Girls Trip to Avignon

This is Part I of my winter trip to France, see Part II here and Part III here. 

You know a place is special when you return to relive memories a second time. I've visited over 80 countries (70 just during our year-long, around the world trip) and if there's one place I yearn to return to again and again it's Avignon - and specifically - La Mirande. The owner, M. Martin Stein, has lovingly curated the interiors of this former cardinal's residence with treasures from his many antiquing trips to neighboring towns and markets turning this hotel into a veritable museum to 200 years of French decorative arts.

David and I first visited La Mirande in September 2017 as a part of our world trip, and it was so fun to return and relive the magic with my friend, Sarah Flint, 2 years later. Each room is individually decorated, so it's worth visiting numerous times simply to stay in and experience multiple rooms, each of which have upholstered walls clad in Pierre Frey or custom wallpapers commissioned from France's oldest wallpaper manufacturers. Sarah and I stayed in Room 33 pictured above and I love that when we opened our windows we could hear church bells, birdsongs, and had views of the the Papal Palace!

You can find links to everything I wore in my Paris Packing List post here.

The weekly brocante in L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is a magical destination for whiling away a Sunday. The town is a destination for upscale antiques every day of the year, but on Sunday mornings small dealers spread their treasures on blankets and tables lining the path along the river and are ready to negotiate a deal. We picked up as many things as we could fit in our suitcases, from a pair of drawings, to vintage textiles, to a candle snuffer in the shape of a pineapple that now sits on my mantle.  In addition to the many antique vendors,  the center of town fills with stalls selling everything from sausage to tablecloths which is perfect for picking up lunch to enjoy on the banks of the river before heading back to the hotel. 

OUTFIT DETAILS:

Red Valentino Coat (old, similar)  // J.Crew Cashmere Turtleneck // Ralph Lauren Leather Pants // Sarah Flint Silk Scarf (Get $50 off your first order with code "Stacie50") // Sarah Flint Flats c/o // Mark Cross Handbag

Every room at La Mirande is a treat but the one above is my favorite. The walls are covered in one of the earliest and best preserved examples of wallpaper in existence, and I love the unexpected pairing of the minty green and rich camel. The last time we were here there was a massive blue and white rug in this room which brightened it up a fair bit, but either way it's the perfect spot to sit and read before heading down to dinner at the Chef's table. 

The Chef's Table is a convivial experience gathering 12-14 guests to dine in the property's original kitchen, saddled up to a large island as you watch a beautiful 4 course meal prepared before you. You can read more about it in my original post here. Truly a must-do and the highlight of every visit. 

Outfit Details:

Brooks Brothers Camel Wrap Coat c/o // Vince Cable Mockneck Sweater // Brooks Brothers White Jeans c/o // Sarah Flint Loafers c/o (get $50 off your first order with code "Stacie50") // Mark Cross Handbag // Oscar de la Renta Baroque Pearl Earrings (old, similar) 

It should come as no surprise that La Mirande has a dreamy collection of vintage and antique china. I would love to have a china cabinet to rival this one someday so I can put my own collection on display! 

OUTFIT DETAILS:

Outfit Above: Molly Moorkamp Dress // Sarah Flint Perfect Pumps // Tory Burch Belt

Outfit below: Sandro High Waisted Pants // Charlotte Brody Sweater // Baroque Pearl Drop Earrings // Sarah Flint Perfect Pumps c/o  

This is Part I of my winter trip to France, see Part II here and Part III here. 

Thank you La Mirande for your incomparable hospitality and memorable visit - we hope to see you again soon!

xx, SF