KATIE KENNEDY - Page 69 of 265 -

Our Stay in Gordes, France

June 18, 2022

Our Stay in Gordes, France
📍 Gordes, France

Gordes, France, Provence, Travel, Airelles La Bastide, Hôtel Le Jas

After so much hustle and bustle during our staying in Paris, I was really looking forward to Provence. As soon as our train made it to Avignon is when vacation truly began. We rented a car and headed east to our home for the next few days, Gordes. I knew I would love it, but this charming little village greatly exceeded my wildest expectations. I know I say this about every destination we explore, but I’m daydreaming about a vacation home here in the near future. To help inspire your wanderlust, here’s a recap on our stay in Gordes, France.

Why Gordes?

With so many beautiful towns in Provence, it can seem like a daunting task to pick the right one for your stay. Some will be tempted to hop from town to town and have a different hotel each night, but that can be exhausting. Instead, I recommend finding one destination to serve as a home base during your stay. Why did I pick Gordes? Well, there were a few different reasons. For one, the town was centrally located in the Luberon region. Within 15 or 20 minutes, you’ll find yourself in the next town to explore. Even better, the view of and from Gordes is stunning. Think of it as something to look forward to as you explore Provence.

Exploring Gordes Village

If you skip exploring Gordes village, you are missing out! This hilltop village is rated as one of the most beautiful towns in the Vaucluse region. It’s incredibly picturesque and is the perfect example of architecture in Provence. With narrow winding streets, there is so much to see and drink in. A hidden gem inside the town is Eglise Saint-Firmin. Constructed in the 18th century, the interior tile work is incredible. They’re undergoing some restoration, but I can’t wait to see this church return to its original beauty. Just down the street is the homemade pottery store, Souleo È Provence. They have so many beautiful designs, but it was the grey floral oil bottle that I decided to bring home. It was the perfect souvenir for our time at Gordes and something I’ll cherish for years to come.

Airelles La Bastide

We ended up splitting our time between two hotels while staying in Gordes. The first was Airelles La Bastide. This luxury hotel company has a few locations throughout France and doesn’t spare any detail. Located in the heart of Gordes village, you feel like a world away as soon as you walk into this historic building. After a day of sunning yourself at the pool, enjoy the view with a few rounds of cocktails at The Bar. While everything on the menu was good, my personal favorite was the Provence. With locally sourced lavender liqueur and strawberries, it’s a refreshing drink you’ll want to sip all evening.

Hôtel Le Jas de Gordes

Our second stay while in Gordes was the Hôtel Le Jas. Located just outside the village, it was a perfectly pristine respite after a full day of exploring the region. It felt like an extended spa day with relaxing fountains and only the sound of the wind to listen to. From our room’s balcony, we took in the view of the valley with a bottle of local wine to end our evenings. The pool area was definitely a highlight, and I can’t wait for a return visit. It felt like home!

Our first town in Provence, Gordes, was a marked success! It was the perfect start to exploring the region, and I simply cannot recommend it enough! What’s our next stop? You’ll just have to see it on Monday.

Love from France,
Katie

As always, thanks for stopping by! To keep up with all things about the Sunshine State, be sure to visit my exclusive Florida page, here.

Provence France Style

June 17, 2022

Provence France Style
📍 Avignon, France

Provence, France, Coastal Grandmother, Grand Millennial, linen, Sarah Bray

Trends come and go, but every once in a while, you stumble upon one that really speaks to you. When I first came across Coastal Grandmother, I instantly knew we had a winner. It was an easy jumping-off point from the previously loved Grand-Millennial aesthetic and incorporated most of what I already had in my closet. The linens and breezy silhouettes were perfect for our recent trip to Provence. With the warm temperatures and windy afternoon, comfort is absolutely key! Here are four key outfits that are right at home in the South of France and the Hamptons.

Sun Hat || Swimsuit || Pareo || Sandals || Sunscreen || Book

Relaxing by the Pool

Apart from exploring the Provencal towns, I looked forward to some pool time at our hotel the most. This white one-piece swimsuit was so chic and incredibly flattering. Paired with my Sarah Bray sun hat and go-to sunscreen, I had great coverage from the sun. When I need a little break from relaxation and my latest book, I would just slip on my raffia sandals and pareo to pick up a glass or two of local Luberon wine.

Sleeveless Shirt || Pants || Similar Scarf || Sunglasses || Handbag || Sandals

Antiquing at the Brocante

The Provence region, particularly L’isle de la Sorgue, is world-known for its antiquing opportunities. With so many brocante shops in the area, you’ll be tempted to purchase a suitcase worth of vintage goodies. Some of these shops can be warm inside, so I recommend wearing an outfit that will help keep you cool. The sleeveless button-down and linen pant combo has become a fast favorite, even since I came home from paradise. A printed scarf and vintage-inspired sunglasses are perfect for even the sunniest days. Finally, opt for a cross-body bag to peruse and shop hands-free.

Dress (Similar) || Sun Hat || Sunglasses || Tote Bag ||
Flats ($50 off with code SARAHFLINT-BAKATIE)

Exploring the Vineyard

As our adventures continued in Provence, I was so happy to have lunch reservations at one of the nearby vineyards in Fontvieille. I wore my breeziest Hill House dress to stay comfortable in the warm sun. It was the right choice, and I still have some pretty intense tan lines to prove it! Even with my Sarah Bray sun hat and vintage-inspired sunglasses, the sun can be pretty intense in Southern France. I knew we would have a lot of walking and wandering through the property, so I wanted to wear shoes with a bit more structure and support. My Sarah Flint Natalie flats were the perfect pick for the job. With an oversized rattan tote bag, like this one from Breck & Grier, you’ll have extra room for your souvenirs.

