It Starts with Bonjour

by Eric Kirchmann

Why does travel rejuvenate us? Can it be a vehicle to generate meaningful connection, make the world a more understandable place, and restore our faith in humanity? What goes wrong when it does not? These were not questions on Duke psychiatrist Eric Kirchmann’s mind as he set out with his wife Courtney on another extraordinary adventure in France. In fact, writing another book was the furthest thing from his mind. Nonetheless, emerging from his unique take on travel, informed by a professional identity steeped in empathy, understanding and respect, and viewed through the objective lens of cultural observation, these questions came into focus. Join him in unweaving the sometimes perplexing but always enchanting fabric of France. Taste its exquisite and nuanced flavors. Travel back centuries, reveling in its incredible, layered history. And, breathe in the unparalleled variety of its breathtaking natural beauty.

A veritable tour de force, the book is an armchair voyage to France, an amazing cross section of the country and its people. Crisscross Paris enjoying genuine, authentic interactions with the help of secret, insider tips. Take in the sunset in the friendliest city in France, gorgeous and underappreciated Toulouse. Relax in wonderful, bucolic Gascony savoring exceptional, vintage Armagnacs. And finally, laze on Mediterranean beaches amidst the glitz and the glam of the Côte d’Azur. Rub shoulders with proud mom and pop proprietors, a humble countess, two homeless gentlemen, a down-to-earth baron, a shy Concorde pilot, and an immigrant struggling to live his dream in France. Enjoy the journey but come away with a meditation on how the unexpected, magical moments of travel can be transformative.

192 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 24, 2024

About the author

Eric Kirchmann, M.D. is an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Duke University with a passion for travel. He married his high school sweetheart, Courtney, whom he met in junior high French class. After raising their children, they now aim to explore the world with deep dives into the culture, history, food and people of the places they visit. With expertise in communication and human interaction, Eric brings fresh and unique observations to the world of travel writing. Author of (the yet-to-be published books) Écoutez et Répétez and All I Got Was Cheese…, Eric published Your English is Better Than My French (2023) followed by It Starts with Bonjour in 2024. Eric and Courtney live in Raleigh, NC near their three grown children and precious granddaughter.

Author website: http://erickirchmann.com

Follow me on Instagram @erickirchmann

Reviews

[Terry Lister · Rating 5 out of 5]

In my small country of Bermuda, many sales clerks will not speak to you in the early morning if you choose to ignore these two magic words," Good Morning". And few employers will chastise them.
The author has written a book that is a joy to read. I am not a foodie, so the detail of daydreaming about the upcoming meals is a bit out of my league. But the joy that the couple got from eating a sandwich started to convince me that l was missing something. Planning is key in any endeavor but Eric raises it to an art form. I am sure they could have given directions to lifelong Frenchmen about how to get to various places and which days were the best to go. Even here l liked the fact that they built rest into the plan so that they did not run out of steam along the way.
We, the readers, had a good tour of Paris and France. Any lukewarm possible visitors to France would go online and book their trip before they even finish the book. I was enlightened to see how many interesting places a tourist can go to in Paris if there has been enough planning.
The mix between activity and rest is good but even better is the mix among their activities. They did many different things and met many people along the way. Without a good opening, one could never make lifelong friends as clearly they did. These stories are recanted in such a way that you almost believe that yesterday in the book means yesterday for you as well.
Eric, plan another great trip for next summer so we can live it with you.

[Eric Kirchmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

"It Starts with Bonjour by Eric Kirchmann was a fascinating book… You probably don’t want to be hungry when you read this book. His descriptions of food will make you hungry and made me wish it was a cookbook. I thought the insider tips that Eric gave were great…. I was fascinated with the detailed history of each place that he and his wife visited… It is like having a mini vacation without having to go anywhere… If you are thinking of travelling to France or just love the country, I highly recommend reading this book”
― Readers' Favorite

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kind of a memoir and guidebook all in one. Since I go to Paris often I took notes with what sounds like good recommendations for restaurants and some out-of-the-way places to see. I really enjoyed it even though he calls me a troll (not by name) because of my review of his last book for pointing out numerous typos. I find typos everywhere and would probably even find them in the Bible (sorry, Jesus). Since the author wrote he has gone back and corrected misspellings I am going to give it another shot since I enjoyed his writing in this book and the adventures he and his wife go on.