As a woman who sometimes finds myself stretched a little thin, I’ve often wondered how I might be able to break the pattern of this “go, go, go” mentality. It seems like there is always work to be done, tasks that need my attention around the house, and aging pets that aren’t as low-maintenance as they used to be.
That’s why I was thrilled to meet Cynthia Moos with Best French Forever. Cynthia, a native of Provence, specializes in helping women embrace slow living. Here is a little more about Cynthia and Best French Forever.
What inspired you to create Best French Forever?
After living in the US for a few years, I began to realize how deeply attached I was to my French roots and the slower lifestyle of my home region. I created Best French Forever as a way of staying connected to a place and culture I love and bringing Provence to women who were craving a reconnection to themselves.
How can more women embrace living at a slower pace?
I think it starts with giving yourself permission. Slowing down isn’t about doing less, but rather doing the things that matter to us, with more presence.
In Provence, we live by the rhythm of the seasons, they shape how we live, eat, move and gather… Meals are moments we savor; beauty is found in simplicity… Women can embrace that by creating small rituals in their daily lives: a morning coffee in silence, a walk in nature without a phone, writing down the little joys of the day before bed…
The world around us tends to move so fast, and in our rush forward, we miss the beauty in the small moments. I think slowness is a gift that we all deserve to give ourselves.
What is your favorite part about the retreats that you host?
I would say it’s witnessing how my guests soften day by day and reconnect with their dreams and desires. Provence works its magic, but truly, it’s the space they give themselves that creates the transformation. I’m just here to hold the container (and help awaken the senses!).
Do you have a favorite story about seeing a BFF community member transform or make changes?
One woman came to the retreat after almost cancelling. She knew she needed the trip but had a hard time putting herself first. She was the caregiver, the planner, and the one holding everyone else together… Up until the day before, I wasn’t totally sure whether she would actually show up… But she did. What a gift to herself, and to all of us! Throughout the week, I saw her open up about her life and her dreams, and coming up with ideas for her next chapter in life. She was such a ray of sunshine. A few months later, I got to see her again during a business trip. She had just opened a French school in her area and was thriving. The retreat had really inspired her. That’s a story that will stay with me forever.
How do you choose the items in your online store?
I curate each piece with intention: everything in the e-shop has a story and reflects the spirit of Provence. I work with local artisans and small brands that align with my values: quality over quantity, respect of the environment in the making process, and honoring traditions. Whether it’s a natural soap or a lavender sachet, I want women to bring home a piece of the slow life, and be reminded of how they felt in Provence!
How can others connect with the BFF community?
There are so many ways!
You can join Le BFF Club, our online community for Francophiles. Every month, I host conversations about the French culture, to help keep the Provence feeling alive, wherever you are.
You can also follow along on Instagram, join a retreat, or subscribe to my emails for your “monthly dose of Frenchness.”
Whether in-person or online, I hope you’ll consider joining us!
Anything else you’d like to share with us?
I just opened the registration for my September 17-22 retreat called “Nourish” that will take place at a private estate in the heart of the Luberon in Provence. If you’ve been thinking about giving yourself the gift of slowing down, this is it. September in Provence is magical—the golden light, the cooler breeze, the vineyards heavy with grapes… it’s the perfect setting to reconnect with yourself.
https://www.bestfrenchforever.com/provence-retreats-2025
About Cynthia:
Cynthia Moos is the founder of Best French Forever, a soulful brand and retreat experience rooted in the art de vivre of her native Provence. Before launching BFF, Cynthia built a career in branding and digital marketing, helping purpose-driven businesses clarify their voice and connect with their audiences with heart and strategy. Today, she brings that same storytelling expertise to her work and community, inspiring women to slow down, reconnect with themselves, and live with intention, the Provençal way.
