Emilie was a great help in planning our trip and the accommodations and recommendations were excellent and well thought out. Unless you speak French and know the countryside, this …
Emilie was a great help in planning our trip and the accommodations and recommendations were excellent and well thought out. Unless you speak French and know the countryside, this is the best company for you to use to have a superb vacation and I would use them again anytime. They give you options so you can do what you like, but help with the logistics which would be the most frustrating if you had to make arrangements yourself.
Self-Driving around France - from Paris to Nice
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Your accommodations
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#1 - Your 4* Boutique-Hotel in Saint-GermainStay in the heart of Saint Germain des Prés district
#1 - Your 4* Boutique-Hotel in Saint-GermainRest in a comfortable and quiet room
#1 - Your 4* Boutique-Hotel in Saint-GermainStart your day with a nice breakfast
#1 - Your 4* Boutique-Hotel in Saint-GermainThe hotel’s small, attentive team will make you feel welcome and ensure you have everything you need throughout your stay
#1 - Your 4* Boutique-Hotel in Saint-GermainEnjoy the charm of a historical building
#2 - An Medieval Manor in the Norman countrysideA medieval manor between Bayeux and the landing beaches
#2 - An Medieval Manor in the Norman countrysideAfter a day visiting, relax in the Norman countryside
#2 - An Medieval Manor in the Norman countrysideEnjoy a very spacious room with all the modern amenities
#2 - An Medieval Manor in the Norman countryside...and amazing home-made breakfasts
#3 - A former presbytery from the 18th century near Mont Saint MichelStay, hidden from the crowds, near Mont Saint Michel
#3 - A former presbytery from the 18th century near Mont Saint MichelEnjoy a very comfortable BandB where you will feel at home
#3 - A former presbytery from the 18th century near Mont Saint MichelYour host is a professinnal Chef, be ready for a savory dinner !
#3 - A former presbytery from the 18th century near Mont Saint Michelthis is the view from your room
#4 - A tuffeau stone house in a green valleyA charming tuffeau stone house in a green valley
#4 - A tuffeau stone house in a green valleyRest in a quiet room, full of charm
#4 - A tuffeau stone house in a green valleyor in the garden
#4 - A tuffeau stone house in a green valleyEnjoy a savory home-made cuisine
#5 - A Wine Estate in Saint EmilionThe winery team will make sure that you have a great stay
#5 - A Wine Estate in Saint EmilionTaste the wine...directly where it is made !
#6 - In the lively Bastide Saint Louis of CarcassonneStay in a very comfortable B&B in Carcassonne
#6 - In the lively Bastide Saint Louis of Carcassonneenjoy a room opening on to the pool area
#6 - In the lively Bastide Saint Louis of CarcassonneYour hosts have lived in many countries and happy to meet with travelers
#6 - In the lively Bastide Saint Louis of CarcassonneYou may also relax in the design living room
#7 - A welcoming mas house in the heart of ProvenceStay in a former convent
#7 - A welcoming mas house in the heart of ProvenceAt the gates of Luberon and near Avignon
#7 - A welcoming mas house in the heart of ProvenceIn a very large room
#7 - A welcoming mas house in the heart of ProvenceMeet with fellow travelers around dinner or at the pool
#8 - A mansion, full of artwork on the RivieraEnjoy the comfort of a very spacious suite room...
#8 - A mansion, full of artwork on the Riviera...in a lovely typical town of the Riviera hinterland
#8 - A mansion, full of artwork on the RivieraYour lovely hosts will share many tips and hints
#8 - A mansion, full of artwork on the RivieraArt is everywhere in the this house...even at the breakfast table.
Step by step
Ah . . . Paris!
Start your French journey living the Parisian life! For a smooth arrival, a private driver will meet you at the airport and drive you to the hotel.
Experience the Parisian life comfortably accommodated for 3 nights in a charming 4*boutique-hotel in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Nearby you have the Luxembourg Gardens and the Sorbonne University, and you will discover the French capital's must-sees and hidden beauties.
