Reflections from Côte d'Azur
I don’t even know where to begin.
God showed up for me in the most powerful, potent way while I was in the South of France. My partner and I were there for the Cannes Lions festival (not the film one, but the global summit for creatives, marketers, and storytellers). Think: the Oscars of advertising. It’s where brands, agencies, and celebrities flood the Riviera for a week of ideas, yacht parties, inspiration, and champagne. But what I found was something even more rare: a spiritual breakthrough.
We explored St. Tropez, Monaco, Monte-Carlo, Nice, and Cannes in between the panels and parties. What stood out to me immediately was this profound contrast — the sacred vs. the superficial. On one hand, there was all that comes with the South of France scene: luxury storefronts, mega yachts, curated photos, and designer everything. The whole influencer-fueled, highly edited fantasy. But what moved me most was something deeper. The Earth. The water. The sky. The wildflowers spilling over rocky cliffs. The public ferry to St. Tropez. The ocean breeze on my face. I was so struck by how real it all felt. How effortlessly beautiful and abundant nature is when it’s left untouched. The sea didn’t care who you were wearing. The hills weren’t performing. The sky wasn’t edited. It just was — and that was more than enough.
That was the real luxury. That was God.
It was such a clear mirror of what matters. Of how easy it is to get caught up in the glam, the noise, the hype — when the truth, the soul, the divine, is often quiet. Still. Off the grid. That’s where I found my deepest inspiration — not in the parties, but in the presence. Not in what I was wearing, but in who I was being.
Over the course of the week, I was cracked open. The fear. The self-doubt. The comparison. All of it began to somehow fade. I felt God within myself. There was a deep unblocking, a reminder that everything I’ve been working toward, praying for, visualizing… it’s already here. It’s already me. Right now.
And then — as if to confirm it — I started running into people who were literally on my vision board. Like actually on it. They were divine encounters. Each one of them spoke life into me. Held me. Hugged me. Let me cry. Encouraged me. Reminded me of who I am and what I’m here to do. I felt seen, not just by them — but by something bigger. God moved through every conversation, and I met it all with open arms. I didn’t shrink. I didn’t downplay. I showed up, received it fully, and let myself feel it.
I was reminded that I am so powerful. So capable. So ready. I don’t need to wait for the perfect moment, the perfect opportunity, the perfect version of myself. I’m in it. The dream life, the vision, the dharma, it’s all happening right here, right now. And I will not let myself, anyone, or anything get in the way. I’ll keep studying, keep learning, keep showing the f*ck up for my life, my purpose, and my people. And so it is. We are right on time.
I share these reflections as a beautiful reminder no matter where in the world you are, to move with intention. This isn’t a travel guide. I’m not here to tell you where to go, what to wear, or what to post (you have Google and ChatGPT for that). It’s the South of France — everywhere you go is stunning. You’ll find beauty in every direction. This is something deeper. It’s about moving with intention. Traveling with God. Letting your experiences change you. Letting life be the teacher. And having fun. Fully immersing yourself in the local food, culture, and all that is. So best believe in France, that meant Champagne and rosé, daily croissants, perfectly chewy macarons!
So whether you’re traveling for work or play, or simply navigating your everyday life — I hope this reminds you to tune into what’s real. To be open to magic. To stay grounded in what matters. You don’t need the South of France to access that. It’s within you. Always.
(This Is Not a Travel Guide), But Here Are a Few Musts
The South of France is truly one of those places where it’s hard to go wrong. Every town you stumble into will have beauty, charm, and a killer view. But here are a few of my personal non-negotiables:
Try the local flavors: Rosé. Champagne. Macarons. Croissants. Creme Brûlée. Pomme Frites. I’m big on tasting the native flavors wherever I go, and in France, that meant saying yes to the full experience—bubbles in the afternoon, croissants in the morning, and sweet treats in between.
Get on the train: The train rides along the Côte d’Azur are easy, affordable, and breathtaking. Hop from Cannes to Nice, to Monaco, to little beach towns you can’t pronounce but won’t forget. Every stop is a story.
Take the ferry to Saint-Tropez: It’s the easiest (and cheapest) way to get there. Cruising on the Mediterranean with the wind in your hair, seeing the coastline from the water — it’s bucket list sh*t.
Life Lessons From the Côte d'Azur
Don’t fight it. Let God show you the path.
Congratulations. Toast the small wins and celebrate life right here, right now, in this very moment. (And if you’re in France, make it a piscine of champagne — IYKYK.)
You never know if you don’t go. Say yes.
The real luxury is presence. You don’t need a yacht to access that.
You’re closer than you think. Everything you need is already within you.
This is your sign. To show up fully. To stay grounded. To trust the timing.
Savanna Stevens is a model, writer, and wellness entrepreneur currently pursuing her Master’s in Psychology at Harvard University. She lives between Manhattan, NY and Sydney, Australia and has worked with brands including Nike, Google, Covergirl, Lululemon, and Glamour. To learn more about Savanna and to inquire about speaking, partnerships, or consulting, visit: savannastevens.com