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).
My husband and I have both been to Europe multiple times in our school/college days but not since we've been married- so over 19 years! We finally got it together to plan a return …
My husband and I have both been to Europe multiple times in our school/college days but not since we've been married- so over 19 years! We finally got it together to plan a return trip together. Since it had been so long we weren't confident in planning it on our own but didn't want to be hearded around like cattle. Anyway, we found Emilie and she made our trip more than amazing! Absolutely one on one attention, custom just for us and no detail overlooked. We felt everything was covered from tips on visiting France to suggestions on EVERYTHING!
We spent three weeks and drove a counter-clockwise route around the country with stops in: Loire Valley, Bordeaux, Dordogne, Carcasonne, Provence, Burgundy and Paris. From car and cell phone pick up at the airport to accomodations, drive times, suggestions on where to eat, activities, admission fees...Emilie covered it all.
In addition you get a beautiful travel size book (or two!) with pictures, tips, itinerary, contact info and anything else you might need for a successful trip.
We even contacted her because we were running late for a scheduled activity. She got in touch with the venue and gave us an alternate time to participate.
All accommodations were beautiful with friendly hosts. Car was great with full insurance. Full cell service with texting.
Can't say enough about France Just For You. An absolute gem for foreigners travelling to France.
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.
Emilie put together the best "bucket list" trip for my mother and myself. She listened to all of our requests and tailor made a vacation that was perfect. The attention to detail she paid our trip was mind blowing. She even had a full book made for us to guide us through our journey along with maps, tickets, etc. that were all date stamped …
Emilie put together the best "bucket list" trip for my mother and myself. She listened to all of our requests and tailor made a vacation that was perfect. The attention to detail she paid our trip was mind blowing. She even had a full book made for us to guide us through our journey along with maps, tickets, etc. that were all date stamped, highlighted and detailed. My mom and I have memories to last a lifetime! We had a birthday lunch at the Eiffel Tower, dune buggy rides through wineries, a trip to the top of Mount Blanc, and a full day with a French chef. And Jacques, our french chef instructor, was a hoot! Thank you so much for putting the perfect trip together and all of your work to make it exceptional.
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.
Carol
We have just returned from a road trip around France and with Emilie's help, we had one of the best trips we've ever had. We travel extensively and I normally do my own research and bookings because we don't like using formal , organised tours and we were looking for advice on self driving holidays in France. Emilie's attention to detail is …
We have just returned from a road trip around France and with Emilie's help, we had one of the best trips we've ever had. We travel extensively and I normally do my own research and bookings because we don't like using formal , organised tours and we were looking for advice on self driving holidays in France. Emilie's attention to detail is outstanding. She listened to our likes and dislikes and put together the most amazing itinerary, with a personalised guide book, maps, iPhone, booked our car rental , booked B&Bs , advised on restaurants and suggested daily itineraries. We had all the information and yet all the freedom which is what we wanted. I would definitely use her services again and would highly recommend her to anyone thinking of doing a trip around France
