Follow the waterways in France from the Norman beaches on the Atlantic coasts to the Loire river, its castles and wonderful gardens . . . ending along the Seine river banks in Paris.
My boyfriend and I spent a week in Paris last month and we decided that we would do a couple of day-tours outside of the city during our trip. We really wanted to avoid the typical …
My boyfriend and I spent a week in Paris last month and we decided that we would do a couple of day-tours outside of the city during our trip. We really wanted to avoid the typical tour-bus day-tour and the crowds that come along with these kinds of tours – we wanted something more personalized that would allow us to go at our own pace. I found the France Just For You website and the ‘Bayeux and World War II Sites in a Day’ tour seemed to be exactly the type of thing we were looking for, as we’re both really interested in history. On a personal note, this tour appealed to me because my grandfather fought in Normandy in World War II. I filled up the contact form on the website and Emilie got back to me the same day. She organized every little detail to make it the perfect tour for us: she booked our return train tickets from Paris, organized for us to spend the morning on our own in the picturesque old town of Bayeux, where we enjoyed exploring the cathedral and saw the famous Bayeux Tapestry. Emilie sent over maps and directions and recommended a fantastic restaurant for lunch. After lunch, our private guide Christophe met us at the agreed meeting point in Bayeux and took us to the Normandy landing sites. I had explained to Emilie that I specifically wanted to visit this site as my grandpa had fought for one of the American infantry divisions that landed in Normandy in 1944. Christophe was extremely knowledgeable (and very patient with all of my questions!) and took us to the sites where my grandpa’s battalion would have fought. It was a very moving experience, especially when I thought back to the stories that my grandpa used to tell me about the war.
I really couldn’t have chosen a better tour option. It was perfectly customized to the preferences that I had given to Emilie, and she was very thorough and asked all of the right questions to help her plan the perfect day for us. We knew how to contact her in case there were any problems on the day (which there weren't), and the fact that everything was planned for us meant that we could just focus on enjoying the day. Thank you so much, I wouldn’t hesitate to book with you again!
#1 - A lovely house in NormandyStay downtown Bayeux, 1 minute walk to the Cathedral
#1 - A lovely house in Normandy...in a beautifully renovated house...
#1 - A lovely house in Normandy...with a a spacious room and lovely hosts
#2 - A gorgeous castle near Mont Saint MichelA unique B&B...
#2 - A gorgeous castle near Mont Saint Michel...with a very delicate 18th century decoration...
#2 - A gorgeous castle near Mont Saint Michel...and spacious bedrooms
#2 - A gorgeous castle near Mont Saint MichelAfter an amazing breakfast...
#2 - A gorgeous castle near Mont Saint Michel..what about a stroll in the gorgeous park?
#3 - A restored historic home in the center of a lively townA historic home, in the center of a lively wine town
#3 - A restored historic home in the center of a lively townrelax in a large room
#3 - A restored historic home in the center of a lively town...in the courtyard or the guests living room
#3 - A restored historic home in the center of a lively townShare breakfasts with other fellow travelers
#4 - A 4* Boutique-Hotel in Quartier Latin districtThe hotel in on one of Paris most famous squares
#4 - A 4* Boutique-Hotel in Quartier Latin districtEnjoy a lavishly decorated room with view...
#4 - A 4* Boutique-Hotel in Quartier Latin district...over one of Paris nicest square
#4 - A 4* Boutique-Hotel in Quartier Latin districtWhat about a drink "at home" to rest a bit ?
#4 - A 4* Boutique-Hotel in Quartier Latin districtyou can rely on the lovely reception team to make the most of your stay
Step by step
Normandy : Jump into the Real France
Your itinerary starts in Paris where we recommend you pick up the rental car at the airport. From here, drive about 3 hours and you’ll be quickly immersed in Norman history.
Your first B&B is a lovely house, located in downtown Bayeux, a few minutes walk to the Cathedral, the tapestry, the restaurants and shops. From here, you are within reach of all the D-Day sites and museums: from Sainte Mère Eglise to Ouistreham, Isigny, Pointe du Hoc, the artificial port of Arromanches or the Caen Memorial.
Deauville and Honfleur are within driving distance and the Normandy countryside might be less famous but is certainly worth a detour: the typical half-timbered villages, the Cider road, the beautiful English style gardens, the apple brandy traditional manufacturers . . . and of course the cheeses. A trip to Normandy would not be complete without tasting Camembert or Livarot cheese! To get familiar with Norman gastronomy, we have planned for you a cooking class with Brigitte. She will welcome you in her home where you’ll prepare a 3 course meal that you will savor for lunch. A fun experience!
Mont Saint Michel
A place you won't want to miss is the Mont Saint Michel: this sumptuous abbey stands on a tiny island in the middle of a bay and is truly the “8th Wonder of the Western world." It is well worth a visit. You'll spend 2 nights in a gorgeous castle surrounded by a magnificent park, 30 minute drive and across the bay from the famous village. This is a unique occasion to really feel what the "vie de château" trully is !
