Explore Eastern France, from South to North . . . colorful Provence, Burgundy vineyards, and of course the city of lights: Paris!
We recommend that our travelers fly into Marseille and out of Paris (which is not always more expensive and much more convenient than Paris on both ends).
Laura and Emilie planned such a professional, authentic and fantastic trip that it has become one of my favorite vacations! Excursions, accommodations, and suggested activities …
Laura and Emilie planned such a professional, authentic and fantastic trip that it has become one of my favorite vacations! Excursions, accommodations, and suggested activities were flawless -- such that the only difficult decision for us was what to select from scrumptious French cuisine. I was hesitant at first to trust an unknown online trip planner, but I'm so glad I did. Knowing France from the inside made all the difference. The specific tips about traveling in France made our first driving experience actually enjoyable! We drove out of Paris, visited Normandy, Mont St. -Michel, Loire Valley, Provence, Burgundy and Nice!
#1 - A comfortable house in Southern ProvenceStay in Aix-en-Provence heights
#1 - A comfortable house in Southern ProvenceEnjoy fresh nights in a peaceful setting away from the crowds
#1 - A comfortable house in Southern ProvenceWalk on painter Cezanne footsteps
#2 - A Peaceful mansion on the island of AvignonEnjoy a peaceful park away from the crowds
#2 - A Peaceful mansion on the island of AvignonRest in a very spacious suite-room
#2 - A Peaceful mansion on the island of AvignonMeet with fellow travelers in cozy communal areas
#2 - A Peaceful mansion on the island of AvignonYour lovely hosts will be happy to help
#3 - A beautiful castle dating back to 1475A beautiful castle dating back to 1475
#3 - A beautiful castle dating back to 1475with comfortable and spacious suite rooms
#3 - A beautiful castle dating back to 1475in a very unique setting
#4 - A 4* Boutique-Hotel in Saint Germain districtA charming place run by the same family for several generations
#4 - A 4* Boutique-Hotel in Saint Germain districtStay in a comfortable superior room and enjoy walking everywhere in Paris
#4 - A 4* Boutique-Hotel in Saint Germain districtRelax in a cozy salon
#4 - A 4* Boutique-Hotel in Saint Germain districtRely on the friendly staff to make your stay even more enjoyable
Step by step
Southern Provence - Cezanne landscapes
Start your journey with 3 nights in Aix en Provence, in the heights of the city, on the slopes of the Sainte Victoire mountain. You will be comfortably settled in a typical “mas house”, surrounded by a lovely garden with a swimming pool. From the B&B, you can stroll beautiful trails that will take you on Cezanne footsteps.
From here, discover the beauty of southern Provence as you visit picturesque little villages in the Luberon or bigger cities such as Marseille and Aix-en-Provence. Tour the salt marshes of the Camargue, take an easy hike in the calanques near Cassis or visit the Alpilles region, where you will find beautiful Saint Remy de Provence and Van Gogh's favorite landscapes. We will tell you where to buy the best olive oil or lavender products!
The daily suggested itinerarieswill take you from the must sees to secret hideaways, from the Luberon stone villages to the Mediterranean's wonderful panoramas. Flower fragrances, glowing colors, Mediterranean flavors and sunshine will delight you.
Avignon - Central Provence
The second step of your journey is in Avignon. You will reside in a comfortable and quiet B&B for 3 nights on the island of Avignon. This very quiet house is nestled in a nice garden where you will enjoy relaxing by the pool, and it is only a 15 minute walk to the heart of Avignon's historic center. Your hosts know the region very well and they will be happy to give you some advice if you'd like.
Discover several quaint villages of the Luberon, riding an electric bike. You will have several itinerary options, from easy to more sporty, for you to explore hidden hamlets, chapels in the vineyards, wineries, road-trails in the olive trees and evergreen oaks. A great day, at your own pace.
We will also tell you about some hidden jewels - off the beaten track villages where you will stroll around charming streets or have a drink at a provencal café with locals.
Burgundy vineyard sceneries
On the 7th day, you will drive 4 hours North to Burgundy. Spend 3 nights in a gorgeous castle near Dijon. You will interact with your very friendly hosts whose family has owned the castle for 500 years. Situated in the heart of Burgundy, you will explore all the major vineyards of the region and have a chance to taste red and white wines among the best in the world, directly at the winery!
For the "Gourmets", you will meet with Olivier, who was a chef in star-rated restaurants. He will teach you how to cook some typical Burgundy dishes revised to make them some very sophisticated courses. A great cooking class !
