France with Mom: A Journey Through Generations
In 2018, I embarked on a meaningful trip to France with my mom and kids, while my husband stayed behind. This wasn’t just a family vacation; it was a chance to see the parts of France that had shaped my mom’s life decades ago. She had studied abroad as a young woman, and walking those streets again with her brought the experience full circle.
We explored her old neighborhood, wandering down the same streets she had walked to school and stopping at her favorite boulangerie for croissants. There was something special about seeing France through her eyes—not as a tourist, but as someone revisiting a place that had once been home. It felt like stepping back in time, imagining her as a young woman navigating a foreign country and building a life so far from everything she knew.
One of the highlights of our trip was volunteering at a local church. My kids jumped right into the experience, trying to learn French phrases and connecting with the local kids through smiles, games, and gestures. It was heartwarming to see how easily they embraced the challenge of communicating without a shared language. Watching them make those connections reminded me of the power of openness and curiosity.
Of course, there were the usual travel hiccups. Like the time I accidentally ordered steak tartare for my 5-year-old, thinking it was just a fancy burger. (Spoiler: it’s not.) Or the endless attempts to convince my kids that baguettes aren’t just for sword fighting. And then there was the Louvre. What I had envisioned as a cultural highlight quickly turned into a scene when Brynne, overwhelmed and overtired, had a full-blown meltdown right in front of the Mona Lisa. Cue the side-eyes from art enthusiasts and my hasty retreat to the nearest exit with a crying child in tow. Lesson learned: toddlers and famous museums aren’t always a match made in heaven.
But even those moments added to the charm of the trip. What stood out most was how this trip bridged generations. It wasn’t about grand tourist attractions or perfectly planned itineraries. It was about the quiet moments—sharing a croissant in a tiny café, hearing my mom’s reflections as we walked familiar streets, and watching my kids navigate new experiences with a mix of enthusiasm and hesitation.
Lessons Learned:
Walking in Someone Else’s Shoes (Literally): Seeing a place through someone else’s perspective brings new meaning to travel.
Volunteering Bridges Gaps: Engaging with a community, even briefly, can create meaningful connections.
Kids Are Resilient: Whether trying French phrases or navigating new foods, they adapt and surprise you.
It’s Okay to Laugh at the Hiccups: Ordering the wrong dish or dealing with baguette battles is part of the adventure.
Practical Tips for Multi-Generational Travel:
Plan for All Ages: Find a mix of activities that cater to kids and adults alike.
Embrace Local Experiences: Volunteering or attending community events adds depth to the trip.
Pack Patience (and Snacks): Keeping everyone happy sometimes just requires a well-timed baguette.
Focus on the Moments: It’s not about seeing everything; it’s about creating memories together.
That trip to France wasn’t about grand adventures or ticking boxes on a bucket list. It was about reconnecting with the past and watching my kids step into new experiences with open hearts. Travel like this isn’t flashy, but it’s unforgettable in the best way.
