A Summer Through France: Dr. Vinaya Raghunath’s Journey with Thrillophilia
Dr. Vinaya Raghunath had been dreaming about a European summer for a long time. France held a certain charm for her, and when she and her husband finally returned from their ten-day adventure, she knew this trip would stay close to her heart. Their holiday, titled Crossing France, became a memorable blend of sunlit coastlines, mediaeval towns, vibrant cities and quiet countryside moments. More importantly, it became a trip shaped with care by the Thrillophilia team, something she acknowledged with warm gratitude.
What began as a simple eight-day plan slowly transformed into a ten-day celebration of France, customised thoughtfully to match their pace. This was their second journey with Thrillophilia, the first one being Vietnam, and the familiar sense of comfort was present again. Although their original dates had to be moved due to visa delays, the reassurance and support they received kept their enthusiasm alive. Pulkit and Jatin Kalra stood out throughout the planning stage. Their timely updates and consistent involvement helped everything fall back into place.
A Warm Start on the French Riviera
Joining the group in Nice was the perfect beginning. The coastline shimmered under the summer sun, and the long daylight hours made everything feel brighter and more welcoming. Nice introduced them to wide promenades, breezy beaches and the effortless charm that the French Riviera is known for. It set the tone for the days ahead.
Their journey along the Côte d Azur continued with a stop at Sainte Maxime, a delightful coastal town with a relaxed pace. They enjoyed walking near the port and exploring its compact historic centre. From there, a short boat ride carried them across the scenic bay to Saint Tropez. The mix of old fishing traditions and luxurious yachts created a lively atmosphere and offered a wonderful start to the tour.
Marseille added a more urban rhythm to the experience. The Vieux Port felt lively, colourful and full of character. Watching the city unwind as evening approached became one of those small but lasting moments that accompany every international trip.
Into the Heart of Provence
The next stretch of the journey unfolded through some of Provence’s most admired towns. Arles impressed them with its Roman remains and quiet streets. It was the kind of place where history seemed to rest gently on every corner.
Les Baux brought a different charm. Perched on rugged cliffs, the mediaeval village felt almost sculpted into the landscape. The visit to Carrières de Lumières was an experience Dr. Vinaya remembered vividly. The moving projections of art across massive stone walls accompanied by music created a surreal atmosphere. It felt immersive and unlike anything she had seen before.
Avignon added another layer of beauty with its striking Palais des Papes. The combination of open squares, historic corridors and inviting cafés made it a comfortable town to explore before the journey continued to Lyon.
Lyon’s Cultural Glow
Lyon welcomed the travellers with its riverside charm and a beautiful old town. Exploring the historic quarters, walking through narrow lanes and admiring Renaissance buildings made the evening meaningful. The cable car ride to the Notre Dame de Fourvière Basilica provided a panoramic view that stretched across the city. It was the kind of moment that encouraged stillness, where travellers simply take in the landscape and breathe.
Burgundy and Its Peaceful Countryside
The Burgundy region offered a completely different atmosphere. Towns like Tournus and Beaune carried a gentle calm that contrasted nicely with the busier cities. Beaune, often called the wine capital of Burgundy, provided a lovely setting for a leisurely lunch and exploration.
Savigny Castle surprised everyone with its impressive collection of motorbikes, race cars, planes and helicopters. It was an unexpected delight, combining heritage with curiosity. Dijon completed this chapter with streets filled with character and architecture that reflected its significance through centuries.
Through Ancient Abbeys and Hilltop Villages
The visit to Fontenay Abbey introduced the group to one of the region’s proudest heritage sites. The tranquillity of the surroundings created an atmosphere that was peaceful and grounded. Semur en Auxois, with its mediaeval walls, and Vézelay, known for its historic basilica, added poetic beauty to the route. These locations provided quiet encounters with French history in its purest form.
The Allure of Paris
Reaching Paris felt like arriving at the heart of the journey. Their day began with the visit to Versailles, a palace known worldwide for its architecture and gardens. Returning to Paris later in the day brought a different rhythm. Montmartre stood at the top of their list. The funicular ride, the view of the city and the small shops lining the streets created an atmosphere rich with art and storytelling. The guided city tour allowed them to appreciate Paris in a structured, informative way while still retaining its romantic appeal.
The next day brought the Eiffel Tower. Standing on the second level and watching the city unfold beneath them felt iconic. The Seine cruise that followed added a soothing charm. The reflections in the water, the passing monuments and the soft evening light made the outing unforgettable. The free afternoon allowed them to explore at their own pace and added a comfortable ending to their Paris stay.
A Journey Filled With Appreciation
Throughout the trip, Dr. Vinaya felt consistently supported by Thrillophilia’s team. Questions were answered promptly, assistance was provided whenever they needed it and every arrangement felt well handled. Pulkit and Jatin remained attentive from the planning phase until the final day, and the local staff ensured that each transition felt smooth.
France revealed itself through its varied landscapes and historic towns, but the people behind the planning helped every chapter unfold without stress. When Dr. Vinaya reflected on her vacation, she felt grateful for the memories she created, the comfort she experienced and the confidence Thrillophilia gave her in travelling abroad.
She returned home with a renewed trust in the team and the warm certainty that she looked forward to travelling with Thrillophilia again.
Read More: Thrillophilia France Reviews