Forty years is a milestone that deserves more than just a cake and a few candles. What if this year, instead of organizing a traditional party at home or in a rented hall, you decided to experience something different? A real moment of sharing and disconnection… somewhere else.
Here, we’re seriously starting to think about it. In two years’ time for Matthieu, and in three for me (Floriane), we too will be blowing out those famous 40 candles. And we often say to ourselves: there’s no way we’re going to miss this opportunity to discover a corner of Europe that makes us dream.
So we started listing, comparing and imagining. Where to go to make this moment truly special, whether as lovers, with friends or family? Here we share our favorite ideas: six cities or regions, all different, but perfect for marking this new decade.
Paris, French elegance
We lived in Paris for several years before backpacking around the world, and despite our longing to go elsewhere, this city still holds a special place in our hearts. It’s an ideal destination to celebrate an important event, especially a woman’s 40th birthday. The French capital has that little something magical and elegant, a blend of culture, romance and art de vivre.
A stroll along the banks of the Seine, a visit to the Eiffel Tower or the Louvre, a stroll in the Marais or Montmartre… Paris is intensely alive. For a moment of relaxation, the spas in grand hotels such as Le Bristol or Le Meurice are true havens of peace. And for a touch of originality, we recommend a dinner cruise on the Seine: with a glass in hand, watch Paris light up as it flows by, an unforgettable way to blow out your 40 candles.
Naples: authentic atmosphere and the Italian way of life
If you’re looking for a destination that doesn’t break the budget, but still offers a warm atmosphere and incredible cuisine, Naples is the pearl of southern Italy. Colorful, lively, sometimes a little chaotic, it leaves no one indifferent.
We recommend a stroll through the historic center, then a climb up to the Castello Sant’Elmo for a panoramic view of the gulf, and finally a Neapolitan pizza in one of the many local pizzerias – simply unbeatable.
A real bowl of sunshine, culture and gourmet delights to mark the occasion in a convivial and authentic way.
Valencia: nature, sunshine and the Spanish way of life
It’s our favorite city in Spain. We often think of Madrid or Barcelona, but Valencia is definitely worth a visit. It combines everything we love: nature, Mediterranean energy and the immediate proximity of the sea. We’ve already been there twice, and we’d definitely go again.
In this gentle, luminous city, start with a bike ride through Turia Park, then explore the City of Arts and Sciences for a dose of futuristic architecture. The central market, with its stalls of fruit, cold meats and cheeses, will make you want to try everything.
And then there’s the beach: just a short streetcar ride away, perfect for a sunset aperitif. Visiting Valencia in Spain is a mix of relaxation, good humor and simplicity.
Puglia and the trulli of Alberobello: picturesque villages and beaches
Puglia is a magnificent destination, with all its small villages, sublime beaches and gastronomic delights. In Alberobello, the famous trulli, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offer an original setting for a stay off the beaten track.
We suggest you lose yourself in the white alleyways, and above all, take a dip in the turquoise waters of the Adriatic coast at Monopoli or Polignano a Mare. Here, everything invites you to slow down, savour the moment and reconnect with simple pleasures.
Stockholm: the Nordic capital between modernity and serenity
Finally, we’d also recommend discovering a more unexpected, soothing, designer city. Stockholm has that very Nordic touch that attracts us: landscapes between lake and sea, elegant architecture, a gentle Scandinavian way of life.
We recommend exploring the cobbled streets of Gamla Stan, the city’s colorful old center, before taking a well-deserved fika break (with a kanelbullar, of course, the famous cinnamon bun), followed by a visit to one of the many museums. In summer, you can enjoy long evenings on the waterfront rooftops; in winter, it’s sauna and snow around the fire.
This selection is just a starting point, a list of inspirations among many others. So don’t hesitate to share your own destination ideas in the comments: we love discovering new places thanks to you!
