LA BELLE VIE: (French) The beautiful life. An attitude of appreciating beauty and pleasure.
It all began in her petite Parisian apartment, perched above the city’s iconic rooftops, where she felt a call to live a life defined by creativity and curiosity. From that vantage point, she set out to explore the world with a lens attuned to elegance, texture, and nuance, discovering the profound ways travel can awaken the senses, expand perspective, and reconnect one with the self.
Belle Vie Retreats was born from the eye of fine art photographer Molly Carr, whose career has taken her from photographing couture gowns in Parisian châteaux to curating editorials for the world’s most prestigious fashion houses. Through years of living in France, Molly immersed herself in the art de vivre—the French philosophy of savoring life through beauty, culture, and intentionality.
the Story
Her years in luxury events and photography honed a deep appreciation for detail: the delicate texture of antique linens, the glow of candlelight over a perfectly set table, the poetry of gathering in spaces of rare beauty. Each experience revealed that true inspiration emerges where beauty, culture, and connection intersect—a lesson that would become the heartbeat of Belle Vie.
Belle Vie Retreats are the living expression of this vision: intimate escapes where every detail is curated, every moment designed to delight the senses, and every experience invites reflection and renewal. From wandering sun-drenched villages to savoring meals crafted by private chefs, each journey allows women to pause, reconnect with themselves, and step fully into the art of living beautifully.
More than a retreat, Belle Vie is an invitation to step into a world of elegance and inspiration, to immerse oneself in the beauty of Europe, and to carry its magic home—transforming not just the moments of a vacation, but the way one experiences life itself.
Creating experiences that celebrate the French ‘art de vivre’—the art of living—is my calling.
I believe that life, above all else, is a beautiful adventure.
Creating experiences that celebrate the French ‘joie de vivre’—the joy of living—is my calling.
I believe that life, above all else, is a beautiful adventure.
A dreamer and perpetual seeker of beauty, Molly Carr is a fine art photographer, writer, and creator of transformative travel experiences. She has traveled the globe capturing iconic destinations while curating intimate retreats that awaken creativity, inspire connection, and celebrate the art of living beautifully.
Recognized as a travel tastemaker by publications such as Harper’s BAZAAR and Travel + Leisure, Molly blends her love of Old-World elegance, European culture, and refined design into every journey. Her Retreats reflect a rare attention to detail and a deep understanding of how travel can refresh the soul, spark imagination, and reconnect women with themselves.
When she’s not photographing or leading curated escapes, Molly can be found savoring a glass of rosé at the Ritz Paris, exploring hidden corners of Europe, rereading Pride & Prejudice, or caring for her beloved rescue dogs in her charming Victorian home. Through every retreat, she invites women to step into a life of elegance, inspiration, and transformative beauty.
Meet Molly
At Belle Vie Retreats, we believe luxury is not just a destination—it’s a state of being. Our Retreats are curated for women who seek more than travel; they seek transformation, inspiration, and connection.
Rooted in the French art de vivre and shaped by founder Molly Carr’s background in fine art photography and luxury events, each experience invites you into private residences of rare beauty, where every detail is designed to delight the senses and nurture the soul.
La Belle Vie Philosophy
From bespoke dinners to thoughtfully curated excursions, our escapes celebrate creativity, connection, and the joy of living beautifully.
We invite you to slow down, savor the extraordinary, and step into a world where art, culture, and effortless elegance converge—where every moment is an invitation to embrace the life you’ve dreamed of.
Katie trauffer
"My expectations for retreats will never be the same after experiencing this week in France with Molly! The Retreat was a much needed artistic reinvigoration and a creative outlet for my heart. I decided to let go of any expectations and let inspiration lead the way. A week later, I felt refreshed, energized, capable, and in possession of the tools to build the life of my dreams.
What truly struck me was how Molly fostered such a community of kindness, generosity, and encouragement among the attendees. I truly left with a dozen new friends and have been so encouraged by the bonds we formed. She has the most rare ability to create beauty while being uplifting and instructive at the same time. My Retreat experience was nothing short of transformative."
