From the Unesco city of Bordeaux and the surrounding world-famous vineyards, to the mythical beach towns of Biarritz and St Jean de Luz, feeling the fresh air of the Pyrenees foothills, and ending in the mysterious medieval town of Carcassonne . . . what a program!
We enjoy drive yourself travel and located Emilie's France Just For You online. How fortunate we were. In September and early October we traveled 17 days in Loire, Bordeaux …
We enjoy drive yourself travel and located Emilie's France Just For You online. How fortunate we were. In September and early October we traveled 17 days in Loire, Bordeaux, Dordogne, Carcassonne and Provence. All the accommodations were in historic B&Bs. Our hosts were invariably gracious and helpful. At every stop Emilie included a home cooked meal which were all delicious multi-course events with good wines. A car and French phone were included as were winetours, truffle hunting and a canoe trip. Also included was a 500 page guidebook of the areas we visited with restaurant recommendations and itinerary suggestions including points of interest. Emilie made everything convenient and easy. Emilie was on top of the few minor problems of our own making that we encountered. I have organized self-drive trips myself before and Emilie saved me a lot of work with a result I never could have achieved If you like drive yourself travel you could not possibly find a better was to see France. The cost was reasonable and the trip exceeded our expectations.
Focus on the South West of France
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#1 - A nice B&B in Bordeaux historical districtA hidden place, in the very heart of Bordeaux historical district
#1 - A nice B&B in Bordeaux historical districtEnjoy a very quiet stay, while being in a very lively city
#1 - A nice B&B in Bordeaux historical districtYour lovely hostess knows Bordeaux inside out and is very happy to make recommendations
#1 - A nice B&B in Bordeaux historical districtAfter a delicious breakfast, explore Bordeaux walking
#2 - A gorgeous B&B between Biarritz & St Jean de LuzThe house is nestled in a landscaped garden all made by your host
#2 - A gorgeous B&B between Biarritz & St Jean de LuzThe rooms are very comfortable and all open on to the garden
#2 - A gorgeous B&B between Biarritz & St Jean de LuzShare a glass of wine in one of the many terraces
#2 - A gorgeous B&B between Biarritz & St Jean de LuzRelax at the pool house
#2 - A gorgeous B&B between Biarritz & St Jean de LuzOr stroll around the pound...or to the sea which is 3 miles away
#3 - A charming Boutique-Hotel in a 17th c. Bastide houseStay 3 miles from Carcassonne Medieval Town in a quiet ambiance
#3 - A charming Boutique-Hotel in a 17th c. Bastide houseYour lovely hosts are happy to share many tips or help with restaurants
#3 - A charming Boutique-Hotel in a 17th c. Bastide houseRelax in a welcoming suite-room
#3 - A charming Boutique-Hotel in a 17th c. Bastide houseenjoy a drink or a plancha in the garden
#3 - A charming Boutique-Hotel in a 17th c. Bastide houseor refresh in the pool !
Step by step
Bordeaux region: Heritage & Wines
Start your journey with 3 nights 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 toBordeaux.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 you need: from villages nestled into the Medocor St Emilion vineyards, to the bustling night life in Bordeaux. Also, bear in mind that Bordeaux's Sainte Catherine Street is thelongest shopping street in Europe!
Visit a Medoc wine estate with an English-speaking guide: from the vineyards near the castle to the wine storehouses. After the tour, you'll make your own blend with different varieties and end this 2hr tour with a …wine tasting...and fun pairing with different chocolates.
On the 4th day, you will drive South towards the Basque Country – about 2hr30.
The Basque Country: Culture & Sceneries
Stay in a typical Basque Country villa for 4 nights in the heart of the Basque Country. The B&B is located 3 miles from the beach but in a very quiet landscaped garden. From there, you will discover the seaside from St Jean de Luz to Biarritz and also take trips to Spain, which is about 1hr drive.
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 hams” after strolling a valley discovering 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.
Several “most beautiful Villages of France” will be on your scenic drives – and you may witness there some locals playing the Basque Pelote game at the town’s fronton. 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 at a terrace watching surfers.
You will also follow a local guide in Biarritz. He will give you the keys to the Basque culture: so you will understand about the Basque language and the traditions and festivals such as Pelote or Basque Force. You will end this tour at the covered market, tasting some Basque pr
Carcassonne & the Cathars
The medieval town of Carcassonne will amaze you by its size and conservation. You will reside in a charming Boutique-Hotel in a typical "bastide house" for 2 nights, 3 miles to the medieval city, in a very quiet ambiance.
In the Cathar country, walkers/hikers will be rewarded with breath-taking landscapes and fortresses such as Quéribus or Perpeytuse. History lovers will be passionate by the Cathar history. Wine lovers may be surprised by the quality of the “Minervois” wines which have improved a lot in the past 10 years. They are now on the wine lists of some of the most famous restaurants in the world.
We can arrange for you to then travel to Barcelona, Toulouse, Italy or Paris depending on your plans.
This trip will be full of strong and pure emotions.
Activities included
Bordeaux Wine tasting & blending
Visit a Medoc wine estate with an English speaking guide: from the vineyards to the wine storehouses. After the tour, you'll make your own blend with different varieties and pair wines with 3 chocolates.
A Private Guide to introduce you to the Basque culture
Follow a local guide in Biarritz, by the Ocean. He will give you the keys to his city and to the Basque culture. You will end this tour at the covered market, tasting some Basque produces: cheese, hams and wines.
Just finished an amazing trip to Normandy and was delighted by all the accommodations, private tours and cooking class with Brigitte. All the details they put together allowed us to relax and enjoy. I highly recommend them.
Just finished an amazing trip to Normandy and was delighted by all the accommodations, private tours and cooking class with Brigitte. All the details they put together allowed us to relax and enjoy. I highly recommend them.
Dan
I am a planner by nature and my wife and I found that Emilie at France Just For You exceeded all of our expectations for our trip to France. The daily itineraries the restaurant recommendations things to see and even things not to see. The B&B's we stayed at were outstanding. She even planned a few surprises for us on some of our activities. Do not …
I am a planner by nature and my wife and I found that Emilie at France Just For You exceeded all of our expectations for our trip to France. The daily itineraries the restaurant recommendations things to see and even things not to see. The B&B's we stayed at were outstanding. She even planned a few surprises for us on some of our activities. Do not hesitate to use France Just For You if you are planning to visit France.
Janis
We are experienced travelers and spent about three weeks traveling the french countryside via Emilie’s arrangements. Her personalized guidebook provided everything we could have asked for and, when some unexpected issues came up, Emilie promptly responded with kind, thoughtful assistance. We spent days with detailed driving tours, truffle hunting …
We are experienced travelers and spent about three weeks traveling the french countryside via Emilie’s arrangements. Her personalized guidebook provided everything we could have asked for and, when some unexpected issues came up, Emilie promptly responded with kind, thoughtful assistance. We spent days with detailed driving tours, truffle hunting and dining with the most amazing family and enjoyed the warmth and hospitality of some terrifically interesting B&B hosts. Our only regret was that Emilie’s service is currently limited to France!
