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
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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.
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,