Ideally based a 10-minute walk from Notre Dame Cathedral, you will explore Paris on foot, by boat or using public transportation with different and unique itineraries we have prepared for you. We also recommend our favorite restaurants and boulangeries in different districts of the city, so you’ll know where to take a break.
Walk along the Seine and journey through 2,000 years of Paris history on an immersive guided tour featuring more than 15 virtual reality scenes.
On the 4th day, you will pick up your rental car in Paris by the ring road and drive to the Bayeux area in Normandy, with some nice stops along the way.
The Bayeux area in Normandy
For 4 nights you will experience the Norman tranquility in an 11th-century manor. Immerse yourself in a medieval environment while enjoying all the modern amenities, as well as amazing breakfasts cooked by your lovely hostess.
Perfectly located between Bayeux and the WWII beaches, you will get a real feel for Norman history, from William the Conqueror to the Second World War.
We also plan for you to spend a morning with a private guide who will customize the itinerary to your wishes and interests as you visit the WWII beaches and memorial sites.
Across the bay from Mont Saint Michel
You'll stay in a lovely Bed & Breakfast for 2 nights in a former presbytery from the 18th century, located half-way between the famous village of Mont Saint Michel and the lovely port of Saint Malo. One night, enjoy a delicious dinner prepared by your host, who is also a chef.
We will provide tips on when/how to enjoy this UNESCO site after most of the crowds have left.
The Loire Valley near Chenonceaux
Spend the next 4 nights of your French journey in a welcoming Bed & Breakfast between Amboise and Chenonceau castle, in the heart of the Loire Valley.
Your hostess is an excellent cook and one afternoon, she will teach you how to cook some local dishes, which you will savor around a big table at night in a convivial ambiance.
Discover the marvels of the Loire Valley - we will recommend how to visit famous must-see castles such as Chenonceau or Chambord away from the crowds. We will also suggest smaller castles and hidden places, which are less famous but that have a lot of history and beautiful settings.
If you like gardens, don’t miss Chaumont or Villandry. We will also provide information on wineries so that you may taste the local wines.
The Bordeaux area, at a Saint Emilion Wine Estate
Your next stop for 3 nights is a Grands Crus Classés wine chateau. Experience Saint Emilion staying at one of the places where everything happens, right in Saint Emilion's vineyards. Away from the crowds, you will enjoy what Saint Emilion wines have to offer.
Built along the banks of the Garonne river, the opulent merchants' homes are very specific to the city of Bordeaux. You will find everything in this region, from villages nestled in the Medoc or St Emilion vineyards, to the bustling night life in Bordeaux. Also, bear in mind that Bordeaux's Sainte Catherine Street is the longest shopping street in Europe!
Very near Saint Emilion, we have planned a private tour to a famous wine estate: after visiting the estate from the vineyards to the cellars and learning about the different grape varieties and wine-making process, you will enjoy a picnic lunch together with a tasting of 3 different wines.
Carcassonne & Cathar country
The medieval town of Carcassonne will amaze you by its size and conservation. You will reside in a cozy B&B for 2 nights in the lively Bastide neighborhood, and will be within walking distance of all sightseeing and restaurants. We'll make sure you're away from the tourist crowds.
In the Cathar country, walkers/hikers will be rewarded with breath-taking landscapes and fortresses such as Quéribus. History lovers will be fascinated by the Cathar history. Wine lovers may be surprised by the quality of the “Minervois” wines, which have improved a lot in the past 10 years.
On the 19th day of your French trip, you will drive about 3 hours to Provence in the South East of France.
Gorgeous Provence
Stay for 4 nights in a welcoming Provencal stone house, former convent, perfectly located between Avignon and the Luberon. Enjoy a very large room and at night, relax in the garden, by the pool or meeting with fellow travelers around the barbecue, with a glass of wine.
Beautiful Avignon, is also referred to as “the City of Popes”, is where you can visit the Palace of the Popes, the well-preserved ramparts and the famous “Avignon Bridge”.
You will enjoy hilltop villages on market day, walking in the footsteps of famous painters such as Cézanne or Picasso. We will also tell you about some hidden gems - off the beaten track villages where you will stroll around charming streets or have a drink at a provencal café with locals. We can also recommend a farmer’s market for each day of the week!
