In 2013 I had 2 big reasons to plan a trip to France: a new grand baby boy in Avignon, and I wanted to surprise my husband with a trip to Normandy. He absolutely loves anything and …
In 2013 I had 2 big reasons to plan a trip to France: a new grand baby boy in Avignon, and I wanted to surprise my husband with a trip to Normandy. He absolutely loves anything and everything he can find to read or watch that is related to WWII. So, I started exploring online for a custom tour designer that could put together a great itinerary for these two objectives, and I found the most amazing person, Emilie from France Just For You! She listened to what I wanted to do and created the most amazing 2 week itinerary from Normandy, to the Loire Valley, to Provance. She set up stays in restored castles, grand estates, warm and inviting B &B's, arranged rental cars, train tickets, special retired military tour guides in Normandy, and too many things to list! The icing on the cake was an amazing customized bound itinerary in book-form, with tips about driving in France, tolls, roundabouts, gas stations, speed limits, traffic signs, 3-4 day trips by car for each area we visited, so we could choose how and what we wanted to see the countryside or quaint towns. Suggested out-of-the-way sights, cafes, wineries, shopping, scenic places, etc. One of the places we loved most, was staying in her parents' B&B in the Loire Valley. Their home was lovely, warm, inviting and we met such wonderful travelers there! I fell in love with her mother's homemade fresh yogurt, and she told me how to make it once I got home! I love it and make it all the time now!!
We ended our trek through France in the south, in Avignon, where we spent time with family and met our grandson for the first time! We stayed in a comfortable home there that was like being in our own home. We were able to share relaxing family time with lots of space. And don't forget the lavender fields and the natural beauty of Provance! What a way to end our trip.
I highly recommend Emilie for all of your travel in France! I will always call her for my trips there- and I'll probably call her for any trip to Europe in the hopes that she can help with other countries too!!!
#1 - A Peaceful mansion on the island of AvignonEnjoy a peaceful park away from the crowds
#1 - A Peaceful mansion on the island of AvignonRest in a very spacious suite-room
#1 - A Peaceful mansion on the island of AvignonMeet with fellow travelers in cozy communal areas
#1 - A Peaceful mansion on the island of AvignonYour lovely hosts will be happy to help
#2 - A Typical Mas House, in the vineyards in wilder ProvenceAt night, relax in the garden or by the swimming pool in the olive trees
#2 - A Typical Mas House, in the vineyards in wilder ProvenceAfter a great dinner cook by your host - enjoy a great night sleep
#2 - A Typical Mas House, in the vineyards in wilder ProvenceReady for a swim ?
#2 - A Typical Mas House, in the vineyards in wilder ProvenceA Table d Hôtes dinner is always a very convivial experience
#3 - A quiet mill house in Aix en ProvenceA traditional mill house in a quiet district in Aix en Provence
#3 - A quiet mill house in Aix en ProvenceRefresh at night in a large and comfortable room...
#3 - A quiet mill house in Aix en Provence...or by the swimming pool, in the lush garden
#3 - A quiet mill house in Aix en ProvenceFeel at home and enjoy Provence sweet life
Step by step
Central Provence from Avignon
This itinerary starts in a comfortable Bed & Breakfast on Avignon's island for 4 nights. This very quiet place is nestled in a park where you will enjoy relaxing by the swimming pool or in your large suite-room. The lovely hosts speak excellent English and will be happy to help and make recommendations.
Avignon, also referred to as “the City of Popes”, is a must see. Explore the Palace of the Popes, the well-preserved ramparts and the famous “Avignon Bridge”. We'll explain how to visit them while avoiding the crowds.
From here, you can easily 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!
If you are interested in history, don’t miss the Roman ruins at Arles, Orange and the Pont du Gard.
Spend a day in the Luberon gorgeous landscapes riding an electric bike. Several itinerary options are available for you to enjoy biking at your own pace.
Northern Wilder Provence
Your second Bed & Breakfast for 5 nights lies just outside a lovely village on the slopes of Mont Ventoux. This former "mas" house has belonged to your hostess’s family for 4 generations and is surrounded by olive and cherry trees. One night, your host Chris will cook a delicious table d’hôtes dinner, which you will enjoy on the terrace.
