Explore Eastern France, from South to North . . . colorful Provence, Burgundy vineyards, and of course the city of lights: Paris!
We recommend that our travelers fly into Marseille and out of Paris (which is not always more expensive and much more convenient than Paris on both ends).
This was one of the best trips we have taken to Europe. We have often done our own planning. It was so nice to have Laura help. We were very delighted with accommodations and …
This was one of the best trips we have taken to Europe. We have often done our own planning. It was so nice to have Laura help. We were very delighted with accommodations and friendliness of all our hosts and tour guides. As Americans that don't speak much French, we would never have been able to arrange a trip like this ourselves - and we've done lots of independent travel in the past. We loved the many small towns you recommended. Merci Laura for arranging such a wonderful experience for us.
From Marseille to Paris away from the Crowds
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Your accommodations
Pictures of the specially selected accommodations
#1 - A comfortable house in Southern ProvenceStay in Aix-en-Provence heights
#1 - A comfortable house in Southern ProvenceEnjoy fresh nights in a peaceful setting away from the crowds
#1 - A comfortable house in Southern ProvenceWalk on painter Cezanne footsteps
#2 - A Peaceful mansion on the island of AvignonEnjoy a peaceful park away from the crowds
#2 - A Peaceful mansion on the island of AvignonRest in a very spacious suite-room
#2 - A Peaceful mansion on the island of AvignonMeet with fellow travelers in cozy communal areas
#2 - A Peaceful mansion on the island of AvignonYour lovely hosts will be happy to help
#3 - A restored barn near BeauneStay 10 minute drive to Beaune, in a former farm
#3 - A restored barn near BeauneAfter a day visiting, relax in the jacuzzi or in the garden
#3 - A restored barn near Beauneenjoy a nice rest in a large and well-equipped room
#4 - A 4* Boutique-Hotel in Saint Germain districtA charming place run by the same family for several generations
#4 - A 4* Boutique-Hotel in Saint Germain districtStay in a comfortable superior room and enjoy walking everywhere in Paris
#4 - A 4* Boutique-Hotel in Saint Germain districtRelax in a cozy salon
#4 - A 4* Boutique-Hotel in Saint Germain districtRely on the friendly staff to make your stay even more enjoyable
Step by step
Southern Provence - Cezanne landscapes
Start your journey with 3 nights in Aix en Provence, in the heights of the city, on the slopes of the Sainte Victoire mountain. You will be comfortably settled in a typical “mas house”, surrounded by a lovely garden with a swimming pool. From the B&B, you can stroll beautiful trails that will take you on Cezanne footsteps.
From here, discover the beauty of southern Provence as you visit picturesque little villages in the Luberon or bigger cities such as Marseille and Aix-en-Provence. Tour the salt marshes of the Camargue, take an easy hike in the calanques near Cassis or visit the Alpilles region, where you will find beautiful Saint Remy de Provence and Van Gogh's favorite landscapes. We will tell you where to buy the best olive oil or lavender products!
The daily suggested itinerarieswill take you from the must sees to secret hideaways, from the Luberon stone villages to the Mediterranean's wonderful panoramas. Flower fragrances, glowing colors, Mediterranean flavors and sunshine will delight you.
Avignon - Central Provence
The second step of your journey is in Avignon. You will reside in a comfortable and quiet B&B for 3 nights on the island of Avignon. This very quiet house is nestled in a nice garden where you will enjoy relaxing by the pool, and it is only a 15 minute walk to the heart of Avignon's historic center. Your hosts know the region very well and they will be happy to give you some advice if you'd like.
Discover several quaint villages of the Luberon, riding an electric bike. You will have several itinerary options, from easy to more sporty, for you to explore hidden hamlets, chapels in the vineyards, wineries, road-trails in the olive trees and evergreen oaks. A great day, at your own pace.
We will also tell you about some hidden jewels - off the beaten track villages where you will stroll around charming streets or have a drink at a provencal café with locals.
Burgundy vineyard sceneries
On the 7th day, you will drive 4 hours North to Burgundy. You will reside for 3 nights in a former barn which was entirely restored by your hosts. Situated in the heart of Burgundy, 10-minute drive to Beaune, you will be perfectly located to tour the region and taste its wines.
