My boyfriend and I spent a week in Paris last month and we decided that we would do a couple of day-tours outside of the city during our trip. We really wanted to avoid the typical …
My boyfriend and I spent a week in Paris last month and we decided that we would do a couple of day-tours outside of the city during our trip. We really wanted to avoid the typical tour-bus day-tour and the crowds that come along with these kinds of tours – we wanted something more personalized that would allow us to go at our own pace. I found the France Just For You website and the ‘Bayeux and World War II Sites in a Day’ tour seemed to be exactly the type of thing we were looking for, as we’re both really interested in history. On a personal note, this tour appealed to me because my grandfather fought in Normandy in World War II. I filled up the contact form on the website and Emilie got back to me the same day. She organized every little detail to make it the perfect tour for us: she booked our return train tickets from Paris, organized for us to spend the morning on our own in the picturesque old town of Bayeux, where we enjoyed exploring the cathedral and saw the famous Bayeux Tapestry. Emilie sent over maps and directions and recommended a fantastic restaurant for lunch. After lunch, our private guide Christophe met us at the agreed meeting point in Bayeux and took us to the Normandy landing sites. I had explained to Emilie that I specifically wanted to visit this site as my grandpa had fought for one of the American infantry divisions that landed in Normandy in 1944. Christophe was extremely knowledgeable (and very patient with all of my questions!) and took us to the sites where my grandpa’s battalion would have fought. It was a very moving experience, especially when I thought back to the stories that my grandpa used to tell me about the war.
I really couldn’t have chosen a better tour option. It was perfectly customized to the preferences that I had given to Emilie, and she was very thorough and asked all of the right questions to help her plan the perfect day for us. We knew how to contact her in case there were any problems on the day (which there weren't), and the fact that everything was planned for us meant that we could just focus on enjoying the day. Thank you so much, I wouldn’t hesitate to book with you again!
Heritage, Wine & Back Roads
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Your accommodations
Pictures of the specially selected accommodations
#1 - A 4* Boutique-Hotel in Saint Germain des PrésIsn't this street "typiquement Parisienne ?"
#1 - A 4* Boutique-Hotel in Saint Germain des PrésEnjoy a large room with a nice reading area
#1 - A 4* Boutique-Hotel in Saint Germain des PrésBreakfast is served in the comfortable lobby
#2 - An Medieval Manor in the Norman countrysideA medieval manor between Bayeux and the landing beaches
#2 - An Medieval Manor in the Norman countrysideAfter a day visiting, relax in the Norman countryside
#2 - An Medieval Manor in the Norman countrysideEnjoy a very spacious room with all the modern amenities
#2 - An Medieval Manor in the Norman countryside...and amazing home-made breakfasts
#3 - A gorgeous castle near Mont Saint MichelA unique B&B...
#3 - A gorgeous castle near Mont Saint Michel...with a very delicate 18th century decoration...
#3 - A gorgeous castle near Mont Saint Michel...and spacious bedrooms
#3 - A gorgeous castle near Mont Saint MichelAfter an amazing breakfast...
#3 - A gorgeous castle near Mont Saint Michel..what about a stroll in the gorgeous park?
#4 - A tuffeau stone house in a green valleyA charming tuffeau stone house in a green valley
#4 - A tuffeau stone house in a green valleyRest in a quiet room, full of charm
#4 - A tuffeau stone house in a green valleyor in the garden
#4 - A tuffeau stone house in a green valleyEnjoy a savory home-made cuisine
Step by step
Paris
Start your French journey living the Parisian life! For a smooth arrival, a private driver will meet you at the airport and drive you to the hotel.
For 3 nights, you will be comfortably accommodated in an intimate 10 room 4* boutique-hotel in the lively Saint Germain des Prés. You will discover the French capital city’s must sees and hidden beauties.
Perfectly based less than a 5-minute walk from Notre Dame Cathedral, you can explore Paris by foot, by boat, or using public transportation, following different and unique itineraries we have prepared for you.
We plan for you to get oriented with a Parisian guide for a half-day, discover Paris most famous buildings along the Seine river and get to learn a lot about French culture and history while having a lot of fun. One night, you will attend a very fun show (in English) . . . a good opportunity to enjoy Paris nightlife.
On the fourth morning, you will pick up the rental car near your hotel and drive 3 hours to Normandy.
Normandy : Bayeux area
The second leg of your journey takes you for 2 nights to the Bayeux area, to a medieval 11th century manor. You will be warmly welcomed by your hostess and get a real feel for the medieval times - while enjoying all the modern comforts. A great experience!
The landing beaches (from Sainte Mère Eglise to Pointe du Hoc) are all easily accessible from this base camp. To help you better understand the events of the Battle of Normandy and bring them to life, we have planned for a guided tour with a specialist in WWII history. You will visit all the main landing sites and learn in detail about what happened here on D-Day.
Normandy's countryside might not be advertised abroad but is really worth the detour: the typical half-timbered villages, the Cider road, the beautiful English style gardens, the traditional apple brandy production, and of course the cheese! A trip to Normandy would not be complete without tasting Camembert or Livarot cheese! If you prefer the seaside, you can visit Honfleur, a picturesque and colorful little harbor town.
