My husband and I prefer to travel independently not on tours but I am getting tired of doing all of the planning. Emilie did an excellent job of planning the trip. I gave input on …
My husband and I prefer to travel independently not on tours but I am getting tired of doing all of the planning. Emilie did an excellent job of planning the trip. I gave input on the type of hotels and the places that we wanted to see and she took care of the details. The hotels that she picked were outstanding. All but one day we followed her itinerary and were pleased. One day my husband wanted more WWII stuff and me were able to change plans at the last minute.
The Loire Valley & Bordeaux UNESCO sites
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#1 - A tuffeau stone house in a green valleyA charming tuffeau stone house in a green valley
#1 - A tuffeau stone house in a green valleyRest in a quiet room, full of charm
#1 - A tuffeau stone house in a green valleyor in the garden
#1 - A tuffeau stone house in a green valleyEnjoy a savory home-made cuisine
#2 - An intimate Boutique Hotel in the Loire Valleyone of the Loire Valley’s finest Renaissance castles is a 1-minute walk
#2 - An intimate Boutique Hotel in the Loire ValleyBreakfasts are made of locally sourced produces
#2 - An intimate Boutique Hotel in the Loire ValleyAfter a day exploring, you can rest in your very comfortable room
#2 - An intimate Boutique Hotel in the Loire Valley...or in the guests' living room...
#2 - An intimate Boutique Hotel in the Loire Valleyor unwind in the hotel's peaceful patio
#3 - An elegant 18th-century home in Saint-Emilion vineyardsRelax in the vineyards of St Emilion, by your B&B pool...
#3 - An elegant 18th-century home in Saint-Emilion vineyards...or in your very comfortable and well equipped room
#3 - An elegant 18th-century home in Saint-Emilion vineyardsyou may walk to Saint Emilion lively town
#3 - An elegant 18th-century home in Saint-Emilion vineyardsand then rest in the guests' living room
#4 - A nice B&B in Bordeaux historical districtA hidden place, in the very heart of Bordeaux historical district
#4 - A nice B&B in Bordeaux historical districtEnjoy a very quiet stay, while being in a very lively city
#4 - A nice B&B in Bordeaux historical districtYour lovely hostess knows Bordeaux inside out and is very happy to make recommendations
#4 - A nice B&B in Bordeaux historical districtAfter a delicious breakfast, explore Bordeaux walking
Step by step
The Loire Valley Castles & Gardens
From Paris, drive about 3 hours and spend the first 4 nights in a lovely B&B nestled in a green valley. You are located between Amboise and Chenonceau and will enjoy a warm welcome from your lovely hostess, who is also a great cook. For you to discover the local gastronomy, you will spend a late afternoon cooking with her some typical Loire Valley recipes - then you will enjoy a convivial dinner at your hosts' table.
From here, explore all the marvels of the Loire Valley: the castles of Chambord and Chenonceau, Chaumont or Villandry gardens and the old city of Amboise. Included in this itinerary is an Electric Bike rental for a day. You will explore, at your own pace, the nature, villages and castles along the river. No worries, the path along the Loire river is totally flat!
On the 5th day, you will follow the Loire River downstream to your second B&B where you will stay 3 nights in an intimate boutique hotel in the same street as one of the Loire Valley’s finest Renaissance castles, with restaurants and cafés just a short stroll away.
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.
Travel through small villages nestled in rolling hills, stop over for wine tastings or to wander about outdoor markets and savor local specialties.
Bordeaux Wines & History
Your tour continues on to the Bordeaux region for 2 nights in an elegant 18th-century home surrounded by vineyards, just a 15-minute walk from the heart of Saint-Émilion, with a peaceful garden and pool to unwind after a day of exploring.
In a famous wine estate very near your B&B, we have planned a special private tour for you: after visiting the estate from the vineyards to the cellars, learning about the different grape varieties and wine-making process, you will enjoy a picnic lunch and tasting in a gorgeous setting.
End your trip with 3 nights inside the gates of Bordeaux UNESCO city, a wonder of the 17th century. You will return the rental car upon arrival to the city as you will no longer need it.
Then, stay in a typical reconverted and charming chai (wine cellar), in the heart of the lively up-and-coming district of Bordeaux Unesco city - walking distance to restaurants and nice quality shops. You will be welcomed by a lovely hostess, in a peaceful atmosphere.
Built along the banks of the Garonne river, the opulent merchants' homes are very specific to Bordeaux. The rise of colonial trade together with the growth of the wine industry contributed to the amazing expansion of the Gironde region during the 18th century. You will find everything: from the museums to the bustling night life in Bordeaux. Also, bear in mind that Bordeaux's Sainte Catherine Street is the longest shopping street in Europe
On your last day, we plan for you to get on a high-speed TGV train back to Paris. First class tickets are included in this trip.
This trip promises to be a memorable one!
Activities included
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.
Biking day in the castle's country
Spend a day on an Electric Bike at your own pace and discover many castles nestled in the nature. Enjoy a nice picnic with wine. We have tested several itineraries so you can chose depending on your mood and what you would like to see.
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.
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.
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.
Wendy & Ron
We could not be happier. When we first received the guide book and brochures, we thought we would not need them, but they were invaluable! Our first stay with Florence and Phil was especially memorable but really we cannot think of a highlight because it was all wonderful. We will certainly recommend your company to anyone we know travelling to …
We could not be happier. When we first received the guide book and brochures, we thought we would not need them, but they were invaluable!
Our first stay with Florence and Phil was especially memorable but really we cannot think of a highlight because it was all wonderful. We will certainly recommend your company to anyone we know travelling to France.
We will send you nice photos when we get back home.
Carol & Don
For our journey in the Loire Valley, we could not have hoped for more gracious, firendly and hospitable hosts. They made us feel like long time friends. It has been wonderful sharing this time with this French family and we hope we may meet again. The guidebook was totally professional and indispensable ! Aurevoir et merci beaucoup
For our journey in the Loire Valley, we could not have hoped for more gracious, firendly and hospitable hosts. They made us feel like long time friends. It has been wonderful sharing this time with this French family and we hope we may meet again.
The guidebook was totally professional and indispensable !
Aurevoir et merci beaucoup
