It Starts with Bonjour by Eric Kirchmann
After featuring his first book ‘Your English is better than my French’ in February 2023, I was excited to see that Eric Kirchmann was planning the release of his 2nd book in February 2024.
Eric and I have remained in contact this past year. I was privileged to receive an early copy and I thoroughly enjoyed ‘It Starts with Bonjour’. My enthusiasm for our own upcoming trip accelerated as I read Eric’s words.
Courtney at the spectacular Chateau de Ravignan
When I was finished reading, we scheduled a Zoom call to discuss the book and catch up. This time we were joined by our partners, Courtney and Chris. Like long-term friends, we chatted not only about Eric’s books but we shared our travel stories, past and those yet to be experienced.
Eric’s photo of Le Capitole building in Toulouse was used to create the cover of his new book.
Eric’s new book, ‘It Starts with Bonjour’, is different to his first book, which was filled with travel tips to help navigate a trip to France. His latest book focusses on the connections that can occur on our travels. My enthusiasm for our 2024 trip surged as I read Eric’s words.
Place Edouard VII, Paris
I urge you all to purchase his latest book and check out his author website, link below, for the full experience but here is my insight from reading the new book and our chat.
Eric enjoys planning their holidays, which often include special dining moments researched and booked in advance.
With his latest book, about their 2023 trip, Eric didn’t want to repeat what he had already written and found the process a bit harder. It wasn’t until he started writing about his beloved Gascony, that the words flowed, and he could go back and review the section on Paris.
At least the publishing part was easier for him, second time around. With the assistance of a great team, including family members and a French friend, his book is now available for your enjoyment. The paperback version was released on February 17th and Kindle version is up for pre-sale now and advance sales with deliver on February 24th.
Paris will always be special, not only to Eric and Courtney but many of you reading this post. Through Eric’s in-depth research, he has uncovered some amazing restaurants, points of interest and new views of the Eiffel Tower. I feel this is especially useful for those who are visiting for their second time or more and want to explore with further insight and knowledge.
Eric and Courtney have two more trips to Paris planned for 2024, enjoying different seasons and areas, than before. One day, they would love to have all their family join them for a holiday, allowing them to share their experiences, especially with their eldest granddaughter, Coco. At three, she is already in love with the Eiffel Tower.
Gascony countryside
Eric declares: Gascony is Tuscany without the crowds but even friendlier.
Gascony countryside at sunrise.
During our chat I asked Eric to expand upon this statement. He describes Gascony as a lush area, with rolling hills but not as hilly as Tuscany. Gascony is a bit more rustic.
Lush and rolling hills.
Many in Gascony do speak English but part of the joy of the region, is that even those who don't, will go out of their way to help you. This offers a very genuine experience of French country living.
Enjoying the hospitality of Gascony at restaurant ‘Citrus’ in Condom.
Chateau de Ravignan
Gascony will always be a special place for Eric. Again, he would love to share this with his family one day. As the home of Armagnac, a subject close to Eric’s heart, he has visited this region several times and later this year, he and Courtney will return to be part of this distilling process of this historical drink.
Eric’s passion for Armagnac has included meeting Comtesse Claire of Domaine d’Esperance
Inspired by his stories, in both books and because we are yet to visit, Chris and I have included Gascony in our 2024 itinerary.
Les Bruhasses near Condom
We plan to enjoy the hospitality of Hélène and Jean at Les Bruhasses, a magnificent property located not far from Condom. After reading Eric’s books and our chat, we can’t wait to visit them and experience this region for ourselves.
Pont de Neuf, Toulouse
Pont Saint-Pierre and Dôme de la Grave, Toulouse. Like Courtney, I love the beautiful purplish blue mystery of dusk.
Courtney and Eric exploring the colourful Côte d’Azur
There are many amazing moments, culturally and gastronomically throughout the book. When you decide to travel, I think it is important to open yourself to all sorts of experiences that come your way, planned or unplanned. Some you will love, and others may leave you asking why the local community do what they do. These are all part of the travel experience and should be embraced. Otherwise, why leave home.
Enjoying a meal on the terrace of Brasserie Rosie, Paris
I asked Eric what the 3 top experiences of his 2023 trip were. This was a hard question to answer but here’s what Eric came up with:
1. The unexpected, warm connections with French people from all walks of life and their wonderful hospitality.
2. The mountain top village of Sainte-Agnès on the Côte d’Azur was stunning and definitely a highlight.
3. Getting to return to our favourite place in the whole world, Le Sentier du Littoral, a rugged seaside hike cut into the rock cliffs of Cap d'Antibes.
A special place for Courtney and Eric, Le Sentier du Littoral, Cap d'Antibes
I am not going to spoil your reading of Eric’s new book with more details, but like me, while he spends hours researching and planning their holidays, we can still come unstuck or strike gold. Eric’s book, ‘It Starts with Bonjour’ reminds us to start politely and amazing connections may evolve. Be open to people and your travel experiences will be more rewarding.
If you love travelling, I urge you to buy a copy of Eric’s latest book and follow along on his Instagram posts for future trips.
It Starts with Bonjour cover top photo and above. Showcases Eric’s photo of Le Capitole building Toulouse. Available on Amazon now click here
Grand Merci Eric for the amazing photos and to my number one photo editor, Chris Handel for his expertise in making the photos pop right off the page.
Eric uses a mixture of Airbnb and VRBO properties to book his travel accommodation and has noted going.com as a useful source to be alerted to good airfare prices.
Please take a look at Eric’s website It’s a very comprehensive companion to his books with maps, photos and links for details relating to his trips. You can also keep up to date with Eric’s photos and future travels on Instagram
Until next time, when we travel to Paris. À bientôt!
