Explore the South West of France: fortresses clinging to the cliffs in the Cathar Country and Dordogne, many “most beautiful villages of France”, and a very rich and unique gastronomy. This is where to experience the authentic France.
We were planning a trip to the Ryder Cup and looking for other places to visit while in France. I happened upon the France Just for You website and started some planning with …
We were planning a trip to the Ryder Cup and looking for other places to visit while in France. I happened upon the France Just for You website and started some planning with Emilie. She took over and gave us great plans for every day and great accomodations. All of her suggestions were perfect, actually too much for us to do each day. Her travel book is sublime and her attention to detail made us feel that we were her only customer. I had concerns about traveling to France, but with Emilie's help we had no issues and found the French people friendly and very helpful. France Just For You, and Emilie made this an outstanding vacation.
#1 - A B&B in Bastide Saint Louis lively district of Carcassonneenjoy an island of quietness in busy Carcassonne
#1 - A B&B in Bastide Saint Louis lively district of CarcassonneYour hosts have a very special taste for decoration
#1 - A B&B in Bastide Saint Louis lively district of Carcassonne...which makes the B&B home very welcoming
#1 - A B&B in Bastide Saint Louis lively district of CarcassonneYour hosts speak perfect English
#1 - A B&B in Bastide Saint Louis lively district of Carcassonneeverything is planned for you to have a very enjoyable stay
#2 - A Charming Boutique-Hotel in the Basque CountryNestled in a very typical and lovely town of the Basque region
#2 - A Charming Boutique-Hotel in the Basque CountryEnjoy a room which mixes the charm of the old stones & the comfort of a 4*hotel
#2 - A Charming Boutique-Hotel in the Basque CountryYour lovely hosts also run the restaurant, on the "place du village"
#2 - A Charming Boutique-Hotel in the Basque CountryA very charming place
#2 - A Charming Boutique-Hotel in the Basque Country...to get a real feel for the Basque culture & traditions
#2 - A Charming Boutique-Hotel in the Basque Countryand with great views over the countryside !
#3 - A Perigord style house, in central DordogneStay only 15 minutes to Sarlat in the heart of the medieval Dordogne
#3 - A Perigord style house, in central DordogneEnjoy a fantastic dinner by the swimming pool or the fire place
#3 - A Perigord style house, in central DordogneThis medieval castle is walking distance from your B&B
#3 - A Perigord style house, in central DordogneYour lovely hosts know the region perfectly
Step by step
Carcassonne Medieval Heritage
Carcassonne and the Cathar country are quite unknown but are very worthy of a visit. Carcassonne's medieval “Cité” will amaze you by its size and conservation.
You will reside downtown Carcassonne lively “Bastide St Louis”, a short walk to the UNESCO Medieval city. Your lovely and international hosts have a wonderful taste for welcoming and decoration which makes this place very special.
After Carcassonne day crowds, enjoy the quietness of the walled garden and refresh in the swimming pool. In the evening, you have a vast choice of nearby restaurants a few minutes walk - we will provide recommendations.
In the Cathar country, walkers/hikers will be rewarded with breath taking landscapes and fortresses such as Quéribus or Perpeytuse. History lovers will be intrigued by the Cathar history.
Wine lovers will spend a morning in Carcassonne bastide enjoying the local wines and chocolates. A must for gourmet travelers !
On the 4th day, you will drive about 3hrs along the Pyrenees Mountains to get to the Basque Country.
Le Pays Basque: regional culture between ocean and mountains
From the Atlantic coastline, its waves and tanned surfers, to the rugged Pyrenees mountains . . . from the peacefulness of the Basque untouched villages to the lively nightlife in Saint Jean de Luz . . . the Basque Country will not disappoint.
Stay 5 nights in a lovely town nestled in the Basque Country. This 4 star family boutique-hotel is a perfect place to enjoy the area from ocean to mountain.
We will craft your days so you get a feel of everything the Basque culture has to offer, and there is a lot: taste the local Bayonne ham after strolling a valley to discover the traditional and still alive mountain pig farming, get acquainted with the Basque weaving tradition, try to make your own Basque cake or stroll one of the many farmers markets.