"My time with Molly has been nothing short of transformative."
laura lindekugel
"From the moment I arrived, it was clear that Molly had poured care into planning and curating every detail. Our itinerary invited us into both rest and exploration, and the evenings brought with them a particular kind of magic—dinners lit by candlelight, the most beautiful flowers and table settings, and laughter-filled conversation with kindred spirits quickly becoming new friends as we enjoyed wine pairings and elevated French cooking. Our accommodation was as inviting as it was refined and offered true respite for each of us. In every way, the retreat was a celebration of pleasure and an invitation to living fully. It reconnected me to the profound joy of beautiful meals, nature, wandering at your own pace, discovery, the warmth of genuine company, and true hospitality designed with care."
"The Retreat reconnected me to the profound joy of discovery."
Kristen Bowen
"The France Retreat was truly a life-changing experience and what I know will be a pivotal moment in my story.
I've been to many retreats, and this one stood above them all in so many ways. Having an intimate group of attendees made a huge difference. The experience was relaxing, joyful, personal, and stress-free. It was without a doubt the most peaceful and happy retreat I've ever been to! Molly sets a tone of abundance that is thoughtful and generous and I would sign up for another Belle Vie Retreat in a heartbeat.
In sum, this is THE Retreat you want to attend!"
"The France Retreat was truly a life-changing experience."
Christine davidson
"I had the most amazing experience attending the Belle Vie Retreat in a beautiful château in Provence, France. It was nothing short of magical.
From start to finish, it was flawlessly curated by the incredibly talented Molly. She has a true gift for creating beauty in every detail. She planned every excursion, from quaint villages to hidden vineyards. You could feel the intention behind each detail, creating an atmosphere that was both luxurious and welcoming.
I give 10 out of 10 stars! And would do this trip all over again. I can’t wait to sign up for the next Belle Vie Retreat that Molly plans."
"Molly created an atmosphere that was both luxurious and welcoming."
Sharelle Knight
"Thank you so much for providing such an amazing experience and opportunity to meet some beautifully talented women. This was my first retreat, and I felt so blessed and utterly spoilt to have been a part of it.
Molly created such a supportive space for everyone to share their journey without ego or restraint. All of the details and experiences she curated were pure luxury—the rooms were absolutely divine and little treats given to us were incredible.
Thank you again, Molly, I absolutely cannot wait to attend the next Belle Vie Retreat!"
"I feel so blessed and utterly spoilt to have been a part of this Retreat."
Alexandria walker
"Molly's taste for everything luxury travel and lifestyle is absolutely impeccable. The France Retreat she created for us was without a doubt a dream come true. The thought and care Molly brings to every detail of the guest experience is truly above and beyond.
From the incredible multi-course French dinners by candlelight and wine pairings to the fabulous fashion moments Molly created for us, every minute of the Belle Vie Retreat was spectacular. The experience was made even richer when complemented by Molly's deep knowledge and passion for French culture and history. It was truly the trip of a lifetime and the start of many friendships with amazing like-minded women!"
"Molly's taste for everything luxury travel & lifestyle is impeccable."
laura price
"I will always value La Belle Vie Retreat Provence as one of the most memorable experiences of my life. Staying in the most gorgeous Provencal villa, feasting on exquisite French cuisine prepared by our private chef, meeting a group of like minded adventurers and sharing new experiences together was truly a dream come true. I loved that all the planning was done for us but flexible enough that we could also do our own thing if we so desired, whether that meant being chauffeured to a charming French village to explore the historic sights, cafes and markets or loll around by the luxurious pool at the villa. Our dinners at the villa were truly exceptional. Each and every detail from the beautiful table linens and flowers to the creative menus planned blended together to create an atmosphere of luxury, comraderie and shared joy."
"The Retreat was one of the most memorable experiences of my life."
Monica Francis
"I still can't believe what an incredible experience you created at the Retreat, and the privilege I had in being part of it. You poured so much into the creation of the Belle Vie Retreat and it undeniably came through in all of the moments that we all shared.
I left feeling full of connection, inspiration, and insight! I'll be processing it all for a while, and cherishing the memories for much longer."
"I left the Retreat full of connection, inspiration, and insight!"
carol lake
"Thank you so much for providing such an amazing experience and opportunity to meet some beautifully talented women. This was my first retreat, and I felt so blessed and utterly spoilt to have been a part of it.
Molly created such a supportive space for everyone to share their journey without ego or restraint. All of the details and experiences she curated were pure luxury—the rooms were absolutely divine and little treats given to us were incredible.
