Bright New Beginnings

, ,

A Sabbatical in France:  My Legal Career Recharge Through Travel and Photography

Published by

Ana Mendoza

on

A Sabbatical in France:  My Legal Career Recharge Through Travel and Photography

This summer, I finally had the privilege to pause.

After years of running on deadlines, advocacy campaigns, and countless meetings, I decided to take a step back — not because I had to, but because I wanted to rediscover what life looked like beyond my inbox and working. I spent three unforgettable weeks traveling through France — Champagne, the French Riviera, and Bordeaux–with a camera in hand and curiosity as my compass.

It wasn’t just a trip. It was a reset.

Relearning Presence 

For the first time in years, I slowed down enough to actually see and experience things more intentionally  — the way the sun glistens on the ocean, or how a glass of Champagne tastes better when you’re watching the vines that made it. 

Photography became my quiet teacher. Before my trip, I invested in a new camera to follow-up on a hobby I first discovered as a teenager in my high school photography class.  That hobby was short-lived back then, but I’d missed it ever since.  My sabbatical was the perfect chance to return to it and explore it more deeply as I learned about travel photography. 

In France, each shot encouraged me to stop, frame, and notice my surroundings more closely, especially the details. My Sony A7C II went everywhere with me — to seaside towns in the French Riviera, beautiful vineyards in Provence and Bordeaux, and tucked-away villages where I stumbled upon cozy cafés and even a perfume museum. 

In Bordeaux, I spent days drinking wines from different regions, trying pastries from different patisseries, and eating delicious food in different cuisines.  

 In Saint Marguerite Island, Nice, Saint-Raphaël, Grasse, and Saint Tropez in the French Riviera, I enjoyed photographing cliffs and waves, riding the petite trains in multiple towns as I explored the Côte d’Azur.

Highlights & Recommendations Traveling In France

Paris

In Paris, I stayed at a beautiful hotel on the Seine River, the S/O Paris, courtesy of credit card points earned on my Chase Sapphire credit card.  Its location made it easy to take strolls along the Seine and explore nearby neighborhoods.   

 While in Paris, I joined another Devour Tours experience –my third, after doing their tours in San Sebastián, France and Rome, Italy.  They did not disappoint!  We learned about Paris’ history and, of course, its award winning pastries, cheeses, and chocolates!  

Panoramic view of the Seine River and Paris skyline under a cloudy sky, featuring modern and historical buildings.
A hand holding a freshly baked croissant in front of a boulangerie with intricate architecture and a sign that reads 'BOULANGERIE'.
A colorful mosaic mural featuring a tree with oranges, a fountain, and birds, set against a decorative background.
A scenic view of the Seine River in Paris, showcasing the riverside buildings, lush trees, and a boat navigating the water with Notre Dame in the background under a clear blue sky.
View of the intricate façade of Notre-Dame Cathedral, showcasing detailed sculptures and ornate carvings around the entrance.
A narrow Parisian street lined with historical buildings and a church spire in the distance, under a cloudy sky. Bicycles are parked along the street and pedestrians stroll by.
An assortment of various cheeses displayed in a market, with prices labeled on small blackboards.
View of the Seine River in Paris, bordered by historic buildings and lined with trees, under a cloudy sky.
Exterior view of a Gothic cathedral under renovation, showcasing intricate stonework and scaffolding.
A scenic view of the Seine River in Paris, framed by trees and buildings along the banks under a partly cloudy sky.
The façade of a historic building adorned with large posters featuring artistic designs and bold messages such as 'RESPECT' and 'UNITED EARTH.' People are walking in front of the building.

Reims & Champagne

In Reims, we stayed at a charming AirBnB that had so many thoughtful touches to make it a relaxing stay. Our September visit coincided with the grape harvest season, when the vineyards decide that it’s time to bring in their grapes from the vines.  We enjoyed walking around Reims, which has beautiful green spaces and a gorgeous Notre Dame with the most cheerful sculpture of an angel I’ve ever seen! The “Smiling Angel” of Reims Cathedral is a joyful angel that seems to be smiling right at you, as if whispering, “You’ve got this.”

