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As we are always working to improve our tours and looking for new places of interest to include, we decided to pay a visit to the city of Nantes, at the border between Pays de la Loire and Brittany, to see ‘ Les Machines de l’île’ , a unique and ever-growing world of mechanical animals. Engineering enthusiasts will be fascinated by this place, developed by artists François Delarozière and Pierre Orefice. It evokes both the imaginary, invented world of Jules Verne and the mechanical universe of Leonardo da Vinci , and is a tribute...

Located in Indre-et-Loire district is the château of Azay-le-Rideau, a castle built between 1518 and 1527, to protect the town of Chinon and surrounding area. In 1791 the ruins of the castle were purchased by Marquis Charles de Biencourt in the hope that he would restore the castle to its former glory. The family worked hard and added an English inspired garden to the grounds. Azay castle was finally restored and descendants of the Biencourt opened it to the public in 1850. In 1905 after having several owners, Azay-le-Rideau castle was purchased by the state and given protective and...

When is the Cannes Film Festival 2019? In 2019, the Cannes Film Festival will take place from 14-25 May. One of the most glamorous events on the entertainment calendar, the biggest names in world cinema will once again congregate in the south of France for the 72nd edition of the Cannes Film Festival 2019. What do you need to know about this year’s 11-day event? Let’s take a look. Who is on the panel of judges ("Le Jury") in 2019? Mexican director Alejandro González Iñárritu has been confirmed as President of the Jury for the 72nd Cannes...

Chambord Castle is located in the Loire Valley and has been a UNESCO world heritage site since 1981, welcoming hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. On March 20th 2017, the newly restored French gardens will open to the public for the first time. This exciting new addition to the castle grounds was based on original drawings and years of architectural and archeological research. The gardens occupy six and a half hectares on the north side of the castle, and there are more than 600 trees, 800 shrubs, 200 rosebushes and 15,250 plants along the border. This is the largest garden project...

A new thrilling glass floor at the first level of the Iron Lady Since yesterday (Monday October 6th), the Eiffel Tower – Paris’ most visited tourist site – unveiled its renovated First Floor allowing visitors to look down through a solid glass floor. To increase the frisson of walking on air still further, the glass safety barriers have been inclined outwards. Previously the first floor was the least visited part of the tower and this new floor should attract more people. The €30-million ($37.5-million) refit - which took two years - includes shops, restaurants and a museum...

In summertime, each and every city in France hosts a Festival: historical, shipping festival, with animals...there are a lot to choose from . Last Sunday we were in Richelieu city - the city built from scratch by the famous Cardinal of Richelieu. This famous personnage of the French history used to be the "Prime Minister" under Louis the 13th reign (17th century)....just before another famous Cardinal: Mazarin. We can't say that he reminds in the French's heart because he was uncompromising and fought for the absolut power...not really in line with the French democracy principles set up 150...

The season of the outside festivals starts in May in France! Last Sunday, was the Fête de la Batellerie in our home town of Langeais: nothing fancy but a very good time with our neighbors, friends, tourists & travelers. The local traditional water shipping association – that rebuilds the 16th century Loire river wood boats called “Toues” or “Toues cabanées” (when they have a roof) – was offering some free tours around Langeais bridge. Many people were dressed like in the 16th, 17th century. There can’t be a festival in the Loire Valley without eating the famous “Fouées” the bread we cook...

I have been on the roads in Provence last week and I'd like to share some colorful pictures with you The Alpilles mountains in Souther Provence The Town of Eygalières Blossoming cherry trees...winter hasn't started yet ! Saint Remy de Provence Provence vineyards Les Baux de Provence perched village There's more to come ! Emilie

Vaux Le Vicomte castle is certainly not as famous as Versailles…however it deserves a visit as much as Versailles does. This is one of the most magnificent chateaus in France. Located about 40 miles away from Paris (on your way to Burgundy), the whole estate reaches nearly 500 hectares. It was built by Nicolas Fouquet, Superintendent of Finances under young King Louis 14th. A 17th century masterpiece, Vaux le Vicomte was the backdrop to many major historical events and witnessed the tragic eviction of its creator, Nicolas Fouquet, who was imprisoned following an extraordinary trial about...

Edith Piaf died 50 years ago (on October 10th, 1963) and she remains in people's heart as one of the most romantic singers in the world. Known as “The Little Sparrow,” this singer became an icon of France during World War II. Piaf was born in Paris on December 19, 1915, and rose to international stardom in the 1940s as a symbol of French passion and tenacity. Of Piaf’s many ballads, “La Vie en Rose” is remembered as her signature song. When traveling to Paris, you should definitly have her song called "Sous le Ciel de Paris" in mind. This is the music, with English subtitles to refresh your...

Each year, the Spring Music Festival in Bourges (Center of France) has become a major event not only in France but throughout the rest of Europe, too. The festivities explode from midday to dawn in ten concert halls. The 60 or so concerts present over 200 artists. They are all in the vicinity of the town centre, with its stalls, bars, restaurants, attractions and three free outdoor stages where groups perform all day long. During the Festival, the whole town of Bourges gets crazy days and nights. The ever-growing public is composed essentially of young people (91% are under 35), and over 200...

Last week, there were 2 pages dedicated to France Just For You in the N°1 professional magazine in France. They chose our company to show a new way to discover France away from the beaten tracks, with the advantage of really meeting with French people. Just to tell you about each part of this article: Th e project: We are a family tour operating company that organized itineraries for individuals (no groups). We have adapted the selection of our B&Bs to the expectations of Anglo-Saxon travelers (bed size, etc) Our "Credo" belief: Show the real France to foreign travelers, in a warm...

These days, it has been snowing in northern France, in Paris and in the Loire Valley! We normally only get 2 or 3 days of snow in the Loire Valley during the whole winter - not much compared to the Alps! This is a picture of our lovely town of Langeais in the snow. It's beautiful, but slightly on the cold side! When is the best time of year to visit the Loire Valley? The best time to visit the Loire Valley is in the late spring (April/May), summer and fall. In the spring, the gardens in France come out in full bloom, and it's an especially nice time to...

Looking for an unusual Christmas present? Forget the traditional clothes, perfumes or jewellery...what about offering an unforgettable experience to the people you love ? They've always wanted to go to France for a romantic journey or a family trip? Castles of the Loire Valley, blooming lavender in Provence, wine tasting in Burgundy or outside markets in quaint villages leave them dreamy? They're ready for a trip organized by France Just For You! Do not hesitate to contact us and we'll work on a travel plan based on your wishes and your budget...to have a Christmas present they won't forget...

Guillaume and I have been exploring Burgundy lately - La Bourgogne ! We have found some very nice and cozy Bed & Breakfasts in the heart of Burgundy: between Dijon and Beaune. Everybody imagines that Burgundy vineyards may be comparable to Bordeaux but it is wrong. The main vineyards of Burgundy are spread in one hillside of about 50 kilometers. So there's a lot to see and to taste, and very few driving. You can trust us, we have tested and tasted a lot...so you'll get the best experience Bouguignonne ! We hope you'll like what we are preparing for you. Emilie

This brand new blog and website are the opportunity for us to thank all the people who have been supporting us since the beginning of France Just For You project. You made it happen and we are very thankful for the precious help! Thanks very much to the American dream team who has agreed to play the guinea pigs and answer to our market study and all questions about what they would like or dislike doing while in France. Thanks as well for your help in finding the name « France Just For You » ! Thank you Antoine for transforming a business idea into a legal company. Thank you to our relatives...