Hive Mind: Italy vs France
The Local Foreigner team maintains a lively group text - swapping tips, experiences, stories, and photos from every corner of the globe and at all hours. Hive Mind is a peek inside the group think.
Ask a group of travel advisors the first place they want to return when European borders reopen…and you get an unsurprising battle royale: it’s Italy vs. France for this crew. Which team are you on?
Team Italy
What is there to say about Italy, a country so beloved that any attempt to describe its appeal sounds like a trite resignation. But boil down its beauty, strip away its sultry scenes, and you’re left with a simple understanding of what makes this place so special: good food, good wine, and good people to share it with. Whenever you’re in Italy, it’s easy to believe that yes, life really is this sweet.
Positano
It’s Le Sirenuse for me baby! -Alex Erdman
Sicily
I’m headed straight for Sicily! There are too many new hotel openings to even keep track of…better get there ASAP, for business purposes. -Meg Nolan
Rome
One of my all-time favorite cities, Rome is always on my radar. -Nancy Novogrod
I am CRAVING Rome. It’s time to go all-out, so I’m thinking a stay Holy Deer followed by a week at Le Sirenuse with AE! -Brooke Lavery
I am notorious in the Local Foreigner office for hating Rome, and I always swore no one could convince me otherwise…until I watched Stanley Tucci. -Libby Shillito
Lake Garda
I am dreaming of Villa Feltrinelli. It has been on my list for years! -Amanda Schulenberg
Capri
I've never been to Capri and have skipped it for years; always gravitating towards far-flung destinations versus "just going back to Italy." This year away from Italy has been torture and I'm not putting it off any longer!!! Looking forward to living La Dolce Vita at J.K. Place! Oh, and of course, the new Oetker property when it opens. -Emily Pariseau
Venice
Am I the only one dreaming of somehow making it back to Venice before the crowds return? Then once they do, I’ll escape to the Dolomites. Rosa Alpina will do. -Camilla Catlin
Team France
With the world’s most highly regarded heritage cuisine, a firm grip on traditional culture, and a language that sends romantic hearts aflutter, France fascinates travelers in ways few other countries can. Anchored by Paris, its capital, France is a regional destination, where the customs, characteristics, and culinary offerings of each department are fiercely upheld by its citizens. The brusque beauty of Normandy, the vineyards of Bordeaux, the rolling hills of Provence, and the coastal beauty of the Cote d’Azur provide visitors with an endless list of reasons to return.
Cote d’Azur
I’m counting down the days until I can get back to France. Les Tropeziennes are packed and I can basically hear the sound of the wind in the cypress trees. Hotel du Cap, save me a seat at the Champagne Lounge, I’m coming home! -Alex Hanover
I’m headed straight for Lily of the Valley. A little bit wellness retreat, a little bit St. Tropez beach club? SIGN.ME.UP. -Tatiana Stroud
Hotel du Cap & Villa La Coste for my minimoon! -Missy Weil
Corsica
A month-long stay at Domaine de Murtoli is the ultimate dream right now. -Lauren Dru
Paris
I turned 21 in Paris while I was studying abroad. It involved red cups imported via roommate’s sister’s suitcase and a nightclub beneath the Pont Alexadre III. I’m turning 30 this year (!!) so I think it’s time for a more adult celebration. Maybe dinner at Casa Tua followed up by a wild night at Le Bristol After Dark. -Alex Creange
Bordeaux
I had a Bordeaux-themed get together last fall to celebrate the launch of my business in Charlotte. It was a huge success, but now I’m craving the real thing. Who wants to throw a party with me at Cos d’Estournel? -Liz Walsh
Team Can’t Commit
For those who can’t pick just one.
A few days in St. Tropez, fly to Corsica, hop on Blue Deer and sail around Sardinia for a week, then top it off with a villa on the Amalfi Coast. -Barkley Hickox
Why choose between Italy and France when you can combine both with a night on the Orient Express. I’m starting at the Ritz Paris, overnighting on the world’s most luxurious train, then spending an entire weekend drinking aperol spritzes at the Belmond Cipriani. -Jordy Lievers-Eaton
Curveball. I'm starting in Stockholm at Ett Hem, then heading to my favorite country, Norway, for some long summer days at Storfjord, and ending by moving into Relais Christine in Paris for a full month. -Kelly Brennan