South of France: The Riviera

Photo by Wonder and Magic

I had the incredible opportunity to participate at one of AMV’s retreats and it was the BEST trip. If you’re not familiar with AMV Retreats, it’s usually exclusively for wedding photographers to participate in luxury styled shoots in various locations around the world as well as engaging in community, networking, and education. This was AMV’s first time opening it up to ALL wedding vendors and I jumped at the chance. Also, it was in the south of France (aka a no brainer, I’m going).

Where We Stayed

For all 3 nights of the retreat we stayed at Chateau Saint Georges in Grasse, France. If you’ve ever dreamed of living like royalty on the French Riviera, Château Saint Georges in Grasse is exactly the place to do it. Nestled in the hills above the Côte d’Azur, this stunning 19th-century château is dripping in elegance, history, and the kind of charm that makes you want to sip champagne all day long.

• Nicknamed “Le Petit Versailles”, Château Saint Georges is a masterpiece of architecture and opulence.

• The interiors? Ornate ceilings, gilded details, and chandeliers that belong in a palace. Every corner feels like something straight out of a fairy tale.

• The views? Unreal. The château overlooks the lush hills of Grasse and the sparkling Mediterranean in the distance. Sunset here? Absolutely magical.

• The property itself is a private oasis, with manicured gardens, a stunning outdoor pool, and a feeling of total tranquility.

• All the meals eaten on site were prepared by the amazing chef Ruth Williams Traiteur. If you’re in the area and haven’t had a chance to taste her cooking, DO IT.

Night Un

The theme: white and gold! My look: a white and gold mini dress with a low neckline, side cutouts, and mini cap sleeves with nude heels. We were all greeted at the Chateau with champagne as all the participants (most of us) met for the first time. The group had a big range of photographers, planners, videographers, a make-up artist, educators and moi. Plus we came from all over the US and Europe! Live pianists played while everyone mingled and waited for dinner to begin. Throughout the night I was sketching everyone in their fab outfits! What a dream to be sketching in France. Interested in having a live illustrator? Click here to inquire.

Day Deux

• Education seminar by photographer Kir Tuben.

• Tour of Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild: If you ever wanted to step into a postcard-perfect daydream, Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild is the place to do it. Perched on the stunning Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat peninsula, this blush-pink Belle Époque mansion is pure elegance, with unreal sea views, lavish gardens, and an interior straight out of a royal fantasy.

• After lunch back at the Chateau, the planners and photographers had their styled shoot while I finished up last night’s sketches.

• Night two’s theme was soft pastels and white! My look: a white off the shoulder pleated ruffle crop top with dusty pink “paper bag” style pants and flats (featuring a bee on one and “happy” on the other).

• Dinner (once again amazing) was accompanied by a wine tasting!

Day Trois

• Education seminars by Be Inspired PR and Amanda Writesman (my amazing biz coach).

• Perfumery Tour at Fragonard Museum: If you’ve ever wondered how luxury perfume is made, a tour of the Fragonard Perfume Museum in Grasse is an absolute must. Grasse is the perfume capital of the world, and Fragonard is one of its most legendary houses, crafting high-end fragrances with centuries-old techniques.

• Tour of Bastide du Roy: If you’re looking for a place that oozes old-world charm and sophistication, Bastide du Roy in Antibes is an absolute dream. This historic estate, once owned by the Grimaldi family and later a retreat for royalty, celebrities, and artists, is the definition of French Riviera luxury—but with a touch of secluded, romantic magic.

• A seaside lunch at Antibes: If there’s one thing the French Riviera does perfectly, it’s seaside dining with a side of effortless charm—and Antibes absolutely delivers. Having a long, lazy lunch by the Mediterranean feels like something straight out of a movie—ocean breeze, rosé flowing, and plates of fresh seafood that taste like sunshine.

• Night three’s theme: disco & martinis! My look: a fitted emerald green tea length sequin dress with thin straps, silver and black choker from India, and nude heels. Our last night was a (indoor) poolside gala and dinner with a DJ, flowing drinks, and even a tattoo artist (surprise!).

Trip Extension

As I was lucky enough to be on a business retreat with my amazing business coach, we stayed for an extra few days in the French Riviera living in a cute AirBnb in St. Maxime. Here’s what we did:

• Walking and beach lunch in Cannes

• St. Maxime:

  • Stroll the Old Town – Cute little streets filled with boutique shops, Provençal markets, and charming cafés.

  • Enjoy the Waterfront Promenade – Lined with palm trees, colorful flowers, and plenty of spots to sit and soak in the view.

• Took a day trip to St. Tropez via the rockiest boat ride of my life:

  • Wander the Outdoor Market (Place des Lices): If you want a true taste of St. Tropez, head to the outdoor market in Place des Lices (Tuesdays & Saturdays). It’s a mix of fresh produce, Provençal goods, handmade crafts, and luxury finds—basically, where locals and visitors alike come to shop for everything from lavender soaps to designer scarves.

  • Explore the St. Tropez Fort (Citadel of St. Tropez): Perched above the town, the Citadel of St. Tropez offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Mediterranean and a peek into the town’s rich maritime history. It’s a great place to escape the crowds for a bit and soak in the scenery.

  • Enjoy a Classic French Crêpe (my fav!): Strolling through St. Tropez with a buttery, golden crêpe in hand? Absolute perfection. Whether you go for a simple lemon-sugar crêpe or a decadent Nutella-filled one, it’s the ultimate French street food experience.

  • Shop Along Rue François Sibilli: This glamorous shopping street is where you’ll find high-end boutiques, chic cafés, and the kind of effortless fashion that defines the French Riviera. Unfortunately, the majority of the shops were closed as we were there in November, but it was still nice to browse!

  • Check Out the St. Tropez Car Show: St. Tropez is known for attracting some of the most jaw-dropping luxury cars, and if you visit during a car show (or even just walk around the harbor), you’ll see a parade of Ferraris, Lamborghinis, and vintage classics that are as much a part of the scene as the yachts. We were lucky it happened to be there when we arrived!

The French Riviera is like a dream you don’t ever want to wake up from. Whether you’re enjoying fine dining with an ocean view, exploring hidden villages, or soaking up the luxury lifestyle, it’s an unforgettable escape that will stay with you long after you leave.

Retreat creds:

Venue | Château Saint Georges | @chateausaintgeorges
Workshop Host | AMV Retreats | @amv_retreats
Wedding Planning, Styling & Design | AMV Weddings | @amv_weddings
Educators | Kir Tuben @kir2ben | Be Inspired PR @beinspiredpr | Amanda Writesman @thebridaltheory
BTS Photography | Thomas Audiffren | @thomasaudiffren
BTS Videography | Wonder & Magic | @wonderandmagicie
Florist | La Blonde et le Barbu Design | @lablondeetlebarbudesign
Caterer | Ruth Williams | @traiteur.ruthwilliams
Cake | K & Kakes | @k_n_kakes
Furniture Rentals | Options Nice | @options_nice Linens | Nuage Designs | @nuagedesignsinc
Stationery | Laura Elizabeth Patrick | @lauraelizabethpatrick
Hair | Karine Brossard | @karinebrossardmakeuphair
Makeup | Kayla Kollection | @kaylakollection
Ring Boxes | The Styling Reserve | @thestylingreserve
Flat Lay Styling | Kir Tuben | @kir2ben

Samantha Shammas, Author

A true travel enthusiast, Samantha has been going around the globe her entire life and has visited over 35 countries and counting. With a lust to wander, she’s always excited to visit new places and soak in inspiration for her artwork.