I don’t know whether it was the chaotic week before our hectic departure or the need to whittle down worries to a minimum but for the first time since I’ve had this site, I didn’t schedule a single post during my holiday. I packed every bathing suit I own, far too many sandals than I could realistically wear on a trip so dense in adventures on foot, and an interminable list of landmarks and regional specialties we would need to experience in each destination. The promise of beach-loafing sent my spirits soaring while the anticipation of digging into plates of pintxos whet my appetite long before we found ourselves hopping from bar to bar. This was to be the ultimate road trip vacation (minus the camping), the French version of our mini California road trip from last year.

From the brief visit to the Dordogne to an extended tour of Basque country, the last two weeks truly exceeded our expectations and even quashed a few preconceived notions. Now among the tourists and newly-returned vacationers in a refreshingly calm version of Paris, I’m attempting to go through hundreds of photos. As I adjust to the ever-unkind post-vacation reality and select the most interesting highlights of our trip to share, check out my Instagram for a sneak peek. More soon!

Bonnes vacances!