An Australian Family's First Time in France

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First Time in France: An Australian Family's Memorable Journey

Do you remember visiting France for the first time? For Suzie Klatt, her husband, and their three children, that dream became a reality in the summer of 2023. Suzie, originally from Australia, joined Annie Sargent on the podcast to share her family's first time in France. Their journey was filled with adventure, surprises, and heartwarming moments. They spend a memorable 6 weeks in France as you'll hear in this episode!

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The Klatts spent over a month exploring iconic French destinations. They began their trip in Cannes, soaking in the glitz of the French Riviera, and enjoying markets bursting with fresh produce. Suzie, an avid cook, loved shopping for ingredients like white asparagus and apricots to prepare family meals. Their travels then took them to Disneyland Paris, where six magical days gave their children unforgettable experiences like character dining and exploring themed lands at their leisure.

For many families, six days at Disneyland might seem long, but for the Klatts, it was perfect. They booked a full-board meal plan, allowing them to dine at princess restaurants and take things at a relaxed pace. Suzie’s favorite part of the Disneyland stay was watching her kids interact with beloved characters. They also stayed at the Marvel Hotel, which delighted their superhero-loving boys.

In Paris, the Klatts spent nine days diving into the city's culture. They surprised their children with a horse and carriage ride through the streets, sipping champagne while the kids waved to onlookers. They also booked a private boat ride on the Seine with Green River Cruises. This intimate experience let them enjoy views of landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame while playing their favorite music and letting the kids take turns steering the boat.

One highlight of their time in Paris was visiting the Tuileries Gardens and Luxembourg Gardens. Their children loved pushing little sailboats across the fountains, a quintessential Parisian activity. Suzie also talked about their dining adventures, including a family meal at the iconic Au Pied du Cochon and a delicious discovery of a raclette wrap at a local eatery.

After Paris, they visited Chateau de Chambord in the Loire Valley. The grandeur of the chateau amazed them, but the family cherished sitting under shady trees with cold drinks, soaking in the view. Their journey continued to Bordeaux, where they marveled at the Water Mirror, catching its beauty at sunset.

The Klatts also ventured into Provence to see the famous lavender fields around Valensole. They met local farmers who shared their passion for producing lavender products. These intimate moments, Suzie said, made the trip truly special.

The family’s first time in France also included brief stops in Perpignan and CERET, where they connected with extended family. They didn’t forget to experience Saint Tropez, walking its picturesque streets lined with colorful buildings and hydrangeas.

Suzie and Annie also discussed logistics, like staying in family-friendly apartments with air conditioning and kitchens. They rented from a mix of French agencies and platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com, prioritizing comfort and convenience for their young children. They also tried every mode of transport, from private transfers to using the G7 Taxi App in Paris, buses, metros, and ferries.

For food lovers, Suzie shared her enthusiasm for French markets, cooking with local ingredients, and savoring treats like profiteroles, crème brûlée, and galettes. She even discovered French skincare products, which she now orders from abroad.

Their trip also included a foray into Spain, where they explored San Sebastian and Barcelona, reconnecting with Suzie’s Basque roots. The tapas scene in San Sebastian and the vibrant markets in Barcelona left lasting impressions.

Suzie’s first time in France was not just about seeing famous landmarks but creating meaningful family memories. Her advice for first-timers? Take your time, embrace local culture, and don’t be afraid to explore off the beaten path.

Ready to hear more about Suzie’s adventure? Listen to this episode of Join Us in France for tips, laughs, and inspiration for your own first time in France.

Table of Contents for this Episode

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