The façade of Reims Cathedral, showcasing its intricate Gothic architecture, large rose window, and detailed sculptures, with visitors gathered at the base.
A stone sculpture of a monk holding a child, surrounded by various lit candles on a black metal stand, with greenery in the background.
Interior view of a cathedral, featuring high vaulted ceilings and colorful stained glass windows.
Interior view of a cathedral featuring an ornate altar with candles, a statue, and decorative columns.
Stained glass windows with vibrant colors depicting intricate designs and figures.
A dimly lit church altar featuring intricate sculptures of biblical figures, including a depiction of Christ and various saints, surrounded by ornate columns and detailed carvings.
Carved stone angel sculpture on a cathedral facade, conveying a serene expression with intricately detailed wings and robes.

The biggest highlight of this part of the trip was the Harvest Day event at the Veuve Cliquot Manor, where we toured the grounds, tasted grapes harvested only days earlier, and sampled the two juices from those grapes (both were delicious), and, of course, enjoyed Veuve Cliquot champagnes! Lunch featured vegetables grown on the grounds and a special pinot noir made for the house that quickly became my favorite wine of the trip–and, sadly, one that isn’t available for purchase.  

A scenic view of a lush vineyard landscape in France, framed by leafy tree branches and a well-maintained garden in the foreground.
A scenic view of vineyards in France, with a wine glass in the foreground, capturing the lush green landscape under a clear blue sky.
Lush green garden with various plants and vegetables, surrounded by trees and a building in the background under a clear blue sky.
A garden area featuring various greenery, including a shrub labeled 'Ruta Gravidula' and a sign indicating the section dedicated to raspberries and small red fruits.
A scenic view of lush green vineyards stretching across rolling hills under a clear blue sky.
A scenic view of a vineyard in France, with lush green grapevines lined in rows and a backdrop of rolling hills under a partly cloudy sky.
Baskets filled with harvested green and black grapes at Veuve Clicquot.
A wooden easel displaying a sign for 'La Vigne du Manoir de Verzy' by Veuve Clicquot, set against a picturesque vineyard landscape under a clear sky.
A wooden easel displaying a sign for 'Les jus de la Vendange by Veuve Clicquot' under a tree with green leaves, accompanied by small tables holding wooden boxes.
A glass of Champagne with a clear sky in the background, surrounded by greenery.
A table featuring multiple glasses of champagne with orange stems, set against a bright orange Veuve Clicquot-themed table surface adorned with flowers.
A table setting featuring a glass of white wine and a platter of pastries, with additional glasses and small desserts in the background.
A close-up of a dining table set for lunch, featuring a menu titled 'Le Déjeuner des Vendanges' by Veuve Clicquot, accompanied by wine glasses, water glasses, a knife, and a light dessert.
A dining menu from Veuve Clicquot featuring a selection of dishes, including a mise en bouche, a main course of roasted chicken, cheese, and dessert, along with a glass of champagne in the background.
A glass of red wine rests on a wooden table beside a slice of toasted bread topped with a caramelized crust, surrounded by fresh grapes and a small cup of cream.
Outdoor setting featuring yellow and white striped umbrellas, round tables, and bottles of Champagne on display, surrounded by greenery and trees.
A bottle of green Champagne with a glass of red wine beside a menu that reads 'Le Déjeuner des Vendanges by Veuve Clicquot' on a wooden table.
A table setting featuring several empty green wine bottles in a cluster, two wine glasses—one with rosé and the other with red wine—and a sunflower in a vase.
Interior view of a rustic space featuring exposed wooden beams, a vintage waterwheel, and a yellow bicycle, creating a cozy and artistic atmosphere.
A coffee table with books including 'Veuve Clicquot: La couleur de l'excellence' and 'Femmes d'affaires mythiques,' alongside a decorative bowl and a flower arrangement.
An elegant shelf displaying colorful gift boxes and a bottle of Champagne, accented with leafy plants.
A sign displaying 'Le Déjeuner des Vendanges' at Manoir de Verzy, surrounded by decorative flower arrangements and greenery on a sunny day.
A serene garden scene featuring two striped lounge chairs amidst vibrant flowers and lush greenery under a clear blue sky.