We'll tell you where to go for the best wine tasting in the area. After that, you can savor a traditional Burgundy meal or buy a picnic at Beaune market and take a sunbath it in the park close by.
For the "Gourmets", you will meet with Olivier, who was a chef in star-rated restaurants. He will teach you how to cook some typical Burgundy dishes revised to make them some very sophisticated courses. A great cooking class !
We will provide you with detailed itineraries to discover the authentic and charming Burgundy. This region is much more than the vineyards: winding roads leading to tiny timeless villages - some of them "Most Beautiful Villages of France" - will give you a real feel for this region. Dijon has kept a lot of ancient monuments and houses, yet it is a modern city that is very lively and full of charm.
Ah . . . Paris !
On the 10th day, drive 3 hours to Paris – we will recommend a nice stop on the way. You will drop off the rental car at the nearest agency to your hotel and settle for 3 nights in the capital city of France. End your trip living the Parisian life. Comfortably accommodated in a charming 4* boutique-hotel in the Saint Germain district, you will discover the French capital city’s must sees and hidden beauties.
Ideally based at a 5 minute walk to Notre Dame Cathedral, you will explore Paris by 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 on King Louis the 14th's footsteps in Versailles castle and gardens. You will enjoy a 5hr private guided tour to the palace and the gardens: a great way to enjoy this unique and magnificient site !
On your last day, a private driver will take you to the airport.
Trust us, in two weeks, you'll discover a lot of France !
Activities included
E-Biking Day in Provence
Spend a day in the Luberon gorgeous landscapes driving an electric bike. Several itinerary options for you to enjoy biking at your own pace.
Burgundy Cooking Class
Meet with Olivier who was a Chef in star rated restaurants. He will teach you how to cook some typical Burgundy dishes revised to make them some very sophisticated courses.
Private Guide to Versailles Palace
Walk on King Louis the 14th's footsetps in Versailles castle and gardens. You will enjoy a 5hr private guided tour to the palace and the gardens.
We are independent travelers, and usually I do extensive research on Tripadvisor and other websites, and plan our own itinerary. I started doing this for our France section of our trip, and came across Emilie's France Just for You website. End of research ! After an initial inquiry, Emilie totally customised our Normandy and the Loire Valley trip …
We are independent travelers, and usually I do extensive research on Tripadvisor and other websites, and plan our own itinerary. I started doing this for our France section of our trip, and came across Emilie's France Just for You website. End of research !
After an initial inquiry, Emilie totally customised our Normandy and the Loire Valley trip, based totally on our requirements regarding the things we like to do. For seven days we held tightly onto our own little travel book, as we read every page and experienced in person everything on our itinerary. What a unforgetable experience !
Emilie is the most professional travel consultant that I have ever dealt with. Her wealth of knowledge of France is exemplary. I have no hesitation, after visiting Europe on three separate occasions, of giving France for you the highest recommendation possible.
Beth & Majid
We had a wonderful experience with Laura and Emilie- they were very responsive to all of our questions and needs and helped us plan a fabulous trip! While we were there, they were also very helpful when we needed assistance with reservations or had questions about processes during COVID.
We had a wonderful experience with Laura and Emilie- they were very responsive to all of our questions and needs and helped us plan a fabulous trip!
While we were there, they were also very helpful when we needed assistance with reservations or had questions about processes during COVID.
Barbara & Gary
Emilie, You have created for us the most outstanding well planned vacation possible. We have thoroughly enjoyed following your suggestions each day-- each choice well selected specifically for us. And even when things didn't go perfectly-- like a flat tire on the rental car or a pilot's strike which resulted in the cancellation of our light, you …
Emilie,
You have created for us the most outstanding well planned vacation possible. We have thoroughly enjoyed following your suggestions each day-- each choice well selected specifically for us. And even when things didn't go perfectly-- like a flat tire on the rental car or a pilot's strike which resulted in the cancellation of our
light, you still remained by our side and managed the process until a solution was reached.
We can't thank you enough for your remarkable service. Our vacation to France would have been entirely different and not as interesting without you. Thank you
for everything,
