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.
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 …
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!
#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.
One would think driving in a different country where cars are on the wrong side of the road and you don’t speak the language for 11 day trip would not be a smart decision. France Just for You is definitely the travel consultant you go to. Emilie’s very quick replies to queries, personal knowledge of having been to places recommended and …
One would think driving in a different country where cars are on the wrong side of the road and you don’t speak the language for 11 day trip would not be a smart decision. France Just for You is definitely the travel consultant you go to. Emilie’s very quick replies to queries, personal knowledge of having been to places recommended and organisation skills for minute details, makes them truly reliable.
From getting us a French smartphone complete with the necessary apps to help us navigate and keep us connected , and also providing us with a personalised guidebook that dictates step-by step advice on what to look out for, GPS guide on where to go , where to park, how to use the parking machines/toll machines/even pumping gas (complete with images of where to slot in your cards) , made our travelling around and navigation practically stress-free!
Emilie crafted itineraries which allows my family of four , each with different interests ( from WWII millitary historical sites to a whole new world of Chateaus ,medieval villages ,flower gardens , immersive artworks, sunset and fantastic night sky , to cooking French cuisines) experiences to treasure and remember.
We had a half day guide in Paris, Raphaelle, who is truly knowledgeable about art , history and architecture. We visited Picasso Museum and because the artwork there were not laid out chronologically, Raphaelle made it easily understandable by showing us through her own folder of personal compilations of the Master’s progress of life encounters and artworks (which should be made into a book) that ties in to the art pieces on display, it provided us with so many aha moments.
Merci beaucoup France Just For You!
Tyndall from the US
Truly an amazing experience traveling with France Just for You. Their attention to detail, availability, communication, and knowledge of France is unmatched. Went on the girls trip of a lifetime thanks to them! Made incredible memories and loved the balance of having curated activities planned and suggested activities for the time in between. Truly …
Truly an amazing experience traveling with France Just for You. Their attention to detail, availability, communication, and knowledge of France is unmatched. Went on the girls trip of a lifetime thanks to them! Made incredible memories and loved the balance of having curated activities planned and suggested activities for the time in between. Truly felt like we were able to explore and experience the real France. I have recommended and will continue to recommend France Just for You to everyone! You will not regret it!
Janet
We have traveled in Europe a dozen times. Our trip to France, the Loire Valley and Normandy was one of the very best. Their custom self-guided tours are based on places and activities that interest you. Emelie listened to what we wanted and created an itinerary that was just what we wanted as well as some suggestions for other things we might try …
We have traveled in Europe a dozen times. Our trip to France, the Loire Valley and Normandy was one of the very best. Their custom self-guided tours are based on places and activities that interest you. Emelie listened to what we wanted and created an itinerary that was just what we wanted as well as some suggestions for other things we might try. Emelie created a spiral bound book with information about traveling in France as well as detailed information about the B & Bs, maps, directions and all the places we planned to visit. The B & Bs were lovely old stone buildings with modern comforts. A private cooking class, a private tour of an ancient church in the mountains, and a guided tour of Normandy were features we really enjoyed. The chateaus and gardens [my personal favorites] were magnificent. Normandy was so moving. I am glad that we had a guide who spent the entire day with just us. We learned and saw so many things we would have missed on our own. We would urge you to consider France Just for You. We loved our trip and would use them again. GPS was a life saver.