Get introduced to one of the most famous games of the Basque culture: la pelote. Meet a former international player who will explain to you all about the history of this mythical game, the different variants . . . and then get on the ground and play. A very fun & cultural experience!
Several “most beautiful villages of France” will be on your scenic drives. Nature and outdoors lovers will enjoy endless walks and hikes in the Pyrenees foothills, occasional walkers will relax on the walks along the beaches and enjoy a coffee on a terrace watching surfers.
We will also plan for you to explore the very near Spanish Basque Country and spend some time in San Sebastian.
On the 9th day, drive North to Dordogne. We will plan for a nice stop along the way.
Dordogne: ducks, knights & nuts
You will endyour sightseeing expedition in theDordogneregion. InBlack Perigord,stay in a restored stone house for 4 nights and share a mouth-watering dinner with your hosts. They will happily share with you tips and hints to help you make the most of your journey.
Dordogne is famous for theprehistoric cavesin Lascaux and we'll recommend to you a much more intimate visit, in a 20,000 year old cave. If you are interested in history or if you are a JM Auel reader, this is a must! Visit the old city ofSarlatand feel the buzz of activity on market days.
There is a lot to do in this region:medieval castlesto visit, wonderful food to taste - we'll tell you where to find themost typical goat cheeses- and if you like outdoor activities, you'll be in paradise.
You may return the rental car in Toulouse or Bordeaux airports or train stations – less than 3 hrs drive from your last B&B.
A great trip to get off the beaten path and explore these culturally rich regions!
Activities included
Pelote Game with a Player
Get introduced to one of the most famous game of the Basque culture: la pelote. Meet with a former international player you will explain you about this mythical game history, the different variants…and then get on the ground and play: A very fun & cultural experience!
Emilie, You are the best! Everything you selected for us was perfect in every way. All the tickets, tours and reservations were handled well and we thank you for arranging such a beautiful vacation. We are recommending you to everyone we talk to. If you are ever in Toronto, we would be happy to host you and Guillaume!
Emilie,
You are the best! Everything you selected for us was perfect in every way. All the tickets, tours and reservations were handled well and we thank you for arranging such a beautiful vacation. We are recommending you to everyone we talk to. If you are ever in Toronto, we would be happy to host you and Guillaume!
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.
John
My wife and I recently engaged Emilie, of France Just For You, to plan a two week trip to Provence in the first two weeks of May. It was mid-March and we found Emilie during a web search of self-driving tours of France. What a find! Emilie responded within twenty-four hours with very specific questions, wanting to know more about us, our interests …
My wife and I recently engaged Emilie, of France Just For You, to plan a two week trip to Provence in the first two weeks of May. It was mid-March and we found Emilie during a web search of self-driving tours of France. What a find! Emilie responded within twenty-four hours with very specific questions, wanting to know more about us, our interests and preferences for things like accommodation, rental vehicle, activities, etc. and our budget. From there she took over, developed an outline of a suggested trip and after we agreed that we liked it, she developed it into a complete, and we mean complete, tour package. She booked Five Star B&B’s which lived up to their reputation; all hosts were fluent in English. She arranged an excellent rental car complete with an English GPS, first class tickets on the TGV from Avignon to Charles de Gaulle airport and overnight accommodation at CDG. Two weeks before our departure, Emilie couriered a package that included a 300 page book that contained a detailed daily itinerary of sight-seeing self-drive tours she recommended we do. This book included maps and GPS co-ordinates of every B&B, all points of interest, parking lot locations (most helpful!) and many recommended restaurants. It also contained a lot of very useful information for North Americans visiting France including material on food, wine, culture, driving and language.
Emilie knows France and will guide you to the places most tourists never get to see. Her thoroughness and attention to detail are impressive. She provided prompt responses to all our communication and was even available 24/7 while we were in France in case any problems arose. All our accommodations were top-notch. Emilie has extremely high standards and therefore, we have no hesitation recommending France Just For You.
