A Surprise Adventure in a Volkswagen Bus

I tend to plan all of our travels, but not this time! Chanel schemed a masterful secret plan, told me to block out several days on a particular weekend, and not to snoop around for information!

This is always a difficult way to plan because inevitably, we let some random comment slip that can foil the whole plan. This wasn't the case on this adventure. I honestly had no clue what we were up to!

We flew out of Basel on a Thursday morning. The plan slowly unfolded as we approached the gate where the digital board read 'NICE!' Here we come, French Riviera! By this time, I'm envisioning beachfront, seafood, white wine, and a swanky hotel! She does love her fancy hotels, ya know.

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After a quick flight from Basel to Nice, Chanel informed me that we were going to meet with Gigi and begin our trip. I had no clue what that meant. I thought, perhaps she has a coworker at Novartis who had a home here? I didn't recall her ever mentioning a 'Gigi,' but I quickly chalked that up to the likelihood I was merely a terrible listener!

Moments later, a Volkswagen California swoops into the arrivals lane and picks us up! The gentleman who was driving the VW didn't look like a Gigi, so I was stumped!

After a 50-minute drive where Chanel repeatedly looked up at me, grinning in excitement from successfully surprising me and out of sheer excitement of what was to come.

We pulled up to a large garage at 69Campers where I was asked to stand in front as they opened it, unveiling a classic split-window 1963 Volkswagen Transporter, commonly referred to as the Bus, Camper, or Kombi.

Meet Gigi!

Needless to say, I was stunned, totally fooled, and very excited!

Let the adventure begin!

We owned a 1963 Volkswagen Beetle once, lovingly named Bugsy. Some of you knew him. When my bride stumbled across an Instagram page for VW Camper Van rentals, she knew she had found an unforgettable way to not only surprise me but to create one of those memories that could never fade. The 'van life' trend has always had an allure to me, but I'm a sucker for a hot shower and a killer meal. This was the perfect way to experience it in our own unique way!

To say that my family is obsessed with cars is an understatement, and I include myself in the equation. I'm a longtime lover of automobiles, I browse apps daily for that 'next find,' and I even spent much of my career in the US automotive industry. Chanel absolutely nailed this plan!

Stop 1 | Draguignan, France

First Stop: The Countryside in Provence

Yep, this is the power that I remember from the early 60s Volkswagens! The goal here was to stay in the right lane on motorways and away from the much MUCH faster automobiles! Side roads here are optimal because Gigi likes to take her time!

This adventure took place in early March, so the vineyards were not as beautiful as you'd find them in warmer months. This certainly doesn't mean you can't enjoy tasting rooms and exploring the wines of the region! Most wines are 1-4 years old in tasting rooms at all times, so we were able to enjoy ourselves without the summer crowd slowing us down!

The drive through Provence is incredibly beautiful, so we took advantage of scenic routes and took our time!

WINE - Château Sainte Roseline

1854 Route de Sainte-Roseline, 83460 Les Arcs, France | Website

Rosé tasting? I don't mind if I do! This beautiful château is known for its fantastic wine production and beautiful vineyard! Everything here feels classic, elegant, and artistic. We arrived at the beginning of the midday break, so we relaxed in Gigi, enjoyed a bottle of Rosé, and had a snack and a nap!

STAY - Cottage via Airbnb

Draguignan, France | Website

Our first night's lodging was a night in the most adorable little cottage overlooking a vineyard. We arrived in time for one more tasting selection, which luckily was on site! We had so much fun with Hélène, and the wines were terrific. The Rosé here is fantastic and an excellent price point!

Stop 2 | Mougins, France

After a beautiful and incredibly slow highway drive in the VW Camper, we have arrived in Mougins! Some know this as "that little town near Cannes," but others know it has been called home by many infamous people, including Pablo Picasso, Winston Churchill, and Christian Dior.

Mougins is incredibly charming, quiet, and felt like one of those hidden gems we will want to visit again!

STAY - Le Mas Candille

Boulevard Clément Rebuffel, 06250 Mougins | Website

Offering a full five star experience is definitely a fun way to experience Mougins! Le Mas Candille offers an amazing hotel, spa, three swimming pools, and a Michelin-starred restaurant! What else could one want? This is a smaller hotel with just 45 rooms including seven suites.

We tucked Gigi into a private little spot and set out to explore Mougins! This location is absolutely perfect as it’s’s just below the old city atop the hill.

EAT - Resto des Arts

20 Rue du Maréchal Foch, 06250 Mougins | Website

Classic, simple, and French… one of my favorite ways to prepare lunch! We had a fantastic lunch at Resto des Arts! Mussels, oysters, tartare are just a few of the delicious options! The restaurant has a beautiful vibe and friendly staff! Even with our limited French knowledge, we got along well, and the staff was so incredibly kind and welcoming!

SHOP - Atelier Defontenay

8 Avenue de la Victoire, 06250 Mougins | Website

We rarely find art galleries that 'speak to us,' but stumbled upon Atelier Defontenay when walking around the small little art district atop the hill in old Mougins. The Jimi Hendrix piece outside of the gallery captured our attention, but we quickly fell in love with the Mick Jagger piece inside. Needless to say, this now resides on our wall in our Basel flat.

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Stop 3 | Cannes, France

Third Stop: The French Riviera

Just eight kilometers down the road from Mougins is the beautiful coastal city of Cannes. We left Mougins during heavy rain, and the wipers on early split window buses are seemingly more for looks than effectiveness! It was steady and slow, but we made our way to Cannes and parked by the beach for a midday snack in Gigi to wait out the storm!

STAY - A Centrally Located Airbnb

Cannes, France | Website

In keeping things simple and affordable, our next stop was a beautifully appointed Airbnb! Chanel picked this centrally located lodging because it was easy walking distance to and from all the points of interest!

EAT - Seaside Cafés

This is our sort of vibe for sure! French wine and fresh seafood? We never tire of these cafés, and in Cannes, there no shortage!

DO - Walk the City

We had one day to spend in Cannes, so we explored on foot and enjoyed the sea breezes. Once the storm passed it was warm and sunny, perfect for a walk by the shore and exploring through the city!

Walk along La Croisette, explore Le Suquet, and the Old Port! It’s a relaxing and beautiful scene!

After Cannes

…we sadly had to take Gigi back home and fly back to Basel! Needless to say, Chanel planned an excellent surprise holiday that I will never forget! It does, however, make me crave another similar adventure in another season and perhaps a new route!

Fare the well, Gigi! Until next time!

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