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!
This is the third year in a row that we have traveled to France, as part of a two country vacation. Because of our positive experiences with Emilie's help in the past, and our …
This is the third year in a row that we have traveled to France, as part of a two country vacation. Because of our positive experiences with Emilie's help in the past, and our desire to be relatively independent, we chose to have her craft our French trip again this year. In a word, she is incredible! We have such a high level of confidence in her that we will not consider any other agency. She creates an itinerary for you that is faithfully based on your interests. The personalized book she prepares for each traveler is legendary, and presents an easy, chronological, and thoughtful guide and resource for the relevant history, points of interest, lodging and restaurants. The B & B's she uses are personally screened for you, and truly delightful. We know from our hosts, that Emilie is very highly regarded by them, because the clientele she attracts are curious, respectful, independent, and desirable. Emilie personally has inspected the lodging she has arranged to be sure it is first rate, and maintaining it's excellence, over time. Although all of our prior communications have been by internet, the highlight of our trip this year was meeting Emilie in Tours. We wish her continued, well deserved success!
#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.
Planning our trip via France Just For You was an amazing experience from beginning to end! Emilie's professionalism, attention to detail, thorough and thoughtful communication, and expertise made our recent trip to France one of the smoothest and most enjoyable we've ever experienced. France Just For You truly cares about the individual needs …
Planning our trip via France Just For You was an amazing experience from beginning to end! Emilie's professionalism, attention to detail, thorough and thoughtful communication, and expertise made our recent trip to France one of the smoothest and most enjoyable we've ever experienced. France Just For You truly cares about the individual needs, wishes and hopes of their customers, and Emilie made every effort to ensure that this personalized trip would be the trip of a lifetime! The travel book (which we affectionately dubbed our travel "bible") was extremely well-organized and informative. The advice, recommendations, and guidance provided therein was invaluable and, as we have just returned home, is now a treasured memento of our magical travel experience. I highly recommended France Just For You, and have already been spreading the word to family and friends! If you are planning a trip to France, do not hesitate to work with Emilie and Guillaume from France Just For You. Their knowledge of and appreciation for their French culture and heritage, professionalism, impressive attention to detail, and personalized commitment to providing a meaningful and memorable travel experience are exceptional! France Just For You is a travel company you can trust, and I will most certainly work with Emilie and France Just For You again in the future!
Laura & Greg
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.
George from the US
The best French experience Wonderful self-drive trip through France. The FJFY team selected wonderful lodging, arranged for all the activities that we were interested in, and made a complex trip very easy. The detailed guide book and app helped us chose our daily activities. The integration of the guide with gps navigation is brilliant, and made …
The best French experience
Wonderful self-drive trip through France. The FJFY team selected wonderful lodging, arranged for all the activities that we were interested in, and made a complex trip very easy. The detailed guide book and app helped us chose our daily activities. The integration of the guide with gps navigation is brilliant, and made our back road and small town adventures a pleasure. Emilie’s care in selecting tour guides, B&Bs, and destinations made the trip uniquely enjoyable. Great fun in the cooking experiences, as well as restaurant recommendations. We heartily recommend France Just for You!
