This itinerary gives you the perfect tour of Northern France, including Paris, the Loire Valley castles and gastronomy, and ending in Normandy with the landing sites, the hinterland and beautiful Giverny.
France Just for You made our trip to France a very wonderful experience! Emilie asked what we'd like to do and she did all of the work. From booking charming, cozy hotels and b&b's …
France Just for You made our trip to France a very wonderful experience! Emilie asked what we'd like to do and she did all of the work. From booking charming, cozy hotels and b&b's to creating itineraries tailored toward our interests. The book she created for us included directions and suggested hikes in Paris, Bayeux, Honfleur and Giverny. We were even given suggestions on where to eat along with detailed directions. We would definitely use this company again! Thank you Emilie!
Northern France at your own pace
tour
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Your accommodations
Pictures of the specially selected accommodations
#1 - A 4* Boutique-Hotel in Saint Germain districtA charming place run by the same family for several generations
#1 - A 4* Boutique-Hotel in Saint Germain districtStay in a comfortable superior room and enjoy walking everywhere in Paris
#1 - A 4* Boutique-Hotel in Saint Germain districtRelax in a cozy salon
#1 - A 4* Boutique-Hotel in Saint Germain districtRely on the friendly staff to make your stay even more enjoyable
#2 - A gorgeous private castle in the LoireStay in a fairytale castle in the Loire Valley
#2 - A gorgeous private castle in the Loiresettle in a very spacious room, overlooking the park
#2 - A gorgeous private castle in the LoireRelax in one of the guests' reading rooms
#2 - A gorgeous private castle in the Loireif you are not too scared, take the underground passages to the swimming pool !
#3 - A 14th century house in the Loire ValleyA charming house, nestled in a lovely hamlet
#3 - A 14th century house in the Loire ValleyRelax in a cozy room, after a day sightseeing.
#3 - A 14th century house in the Loire ValleyYour lovely hosts will take good care of you...
#3 - A 14th century house in the Loire Valley...and will take you to their vaulted cellar for the apéritif.
#4 - A beautiful mansion very close to BayeuxStay 2 miles from Bayeux historical city
#4 - A beautiful mansion very close to BayeuxRelax in a suite room and enjoy a delicious dinner cooked by Vincent
#4 - A beautiful mansion very close to BayeuxYou can also read your guidebook in your own little private greenhouse
#5 - A Gorgeous Mansion on the hill above Giverny townStay away from the crowds only 2 miles to Monet's house and gardens
#5 - A Gorgeous Mansion on the hill above Giverny townRest in a spacious room, lavishly decorated...
#5 - A Gorgeous Mansion on the hill above Giverny town...or in the welcoming living room
Step by step
Paris, the city of lights
Start your French journey living the Parisian life for 4 nights! For a smooth arrival, a private driver will meet you at the airport and drive you to the hotel.
Comfortably accommodated in a charming 4* boutique-hotel in the Saint Germain disctrict, you will discover the French capital city’s must sees and hidden beauties.
Being based less than 10 minute walk to Notre Dame Cathedral, you can 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 capital city so you’ll know where to take a break.
To get oriented in Paris, we plan for you to follow a private Parisian guide for a half-day. We will craft your itinerary with Raf based on what you already know and want to discover. It may also include museums if you wish.
The Loire Valley
On day 5, you will pick up your rental car near the hotel and drive 3 hours to the Loire Valley. This region and its people will welcome you with its renowned "sweet life", its Renaissance 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 Valley. The perfect place to be introduced to the "Castle Country," and enjoying the warm welcome of the owners themselves.
We will craft your days for you to enjoy a bit of everything the Loire Valley has to offer: famous castles to hidden beauties, lovely towns and farmers markets, relaxing strolls in unique gardens . . .
On day 8, you will move to the Southern Loire Valley for 3 nights near Chinon. From here, discover all the hidden marvels of the Loire Valley: the castles of Azay-le-Rideau and Langeais, the beautiful gardens in Villandry and the historic towns of Saumur, Chinon and Richelieu.
You will stay in the outbuildings of a disappeared monastery dating back to the 14th century. Your charming hosts know the region very well and will be happy to share some tips with you. One night, you will share a delicious home-cooked dinner, prepared by Monsieur. Do not miss the aperitif in the underground vaulted cellar - an totally unique experience!
Touraine is famous for its vineyards – Chinon, Bourgueil, Vouvray, Amboise and many more – you will visit a Chinon winery run by a charming couple who come from generations of winegrowers. Enjoy a commented tasting of the wines with some very local specialties.
We also plan for you to enjoy a nice aperitif right in a family-owned goat cheese farm...and feel the Touraine Sweet Life!
