In continuing with our love of all things French, we decided to follow up our amazing wedding with a romantic French getaway that also incorporated Northern Spain/Basque region as well. Starting our journey in Versailles we spent a couple of nights staying in a beautiful bed and breakfast situated next to the Palace of Versailles gardens. We ate croissants for breakfast and strolled the palace gardens while at night dined in some up and coming restaurants. From there, we made our way by car to the Loire Valley where we sampled local wine from Vouvray while on a wine and cheese tour with a couple, who were originally from Toowoomba, Qld! After a couple of days we continued south to the Dordogne region, staying at another bed and breakfast in a very old medieval town, Sarlat. Famous for its foie gras and walnuts, we enjoyed exploring the incredibly preserved 11th century town and surrounding regions.

Not letting a puncture in our hire car slow us down, we managed to speak what little french we knew to get it changed at a garage and, then set off on our way to Spain. Escaping the chill of France, we arrived in San Sebastian, Spain staying in the beautifully restored Maria Cristina Hotel. We enjoyed a week of exploring San Sebastian and the surrounding Basque region. We visited a farm where they have won multiple awards for the delicious sheep’s cheese as well as visiting a small town; the home of the famous fashion house Balenciaga. Nights were spent staying up late at yummy Tapas’ bars sampling all the amazing food and washing it down with the local white wine, Txacoli.

After leaving Spain we made our way back to France and caught the very fast TGV train back to Paris. We ended our honeymoon spending a glorious week in Paris. We dined at Epicure restaurant in the  prestigious Le Bristol Hotel; located on rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, the heart of Paris’ fashion and arts district. Celebrating my 30th Birthday while in Paris, we attended the Ballet at the famous Bastille Opera National de Paris.

Overall, our honeymoon was a magical exploration of the French countryside and Basque region providing us with experiences we won’t forget – a perfect way to end a perfect wedding….

Images from Kirstie and Ben’s collection

Ms Gingham says: Kirstie shared her gorgeous wedding with us a while back and now we get to hear all about her amazing honeymoon! Attending the ballet at the Opera Garnier sound like the best birthday present ever!!!