Love, Lights & Luxury: Raghunath’s Thrillophilia Experience in France
“Are we really here?” my wife whispered, squeezing my hand as we stood on the balcony of our hotel room in Nice, overlooking the shimmering Mediterranean Sea. The golden sunset cast a warm glow over the coastline, and the salty breeze carried the distant laughter of people strolling along the promenade.
France had always been a dream for both of us. After decades of responsibilities, raising children, and navigating life’s ups and downs, we finally decided to embark on this long-awaited journey. It wasn’t just about seeing the Eiffel Tower or tasting fine wine— it was about rediscovering the joy of traveling together, hand in hand, like we did in our younger days.
And let me tell you, France didn’t just meet our expectations— it completely swept us off our feet!
The Beauty of France
From the moment we arrived, France welcomed us with breathtaking scenery. Every place we visited had its own charm, but there were a few moments that left us absolutely speechless.
Driving through the French countryside, we found ourselves surrounded by endless vineyards, lavender fields stretching as far as the eye could see, and quaint villages with pastel-coloured houses. “This looks like a painting, isn’t it?” my wife asked as we stopped by a small roadside café in Provence. She was right— it was as if we had stepped into a masterpiece.
The French Riviera was another marvel. The turquoise waters of the Mediterranean, the luxurious yachts docked in Monaco, and the charming streets of Nice made us feel like we were living in a postcard. We spent hours just sitting by the beach, watching the waves crash against the shore, talking about everything and nothing at all.
And then there was Paris— a city that needs no introduction. Walking along the Seine River, watching the lights of the Eiffel Tower twinkle at night, we felt like we had stepped into a dream.
The Attractions of France
It’s impossible to pick favourites when everything is so beautiful, but here are the top 10 attractions that truly stole our hearts:
- Eiffel Tower, Paris – Seeing it in person, especially at night, was magical. We even took a small picnic to the Champ de Mars and watched the lights dance.
- Louvre Museum, Paris – Standing in front of the Mona Lisa, I realized that some things in life are worth the wait.
- Mont Saint-Michel – A fairytale-like island rising from the sea, straight out of a storybook.
- The Palace of Versailles – The grandeur, the history, the gardens— everything about it was stunning.
- French Riviera Beaches – The soft sand, the clear blue waters, and the relaxed vibe made this a perfect escape.
- Monaco’s Casino de Monte-Carlo – We didn’t gamble, but the elegance of the place made us feel like royalty.
- The Seine River Cruise – Floating through the heart of Paris, with the city’s landmarks illuminated, was an unforgettable experience.
- The Lavender Fields of Provence – The fragrance, the colours, the peacefulness— pure bliss.
- Arles & Van Gogh’s Legacy – Walking through the streets that inspired some of his greatest works was surreal.
- Moulin Rouge Show – The energy, the music, the dazzling costumes— what a night!
Every place had its own story, its own charm, and its own way of making us fall in love with France a little more.
The Culture of France
If there’s one thing that truly defines France, it’s the way of life— elegant, passionate, and effortlessly stylish.
The people we met were warm and welcoming. Contrary to the stereotype, the French weren’t rude at all. In fact, a shop owner in a small Parisian bakery spent 20 minutes teaching us how to properly pronounce “pain au chocolat” without laughing at our terrible accent!
The fashion in France was something else. My wife, who has always loved dressing up, was in awe of how effortlessly stylish everyone looked. “Even their casual wear looks like it belongs on a runway,” she joked.
And the art! Whether it was the grand museums of Paris or the charming street paintings in Montmartre, art was everywhere. It felt like creativity was woven into the very fabric of the country.
The Food of France
Let’s talk about food— because oh, what a treat it was!
We started every morning with fresh croissants and café au lait, sitting at a street-side café, watching the world go by. The baguettes were so crisp and flavourful that I swore I’d never eat supermarket bread again.
We tried escargots (snails) in a small bistro in Paris, and to my surprise, they were delicious! The garlic butter sauce made all the difference. My wife, however, wasn’t as adventurous— she stuck to her favourite, French onion soup, which she claimed was the best she’d ever had.
The cheese and wine culture was something we fully embraced. A vineyard tour in Provence introduced us to wines we had never even heard of, and we may or may not have brought back a suitcase full of them!
And of course, crème brûlée— the perfect sweet ending to every meal.
The Love in France
If there’s one thing France reminded us, it’s that love is everywhere.
- Watching an elderly couple dance to a street musician’s violin in Montmartre, my wife turned to me and said, “That’ll be us in a few years.”
- Seeing newlyweds take wedding photos in front of the Eiffel Tower made us reminisce about our own wedding day.
- A handwritten love letter we found tucked into a book in a Parisian bookstore— proof that romance is still alive in the world.
- And of course, just being in France together, walking hand in hand, reminded us that love isn’t about grand gestures— it’s about the small, everyday moments.
Au Revoir, France!
As our trip came to an end, we sat at a café in Paris, sipping our last cup of French coffee. “So,” I asked my wife, “was this everything you imagined?”
She smiled, her eyes twinkling. “No,” she said. “It was even better.”
France wasn’t just a place— it was an experience altogether. It was the beauty of the landscapes, the richness of the culture, the magic of the food, and the undeniable presence of love in the air.
And as we boarded our flight home, we knew one thing for sure— we had left a piece of our hearts in France. And one day, we would return to find it again.
Read More: Thrillophilia France Reviews