Explore a family-owned olive oil mill, with one of the daughters. She will explain olive oil farming from the tree to the bottle. Then you will enjoy a crash course on cooking some olive oil dishes. A very Provençal experience !
La Côte d’Azur – the French Riviera
About 3 hours' drive away is the French Riviera. You will stay for 3 nights in a lovely Bed & Breakfast located in a heart of a lively typical village. Your hosts are art lovers and you cen rely on them to make your stay special.
In the Riviera hinterland, you will discover some of the most beautiful handicrafts in France, particularly ceramics, sculptures and paintings. For art lovers, the many art museums of Nice and its surroundings will amaze you with masterpieces by Chagall, Matisse and Picasso.
We plan for you to meet with a lovely lady who will take you to her best addresses in the old city to discover the Niçoise food & wine specialities.
But the Riviera is even more than all this. The “Cote d’Azur” is a marvel of fabulous 19th century villas and sapphire-colored water coves. Wander about the narrow alleyways of the old city of Nice or go shopping and enjoy views of the Mediterranean in seaside restaurants from Monte Carlo to Antibes.
This itinerary is a great way to experience the diversity of France, focusing on very authentic regions, allowing time to enjoy yourselves and relax.
Activities included
Back to the Origins of Paris
Walk along the Seine and journey through 2,000 years of Paris history on an immersive guided tour featuring more than 15 virtual reality scenes.
Private Guide on the WWII sites
Spend a half day with a private guide who will customize the itinerary to your wishes and interests. A must do to better understand what happened on D-Day.
Loire Cooking Workshop
Spend a late afternoon with Valérie who trained in gastronomic restaurants. You will prepare a main course and a dessert, then you'll enjoy a savory dinner with your hosts.
Tour a St Emilion Winery
Visit a wine estate near St Emilion with a private English speaking guide. After the tour, you will enjoy a picnic lunch together with a tasting of different wines from the estate.
Olive Oil Farm in Luberon
Explore a family owned olive oil mill in the slopes of Luberon, with breathtaking views. In a private tour, you will be explained the whole olive oil farming process from the tree to the bottle.
Riviera Food & Wine Tour
Let your lovely hostess take you to her best addresses in the old city to discover the Niçoise food & wine specialities.
It was the best tour ever! Laura did an amazing job to deliver painless and excellent planning and arrangements. Everything promised was delivered and included much more than would normally be seen without ‘INSIDR’ tips. It is obvious that Emilie and Laura have put a lot of thought and effort into the tours they offer. We definitely recommend …
It was the best tour ever! Laura did an amazing job to deliver painless and excellent planning and arrangements. Everything promised was delivered and included much more than would normally be seen without ‘INSIDR’ tips. It is obvious that Emilie and Laura have put a lot of thought and effort into the tours they offer. We definitely recommend FRANCE JUST FOR YOU to all and only wish they provided similar services for other countries.
Marcia
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 …
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.
Leslie
There are not enough superlatives for our experience with Emilie. Prompt correspondence and thorough questions led to the perfect vacation for my family. Her choice of hotels in Paris and Provence were exactly what I would have chosen on my own. Her tour guide recommendations were spot on. The fact that she arranged all of our transfers, train …
There are not enough superlatives for our experience with Emilie. Prompt correspondence and thorough questions led to the perfect vacation for my family. Her choice of hotels in Paris and Provence were exactly what I would have chosen on my own. Her tour guide recommendations were spot on. The fact that she arranged all of our transfers, train tickets, and rental cars was priceless. I was happy to begin with, but when we received our tour book, I was amazed. It is a bound, personalized several hundred page book of everything from French customs and phrases to personalized walking tour suggestions, to GPS coordinates for points of interest. Pictures of our hotels and hosts, small maps in the book, large maps for each day we ventured out. Even Paris metro tickets to get us started. We were a group of 8, ages 12 to 75 and it could not have been more seamless. For all of this personalized service, her fees were very reasonable. Next time we travel to France, we will surely use France Just For You again. Merci beaucoup!