Mont Ventoux remains the most authentic part of Provence, with little villages such as Vaison la Romaine, Malaucène and Bedoin and dramatic landscapes like les Dentelles de Montmirail.
In such a scenery, explore a very private wine estate, lost in the hills of Provence. You will enjoy a tour of the estate followed by a wine tasting, then have a picnic lunch in the vineyards. A very special place you would not find on your own.
Southern Provence from Aix en Provence
The last B&B for 3 nights is in the heights of Aix en Provence, still inside the town of Aix, but in a very quiet setting surrounded by water. You will be comfortably settled in a typical “mill house”, surrounded by a lush garden with a swimming pool. From the B&B, you may explore the landscapes which inspired so many painters, including Paul Cezanne.
Go shopping in Aix-en-Provence or sunbathe in the creeks of Cassis. Arles is famous for its arena dating back to the Roman Empire, which will take you 2,000 years back in time.
We also plan for you to spend about 2 hours looking for truffles in the Luberon hills with a lovely couple, followed by several appetizers made of truffles accompanied by a glass (or two . . . who's counting?) of Champagne.
Two magical weeks you will always remember.
Activities included
Gourmet Experience in Provence
Let a passionate who was born and raised in Provence, take you to his best addresses in the old city to discover Provence food specialties.
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.
Wine Tasting & Picnic in a very private Estate
Explore a very private wine estate, lost in the hills of Provence. You will enjoy a tour of the estate followed by a wine tasting, then have a picnic lunch in the vineyards. A very special place you would not find on your own.
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.
France Just for You has my highest recommendation. I will never forget our trip to France. Laura was amazing. Perfect itinerary. They did the little things right. Were available throughout the trip. We forgot my 4 year old's blanket at the first hotel. I contacted Laura and she had it waiting for us when we arrived at the hotel airport to leave. I …
France Just for You has my highest recommendation. I will never forget our trip to France. Laura was amazing. Perfect itinerary. They did the little things right. Were available throughout the trip. We forgot my 4 year old's blanket at the first hotel. I contacted Laura and she had it waiting for us when we arrived at the hotel airport to leave. I could go on forever. Allow them to help you with your trip and you will not regret it.
Howard & Darlene
What a wonderful trip with personal guides Emilie planned for us! I would recommend her without reservation on your trip through Normandy, Mt St. Michel and the Loire Valley. The guidebook, which was chock full of important information (be sure to read it all!) was invaluable to us and became our bible.
What a wonderful trip with personal guides Emilie planned for us! I would recommend her without reservation on your trip through Normandy, Mt St. Michel and the Loire Valley. The guidebook, which was chock full of important information (be sure to read it all!) was invaluable to us and became our bible.
Robert & Karen
Anyone planning a trip to France, whether for the first time or for the twelfth (like me), will benefit from the fabulous itinerary that Emilie can craft for you. My husband and I just returned from 2 1/2 weeks in the Medoc and the Loire Valley that Emilie planned for us: top-notch historic B&Bs with character, charming friendly hosts and sumptuous …
Anyone planning a trip to France, whether for the first time or for the twelfth (like me), will benefit from the fabulous itinerary that Emilie can craft for you. My husband and I just returned from 2 1/2 weeks in the Medoc and the Loire Valley that Emilie planned for us: top-notch historic B&Bs with character, charming friendly hosts and sumptuous breakfasts and table d'hotes dinners; reserved TGV train tickets and fine car rental; and most specially, unique and interesting daily suggested itineraries crafted to our specific interests. Emilie provided us an amazing detailed day-by-day BOOK with photos, maps, and historical data that would interest us. She arranged wine tastings and other visits, and booked bikes for us to ride along the Loire. Many suggestions are personal--her favorite restaurants and wines, for example, in each area. We enjoyed every one. Emilie was available at any time for advice or help if needed. We could not have asked for more personal service or a more well-chosen itinerary. We are recommending France-Just for You to all our friends! Thank you, Emilie.
