“Magic happens when you break bread in France, and when it does, it’s meant to be shared” LF.
Bonjour from France!
By the time you read this, I’ll be in Paris with my group, fresh from an unforgettable excursion through the Loire Valley- where we explored the grandest Chateaus and sipped our way through the region’s most exquisite wineries. Maybe you’ve been following the adventure on Instagram or Facebook, catching every breathtaking view along the way.
But what you might not know is that one of these trips back in September 2023 sparked something truly magical. One of my dear A Taste of Paris™ travelers; a writer and former colleague, had a revelation on our Provence trip that led to some pretty big news.
In 2022, Lauren endured what was arguably her hardest year yet. She lost 3 of her close friends and, amid grief, moved her family of four into a rental while their home underwent a full gut and renovation. No small feat while juggling two active school-aged boys. I know from my own experience just how challenging it can be to feel to be displaced.
Luckily, 2023 arrived like a breath of fresh air, and in hindsight, Lauren calls it her best year yet. Could this have had anything to do with her travel plans?
For years, she had dreamed of joining an ATOP trip, but one thing held her back. The worry was that traveling with strangers might be awkward or dampen the experience. Still, Lauren took the plunge, and what happened next changed everything.
What drew Lauren to the ATOP trips was their immersive quality, and the chance to experience another culture through its food, language, and landscape. But what she had not expected was how much she would enjoy the company of the other travelers. In her words, they were precious, adding warmth, laughter, and connection to an already unforgettable experience. Traveling solo, without her husband or a friend, allowed her to dive even deeper into enchanting Provence, soaking in every moment with fresh eyes.
“I think that’s what we love about a good book or movie is it gives us the chance to escape into another world, even for just a little while. When a storyteller creates a space that is so interesting and compelling, we get drawn in and lose ourselves in the experience. That’s exactly what the ATOP trip to Provence felt like for me, stepping into a world I’ve only seen in movies or read about in books. And it was truly inspiring” LP.
Each day in Provence, Lauren carved out time to write, giving herself prompts like, if I were to write a book set in Saint Remy de Provence, what would it be about?
You can probably guess what happened next, just thinking about it gives me the chills. She came home and wrote a novel – one inspired by her time in Provence.
I won’t spoil the surprise!
Instead, consider this your official invitation to join me, as my guest, for A Book Launch Party featuring Lauren Palmer and The France Dance!
YOU ARE INVITED!
The France Dance Book Launch and Signing Party
Preview of the evening’s festivities-
Cocktails and Provencal Tidbits
7:00 Welcome- Lorie Fangio About the book- Lauren Palmer
8:00 Presentation of the Madeleine Board
- Details
- Date: Thursday, May 1st 2025
- Time 6:30-8:30
- Venue Doolittle Raiders Bar & Airplane Hanger, Aero County Airport,
- 9408 Learjet Lane, Mckinney TX 75071
This promises to be an incredible evening of stories, fun, laughter, and all things Provencal.
Space is limited and you must RSVP, don’t delay!
I can’t wait to see you!
XOXO
Lorie
Want to make some magic of your own? Join the waitlist now to secure your spot for an upcoming trip with A Taste of Paris™.
Let’s break bread, explore breathtaking sights, cook and taste incredible food, and sip wines from the most iconic wine regions of France. Don’t miss your chance to be apart of these unforgettable experiences. Get on the waitlist today. because registration opens soon!
At A Taste of Paris™, our goal is to deliver more for travelers than any other supplier and it’s a thrill and joy to do so!
