This itinerary gives a nice overview of the center of France: the Verdun WWI battlefields, the wine and heritage of Burgundy, and ending in the Loire Valley with its gardens, castles and sweet life.
Laura and Emilie started working with us to develop a trip in July of 2020, but the trip had to be postponed because of COVID. Nonetheless they kept everything in place and made …
Laura and Emilie started working with us to develop a trip in July of 2020, but the trip had to be postponed because of COVID. Nonetheless they kept everything in place and made some modifications so that the trip could take place this October and November.
They were always responsive and helpful with our questions and concerns. All of the arrangements they made worked out just as represented.
The rental car process was easy (we can't blame them for Paris traffic), and the places they arranged for us to stay as well as the activities arranged were outstanding.
We feel we really got a sense of the beauty of France and met some very nice people along the way. The tour book was terrific and very helpful. They made the trip almost effortless and truly enjoyable. Thank you Laura and Emile for making this a memorable vacation. We wish you did "Italy Just for You" too!
From Verdun history to the Loire castles
tour
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Your accommodations
Pictures of the specially selected accommodations
#1 - A Boutique-Hotel in the heart of VerdunIn a quiet street just behind the Marne canal with all bars & restaurants
#1 - A Boutique-Hotel in the heart of VerdunA small hotel owned by a lovely couple in Verdun
#1 - A Boutique-Hotel in the heart of VerdunWith simple & comfortable rooms
#1 - A Boutique-Hotel in the heart of VerdunYou are perfectly located to explore the WWI Memorials
#2 - A family house right between Dijon and BeauneA beautiful mansion in the Burgundy vineyard
#2 - A family house right between Dijon and BeauneWith spacious and comfortable rooms with a view over the park
#2 - A family house right between Dijon and BeauneEnjoy meeting with your very friendly hosts
#2 - A family house right between Dijon and Beaune...and having breakfast outside on a sunny day
#3 - A gorgeous private castle in the LoireStay in a fairytale castle in the Loire Valley
#3 - A gorgeous private castle in the Loiresettle in a very spacious room, overlooking the park
#3 - A gorgeous private castle in the LoireRelax in one of the guests' reading rooms
#3 - A gorgeous private castle in the Loireif you are not too scared, take the underground passages to the swimming pool !
Step by step
This trip starts in or around Paris. We will organize the car pick up for your best convenience. After about 2hr30 drive from Paris CDG Airport, you will arrive in the Verdun region.
The Verdun Region - World War I
Stay for 3 nights in a comfortable Boutique-Hotel owned by a lovely couple, in the very center of the town of Verdun, and within walking distance to the Cathedral, bars, shops and restaurants.
You will spend a morning with a passionate private guide who will take you to the main war sites around Verdun. The program will be tailor-made to your wishes between the Argonne War area (including the Romagne Sous Montfaucon US Cemetery) and the Verdun war sites (such as the Douaumont Ossuary or Verdun Memorial). This is the best way to learn more and better understand this part of history.
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.
Your next step is Burgundy, about a 3hr30 drive from Verdun - we will plan for you to learn about Joan of Arc on the way.
Burgundy Wines & Gastronomy
You will reside for 3 nights in a beautiful mansion, surrounded by a vast park in the Côtes de Nuits vineyards. One night, you will enjoy a delicious dinner prepared by your hosts.
We will provide you with all the detailed itineraries you need to discover the authentic and charming region of Burgundy. This region is much more than its vineyards: winding roads leading to tiny timeless villages - some of them the "Most Beautiful Villages of France" - will give you a real feel for this region.
To discover the Burgundy vineyard trails, we plan for you to spend an afternoon on a bike to discover Burgundy wines. You will make several stops on the way to taste wine. Santé!
Dijon has kept a lot of ancient monuments and houses, yet it is a very lively modern city and full of charm. Taste some local cheeses, the "Epoisse" at the cheese factory or stroll around Beaune, from cellars to ramparts.
The Loire Valley Sweet Life
On Day 7, drive 3hr30 to the Loire Valley. This region and its people will welcome you with its renowned "sweet life", its castles and gardens, and its famous gastronomy and wines.
Stay for 3 nights in a charming and romantic Renaissance castle in the heart of the Loire region. The perfect place to be introduced to the "Castle Country," enjoying the warm welcome of the owners themselves.
Touraine is also famous for its vineyards – Chinon, Bourgueil, Vouvray and many more – and we have planned for a special wine tasting. You will have the opportunity to taste different wines in a privately owned 16th century castle, accompanied by some local specialties.
We will craft your days for you to enjoy a bit of everything the Loire Valley has to offer: its famous castles to some hidden beauties, lovely towns and farmers markets, quiet strolls in unique gardens...
After this, you may want to come back and spend more time in France !
Activities included
Private Guide on the WWI Sites near Verdun
Spend a day with a private guide specialized in World War I history in Argonne & Verdun area. We will be happy to tailor make your program if you wish.
Burgundy Wine & Bike Tour
Spend an afternoon with a guide who will take you wine tasting in Côte de Beaune famous vineyards...and wineries of course.
A Wine Tasting in a castle in the Loire
Visit a family-owned 16th century castle and winery surrounded by over 100 acres of vineyards and forests.
Enjoy a commented tasting of the wines with some local-product snacks.
A Great Cultural Experience What we loved most about our wonderful trip was the special activities that FJFY hand picked and tailor made for our interests. We did an awesome cooking experience in Provence, a fun food and wine walking tour with in Nice and a very enjoyable and informative walk in Lagrasse with Carlos. We visited many local markets …
A Great Cultural Experience
What we loved most about our wonderful trip was the special activities that FJFY hand picked and tailor made for our interests.
We did an awesome cooking experience in Provence, a fun food and wine walking tour with in Nice and a very enjoyable and informative walk in Lagrasse with Carlos. We visited many local markets which were fun, learnt so much history and ate some lovely food.
Coming from Australia, it was a challenge to drive on the opposite side of the road but my husband did really well.
The personalised app works a teat, with links that direct you to your accommodation. A well organised trip
Howard & Darlene
What a wonderful trip with personal guides Emilie planned for us! I would recommend her without reservation on your trip through Normandy, Mt St. Michel and the Loire Valley. The guidebook, which was chock full of important information (be sure to read it all!) was invaluable to us and became our bible.
What a wonderful trip with personal guides Emilie planned for us! I would recommend her without reservation on your trip through Normandy, Mt St. Michel and the Loire Valley. The guidebook, which was chock full of important information (be sure to read it all!) was invaluable to us and became our bible.
Gabriele
This trip was such an awesome cultural adventure and we can not say enough about Emilie and France Just for You. This service was outstanding, well planned according to our interests and the B&B's were all wonderful. Each B&B was different but all fantastic in their own way. The suggestions Emilie made all worked amazingly well and so did the …
This trip was such an awesome cultural adventure and we can not say enough about Emilie and France Just for You. This service was outstanding, well planned according to our interests and the B&B's were all wonderful. Each B&B was different but all fantastic in their own way. The suggestions Emilie made all worked amazingly well and so did the preplanned tours, parking instructions, car rental and our museum passes. This was one of the best travel experiences for us, with the least amount of things going wrong. Actually, nothing went wrong. It is sort of like an 'all inclusive' with a really, really large resort, that we just walked in and out of without ever having to worry about a thing. Every single detail was accounted for by Emilie and her experience really showed. Imagine, a huge trip such as this and it all went well? I tend to be extremely fussy and vocal if things are not right but in this case, absolutely no complaints about France Just for You and Emilie's well thought out, planned French adventure.
