Viva La France

Published in the Sunday Navbharat Times on 27th July 2025

“I lived in Delhi earlier, and it was nice, but Mumbai mere jaan hai,” said Jean-Marc Séré-Charlet, Consul General of France in Mumbai, in his flawless Hindi. The crowd at the iconic Taj Mahal Palace Hotel broke into laughter and applause. It was July 14th—Bastille Day, and I was surrounded by guests celebrating all things French: wine, culture, history, and most importantly, the enduring Indo-French connection. Viva La france we all said in unison, as the national anthems of both countries were sung bring an end to the event!

France has always been a country of revolutions, but also of romance, refinement, and joie de vivre—the unique ability to celebrate the sheer pleasure of being alive. And for me, it has been nothing short of magical. Over the past 25 years, I’ve had the privilege of visiting this stunning country in every season, from Paris to Provence, from Toulouse to Chamonix—and each trip has gifted me memories I cherish.

A Country of Firsts (and Lasts)

Some of the most special “firsts” of my life happened in France.

• My first wine tasting in Bordeaux, where I learned to appreciate notes, aroma, and the sacred ritual of swirling the glass.
• The first time I skied—on the snow-draped slopes of Chamonix, falling, laughing, and rising again.
• My first stay in a château—a real castle in the Loire Valley, where for one night, I believed I was royalty.
• And yes, the first (and probably last) time I tried to make macarons at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris—with my daughter Sara.

France isn't just a destination; it's an experience that engages all five senses. I've been lucky to see it in bloom during spring, feel its warmth in summer, crunch through autumn leaves, and sip hot chocolate under a snowfall in winter.

Toulouse: India’s Pink Soul Sister

One of the most memorable moments of my career was being awarded the French Ambassador's National Award for creating the best France itineraries by Veena World. As part of the award, I traveled to lesser-known regions of France, starting with Toulouse. I still remember turning to Sara and exclaiming, “It’s like Jaipur!”—the entire city bathed in hues of pink terracotta. No wonder it’s called La Ville Rose.

Nicole, the tourism director, welcomed us with open arms and said, “Just come with an open mind.” That open-hearted warmth was reflected everywhere we went—from a tour of the Airbus factory to an intimate vineyard visit. There, the winemaker smiled at my hesitation about letting young Sara taste the wine. “Come on, you’re in France! A little bit never hurt.” I learned that in France, wine isn’t just a drink—it’s a cultural tradition enjoyed with finesse and moderation.

Living Like Royalty in the Loire Valley

Just a few hours from Paris, the Loire Valley is a fairytale come to life. Our castle-hopping adventure took us to Château de Chambord and the spectacular gardens of Villandry. But the most enchanting part? Staying overnight in a petit château, a small castle where we felt like royal guests. The halls whispered stories from another century, and the stars above felt like our private audience.

Palace Walks and Indian Tastes in Chantilly

The very first palace I visited in France was the Palace of Versailles—a jaw-dropping display of grandeur. The golden gates, Hall of Mirrors, and massive gardens truly transport you to the era of Louis XIV. (Tip: wear very comfortable shoes—you’ll need them!)

Later, with a corporate group, I visited Château de Chantilly, where the chefs had researched Indian cuisine and created a stunning three-course Indo-French fusion meal. The pièce de résistance? A delicate dessert made with fresh Chantilly cream, native to the region. It was a beautiful gesture, merging flavours across cultures.

Desserts are a Religion Here

The French didn’t invent dessert—but they certainly perfected it. The word dessert comes from desservir, meaning "to clear the table.” In France, it's not just the end of a meal—it's the grand finale.

At Le Cordon Bleu, Sara and I struggled (and laughed!) our way through a macaron-making class. Our arms ached from whisking, but the pride on her face when we finally bit into our pastel-perfect creations was priceless. To this day, I sometimes skip the meal and go straight for dessert—Crème brûlée, tarte Tatin, and opera cake are worth it.

Paris: More Than Just a Tower

Yes, I’ve seen the Eiffel Tower, cruised the Seine, and admired Notre-Dame. But Paris is so much more once you dive into its arrondissements (neighbourhoods). Le Marais, with its cobbled streets and Jewish bakeries; Montmartre, where artists paint on sidewalks; and Saint-Germain-des-Prés, where literary legends once lingered in cafés.

Not far from the city is Champagne, in the town of Reims, where you can tour the legendary Champagne cellars and even toast under Gothic cathedral ceilings. Every sip here has a sparkle of history.

Normandy: Where History Whispers

No book or movie prepares you for the emotion of standing on the beaches of Normandy. Omaha, Juno, Gold—the names etched in history. I felt a lump in my throat at the Normandy American Cemetery, where crosses stretch endlessly across green fields.

Nearby, Arromanches and the D-Day museums preserve the memory of liberation. It’s sobering, powerful, and makes you grateful for peace in a way nothing else does.

A Castle in the Sea: Mont-Saint-Michel

Just when you think France has shown all its wonders, you reach Mont-Saint-Michel, a surreal abbey that rises from the sea like a vision from a dream. At high tide, it becomes a true island. It’s a place of quiet awe and architectural genius—a UNESCO World Heritage Site that deserves a spot on every traveler’s list.

Shopping à la Française

France is a shopper’s paradise. At La Vallée Village (just outside Paris), you’ll find top brands at discounted prices—and if you’re traveling with Veena World, VIP lounge access and hands-free shopping are included.

In the heart of Paris, I always stop at Galeries Lafayette, not just for fashion, but for the rooftop view. At sunset, with Paris bathed in gold, the city feels like it’s posing just for you.

My Heart Belongs to Provence & the Côte d'Azur

If I had to pick one favorite region, it would be PACA — Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur. This southern slice of France is a painter’s palette come alive. The Côte d’Azur, or French Riviera, is stunning beyond words. From Nice, a charming coastal city, you can explore the entire stretch, including Eze, Monaco, and the lavender-scented countryside.

• In Eze, I learned how perfumes are made and even blended my own scent.
• In Monaco, I watched the glittering yachts while enjoying brunch by the sea.
• And in Luberon, from late June to early August the region turns purple with blooming lavender fields—a sensory delight.

Alpine Thrills and Lakeside Dreams

Further inland, the French Alps await. Chamonix was where I skied for the first time, wrapped up like a snowball, tumbling, sliding, but always smiling. The Aiguille du Midi cable car takes you to jaw-dropping views of Mont Blanc.

Nearby lies Annecy, the Venice of the Alps. With its canals, pastel houses, and the majestic Lake Annecy, it’s postcard-perfect. We rented a speedboat and zipped across the lake, hair flying in the wind, hearts soaring with joy.

Annecy was once the seat of the House of Savoy, a royal family that once ruled parts of Italy and France. Their legacy lingers in the architecture and calm elegance of this alpine gem.

Final Thoughts

France has never been a checklist destination for me. It’s a country I return to over and over, discovering a new flavor, a hidden town, a deeper emotion each time. It’s where my daughter and I bonded over burnt macarons, where I felt history breathe through old stones, and where I learned that travel isn't about ticking places—it's about feeling them.

So here’s my question to you—what’s stopping you from falling in love with France too? Lets start practising our bonjour (good morning) and Merci beaucoup (thank you very much) and discover our own joie de vivre!