Normandy - the Bayeux Area
On day 11, drive about 3hr30 to the Normandy seaside area, in Calvados and stay for 3 nights in a lovely house, located in downtown Bayeux, a few minutes walk to the Cathedral, the tapestry, the restaurants and shops.
From here you can visit Bayeux and its famous tapestry, all the landing beaches (from Sainte Mère Eglise to Pointe du Hoc) and Caen.
The Normandy hinterland might not be advertised abroad but is much worth a detour: the typical half-timbered villages, the Cider road, the beautiful English style gardens, the apple brandy traditional manufactures . . . and of course the cheese. A trip to Normandy would not be complete without tasting Camembert or Livarot cheese!
Deauville and Honfleur are within driving distance. Honfleur deserves a visit for its picturesque harbor and art galleries and Deauville for its famous Grand Casino, horse track and luxury cars.
To get familiar with Norman gastronomy, we have planned a cooking class for you with Brigitte. She will welcome you in her home where you’ll prepare a 3 course meal that you will savor for lunch. A fun experience!
Normandy - Giverny
On day 14, you will take the last step of your trip to Giverny – 2hrs from Bayeux and 1hr to CDG Airport. This tiny unchanged village takes you back to the 19th century when the great painter Claude Monet created a new art movement: impressionism.
In Giverny, you will visit the house where he lived for 43 years and where he painted some of his most beautiful masterpieces, among them “Haystacks”, “Rouen Cathedral” and the “Water Lilies”. The gardens are beautifully kept in the exact shape as they were when Monet painted them. We include in this package cut-the-line tickets that enable you to not have to wait at Monet’s house and gardens.
In Giverny, we have planned for a 2-night stay in a gorgeous mansion, 2 miles from Giverny town, in the orchards. This will give you enough time to follow Valerie's advice and discover the Seine river valley, Les Andelys and maybe even Versailles at your own pace.
With this itinerary, you will enjoy the must sees of Northern France and also you will discover some hidden gems.
Activities included
Paris Private Walking Tour
For a half-day, follow a private guide in the heart of Paris to get oriented and learn more about the history, art, culture or architecture. We will taylor make your program based on your wishes.
A Winery Visit & Tasting in Chinon
Visit a Chinon winery run by a charming couple who come from generations of winegrowers.
Enjoy a commented tasting of the wines with some local-product snacks.
We also plan for you to enjoy a delicious cheese and wine apéritif right at a family-run goat farm, for an authentic taste of local life and Loire Valley flavors.
Norman cooking Class
Spend a morning with Brigitte who will teach you how to make a real norman meal. Then you'll enjoy the lunch in her welcoming dining room or in the terrace.
Monet's House & Garden
Avoid wasting time standing in line, use the by-pass line to visit the house of Monet and its famous gardens. Follow in the footsteps of this painter and the American Impressionists in the small town of Giverny.
My husband and I found France Just For You on the internet, while trying to plan a trip to France. We knew, given our desire to see both Normandy and the south of France, that we would spend hours deliberating about the details. We provided Emily with a budget, the duration of our vacation and a few must-sees and she provided us with a three-week …
My husband and I found France Just For You on the internet, while trying to plan a trip to France. We knew, given our desire to see both Normandy and the south of France, that we would spend hours deliberating about the details. We provided Emily with a budget, the duration of our vacation and a few must-sees and she provided us with a three-week itinerary including the places we wanted to stay and places to see/stay on the way. Every B&B was a delight and Emilie made sure that the owners spoke English, which we appreciated. We enjoyed every moment of our trip from start to finish (even the bad weather)– with options to be busy the entire day or to take it slow (the B&Bs were all comfortable enough to spend time in). Emilie arranged for a rental car, a phone (Invaluable for getting around) and was available for any questions. We would highly recommend France Just For You!
Kathy from the US
A Trip "Just for us!' We had an outstanding driving tour through NW France. We got to experience the trip at our own speed focusing on our individual interests. No large groups, tour buses, or strict schedules. It was heavenly! Emilie set us up with four special guides during our trip. Each was passionate about their area of expertise, well spoken …
A Trip "Just for us!'
We had an outstanding driving tour through NW France. We got to experience the trip at our own speed focusing on our individual interests. No large groups, tour buses, or strict schedules. It was heavenly!
Emilie set us up with four special guides during our trip. Each was passionate about their area of expertise, well spoken, polite, and enthusiastic.
Robert
Everything you need and things you didn’t know you needed. Emilie is very kind, a good soul. And don’t you want the people who handle your holidays to radiate happiness? A happy itinerary = a lovely journey!
Everything you need and things you didn’t know you needed. Emilie is very kind, a good soul. And don’t you want the people who handle your holidays to radiate happiness? A happy itinerary = a lovely journey!
