In 13 days, this tour will take you from Paris to the Somme region, and on to Lille at the Belgium border.
You will then drive your way south-east to the Verdun area and the surrounding WWI sites. You will end your journey in Alsace, on the border with Germany.
We would highly recommend “France Just for You” and will most defiantly use the services of Emilie again. At the end of April 2017 we spend two weeks in France visiting Normandy …
We would highly recommend “France Just for You” and will most defiantly use the services of Emilie again. At the end of April 2017 we spend two weeks in France visiting Normandy, Mont Saint Michel, Lorie Valley and Paris. We can would sum the trip in one word “Perfect!”. Emilie well prepared us with a personalized book, (179 pages) , describing our accommodations, things to see and the history of the area. She gave great recommendations of restaurants, sights and always provided the GPS coordinates which were invaluable. All of the B&B accommodations were wonderful with welcoming host that spoke English. I cannot tell how easy Emilie made traveling abroad for us, we looked forward to what each and every day would bring, except of the last day when we had to leave.
#1 - A 3* Boutique-Hotel in Quartier Latin districtA family owned Boutique-Hotel in the Latin Quarter
#1 - A 3* Boutique-Hotel in Quartier Latin districtStay in a comfortable room...
#1 - A 3* Boutique-Hotel in Quartier Latin district...with a balcony and nice view over one of Paris most famous landmarks
#1 - A 3* Boutique-Hotel in Quartier Latin districtSavor breakfast in the historical vaulted cellars
#2 - A premium B&B between Amiens & the Battle sitesDiscover the Somme region with your lovely hosts
#2 - A premium B&B between Amiens & the Battle sitesRelax in a luxury Bed & Breakfast
#2 - A premium B&B between Amiens & the Battle sitesWith classical and comfortable rooms
#3 - A Boutique-Hotel in the old center of LilleA charming 4* Boutique-Hotel
#3 - A Boutique-Hotel in the old center of LilleWith well equipped and nicely decorated rooms
#3 - A Boutique-Hotel in the old center of LilleOpening on to Lille main square
#4 - A comfortable Hotel in the very center of VerdunThis old military mansion was restored a few years ago
#4 - A comfortable Hotel in the very center of Verdun...to become a very modern and comfortable hotel
#4 - A comfortable Hotel in the very center of VerdunThere is also a bar and restaurant or you can walk to any place in Verdun
#5 - A 4* Boutique-Hotel in the little venice in Colmar, AlsaceStay in the heart of Colmar historical district
#5 - A 4* Boutique-Hotel in the little venice in Colmar, AlsaceEnjoy the Little Venice ambiance
#5 - A 4* Boutique-Hotel in the little venice in Colmar, AlsaceEnjoy a very comfortable room
#5 - A 4* Boutique-Hotel in the little venice in Colmar, Alsaceand why not a drink at the bar or dinner in a nearby Winstub !
Step by step
Oh...Paris !
For the first 3 nights of your trip, you will be living the Parisian life. Comfortably accommodated in a charming boutique-hotel in the heart of the Latin Quarter, in the Sorbonne area, you will discover the French capital city’s must sees and hidden beauties.
Being based a 10 minute walk from Notre Dame Cathedral, you can explore Paris by foot, by boat or using public transportation with unique and different itineraries we have prepared for you.
We plan for you to get oriented with a Parisian guide for a half-day, discover Paris most famous buildings along the Seine river and get to learn a lot about French culture and history while having a lot of fun. One night, you will attend a very fun show (in English) . . . a good opportunity to enjoy Paris nightlife.
On the fourth morning, you will pick up the rental car near your hotel and drive north about 1hr30 to the Somme region.
Amiens & the Somme region
Your premium B&B is the perfect place to spend 2 nights to explore the war sites as well as the old town of Amiens and its amazing Cathedral.
We have included in this trip a day with a private English-speaking guide who will explain military strategy and drive you to the main WWI and WWII sites of the Somme region.
Many different nationalities fought in this part of France and we can definitely craft your day based on your country of origin or any specific interests you may have.
Downtown Lille
On Day 6, drive 1hr30 to Lille, at the northern tip of France. The old center of Lille is very pleasant for spending a night and enjoying the lively atmosphere.
We plan for you to stay in a comfortable 4* Boutique-Hotel which opens on to the famous main square of Lille, with all the typical buildings, cafés and restaurants.
Travelers who may be interested in the World War Flanders region sites (such as Ypres Salient or Poperinghe, Vimy Ridge or Passchendaele), please let us know and we can plan a day there with a private guide or on your own.
Verdun
On Day 7, drive 3hrs to the Verdun region. On the way, you may stop in Reims and enjoy a "coupe de Champagne" at lunch and a nice walk we will recommend to digest before getting back on the road.
Spend the next 2 nights in a newly redesigned 4* Boutique-Hotel in the very heart of Verdun. You can walk everywhere in town from your hotel.
We will craft your days for you to explore the WWI war sites based on your interests, what you already know and what you would like to discover.
