Provence & the French Riviera are famous the world over, but they still have a lot of secrets, ready to be discovered if you are willing to get away from the beaten paths.
We were overwhelmed by the wealth of information available when attempting to plan our 6 week self drive holiday in France. Never having been to France before we found the task …
We were overwhelmed by the wealth of information available when attempting to plan our 6 week self drive holiday in France. Never having been to France before we found the task daunting and sifting through forums full of information only confused us.
We have traveled in New Zealand using a New Zealand based travel adviser and decided to look into using a similar company for this trip.
So glad we did. We found France Just For You and felt as though we were on the right track. After lots of communication with Laura we came up with an itinerary that proved to be terrific. Our accommodation was all fantastic, suggestions of things to do and places to eat, rental car was organised even down to the all important places to park.
We had an unforgettable holiday made so much better on the recommendations of France Just For You. We highly recommend this company if you are wanting guidance for your holiday in France.
Hidden beauties of the South-East of France
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Your accommodations
Pictures of the specially selected accommodations
#1 - A cozy B&B house in the heights of NiceA welcoming house in a hilltop village
#1 - A cozy B&B house in the heights of Nice ...with spacious rooms equipped with AC
#1 - A cozy B&B house in the heights of NiceEnjoy the sea view from your room and the breakfast terrace
#2 - A typical house nestled in a lively Provençal townFrom the street you will never believe what's behind the door
#2 - A typical house nestled in a lively Provençal townenjoy a comfortable room opening on to the garden
#2 - A typical house nestled in a lively Provençal townShare a glass of wine...
#2 - A typical house nestled in a lively Provençal town...with your lovely hosts
#2 - A typical house nestled in a lively Provençal townEnjoy very typical views from the terraces garden
#3 - A cozy house in the heart of the Old AvignonStay 300 yards to the Palace of the Popes
#3 - A cozy house in the heart of the Old AvignonRelax in a comfortable room
#3 - A cozy house in the heart of the Old AvignonAt night you can walk to all restaurants then rest in a cool garden
Step by step
Arrival in the French Riviera
We recommend that our travelers fly into Nice International Airport to save time and energy. You will pick up the rental car at Nice airport.
To avoid the crowds during your 10 days in the south of France, you will stay in beautiful family-run B&Bs away from the city center.
In a small hilltop village just 8 miles from Nice, we have selected a lovely B&B located at the top of the town, so you will enjoy a beautiful sea view from your room and from the breakfast terrace. You will be within walking distance of several restaurants and will feel at ease to explore the region.
The Cote d’Azur is a marvel of fabulous 19th century villas and sapphire water coves. Wander through the narrow alleyways of the old city of Nice and visit the many famous art museums. Go shopping and enjoy views of the Mediterranean in seaside restaurants from Monte Carlo to Antibes. We will tell you all of our secrets about the best places to visit in the Riviera.
The French Riviera Hinterland
In the Rivierahinterland, you will have the opportunity to discover some of the most beautiful handicrafts in France, particularly ceramics, sculpture and paintings. You might be tempted to step into a glassblower's shoes and make your own “chef d’oeuvre”.For art lovers, the many art museums of Nice and its surroundings will amaze you, with masterpieces by Chagall, Matisse and Picasso.
Making your own fragance at a famous perfume house is a lot of fun. You will learn the basics of perfume making and then choose between hundreds of ingredients to create your own Eau de Parfum. This is a wonderful and unique souvenir of your stay in the French Riviera to bring home with you.
Southern Provence - around Aix en Provence
Stay in a lively town between Aix en Provence and the Luberon hills. You will be comfortably settled in the former school which was entirely renovated by your hosts. Walk to restaurants and enjoy a terraced garden with gorgeous views to the town's roofs. Very Provençal !
One night, enjoy a convivial dinner at your B&B, by the fountain.
From this B&B, you will explore the landscapes which inspired so many painters, including Paul Cezanne.
Wander around picturesque villages such as Ansouis and Lourmarin on the slopes of the Luberon hills and get a feel for the peaceful atmosphere of these places. Visit Aix-en-Provence and its many museums.
Tour the salt marshes of the Camargue and visit the Alpilles region, where you will find beautiful Saint Remy de Provence. We will tell you where to buy the best olive oil!
Central Provence - around Avignon
On the 7th day, you will drive North to central Provence. Stay in a beautifully restored stone house in the old walls of Avignon, a 3-minute walk from the Palace of the Popes. Avignon is a perfect base camp to explore central and northern Provence.
We recommend dedicating a day to discovering the quaint villages of the Luberon, riding an electric bike. You will have several biking itinerary options, from easy to challenging. All of them will take you to explore hidden hamlets, vineyard chapels, wineries, road-trails through the olive groves and evergreen oaks. A great day, exploring at your own pace.
And while we're on the subject of Provençal gastronomy, we have planned a truffle hunt in a very secret place. You will work with the hunter and his dog in the Provence hills. After that, you will savor several truffle appetizers to get acquainted with this highly-valued mushroom.
On your last day, you can return the car at the most convenient place depending on your next destination.
You will be immersed in the culture of the South-East of France.
Activities included
Riviera Perfume Workshop
In one of the most famous perfume houses, be introduced to the perfume making technics and make your own fragrance - which you will keep as a great souvenir!
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.
Truffle Hunt & Tasting
Spend about 2hrs looking for truffles in the Luberon hills with a lovely couple, then taste several appetizers made of truffle with a glass of Champagne.
Such a professional company and their attention to every detail was amazing. Car hire , French phone, tours and suggested stops were all fantastic. And the B& B’s in the country and wine districts were fabulous. The owners all very friendly and helpful as well as the accommodation being clean and beautiful. We cannot give enough praise for Emilie …
Such a professional company and their attention to every detail was amazing.
Car hire , French phone, tours and suggested stops were all fantastic. And the B& B’s in the country and wine districts were fabulous. The owners all very friendly and helpful as well as the accommodation being clean and beautiful.
We cannot give enough praise for Emilie and Laura and their organisation.
The books we were given had every bit of information and history that you needed and more.
So much more I could say about our trip around France but would be too much to read.
A wonderful company and do not hesitate for a second if you are thinking of using them.
We will certainly be using them again.
20stars from Australia
David
It was the best tour ever! Laura did an amazing job to deliver painless and excellent planning and arrangements. Everything promised was delivered and included much more than would normally be seen without ‘INSIDR’ tips. It is obvious that Emilie and Laura have put a lot of thought and effort into the tours they offer. We definitely recommend …
It was the best tour ever! Laura did an amazing job to deliver painless and excellent planning and arrangements. Everything promised was delivered and included much more than would normally be seen without ‘INSIDR’ tips. It is obvious that Emilie and Laura have put a lot of thought and effort into the tours they offer. We definitely recommend FRANCE JUST FOR YOU to all and only wish they provided similar services for other countries.
Leslie & Family
Just returned from an amazing trip with our family, including 3 teenage boys. Emilie carefully listened to our request to focus on military history and arranged an itinerary with just the right balance of history, culture, art, and military history. We had incredible guides to Paris, WWI, and WWII sites plus unique B&Bs. So many memories!
Just returned from an amazing trip with our family, including 3 teenage boys. Emilie carefully listened to our request to focus on military history and arranged an itinerary with just the right balance of history, culture, art, and military history. We had incredible guides to Paris, WWI, and WWII sites plus unique B&Bs. So many memories!
