A few months ago I get a text from Tess: "We can fly round trip to Barcelona for $400." 15 minutes later, I'm printing my confirmation.

Lots of firsts happened on this trip:

My first time renting a car, first time driving in a foreign country, and first time in France.

We touched down in Barcelona and sped up the coast. First stop: Sant Pol de Mar.

I visited this magical beach the last time I was in Spain, and we wanted to stop for a bit after a full day of travel.

Random fact: this town of just 5,000 residents is home to a restaurant with 3 Michelin stars.

But no time to waste! Tess took the first leg of the drive into France, just as the sun started to set into the Pyrenees.

While researching various places to stay during our trip, I had one wish to stay in a French manor house. And we needed to find a place relatively close to Spain for our first night. The one that fits this bill is Hotel Le Mas Trilles in Ceret.

The hotel was trying to get in touch with me all day to let us know that reception closes at 9pm. We rolled in around 9:45. Whoops. But because this hotel is seriously perfect, a kind gentleman at reception heard us wheeling our luggage up and was able to check us in. Just the first example of hospitality from this dreamy place.

Did I mention this place is perfect? Can we focus in on this bread situation from breakfast? Easily one of the best meals we had.

We meandered down through the gardens to the river at the back of the property.

And spent every last minute of our stay out here...

We snagged some fresh cherries before hitting the road. Endless thanks to the wonderful staff of Le Mas Trilles and their warm hospitality.

Before arriving at our next destination, we made a quick stop in Montpellier.

Parking under the Saint Clement Aqueduct, we meandered around with no specific destination in mind.

I can't adequately describe how great it feels to explore again. It's a humbling experience to be a stranger in a new place; and allows you to check in on yourself. Also how great is that 'start of the trip feeling'?

France, killin it with that effortless beauty.

When in Europe, stop for gelato every day.

The town was pretty sleepy on this Sunday. But we had the chance to practice our (measly) French, and bonus! Free parking! It's now my turn behind the wheel... stay tuned for some insanely narrow streets that can't be legal to drive on but are.