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 are experienced travelers world-wide, generally organizing our own itinerary or having a travel group help us with a tour-for-two, and a personal guide, in several select …
We are experienced travelers world-wide, generally organizing our own itinerary or having a travel group help us with a tour-for-two, and a personal guide, in several select locations. This was our first visit to France. So to be on our own with the guidance and extremely comprehensive written support of France Just For You was just remarkable and very reassuring. We felt completely confident during our 26 day tour from Nice to Paris, and we were astounded by the range of experiences offered to us. The accommodation choices were lovely, and all of our hosts were extremely gracious. Do keep in mind that we are a long married couple, and a self-driving tour of this magnitude and length could be trying at times. But we are here to tell the tale. Highly recommended, and many accolades to France Just For You.
With thanks,
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.
Spend a relaxing time aboard your private boat, swimming, snorkeling or paddleboarding in the clear Mediterranean waters while taking in the beautiful scenery of the French 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.
Explore Riviera Islands by Private Boat
Spend a relaxing time aboard your private boat, swimming, snorkeling or paddleboarding in the clear Mediterranean waters while taking in the beautiful scenery of the French Riviera.
Our trip was arranged and detailed well in advance, with reservations for activities and places of special interest, and free days with suggestions for things to see and do. We fell in love with Dordogne and the Paleolithic caves for which we had reserved tours, and were able to take in another cave the next day at the suggestion of our B&B hostess …
Our trip was arranged and detailed well in advance, with reservations for activities and places of special interest, and free days with suggestions for things to see and do. We fell in love with Dordogne and the Paleolithic caves for which we had reserved tours, and were able to take in another cave the next day at the suggestion of our B&B hostess. We would have missed many beautiful places, and certainly missed the fine lodgings and conversation with fellow travelers, had we not had the help of France Just for You. Emilie stayed in touch and resolved issues before we even knew about them, so we wasted no time and experienced no frustration at all.
Eileen
Thank you, Emilie! This was just the trip that we had envisioned. The B&B's that you booked for us were perfect. The excursions were fabulous. The amazingly detailed books that you prepared for us were our guides and will forever remind us of our trip. You listened to what we wanted and arranged a trip just for us. I cannot imagine how this trip …
Thank you, Emilie! This was just the trip that we had envisioned. The B&B's that you booked for us were perfect. The excursions were fabulous. The amazingly detailed books that you prepared for us were our guides and will forever remind us of our trip. You listened to what we wanted and arranged a trip just for us. I cannot imagine how this trip could have been better - unless we had stayed longer in each place. There was so much to do and so many options in your books that we were unable to do it all. We probably should have scheduled some rest days in the inviting swimming pools at several of our B&B's. Maybe we should return? I am so glad that I stumbled upon your site on the web. I am sorry we missed you in Langeais. That was our favorite city. For those of you reading this review, make sure you tell Emilie what you are really looking for in a trip to France and I am absolutely certain that she will make it happen for you.
Tracey & Sandra
Without a doubt one of the best vacations my friend and I have ever taken! We keep raving to all about how authentic the trip was. Not only was every aspect of this trip gorgeous from the grape vineyards to the lavender fields to the mountainous towns and cathedrals, but the details were second to none. Emilie and Laura provided my friend and I …
Without a doubt one of the best vacations my friend and I have ever taken! We keep raving to all about how authentic the trip was. Not only was every aspect of this trip gorgeous from the grape vineyards to the lavender fields to the mountainous towns and cathedrals, but the details were second to none. Emilie and Laura provided my friend and I with the perfect girls getaway. When we first planned this trip, we had no idea what an amazing trip would lie ahead.
The B&Bs were absolute perfection, and their owners were lovely and catered to all of our needs. The pools on the grounds of the B&Bs were just beautiful. We loved the delightfully French cuisine laid out on the breakfast tables and the opportunity to meet other travelers. The ten wine tasting with Francois in his range rover and the cooking class with Jacques were highlights for sure! Every day held beautiful travel memories.
The guide book is AMAZING!!! Its easily the best replica we will now have long after the trip was over. Awesome to read long after the trip concludes. The details, the care, and the time put into the plans of our trip were unbelievable. Pictures even how to insert money into the tolls on the highways!! Every question was answered. Note to all: beware the speed check zones!! There are no police on the highways, only boxes with cameras checking speeds randomly and you will get a ticket later on if you exceeded the speed! : ( But that was the only surprise..France was so driveable, packed with roundabouts and gorgeous scenery to see every day!
We cannot thank Emilie and Laura enough for the time and attention they paid to our trip. We were truly blown away by the details in our itinerary, and the beautiful sights we experienced on our travels in France. Thank you again!!!
