled against the hills of the Monts de Vaucluse and right in the heart of Provence. It was the perfect base from which to explore neighboring towns and to wander through charming Provençal villages, all of which were within an hour’s drive, or less, from the house.
La Bastide De Gordes
We meandered through the well preserved, medieval village of Gordes and then to the cobblestone streets and colorful charm of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, a place that has attracted artists for centuries( most famously Van Gogh). L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, a medieval town built along the banks of the crystal clear River Sorgue, brimmed with antique markets and riverside cafés. We explored the magnificent city of Avignon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the world’s largest Gothic palace, the 14th century Palais de Papes. It was also in Avignon where we had one of the most exceptional dinners of our trip, at the beautiful, Michelin-starred Dining Room of La Mirande.
Whether we had early morning breakfasts in our pjs or bonded over gastronomic dinners; whether we walked through village markets or visited beautiful churches; whether we strolled through art galleries or beautiful local boutiques, we shared raucous laughter and heart to heart conversations that week in Provence and created memories to last a lifetime.
Already, plans are in the offing for another adventure to a yet undecided destination. Stay tuned for this same time, next year.
Magical Memories
We asked these seasoned travelers to share highlights of their Provençal trip. Whether in a few words or lavish narratives, here they reveal their fondest memories from an unforgettable autumn adventure.
Ching Cruz
My favorite memories of Provence revolve around staying at Valfond House with six amazing women. It was the perfect setting—a stunning house where we shared meals, played hilarious games and truly bonded. The laughter and camaraderie made every moment special, whether we were exploring new places or simply enjoying each other’s company. Provence itself, with its sun-dappled vineyards, bustling markets, and picturesque villages, provided the perfect backdrop for our unforgettable week together.v
We discovered that not only could we travel together, but we could also live together harmoniously and make every moment fun. From sharing heartfelt conversations to being good sports playing games that left us in stitches, to exploring new places, the time spent with these amazing women made the trip extraordinary. The laughter, the closeness, and the mutual sense of adventure were the heart of it all.
The trip exceeded all my expectations. This group of women made the experience so special, and I realized that all of us could travel together again and that we could live under one roof without missing a beat.
Nikki Teodoro
Provence was wonderful on so many levels: the weather, the food, the area and most especially the group.
We bonded so nicely and so sincerely.
Fe Rodriguez
Provence, known for its beautiful scenery, light, and color, its diverse landscape, vineyards, olive groves, pine forests, and lavender fields did not disappoint.
The first stop was Gordes with well-preserved medieval architecture and stone buildings perched on cliffs, known to be one of the most beautiful villages in France.
Our go-to for shopping was Saint-Rémy de Provence, where Van Gogh sought refuge.
Our dinner at La Mirande in Avignon was memorable. We started with cocktails in their very nice reception area, went through the open-air courtyard with gorgeous trees in giant planters, and had dinner in their elegant restaurant.
Of course, the highlight of our trip was our stay at Valfond in Saint-Didier, where our gang of seven enjoyed the beautiful house, shared breakfasts, sipped wine with aperetivo and played games where we all got rowdy and crazy. So much fun!
Marivic Vazquez
I had a grand time and am pleasantly surprised at how well we all got along. My favorite memories were from when we played charades. I loved the friendly competition. The highlight of the trip was the camaraderie between all of us.
The most memorable destination for me was Saint-Rémy for great shopping and lunch. I found the place very quaint and interesting, from the art pieces to the original Provençal tablecloths and napkins.
Among the most memorable meals were the first night in the beautiful restaurant L’Oustau de Baumaniere [in Les Baux de Provence] where we mistook that cute guest as a waiter! And the local Le Bistrot de Marie with excellent food in Saint- Rémy
Charmaine Lagman
I enjoyed our shopping adventures, discovering delightful little shops along the way. We almost cleared out Fiona’s store [in Saint-Rémy], and it was heartwarming to build friendships with the owners.
One of the most cherished moments was when I prepared a lovely brunch at the house for the ladies. They truly savored the simple yet delicious meal I created, making it a special experience that I will always treasure.
Also the times we played games and realized just how competitive we all are. I haven’t laughed that hard with friends in such a long time. Another highlight was our breakfast moments when we were all in pajamas, without any makeup, sipping coffee, and sharing stories about ourselves. It was a true bonding experience.
The most memorable destination in Provence for me was our home in Saint-Didier. It became our sanctuary for bonding, filled with laughter and heartfelt sharing. The location was perfect, nestled near charming coffee shops and delightful restaurants, making it incredibly convenient for us to take leisurely walks and grab a bite to eat whenever we pleased.
Our first dining experience at L’Oustau de Baumanier was truly unforgettable. Each dish we ordered was not only perfect in flavor. The enchanting setting, combined with the exquisite cuisine, made for a remarkable dining experience that we will cherish.
The trip exceeded all my expectations. We embraced a mix of spontaneous adventures and meticulously planned activities, allowing us to discover so much together. Most importantly, we deepened our connections and truly got to know one another, which made the experience even more special. I can’t wait to travel again with these ladies soon.
Tina Cuevas
I love Provence for its beautiful slow pace. In Provence, good food, wine, walks, and culture are all consumed at such a beautiful rhythm that it feels like time has slowed down enough to appreciate it all.
To top it all, Provençal cuisine is good for the body and for the soul!
Positively, I will visit Provence again!
Life Lessons
The trip reminded us how meaningful it is to nurture friendships and make time for moments like these. Beyond the adventure, girls’ trips allow us to take a break from our usual routine, to relax, to reconnect, to recharge, and to strengthen bonds. After all, life is richer when shared with good company. After an amazing week of bonding and reconnecting with our gang of seven in magical Provence, we are all looking forward to the next group adventure!
Charmaine Lagman, Tina Cuevas, and Ching Cruz; An afternoon stroll through the village of Saint-Didier: the author with Nikki Teodoro, Marivic Vazquez, and Ching Cruz; Wandering through the cobblestone streets of Saint-Rémy; A beautiful autumn morning in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue; Bonding with the beautiful Ching Cruz; Charmaine Lagman;