Discover the famous Mont Saint Michel with a local guide on a barefoot walk in the bay, around the site. A original and great way to experience this very touristy site.
We’ll also recommend some typical Britain towns in the area, for you to get a feel for the French Brittany.
The Loire Valley: Strolls & Discoveries
On your way from the Mont Saint Michel to the Loire Valley, we’ll provide you with all details to visit the old city of Le Mans, where French history is at every corner.
TheLoire Valley will welcome you with its renowned "sweet life", its Renaissance castles and gardens, and its famous gastronomy.You will stay for 4 nights in a lively town where Joan of Arc met her future King of France. Your cozy B&B is right at the foot of the medieval fortress and at night you can walk to all the restaurants and wine bars or have your own romantic picnic on the river banks.
You can also wander off the beaten path into tiny villages dotted along the Vienne and Loire rivers and get a taste of French gastronomy in restaurants and local markets that we have tested for you. Touraine is also famous for its vineyards – Chinon, Bourgueil, Vouvray and many more – and we have planned for you to discover some local wines with a wine maker. She will take you to her vineyards and explain about vine growing, then you will go to her cellar so you can taste some wines (sparkling and still), together with some local food products.
Ah . . . Paris!
End your French journey living the Parisian life! For 3 nights, you will be comfortably accommodated in avery cosy 4* boutique-hotel in one of Paris most famous squares, 10 minute walk to Notre Dame Cathedral.
You will discover the French capital city’s must sees and hidden beauties. One day, you’ll explore the city with a local Parisian guide, biking around its most famous buildings.
We have also prepared for you different itineraries to explore Paris by foot, by boat or using public transportation.
A great overview of Northern France !
Activities included
Norman cooking Class
Spend a morning with Brigitte who will teach you how to make a real norman meal. Then you'll enjoy the lunch in her welcoming dining room or in the terrace.
A Guided Walk in Mont St Michel Bay
Let a local guide take you on a walk barefoot around Mount Saint Michel Bay to understand better the nature around this unique site. This is an opportunity to discover the bay as very few can see it.
Wine estate visit & tasting
Visit a wine estate with its owner in the Loire Valley. She will take you to the vineyards to explain about terroir, soils and vine. Then you will enjoy a wine tasting together with some local food products.
Paris Bike Tour
Spend about 4hrs with a Parisian who will have you discover his city on a bike, with a group of max.10 travelers. For those who don't like biking, you can also take a walking tour.
I was very nervous to visit a country that I have never learned the language spoken so that is the reason I wanted someone to help me plan this trip with my children. Emilie was wonderful. The B&Bs that she booked were some of the very best places I have ever stayed and I have traveled quite a bit. The cell phone that we were given was priceless …
I was very nervous to visit a country that I have never learned the language spoken so that is the reason I wanted someone to help me plan this trip with my children. Emilie was wonderful. The B&Bs that she booked were some of the very best places I have ever stayed and I have traveled quite a bit. The cell phone that we were given was priceless for getting around, the language barrier and checking in with others back home. I would recommended using Emilie to everyone. It was fantastic. A trip of a lifetime with my children who are 18 and 25.
Anthea
We have just returned from a road trip around France and with Emilie's help, we had one of the best trips we've ever had. We travel extensively and I normally do my own research and bookings because we don't like using formal , organised tours but we were looking for advice on self driving holidays in France. Emilie's attention to detail is …
We have just returned from a road trip around France and with Emilie's help, we had one of the best trips we've ever had. We travel extensively and I normally do my own research and bookings because we don't like using formal , organised tours but we were looking for advice on self driving holidays in France. Emilie's attention to detail is outstanding. She listened to our likes and dislikes and put together the most amazing itinerary, with a personalised guide book, maps, iPhone, booked our car rental , booked B&Bs , advised on restaurants and suggested daily itineraries. We had all the information and yet all the freedom , which is what we wanted. I would definitely use her services again and would highly recommend her to anyone thinking of doing a trip around France
Bill
France Just For You is a service I highly recommend regardless of how much experience you have traveling through France. Emilie does an amazing job of putting together an exciting and interesting itinerary, taking you to places and meeting people you would never find on your own. Not only are her ideas great, but she is also very thorough. Her trip …
France Just For You is a service I highly recommend regardless of how much experience you have traveling through France. Emilie does an amazing job of putting together an exciting and interesting itinerary, taking you to places and meeting people you would never find on your own.
Not only are her ideas great, but she is also very thorough. Her trip planning book is the bible, giving you not only the customized information about your trip, but also lots of tips and information about language, travel, and local customs.
Our 25th wedding anniversary in France was fantastic, in large part, because of the planning and help we received from France-Just For You and Emilie.