Mont Saint Michel staying in a Castle
A place you won't want to miss is the Mont Saint Michel: this sumptuous abbey standing on a tiny island in the middle of the bay is truly the “8th Wonder of the Western world” and is well worth a visit.
You'll stay overnight in a gorgeous castle, a 30 minute drive across the bay from the famous village. This is a unique occasion to really feel what the "vie de château" truly is like !
Staying overnight near Mont Saint Michel is a great opportunity to enjoy the site at night, when the crowds have left.
The Loire Valley
On your way from the Mont Saint Michel to the Loire Valley, we’ll provide all the details you need to visit the old city of Le Mans, where you'll find French history on every corner.
Spend the last 3 nights of your journey in a restored tuffeau house in a green valley between Amboise and Chenonceau. Your hosts know the Loire Valley inside out and can give you tips on finding attractions that tourists usually miss. Your hostess will also cook a delicious dinner for you one night.
Located on the south bank of the Loire River, this charming B&B is within short driving distance to the main Loire Valley landmarks and castles. Experience the real French "good life" strolling around peaceful villages on market days. Included in this itinerary is an Electric Bike rental for a day. You will explore, at your own pace, the nature, villages and castles along the river. No worries, the path along the Loire river is totally flat!
Touraine is also famous for its vineyards – Chinon, Bourgueil, Vouvray and many more – and we have planned a special wine tasting. You will have the opportunity to taste different wines - in a privately owned 16th century castle - accompanied by some local specialties.
On your last day, you will drive back to your Paris airport. If needed, we can also organize an overnight stay near the airport.
This is a good way to get acquainted with Northern France in a short amount of time.
Activities included
Paris Orientation Tour
Discover Paris most famous buildings along the Seine river and get to learn a lot about French culture and history...having a lot of fun.
D-Day Sites Tour
Get a better feel for what happened during the Battle of Normandy in 1944, with a local specialized guide. Spend half a day to visit several US or Canadian sites. You will be in a group of maximum 8 travelers. If you wish, we can also hire a private guide.
A Wine Tasting in a castle in the Loire
Visit a family-owned 16th century castle and winery surrounded by over 100 acres of vineyards and forests.
Enjoy a commented tasting of the wines with some local-product snacks.
Biking day in the castle's country
Spend a day on an Electric Bike at your own pace and discover many castles nestled in the nature. Enjoy a nice picnic with wine. We have tested several itineraries so you can chose depending on your mood and what you would like to see.
We had a truly remarkable adventure across France. France Just For You created an amazing itinerary that captured the essence of France. Their planning and support made the trip effortless and enjoyable. Each B&B offered a home like atmosphere and allowed us to meet people across the many different regions of France. We were able to experience so …
We had a truly remarkable adventure across France. France Just For You created an amazing itinerary that captured the essence of France. Their planning and support made the trip effortless and enjoyable. Each B&B offered a home like atmosphere and allowed us to meet people across the many different regions of France. We were able to experience so many different regions and taste the wines and foods of each.
The Women's World Cup was our motivation for going, but it was so much more thanks to Laura and Emelie. There were so many personal touches that made us feel like we were part of a large family.
If you want to truly experience France with ease, I highly recommend France Just for You!
Kellie
I have yet another 5-star review to leave because Emilie's trip planning is just that - exceptional! We do not do big trips often and did not have hours to spend online trying to find the perfect B&Bs and restaurants to fit our preferences. Over the course of a few emails, Emilie collected our requests and pieced together an itinerary that was …
I have yet another 5-star review to leave because Emilie's trip planning is just that - exceptional! We do not do big trips often and did not have hours to spend online trying to find the perfect B&Bs and restaurants to fit our preferences. Over the course of a few emails, Emilie collected our requests and pieced together an itinerary that was exactly what we were looking for. There were so many restaurant and excursion recommendations provided and each selection we made did not disappoint. I also cannot say enough great things about the B&Bs. Both were absolutely beautiful and the hosts were hospitable and lovely to visit with. Next time we are back in France, I will not hesitate to give Emilie a call!
Tonya & Bob
We did 2 weeks May to June to Normandy, Loire Valley and Paris and had a wonderful time. We gave Laura our list of must see and do items and our budget and she took care of the rest. From arranging our auto rental to providing suggestions to the French smart phones, everything was taken care of and good not have been easier. When our car got a flat …
We did 2 weeks May to June to Normandy, Loire Valley and Paris and had a wonderful time. We gave Laura our list of must see and do items and our budget and she took care of the rest. From arranging our auto rental to providing suggestions to the French smart phones, everything was taken care of and good not have been easier. When our car got a flat tire Laura was available to us every step of the way translating for us and making arrangements for a new car to be delivered. We loved her suggestion for a French cooking lesson and had a great time with our hostess making a meal in her own lovely home. The wine tasing in troglodyte cave was another wonderful suggestion of her. Wonderful memories we made!
