I can echo everything that has been said in the previous three reviews. The personalization of this entire trip was incredible and Emilie communicated quickly and completely, both …
I can echo everything that has been said in the previous three reviews. The personalization of this entire trip was incredible and Emilie communicated quickly and completely, both in the planning of the trip and after we were in France. My husband and I were spending four weeks in France in celebration of our 50th anniversary. We were a little reluctant to take a trip this long and do this much driving but Emilie's planning and suggestions were so great that we never had any problems. And she arranged the best bed and breakfasts possible. All of the hosts were wonderful and we had some very good dinners around a table with many people from other countries, which was one of the reasons why we wanted to stay at bed and breakfasts. Our tour guides were amazing and at two different places Emilie had left personal notes and gifts. That is just the type of person she is. We asked Emilie if we could meet her and we were fortunate enough to be able to do that in her hometown of Langeais. She is just was delightful as you would expect her to be and she spent over an hour with us. It was one of the highlights of our trips. Every day we had to pinch ourselves that we were doing all of these fabulous things from Paris, to Normandy, to Brittany, to the Loire Valley, to Burgundy, to Provence and to the French Riviera. As you can see, we covered a lot of territory because of Emilie's willingness to customize our trip so that we could see a lot of France. We agree with the suggestion to go with your own GPS. It certainly helps to know how to use it before you arrive. We also suggest that you book your trip well in advance so that Emilie has time to arrange the best bed and breakfasts and the best tour guides. We certainly felt like we had that and we booked our trip seven months ahead. And read your tour book(s) before you go. You will still refer to them each and every day but there is so much general information in the books that we found very helpful. We have NEVER had a better trip and it's because of Emilie. Thank you, Emilie, for truly giving us the trip of a lifetime. We have memories that will last forever because of you.
#1 - A 3* Boutique-Hotel in the heart of Le Marais districtA unique place, in the very center of Paris
#1 - A 3* Boutique-Hotel in the heart of Le Marais districtStay in a cozy room...
#1 - A 3* Boutique-Hotel in the heart of Le Marais district...less than 10 minute walk from Notre Dame Cathedral
#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 3 nights, you will be comfortably accommodated in a charming boutique-hotel in a quiet street of the bustling Marais district. You will discover the French capital city’s must sees and hidden beauties.
Being based less than a 10-minute walk from Notre Dame Cathedral, we have prepared for you different itineraries to explore Paris by foot, by boat, or using public transportation. One day, you’ll leave Paris to enjoy an English guided tour of the King’s apartments at Versailles castle.
On the fourth morning, you will pick up the rental car near your hotel and drive 3 hours to Normandy.
Normandy : Bayeux & Mont Saint Michel areas
The second leg of your journey takes you for 2 nights in Bayeux area. Let us take you to a medieval 11th century manor located very near Bayeux. You will be warmly welcomed by your hostess and get a real feel for the medieval times - while enjoying all the modern comfort. A great experience!
The landing beaches (from Sainte Mère Eglise to Pointe du Hoc) are all easily accesible from this base camp. To help you better understand the events of the Battle of Normandy and bring them to life, we have planned 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 back country 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.
A place you won't want to miss is Mont Saint Michel: this sumptuous abbey standing on a tiny island in the middle of a bay is truly the “8th wonder of the Western world” and is well worth a visit. You'll spend an overnight in a gorgeous castle 30 minute drive, accross the bay from the famous village. This is a unique occasion to really feel what the "vie de château" trully is !
The Loire Valley
On your way from 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 attraction that tourists usually miss. Your hostess will also cook a delicious dinner one night.
Located on the south bank of the Loire River, this charming B&B is within short driving distance of 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, several villages and castles in the nature. No worries, the road 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 snacks.
On your last day, you will drive back to 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.
Emilie was a joy to work with - we were completely pleased with our experience! Do not hesitate to use her services - she will do everything to make your trip perfect. We don't care for group/bus "one-size-fits-all" type of tours - but I didn't feel confident enough with my grasp of French to go it alone. France Just For You is the perfect solution …
Emilie was a joy to work with - we were completely pleased with our experience! Do not hesitate to use her services - she will do everything to make your trip perfect. We don't care for group/bus "one-size-fits-all" type of tours - but I didn't feel confident enough with my grasp of French to go it alone. France Just For You is the perfect solution, and knowing Emilie was only a phone call/email away was wonderful - not that we needed to contact her. Everything was organized ahead of time, and this gave us the freedom to simply enjoy our visit to France. The accommodations were spectacular and Emilie includes thoughtful little "surprises" along the way. She cleverly found out that we were celebrating our 38th wedding anniversary, and on a private wine tour she'd arranged, she surprised us with having a bottle of wine given to us - bottled in the year we were married. By the way it was WONDERFUL. Such a thoughtful gesture. I look forward to booking with Emilie again someday.
DeLana
Emilie put together the best "bucket list" trip for my mother and myself. She listened to all of our requests and tailor made a vacation that was perfect. The attention to detail she paid our trip was mind blowing. She even had a full book made for us to guide us through our journey along with maps, tickets, etc. that were all date stamped …
Emilie put together the best "bucket list" trip for my mother and myself. She listened to all of our requests and tailor made a vacation that was perfect. The attention to detail she paid our trip was mind blowing. She even had a full book made for us to guide us through our journey along with maps, tickets, etc. that were all date stamped, highlighted and detailed. My mom and I have memories to last a lifetime! We had a birthday lunch at the Eiffel Tower, dune buggy rides through wineries, a trip to the top of Mount Blanc, and a full day with a French chef. And Jacques, our french chef instructor, was a hoot! Thank you so much for putting the perfect trip together and all of your work to make it exceptional.
Robert
Everything you need and things you didn’t know you needed. Emilie is very kind, a good soul. And don’t you want the people who handle your holidays to radiate happiness? A happy itinerary = a lovely journey!
Everything you need and things you didn’t know you needed. Emilie is very kind, a good soul. And don’t you want the people who handle your holidays to radiate happiness? A happy itinerary = a lovely journey!
