From the Loire Valley castles, the famous village of Mont Saint Michel surrounded by water, the landings beaches and the Norman countryside . . . to end the trip at Monet’s house and gardens in Giverny: you’ll have to keep your eyes wide open!
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 …
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.
#1 - A comfortable B&B in the Kings' countryYour BB in the Loire Valley
#1 - A comfortable B&B in the Kings' countryEnjoy a very cozy room, with a nice view over the park
#1 - A comfortable B&B in the Kings' countryRelax at the swimming pool, playing billiards or in a nice living room
#2 - A former presbytery from the 18th century near Mont Saint MichelStay, hidden from the crowds, near Mont Saint Michel
#2 - A former presbytery from the 18th century near Mont Saint MichelEnjoy a very comfortable BandB where you will feel at home
#2 - A former presbytery from the 18th century near Mont Saint MichelYour host is a professinnal Chef, be ready for a savory dinner !
#2 - A former presbytery from the 18th century near Mont Saint Michelthis is the view from your room
#3 - A lovely house in NormandyStay downtown Bayeux, 1 minute walk to the Cathedral
#3 - A lovely house in Normandy...in a beautifully renovated house...
#3 - A lovely house in Normandy...with a a spacious room and lovely hosts
#4 - A Gorgeous Mansion on the hill above Giverny townStay away from the crowds only 2 miles to Monet's house and gardens
#4 - A Gorgeous Mansion on the hill above Giverny townRest in a spacious room, lavishly decorated...
#4 - A Gorgeous Mansion on the hill above Giverny town...or in the welcoming living room
Step by step
The Loire Valley
You can pick up the rental car in Paris or at the airport and drive 3 hours to the gorgeous 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.
You will stay for 3 nights in a very pleasant family house which is located half-way between Blois and Amboise, in the heart of the "castle country." Also, a Michelin 2-star restaurant is only 1.5 miles away . . . a great opportunity to plan for an extraordinary dinner !
From here, explore all the marvels of the Loire Valley: the castles of Chambord, Chenonceau or Azay-le-Rideau, and the old historical towns of Chinon and Amboise.
Discover the vineyards of the Loire Valley with Vincent who has worked in wine-making for the past 10 years and will take you to his favorite wineries in the area. You will have the opportunity to taste very different wines: red, whites, still or sparkling. You will be able to taste to your heart's delight - Vincent will drive you back to your B&B safely.
Private Mont Saint Michel
On your way to Normandy, stop over for 2 nights near the Mont Saint Michel: this ancient beautiful abbey sits on top of a tidal island in the middle of Mont Saint Michel Bay. A true wonder!
You'll spend the next two nights in a former presbytery from the 18th century, located half-way between the famous village of Mont Saint Michel and the lovely port of Saint Malo. One night, enjoy a delicious dinner prepared by your host, who is also a chef.
For you to avoid the "up and down walk" on the crowded street on Mont Saint Michel, you'll follow a local English speaking private guide who will help you discover this amazing village, off the beaten path.
Normandy : D Day Landing area
Spend the following 2 nights in a lovely house, located in downtown Bayeux, a few minutes walk to the Cathedral, the tapestry, the restaurants and shops. Jump into the local history: from William the Conqueror in the 11th century whose adventures are illustrated in the Bayeux tapestry, to the Battle of Normandy in 1944.
Many remains of the WWII landings are still visible everywhere and you can quickly access Omaha and Juno landing beaches as well as the artificial port of Arromanches or the Caen Memorial.
You will spend a morning with Brigitte, who will teach you how to make a real norman meal. Then you'll enjoy lunch in her welcoming dining room or on the terrace.
Giverny : Monet's town
Your journey ends in Giverny, 1 hour drive to Paris-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.
Monet's gardens are beautifully maintained, exactly as they were when Monet painted them. We include in this itinerary a cut-the-line ticket that enables you to avoid the 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 Valley, Les Andelys and maybe even Versailles at your own pace.
You’ll get a bit of everything you’ll be looking for in France: culture, scenic roads, lovely towns, gastronomy & history!
Activities included
Wine Tasting Tour
Spend a half-day wine tasting with a professional. He will take you to several cellars so you can enjoy the diversity of the Loire Valley wines.
Mont Saint Michel Private Tour
Discover this unique village and its Abbey with a local guide who will explain you about its history and traditions. She will take you to many small streets to see places that tourist usually don't see.
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.
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 …
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!
Kathy
We are preparing to do our second trip with Emilie to the Loire Valley, October 2018. Our first trip was to the region of Provence which was perfectly guided and gave us a most memorable experience. I highly recommend Emilie’s ability to put together a fabulous and memorable France just for you holiday.
We are preparing to do our second trip with Emilie to the Loire Valley, October 2018. Our first trip was to the region of Provence which was perfectly guided and gave us a most memorable experience. I highly recommend Emilie’s ability to put together a fabulous and memorable France just for you holiday.
Kim, Eric & Family
We had a great vacation thanks to you. Your arrangements and attention to detail were unsurpassed. We got to enjoy such a wonderful experience of France because of your little details and suggestions; things we did and saw we would never had been aware of or done if we traveled on our own itinerary or had a canned tour. Thanks so much for all of …
We had a great vacation thanks to you. Your arrangements and attention to detail were unsurpassed. We got to enjoy such a wonderful experience of France because of your little details and suggestions; things we did and saw we would never had been aware of or done if we traveled on our own itinerary or had a canned tour. Thanks so much for all of the personal touches like the notes and candy! Your suggections for dinner were fantastic and the B&Bs and chateaus you selected were way beyond our expectations. The staff at the places we stayed could not have been nicer or more accommodating. We look forward to using your service again for Southern France. Too bad you do not do arrangements for the rest of Europe! We would highly recommed your services to anyone wishing to see France on their own.
Thanks again for making our France vacation so memorable.