We will provide you with detailed itineraries to discoverthe authentic and charming Burgundy. This region is much more than the vineyards: winding roads leading to tiny timeless villages - some of them "Most Beautiful Villages of France" - will give you a real feel for this region.Dijonhas kept a lot of ancient monuments and houses, yet it is a modern city that is very lively and full of charm.
Ah . . . Paris !
On the 10th day, drive 3 hours to Paris – we will recommend a nice stop on the way. You will drop off the rental car at the nearest agency to your hotel and settle for 3 nights in the capital city of France. End your trip living the Parisian life. Comfortably accommodated in a charming 4* boutique-hotel in the Saint Germain district, you will discover the French capital city’s must sees and hidden beauties.
Ideally based at a 5 minute walk to Notre Dame Cathedral, you will explore Paris by foot, by boat or using public transportation with different and unique itineraries we have prepared for you. We also recommend our favorite restaurants and boulangeries in different districts of the city so you’ll know where to take a break.
Walk on King Louis the 14th's footsteps in Versailles castle and gardens. You will enjoy a 5hr private guided tour to the palace and the gardens: a great way to enjoy this unique and magnificient site !
On your last day, you are only 1 hour to CDG International Airport using public transportation, a shuttle or a taxi.
Trust us, in two weeks, you'll discover a lot of France !
Activities included
E-Biking Day in Provence
Spend a day in the Luberon gorgeous landscapes driving an electric bike. Several itinerary options for you to enjoy biking at your own pace.
Burgundy Cooking Class
Meet with Olivier who was a Chef in star rated restaurants. He will teach you how to cook some typical Burgundy dishes revised to make them some very sophisticated courses.
Private Guide to Versailles Palace
Walk on King Louis the 14th's footsetps in Versailles castle and gardens. You will enjoy a 5hr private guided tour to the palace and the gardens.
This was our first trip to Europe with just the two of us doing all the planning. I was looking for someone to help with the details of lodging and transportation and found Emilie through this site. She planned an incredible trip for us to Normandy/Brittany, Loire Valley and Paris. She is easy to work with, responsive and organized. I told her what …
This was our first trip to Europe with just the two of us doing all the planning. I was looking for someone to help with the details of lodging and transportation and found Emilie through this site. She planned an incredible trip for us to Normandy/Brittany, Loire Valley and Paris. She is easy to work with, responsive and organized. I told her what we wanted to do and where we wanted to go and she pretty much planned the entire trip. If you aren't sure what you want to do she will make suggestions. A couple of months before the trip she sent a very complete guidebook, maps, tickets, etc. all organized by date. The planned activities kept us busy, but there was flexibility in the schedule if desired. This was our first time traveling on our own with a rental car and we felt very comfortable given Emilie's tips and directions. The lodging in B&Bs was enjoyable with wonderful hosts and guest dinners. Compared to our previous trips to Europe we found Emilie's service to be of comparable value with a more unique travel experience. We would definitely use her service again. Thanks Emilie!
Judy
This was one of the best trips we have taken to Europe. We have often done our own planning. It was so nice to have Laura help. We were very delighted with accommodations and friendliness of all our hosts and tour guides. As Americans that don't speak much French, we would never have been able to arrange a trip like this ourselves - and we've done …
This was one of the best trips we have taken to Europe. We have often done our own planning. It was so nice to have Laura help. We were very delighted with accommodations and friendliness of all our hosts and tour guides. As Americans that don't speak much French, we would never have been able to arrange a trip like this ourselves - and we've done lots of independent travel in the past. We loved the many small towns you recommended. Merci Laura for arranging such a wonderful experience for us.
Roger
For my wife and me, Emilie planned three weeks of wonderful experiences. She was quick to respond to questions and crafted an itinerary which suited us. The selection of places to see, things to do, and where to eat were superb. Emilie added a charming personal touch. As it was our 30-year anniversary, she arranged for an accommodation to welcome …
For my wife and me, Emilie planned three weeks of wonderful experiences. She was quick to respond to questions and crafted an itinerary which suited us. The selection of places to see, things to do, and where to eat were superb. Emilie added a charming personal touch. As it was our 30-year anniversary, she arranged for an accommodation to welcome us with a lovely bouquet of red roses and at another, we were greeted with a nice bottle of local wine. In the Loire Valley, she arranged a personal wine tasting at which we tasted and received an excellent bottle of Vouvray, Val de Loire, 1987, the year of our marriage. I try not to write in superlatives but I can say, we have never had such great service and personal attention. Thank you Emilie and family!