Thank you again, Molly, I absolutely cannot wait to attend the next Belle Vie Retreat!"
"Without a doubt, the France Retreat changed my life."
Colleen Lennehan
"Molly is so kind and gracious. From booking to planning to sending me videos of packing details, she gave me such genuine attention and I so admire her talent.
I appreciate everything Molly did to create a truly peaceful, kind, and beautiful experience—her attention to detail is unmatched. Thank you for the stay of a lifetime in France and for such inspiration to come."
"Molly's attention to detail is unmatched—the stay of a lifetime."
Join the retreatS
The Art of Living
Past Retreats
From ivy-clad châteaux in the Loire Valley to lavender-laced hillsides in Provence, the Belle Vie Retreats have brought women together in the most enchanting corners of Europe. Each gathering is a tapestry of beauty and belonging—where slow mornings, golden light, and soul-stirring landscapes create space for creativity, connection, and joy, all set against the most exquisite backdrops imaginable.
Exclusivity & Access. Our guests are invited into extraordinary private residences and curated experiences that would be unattainable on their own. From 18th-century villas to intimate chef’s table dinners, every detail feels rare, refined, and unforgettable.
Art de Vivre. Rooted in the French philosophy of the art of living, our retreats celebrate beauty in both the grand and the everyday. Thoughtful rituals, cultural immersion, and a slower, intentional way of experiencing the world allow you to savor each moment fully.
Curated Beauty. With an eye honed by years in fine art photography and luxury events, every element—from bespoke linens to garden walks—is intentionally designed. Our aesthetic is timeless, layered, and evocative of the world’s most inspiring destinations.
Meaningful Connection & Friendship. We bring together stylish, sophisticated women in intimate groups where true connection flourishes. From four-hour dinners by candlelight to sunrise strolls and poolside heart-to-hearts over rosé, these shared moments often turn into lifelong friendships and cherished memories.
Why the Belle Vie Retreats?
Creativity & Inspiration. Whether it’s watercolor painting in a French garden, making fresh pasta with an Italian chef, or fine-tuning your photography with Molly herself, every experience is designed to spark creativity. Staying in iconic villas and castles, exploring stunning landscapes, and immersing yourself in art and culture, inspiration is everywhere.
Introspection & Self-Growth. Every retreat offers space to pause, reflect, and reconnect with yourself. Whether on a quiet sunrise walk in Tuscany or strolling among Marie Antoinette’s gardens, each moment is an opportunity for insight, renewal, and transformation.
Effortless Luxury & Expertise. Every detail is thoughtfully curated, from seamless logistics to personalized experiences, so you can fully immerse yourself in the journey. With Molly’s years of experience in fine art photography, luxury events, and world-class travel, every moment feels effortless, refined, and impeccably designed.
Joy & Life-Changing Memories. Travel is a gift to yourself. Belle Vie Retreats allow you to step back from daily pressures, rekindle your joie de vivre, and create memories that last a lifetime—moments you’ll carry with you long after the journey ends.
Book France
Live 'la dolce vita' in the Italian countryside while staying in one of the most exclusive villas in Europe. Spring 2027.
Tuscany
Live your own Jane Austen novel during an exquisite week of autumn splendor in the English countryside. October 15-22, 2026.
Cotswolds, England
Soak up the bucolic paradise that is Provence with antiquing, painting, picnics, and plenty of poolside rosé. May 1-8, 2026.
Provence, France
Be swept away in the most glorious destinations on Earth for one week of connection, rejuvenation, inspiration, and dreams.
the Retreats
Book england
Coming Soon!
Join Us ⟶
Belle Vie Retreats are your invitation to experience this world. Thoughtfully designed for the woman who longs for inspiration and elegance, each retreat blends the refinement of European life with moments of deep connection and creativity. From private estates and chef-prepared feasts to hidden villages, golden light, and conversations that linger late into the evening, every detail is crafted so you may truly embrace l’art de vivre.
This is more than a journey. It is a gift to yourself—a pause to nurture your soul, to rekindle joy, and to carry the essence of the French art of living into your own life.
Step into la belle vie—where history whispers through ancient walls, meals are savored as art, and beauty is woven into every exquisite moment.