In the Verdun region, you will also taste delicious local products, relax in nice bars by the Meuse canal and why not even taste some Côte de Meuse wine.
Gorgeous Alsace
Your last step is in Alsace: spend 4 nights in a 4* Boutique-Hotel in the very center of Colmar in the little Venice District, walking distance to all bar, shops and restaurants. This hotel is in a 16th century building which was renovated mixing new and old materials - resulting as a charming and cozy ambiance.
Discover the gorgeous town of Colmar, its canal maybe on a barge tour and enjoy a meal in a typical Winstub with a nice beer.
Another day, drive along the Alsatian Wine Road, stop in some of the most beautiful villages of France with their typical colorful half-timbered houses and the stork nests. Enjoy the Alsatian wines visiting a family-run winery and tasting 3 of their white wines paired with local products.
You may end the trip in Strasbourg or Colmar and return the car there before getting on a train or flight . . . or drive to your next destination for more adventures !
Activities included
Paris Orientation Tour
Discover Paris most famous buildings along the Seine river and get to learn a lot about French culture and history...having a lot of fun.
Comedy Show in Paris
What about spending a night in a Parisian theater and enjoy a very fun show...in English. You'll have a great time!
Private Guide on the Somme War sites
Discover the War Sites of the Somme around Amiens with a private guide for a full day. We will make recommendations and can customize your day if you wish.
Winery Visit & Tasting in Alsace
Visit a family-run wine estate on the Alsace Wine Trail, run by the 3rd generation.
Enjoy a commented tasting of the wines with some local-product snacks.
If I had to sum up our trip in one word it would just have to be WOW! But of course it is impossible to describe the trip of a lifetime in just one word. The detail and care that Emilie put into planning our trip was AMAZING. Every place we stayed, every outing she planned, every person that she put us in contact was wonderful. My husband and I …
If I had to sum up our trip in one word it would just have to be WOW! But of course it is impossible to describe the trip of a lifetime in just one word. The detail and care that Emilie put into planning our trip was AMAZING. Every place we stayed, every outing she planned, every person that she put us in contact was wonderful. My husband and I wanted so much to visit Fance but we did not want to go on a bus with 20 other people. We dont speak any French, so how would a trip through France be possible? Have France Just for You make all the plans. Along with resevering all the B and B's we stayed in and planning wine tasting and excursions we had so many other recommendations for places to dine, sights to see, hikes through the countryside, no matter what we were in the mood for, there was always a recommendation that we could use. When we were told that we would be getting a personal itinerary we were expecting a 10 or 12 page document. Instead a 200 page personalized BOOK came. We will treasure it forever. I think it was Kismet that we found France Just For You online. Thank you so, so much for the time and care you gave to planning our trip. It was special and we will always think of our trip and you with the fondest of memories.
Nicole
My husband and I used Emilie from France Just For You to plan a special trip for our anniversary. We loved the fact that our trip had structure, but at the same time, we had freedom to explore as we wished. We also loved the fact that the trip included guided tours, but we were not tied to a tour group as such. Emilie planned our trip according to …
My husband and I used Emilie from France Just For You to plan a special trip for our anniversary. We loved the fact that our trip had structure, but at the same time, we had freedom to explore as we wished. We also loved the fact that the trip included guided tours, but we were not tied to a tour group as such. Emilie planned our trip according to our budget as well as our interests. She helped us custom-design a trip to suit our needs and wants. We received a beautiful travel guide, especially tailor-made for us. The travel guide included our coupons/vouchers for the planned tours/activities and everything had been paid in advance, which meant no admin or fuss from our side- we just arrived at the activities and were set to go. We loved the accommodation that Emilie arranged for us. All our hosts were very welcoming and friendly. We spent some time with each different host who gave us ideas of places to visit, from a true French local's point of view. We absolutely loved this trip and would highly recommend Emilie's services for anyone wanting to make their French dreams come true!
Mervyn
My wife and I and two friends decided we would like to visit France and by chance I found Emilie's website and initiated an online conversation with her over a year ago. We really did not know what we wanted to do, nor where we wanted to go and so our planning became a moving feast, most ably supported by Emilie. How she ever put up with our …
My wife and I and two friends decided we would like to visit France and by chance I found Emilie's website and initiated an online conversation with her over a year ago. We really did not know what we wanted to do, nor where we wanted to go and so our planning became a moving feast, most ably supported by Emilie. How she ever put up with our changing demands remains beyond me. The speed with which she responded to our requests was nothing short of amazing, she must never sleep !! We together finally put together a truly wonderful programme that met our every expectation. We saw provincial France over 17 days, starting in the Cote D'Azur and culminating in Paris, visiting Provence, Burgundy and the Loire. The accommodation arranged by Emilie was delightful, her suggestions on activities, routes, restaurants, sights to see and visit were outstanding.
Travelling from Australia to France is not for the fainthearted at any time, let alone making an unescorted self drive tour such as we have done over the past month. I doubt we could have done it without Emilie's very professional support.
We would recommend her services to anyone. Thank you Emilie