Dress || Lipstick || Earrings || Clutch || Wedges

Date Night With a View

The town we were staying in had one of the most breathtaking views of the region that you could imagine. We had a pretty relaxed date night overlooking the valley on our final evening. This linen midi dress was maybe my favorite dress of the entire trip. It’s incredibly flattering and made me feel like a modern rendition of Belle from Beauty in the Beast. The town of Gordes is situated on a hillside. There are so many hills and steps, so wearing heels would be treacherous. Instead, I wore a pair of espadrille wedges to help elevate the look. Add a few raffia touches, like statement earrings and a clutch, and you’ll be ready for a romantic evening for two.

Coastal Grandmother and Grand Millennial, meet Provencal Chic! I think the three of you are going to get along splendidly! And if you just so happen to find yourself planning a trip to Provence, France, consider this style your unofficial packing guide. Happy traveling!

Love from France,
Katie

As always, thanks for stopping by! To keep up with all things about the Sunshine State, be sure to visit my exclusive Florida page, here.

My Summer Bucket List with J. McLaughlin

June 13, 2022

My Summer Bucket List with J. McLaughlin
📍 Downtown St. Pete, Florida

J. McLaughlin, Summer, Bucket List, Summertime, Coastal Grandmother, Navy

Dress (c/o) || Wedges || Handbag (c/o) || Sunglasses (c/o) || Earrings || Book

I’m taking a quick break from France to discuss my favorite time of year! Although summers are brutal in my home state of Florida, it’s such a great season! The days are longer, making for more opportunities and chances. The possibilities are endless, whether you’re on the go or relaxing with a strong dose of AC. A few days ago, one of my favorite companies, J. McLaughlin, passed along the sweetest care package to help ring in the next season. With their help, and the prettiest maxi dress, here’s my official summer bucket list for 2022! Calling all who love the coastal grandmother aesthetic!

Read a Batch of New Books

Even though I’m a little behind on my goal of reading 50 books in 2022, the summer is the perfect chance to make up for the lost time! I have an ever-growing stack of historical fiction and biographies to read. The newest addition is The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post, a sweet gift from my friends at J. McLaughlin. I can’t wait to pack it with me on each and every pool or beach day.

Make the Perfect Limoncello Spritz

There’s something about sipping a sweet and citrusy drink that just screams summertime. Each year, a new spritz cocktail makes its way to the top of my list. This year, I’ve been thinking about making limoncellos by the pitcherful. If I really want to shoot for the stars, I would love to make limoncello and perfect my very own homemade recipe. If you have a favorite, please feel free to send it my way!

Have a Hamptons Weekend

Last year, we had the privilege of visiting our dear friends at their new Hamptons houses. I can say without a doubt that it was the most relaxing weekend of the summer! We grilled, drank bottles of delicious rose, and were screen-free for the entire weekend. I would absolutely love to have another opportunity to unwind in this pristine corner of Long Island.

Host a Backward Soiree

Even though the summer days a warmer in Florida, I still like to dine al fresco as often as possible. The next time we have a subtle temperature dip, I can’t wait to host a casual backyard dinner party. When a lovely sitting area in our backyard, strung with cafe lights. I’ll mix up a round of limoncellos and serve Caprese and charcuterie. With some Italian Oldies playing, the mood will be set for an effortless and intimate affair.

Continue to Collect Home Art

I can’t believe we’ve been in our Florida bungalow for nearly two years. Still, in all that time, our walls are pretty bare, and yearning for some accessories. Over the summer, I would love to continue to add new pieces to our walls. It’s on the top of my to-do list, but it seems like such a big undertaking. I have a few pieces already framed, and I just need to find the perfect place for them. For the rest, I hope to find some diverse pieces that perfectly tell our story. Wish me luck!

Start an Herb Garden

Fresh herbs can do so much to add flavor to a favorite dish. The dried version you buy from the spice aisle just doesn’t seem to get the job done. They also just smell incredible. I would love to start an herb garden of my own to have all my favorites on hand. There would be cilantro for Mexican dishes, basil for my salads, and rosemary or lavender to infuse with new cocktails. Our kitchen is about to get a lot more interesting.

Join a Pickleball League

As much as I want to make tennis a part of my workout routine, pickleball is taking the area by storm. I have a batch of friends who already play regularly. All I need to do is buy the equipment, and I’ll be ready to play. If I need to buy a few new pickleball-appropriate outfits, the first place I’ll go to is Tuckernuck for their Tnuck Sport Collection!

Have a Beach Clean-Up Morning

Growing up, I was always at the beach, especially during the summertime. The ocean is such a special place to me. This summer, I want to recommit myself to that love by going on beach cleanups. Inviting some of your loved ones would be a great way to catch up with friends and help the community. Afterward, we can treat ourselves to a job well done by having breakfast at a local favorite.

If you don’t look out, summer will be gone in the blink of an eye! There’s so much to love about the season, and I plan on fully taking advantage of the longer days and warm weather. Cheers to making memories and spending a healthy dose of time relaxing in the sun. Don’t forget to wear your sunscreen!

Love from Florida,
Katie

As always, thanks for stopping by! To keep up with all things about the Sunshine State, be sure to visit my exclusive Florida page, here.