This itinerary gives you the perfect tour of Northern France, including Paris, the Loire Valley castles and gastronomy, and ending in Normandy with the landing sites, the hinterland and beautiful Giverny.
We would highly recommend “France Just for You” and will most defiantly use the services of Emilie again. At the end of April 2017 we spend two weeks in France visiting Normandy …
We would highly recommend “France Just for You” and will most defiantly use the services of Emilie again. At the end of April 2017 we spend two weeks in France visiting Normandy, Mont Saint Michel, Lorie Valley and Paris. We can would sum the trip in one word “Perfect!”. Emilie well prepared us with a personalized book, (179 pages) , describing our accommodations, things to see and the history of the area. She gave great recommendations of restaurants, sights and always provided the GPS coordinates which were invaluable. All of the B&B accommodations were wonderful with welcoming host that spoke English. I cannot tell how easy Emilie made traveling abroad for us, we looked forward to what each and every day would bring, except of the last day when we had to leave.
#1 - A 4* Boutique-Hotel in Saint Germain districtA charming place run by the same family for several generations
#1 - A 4* Boutique-Hotel in Saint Germain districtStay in a comfortable superior room and enjoy walking everywhere in Paris
#1 - A 4* Boutique-Hotel in Saint Germain districtRelax in a cozy salon
#1 - A 4* Boutique-Hotel in Saint Germain districtRely on the friendly staff to make your stay even more enjoyable
#2 - A gorgeous private castle in the LoireStay in a fairytale castle in the Loire Valley
#2 - A gorgeous private castle in the Loiresettle in a very spacious room, overlooking the park
#2 - A gorgeous private castle in the LoireRelax in one of the guests' reading rooms
#2 - A gorgeous private castle in the Loireif you are not too scared, take the underground passages to the swimming pool !
#3 - A 14th century house in the Loire ValleyA charming house, nestled in a lovely hamlet
#3 - A 14th century house in the Loire ValleyRelax in a cozy room, after a day sightseeing.
#3 - A 14th century house in the Loire ValleyYour lovely hosts will take good care of you...
#3 - A 14th century house in the Loire Valley...and will take you to their vaulted cellar for the apéritif.
#4 - A beautiful mansion very close to BayeuxStay 2 miles from Bayeux historical city
#4 - A beautiful mansion very close to BayeuxRelax in a suite room and enjoy a delicious dinner cooked by Vincent
#4 - A beautiful mansion very close to BayeuxYou can also read your guidebook in your own little private greenhouse
#5 - A Gorgeous Mansion on the hill above Giverny townStay away from the crowds only 2 miles to Monet's house and gardens
#5 - A Gorgeous Mansion on the hill above Giverny townRest in a spacious room, lavishly decorated...
#5 - A Gorgeous Mansion on the hill above Giverny town...or in the welcoming living room
Step by step
Paris, the city of lights
Start your trip living the Parisian life for 4 nights. Comfortably accommodated in a charming 4* boutique-hotel in the Saint Germain disctrict, you will discover the French capital city’s must sees and hidden beauties.
Being based less than 10 minute walk to Notre Dame Cathedral, you can explore Paris by foot, by boat or using public transportation with different and unique itineraries we have prepared for you. We also recommend our favorite restaurants and boulangeries in different districts of the capital city so you’ll know where to take a break.
To get oriented in Paris, we plan for you to follow a private Parisian guide for a half-day. We will craft your itinerary with Raf based on what you already know and want to discover. It may also include museums if you wish.
The Loire Valley
On day 5, you will pick up your rental car near the hotel and drive 3 hours to the Loire Valley. This region and its people will welcome you with its renowned "sweet life", its Renaissance castles and gardens, and its famous gastronomy and wines.
Stay for 3 nights in a charming and romantic Renaissance castle in the heart of the Loire Valley. The perfect place to be introduced to the "Castle Country," and enjoying the warm welcome of the owners themselves.
We will craft your days for you to enjoy a bit of everything the Loire Valley has to offer: famous castles to hidden beauties, lovely towns and farmers markets, relaxing strolls in unique gardens . . .
