This is the best itinerary to thoroughly discover the Northern part of France: Burgundy vineyards, Loire Valley castles, Normandy WWII history . . . and ending in the most famous and beautiful capital in the world - Paris.
I can echo everything that has been said in the previous three reviews. The personalization of this entire trip was incredible and Emilie communicated quickly and completely, both …
I can echo everything that has been said in the previous three reviews. The personalization of this entire trip was incredible and Emilie communicated quickly and completely, both in the planning of the trip and after we were in France. My husband and I were spending four weeks in France in celebration of our 50th anniversary. We were a little reluctant to take a trip this long and do this much driving but Emilie's planning and suggestions were so great that we never had any problems. And she arranged the best bed and breakfasts possible. All of the hosts were wonderful and we had some very good dinners around a table with many people from other countries, which was one of the reasons why we wanted to stay at bed and breakfasts. Our tour guides were amazing and at two different places Emilie had left personal notes and gifts. That is just the type of person she is. We asked Emilie if we could meet her and we were fortunate enough to be able to do that in her hometown of Langeais. She is just was delightful as you would expect her to be and she spent over an hour with us. It was one of the highlights of our trips. Every day we had to pinch ourselves that we were doing all of these fabulous things from Paris, to Normandy, to Brittany, to the Loire Valley, to Burgundy, to Provence and to the French Riviera. As you can see, we covered a lot of territory because of Emilie's willingness to customize our trip so that we could see a lot of France. We agree with the suggestion to go with your own GPS. It certainly helps to know how to use it before you arrive. We also suggest that you book your trip well in advance so that Emilie has time to arrange the best bed and breakfasts and the best tour guides. We certainly felt like we had that and we booked our trip seven months ahead. And read your tour book(s) before you go. You will still refer to them each and every day but there is so much general information in the books that we found very helpful. We have NEVER had a better trip and it's because of Emilie. Thank you, Emilie, for truly giving us the trip of a lifetime. We have memories that will last forever because of you.
Northern France Must Sees & Hidden Beauties
tour
Published on:
Last modified on:
Your accommodations
Pictures of the specially selected accommodations
#1 - A family house right between Dijon and BeauneA beautiful mansion in the Burgundy vineyard
#1 - A family house right between Dijon and BeauneWith spacious and comfortable rooms with a view over the park
#1 - A family house right between Dijon and BeauneEnjoy meeting with your very friendly hosts
#1 - A family house right between Dijon and Beaune...and having breakfast outside on a sunny day
#2 - A 14th century house in the Loire ValleyA charming house, nestled in a lovely hamlet
#2 - A 14th century house in the Loire ValleyRelax in a cozy room, after a day sightseeing.
#2 - A 14th century house in the Loire ValleyYour lovely hosts will take good care of you...
#2 - A 14th century house in the Loire Valley...and will take you to their vaulted cellar for the apéritif.
#3 - A Romantic Castle in the Loire ValleyDiscover the Loire region, staying in a castle
#3 - A Romantic Castle in the Loire ValleyRelax at night in a gorgeous room
#3 - A Romantic Castle in the Loire ValleyTake the time to settle in one of the lovely sitting rooms...
#3 - A Romantic Castle in the Loire Valley...or stroll the park & garden
#3 - A Romantic Castle in the Loire ValleyJust sit, relax, enjoy !
#4 - A 19th century typical stone Normandy homeThe lovely garden inspires your hostess for watercolors
#4 - A 19th century typical stone Normandy homeEnjoy a mix of decoration inspiration coming from your hosts previous lives
#4 - A 19th century typical stone Normandy homeYour hosts in the garden
#4 - A 19th century typical stone Normandy homeAfter breakfast drive 20 minutes to reach Mont Saint Michel
#5 - A beautiful house in NormandyStay in the old Bayeux...
#5 - A beautiful house in Normandy...with very comfortable suite-room equipped with a small kitchen
#5 - A beautiful house in NormandyWe'll recommend where to taste Normandy's famous seafood
#6 - A 4* Boutique-Hotel in Saint Germain des PrésIsn't this street "typiquement Parisienne ?"
#6 - A 4* Boutique-Hotel in Saint Germain des PrésEnjoy a large room with a nice reading area
#6 - A 4* Boutique-Hotel in Saint Germain des PrésBreakfast is served in the comfortable lobby
Step by step
Burgundy - La Bourgogne
As you will probably arrive at CDG airport, we have planned for you to pick up your rental car at the airport. It can be another location based on where you arrive in France. From Paris, drive 3 hours to Burgundy. We will recommend a very nice resting stop on your way.
You will reside for 3 nights in a beautiful mansion, surrounded by a vast park in Côtes de Nuits vineyards.
We will provide you with the detailed itineraries you need to discover the authentic and charming region of Burgundy. This region is much more than its vineyards: winding roads leading to tiny timeless villages - some of them the "Most Beautiful Villages of France" - will give you a real feel for this region.
Dijon has kept a lot of ancient monuments and houses, yet it is a very lively modern city and full of charm. Taste some local cheese, the "Epoisse" at the cheese factory or stroll around Beaune from the cellars to the ramparts.
One day, let Alex, a local guide, take you on a nice walk in the vineyards of Meursault to better understand Burgundy wines from the vine culture to the glass. You will end this afternoon with the visit of a family-owned winery you could not visit on your own, andtaste 5 of their wines.
The Loire Valley hidden beauties
On the 4th day, you will drive about 4 hours to get to the Southern Loire Valley. You will reside for 4 nights in the outbuildings of a disappeared monastery dating back to the 14th century. Your charming hosts know this region very well and will be happy to share some tips with you. If you wish, you can have diner at the B&B. Located on the south banks of the Vienne River, this charming B&B is within short driving distance of Chinon and Saumur, beautiful historic cities.
One day, let Anne take on you on Joan of Arc's footsteps in Chinon medieval city and dicover its amazing history and architecture on a private tour.
On the 8th day, you will move to the Northern Loire Valley. Stay for 3 nights in a gorgeous Renaissance castle . . . the perfect place to explore the "castle country" in a very romantic setting.
Touraine is also famous for its vineyards – Chinon, Bourgueil, Vouvray and many more – and we have planned a special wine tasting for you. You will have the opportunity to taste different wines - in a privately owned 16th century castle - accompanied by some local specialties.
Normandy : the Mont Saint Michel
On the 11th day, you will be on your way to the Mont Saint Michel!
Spend 2 nights in a 19th century typical stone Normandy home surrounded by a lovely garden, located 20 minutes from the famous Mont Saint Michel.
Here, you will enjoy a peaceful environment - away from the touristy crowds, in a home decorated around nostalgic roses, engravings, and Indonesian furniture.
The property is surrounded by a lovely garden where you can relax, and it is walking distance from several restaurants.
We will give you tips to discover this very touristy site while avoiding most of the crowds.
Normandy: from Bayeux to Giverny
Continue your trip nearby, in Bayeux, the heart of the Calvados region. Spend 4 nights in a very old mansion downtown Bayeux, at a stone throw from the gorgeous Cathedral. You will be walking distance to all shops and restaurants and enjoy this lovely typical French town.
From here, you can visit Bayeux and its famous tapestry, all the landing beaches (from Sainte Mère Eglise to Pointe du Hoc), Caen and the typical fishing ports.
The Normandy back country 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 cheeses!
Deauville and Honfleur are within driving distance. Honfleur really deserves a visit for its picturesque harbor and art galleries, and Deauville for its famous Grand Casino, its horse track and luxury cars. This part of Normandy is also famous for its seafood, especially scallops from Port en Bessin and oysters from Asnelles.
On day 17, visit Monet’s house and gardens in Giverny, on your way back to Paris. We have included in this itinerary cut-the-line tickets to avoid waiting to enter.
Paris landmarks
You will drop off the rental car downtown Paris at the nearest agency to your hotel and then become a pedestrian traveler to explore the city of lights.
For the last 3 nights of your trip, you will be living the Parisian life. Comfortably accommodated in an intimate 10 room 4* boutique-hotel in the lively Saint Germain des Prés, you will discover the French capital city’s must sees and hidden beauties.
Being based less than 5 minute walk from Notre Dame Cathedral, you can explore Paris by foot, by boat or using public transportation with different and unique itineraries we have planned for you. We also recommend our favorite restaurants and boulangeries in different districts of the city so you’ll know where to take a break.
On your last day, a private driver will take you to the airport.
This is "la belle France" !
Activities included
Burgundy Vineyards with a Private Guide
Let Alex, a local guide, take you on a nice walk in the vineyards of Meursault to better understand Burgundy wines from the vine culture to the glass. You will end this afternoon with the visit of a family-owned winery you could not visit on your own, and taste 5 of their wines.
Guided Tour of Chinon
Explore Chinon medieval town with a private guide who will take you on Joan of Arc footsteps.
A Wine Tasting in a castle in the Loire
Visit a family-owned 16th century castle and winery surrounded by over 100 acres of vineyards and forests.
Enjoy a commented tasting of the wines with some local-product snacks.
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.
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.
Carol
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 and 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 and 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
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!!!
