Lessons from Tourettes Sur Loup

During my recent holiday, I found myself in Tourrettes-sur-Loup, a small medieval town perched high above the Côte d’Azur. Its cobbled streets twist and turn like a labyrinth, each corner revealing something unexpected — a bright splash of bougainvillaea climbing up an old stone wall, a tiny artisan shop selling handmade pottery, the faint aroma of freshly baked bread drifting from a hidden bakery. As an amateur photographer, it was an absoulte delight to enjoy this untouched part of the French Riviera.

The town moves at a pace that feels almost forgotten. Elderly couples sit outside their homes, greeting passersby as if everyone is already an old friend. Children dart between alleyways, their laughter echoing off the stone. Café terraces are filled with long conversations — not hurried coffees, but slow meals shared over hours, with plenty of time for laughter, debate, and another glass of wine.

As I wandered, I couldn’t help but notice how many of the townspeople were well into their 80s and 90s. These were men and women who had likely never heard the phrase “financial planning.” And yet, they exuded a quiet confidence and contentment. Their wealth was not measured in numbers, but in something else entirely — their deep roots in family, their role in the community, their ability to savour simple pleasures.

It made me pause.

In my world, financial planning is often seen as the holy grail. Clients come to me seeking clarity, structure, and reassurance about their futures. And of course, it matters — financial planning can reduce stress, create opportunities, and provide freedom to live life on your own terms. But in Tourrettes-sur-Loup, I was reminded that money is only ever a means, never the end.

Because what I witnessed there was wealth of another kind:

• Grandparents surrounded by children and grandchildren, telling stories that had been told for generations.

• Neighbours who knew each other by name and by history, stepping in to help without hesitation.

• A community that gathers around food not just to eat, but to connect.

It was a striking contrast. While I spend much of my time helping people plan for “someday,” these people seemed to have mastered the art of living in today.

So yes — financial planning is important. It builds a foundation, offers peace of mind, and allows us to make intentional choices. But it is not the holy grail. A life well-lived demands more.

Tourrettes-sur-Loup reminded me — and I share this as much with myself as with my clients — that the spreadsheets and plans are there to serve something greater. They give us freedom to prioritise what truly matters: family, community, belonging, joy, and the ability to sit down to a meal and savour it without rush.

Because at the end of the day, money is just the tool. The real wealth is life itself. PS - if you are ever in the area I can strongly recommend a visit to this most enchanting town.