Cóte d’Azur (French Riviera)

In the Côte d’Azur, we stayed at an AirBnB in Saint-Raphaël that was two blocks from the marina and walking distance to chill beaches.  We traveled during “shoulder season,” which is the window between high summer tourism and the quieter off-season.   

Traveling during shoulder season has its perks:  fewer crowds, easier restaurant reservations, and more space to explore.  The only drawback was that some tours and experiences had limited availability.  Still, Saint-Raphaël was the perfect beach town base!  

A large red sculpture titled 'Wild Kong' stands in a public space surrounded by palm trees, with buildings and boats in the background under a clear blue sky.
A vibrant seaside promenade scene featuring people strolling and interacting around a large yellow shark sculpture, with a backdrop of the ocean and a clear blue sky.
Colorful carousel near the beach, with people walking by in the foreground and a clear blue sky above.
Sign welcoming visitors to Saint-Raphaël with the ocean and mountains in the background.
Facade of a stone church featuring two prominent towers and a golden statue on top, with people walking up the steps.

Plage d’Agay (Agay Beach), Saint-Raphaél:

A tranquil view of a coastal scene featuring calm blue waters, several boats moored in the distance, and a lush, green hillside in the background under a clear blue sky.
A beach scene featuring a striped chair on the sandy shore, with calm blue waters and sailboats in the background, under a clear sky.

We were two blocks from the train station and used it for easy day trips to Nice, Grasse, and other coastal towns. We also were two blocks away from the marina where boats depart to other parts of the coast or the Lérins Islands, which we used to visit Saint-Marguerite Island and Saint Tropez, where we spent a perfect day lounging at Club 55!  

Nice, France:

Île Sainte-Marguerite (Saint Marguerite Island), Lérins Islands, in the Bay of Cannes: gorgeous forest island!

A rustic archway covered in green vines, leading to a weathered stone wall and an old building. Sunlight filters through the trees overhead.
An interior view of a historical site featuring several ancient clay amphorae arranged on the ground, with a large detailed map of the Mediterranean region displayed on the wall behind them.
A detailed model of a ship made of clear materials, showcasing its intricate sails and a small figure standing at the bow.
Ancient pottery jars displayed in a dimly lit stone chamber with a vaulted ceiling.

Saint-Tropez, where I discovered I love the tarte tropézienne, a delicious pastry:

A clear blue ocean scene featuring a wooden dock with stairs leading down to the water, a small boat anchored nearby, and yellow buoys marking the water.
A clear view of waves gently lapping against a sandy shore, with a vibrant blue sky above.
Close-up of a sandy beach with gentle waves lapping at the shore under a clear blue sky.
Gentle waves lapping at the sandy shore under a clear blue sky, with a small boat visible in the distance.
A close-up view of a sandy beach with clear water gently lapping at the shore, and a small boat anchored in the background.
A close-up view of gentle waves lapping against a sandy beach, with a small boat visible in the background under a clear blue sky.
A wooden pier extending into a clear blue sea with gentle waves, surrounded by a sandy beach and green hills in the background.
A wooden dock extending into a clear blue sea under a bright sky, with buoy markers visible in the water.
A serene beach view with clear turquoise water and a sandy shore, featuring people enjoying the sun and the coastline in the background.
Clear turquoise water at a beach, with gentle waves and distant boats visible in the horizon under a bright blue sky.
Close-up view of waves gently lapping onto a sandy beach with clear water.
A wooden pier extending into clear blue water with warning signs about swimming hazards.
A close-up view of clear ocean water gently lapping against a sandy beach, showcasing the sparkling texture of the water and the smooth surface of the sand.