On day 8, you will move to the Southern Loire Valley for 3 nights near Chinon. From here, discover all the hidden marvels of the Loire Valley: the castles of Azay-le-Rideau and Langeais, the beautiful gardens in Villandry and the historic towns of Saumur, Chinon and Richelieu.
You will stay in the outbuildings of a disappeared monastery dating back to the 14th century. Your charming hosts know the region very well and will be happy to share some tips with you. One night, you will share a delicious home-cooked dinner, prepared by Monsieur. Do not miss the aperitif in the underground vaulted cellar - an totally unique experience!
Touraine is famous for its vineyards – Chinon, Bourgueil, Vouvray, Amboise and many more – you will visit a Chinon winery run by a charming couple who come from generations of winegrowers. Enjoy a commented tasting of the wines with some very local specialties.
Normandy - the Bayeux Area
On day 11, drive about 3hr30 to the Normandy seaside area, in Calvados. Located 2 miles from Bayeux, your 4th accommodation is a 19th century manor. You will be warmly welcomed by your hosts and stay in one of their suite-rooms. You will experience a local custom called the “trou normand”, having a glass of Calvados (apple brandy) between the starter and the main course. It is meant to renew your appetite to make sure you finish the whole dinner!
From here you can visit Bayeux and its famous tapestry, all the landing beaches (from Sainte Mère Eglise to Pointe du Hoc) and Caen.
The Normandy hinterland might not be advertised abroad but is much worth a detour: the typical half-timbered villages, the Cider road, the beautiful English style gardens, the apple brandy traditional manufactures . . . and of course the cheese. A trip to Normandy would not be complete without tasting Camembert or Livarot cheese!
Deauville and Honfleurare within driving distance. Honfleur deserves a visit for its picturesque harbor and art galleries and Deauville for its famous Grand Casino, horse track and luxury cars.
To get familiar with Norman gastronomy, we have planned a cooking class for you 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!
Normandy - Giverny
On day 14, you will take the last step of your trip to Giverny – 2hrs from Bayeux and 1hr to CDG Airport. This tiny unchanged village takes you back to the 19th century when the great painter Claude Monet created a new art movement: impressionism.
In Giverny, you will visit the house where he lived for 43 years and where he painted some of his most beautiful masterpieces, among them “Haystacks”, “Rouen Cathedral” and the “Water Lilies”. The gardens are beautifully kept in the exact shape as they were when Monet painted them. We include in this package cut-the-line tickets that enable you to not have to wait at Monet’s house and gardens.
In Giverny, we have planned for a 2-night stay in a gorgeous mansion, 2 miles from Giverny town, in the orchards. This will give you enough time to follow Valerie's advice and discover the Seine river valley, Les Andelys and maybe even Versailles at your own pace.
With this itinerary, you will enjoy the must sees of Northern France and also you will discover some hidden gems.
Activities included
Paris Private Walking Tour
For a half-day, follow a private guide in the heart of Paris to get oriented and learn more about the history, art, culture or architecture. We will taylor make your program based on your wishes.
A Winery Visit & Tasting in Chinon
Visit a Chinon winery run by a charming couple who come from generations of winegrowers.
Enjoy a commented tasting of the wines with some local-product snacks.
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.
Monet's House & Garden
Avoid wasting time standing in line, use the by-pass line to visit the house of Monet and its famous gardens. Follow in the footsteps of this painter and the American Impressionists in the small town of Giverny.
France Just For You planned the trip of a lifetime for my husband and me. We traveled to Normandy, St. Saint Michele, the Loire Valley and Provence. We are typically not road trip travelers, but this adventure brought us closer to the wonderful people of France than any group tour or "drop and plop" vacation could ever do. The bed and breakfasts …
France Just For You planned the trip of a lifetime for my husband and me. We traveled to Normandy, St. Saint Michele, the Loire Valley and Provence. We are typically not road trip travelers, but this adventure brought us closer to the wonderful people of France than any group tour or "drop and plop" vacation could ever do. The bed and breakfasts were charming, and the time we spend talking with our interesting hosts lent so much warmth to the trip. The guides Emilie provided were knowledgeable and personable. One of the best experiences of our lives was hiking in St. Saint Michel Bay at night, in the water, with our guide Roman. Each day was outlined with many suggestions and background information to allow you to make choices based on our interests and energy level. She set up experiences, such a wine tastings or cooking classes based on our feedback to her questions before we went. The book Emilie provided and the maps couldn't have been more detailed or better organized for easy use. I will say that it's important to read EVERYTHING before you go, as there's so much great information that you need time to become familiar with the guide before you go. Also, take Emilie's advice about the gps. She suggested you download maps either on your own device or your phone before you go. We used an internet app on our phone, which worked great, until your internet service dropped. (not often) The gps in the rental car was not in English in one of the cars, but it was in the other. Also, she gives you great tips about how to use the toll road systems, and even how to learn where to stand to get the TGV spot to wait for your car. One more tip: "drop a pin" on the maps app on your phone whenever you leave your car. We "misplaced" our car twice...makes a great story but is not very fun in the moment! We had a simply wonderful trip. Even though we never met Emilie, we felt like she was a friend because of all of the quick and thorough communication. We definitely recommend France Just For You, and we hope to have the opportunity to return to see the rest of France very soon!
Andre & Family from South Africa
"France Just For You" is the BEST way to visit France If you want to go on a tailor made self drive holiday to France, there is no better way, but to ask Emilie and Laura from France Just For You, to arrange it for you. We have traveled overseas a couple of times already, but then you have to do a lot of homework before hand, and you never know …
"France Just For You" is the BEST way to visit France
If you want to go on a tailor made self drive holiday to France, there is no better way, but to ask Emilie and Laura from France Just For You, to arrange it for you.
We have traveled overseas a couple of times already, but then you have to do a lot of homework before hand, and you never know whether or not you are doing the right thing, because you have never been to the area which you want to visit.
After giving Laura an idea of what we wanted, she planned an itinerary to the finest detail, delivering over and above what we expected or could have imagined.
We realised this when we received our travel pack with a 450 page, personalized guide book, detailing each day what we should do. Prepaid access tickets and vouches, eliminating long waiting times in queues, and an App, which puts the guide book on your mobile phone, where you just click on the GPS link to where you need to drive to. Why could anyone not think of this before? You just click on the link and there you go. They even sent as an USB flash drive with French Music to listen to when we drive, to experience the French atmosphere.
Laura and Emilie's attention to detail made our holiday, stress- and hassle free, which made it possible for our family just to relax, and enjoy the ride.
Thank you for going the extra mile, you guys are the greatest. We will and have been recommending you to anyone who wants to visit France.
Like we say in South Africa "Viva, France Just For You, Viva!!!"
Valerie
Emilie deserves every 5 (actually I give her 10!) star review since we never dreamed our 2 week trip through the Loire, Normandy and Paris could be so perfect. One of the many steps above and beyond was arranging a full-day private tour in Normandy since my husband's uncle (who is still alive) was there on D-Day. Our guide, Noémie, knew in advance …
Emilie deserves every 5 (actually I give her 10!) star review since we never dreamed our 2 week trip through the Loire, Normandy and Paris could be so perfect. One of the many steps above and beyond was arranging a full-day private tour in Normandy since my husband's uncle (who is still alive) was there on D-Day. Our guide, Noémie, knew in advance about Uncle Gerald and geared our visit accordingly with her depth of knowledge.
Emilie arranged ways to beat the crowds at the touristy sites, but more importantly arrange charming B&Bs and recommend enchanting itineraries. The gourmet host dinners with other travelers at the B&Bs were a highlight. And the hosts were so welcoming and helpful during our stay.
The smartphone, the book with suggested restaurants and must-see places, and the envelope full of city maps and brochures make France Just for You a unique and top-notch choice for planning a vacation in France. We will use Emilie and Laura for a future trip to Burgundy? Dordogne? Provence? Who knows? They will help us figure it out.