Grasse, known for perfumes:

Colorful pink umbrellas hanging above a narrow street, with an orange building and decorative elements in the background.
A vintage white pitcher filled with dried flowers, placed on a stone surface near a textured yellow wall.
A beautifully styled pink beverage in a glass cup garnished with rose petals, paired with a small gold spoon on a pink tray, next to an ornate teacup filled with a dark drink. The setting suggests a cozy and elegant café atmosphere.
Street view adorned with pink umbrellas hanging overhead, showcasing charming buildings with pastel-colored facades and storefronts.
Colorful outdoor sculpture made of shiny turquoise and pink spheres, set in a landscaped garden with greenery and cloudy sky in the background.
Narrow street in a quaint town with pastel-colored buildings and a 'MUSEE' sign hanging above.

One of my favorite experiences was a Wine Tour in Provence with a sommelier, Camile, who led us through organic and biodynamic vineyards with warmth and expertise.  Her thoughtful touches–from fresh croissants to a leisurely Provençal lunch–made it one of  the most memorable days of the trip.  We visited trip.  We visited Château Demonpère, Domaine Des Féraud, and Domaine Terres Destel.  You can book with Camile through my Viator link  here.

A view of a vineyard with green grapevines stretching across the landscape, bordered by a rustic wooden fence and under a clear blue sky.
A sunny outdoor scene featuring old farm machinery and wooden carts scattered on a grassy area, surrounded by tall trees under a clear blue sky.
A scenic vineyard landscape with rows of grapevines under a clear blue sky, surrounded by green trees.
Close-up of grape leaves on a vine, showcasing vibrant green foliage in a vineyard setting.
A scenic view of a vineyard framed by lush trees and flowers, with a clear blue sky in the background.
A beautifully landscaped vineyard garden featuring sculptures, lush greenery, and white flowers under a clear blue sky.
A scenic view of vineyards stretching across the landscape, with olive trees in the foreground and a wooden fence separating them from the vineyards.

Bordeaux

Bordeaux continues to be a favorite destination. 

Arcachon Bay:

We reconnected  with our tour guide Ben, who took us on an incredible private tour to Saint-Émilion in 2024. This time, he took us through the Médoc region, and it was every bit as fun to explore!  We designed the itinerary together, blending recommendations from Camile (our sommelier guide in Provence) with Ben’s deep knowledge of the area.  The result was a perfect day of wine, history, and stunning views.  Château Beycheville was a standout–absolutely beautiful grounds and a modern winery with old school charm. 

Interior of a wine cellar featuring numerous wooden barrels arranged in rows, with a rustic stone wall and artistic murals in the background.
A close-up of a vibrant pink rose surrounded by green foliage and grass.

We also joined a “Make Your Own Cuvée” wine blending class, a pastry and bakery tour, and took a beach day trip to Arcachon Bay– a lovely coastal escape just outside the city (and accessible via train).  

Two glasses of red wine next to a bottle labeled 'Merlot', a measuring cylinder, and a map titled 'WINE MAP OF BORDEAUX FRANCE'.

Closing Reflection

I came back from this sabbatical trip with thousands of photos and one central lesson: it is important to pause, relax, and enjoy the wonderful and curious world around us. 

Here’s to slowing down, finding beauty in small moments, and having fun as we live our purpose. 

[Affiliate disclaimer:  This post contains affiliate links.  If you book or purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.  Thank you for supporting the blog and my photography journey.]

Discover more from Bright New Beginnings

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Leave a Reply

Hello,

I’m Ana

A woman sitting on wooden stairs, wearing a black blouse and trousers with high heels, smiling confidently.

Welcome to website, my cozy corner of the internet dedicated to supporting your new chapter as you consider law school, a career as a public interest lawyer, real estate, and financial wellness.

Let’s connect

Join the fun!

Stay updated with my latest resources and ideas by joining my newsletter.

Recent posts

Discover more from Bright New Beginnings

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading