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.
This is the third year in a row that we have traveled to France, as part of a two country vacation. Because of our positive experiences with Emilie's help in the past, and our …
This is the third year in a row that we have traveled to France, as part of a two country vacation. Because of our positive experiences with Emilie's help in the past, and our desire to be relatively independent, we chose to have her craft our French trip again this year. In a word, she is incredible! We have such a high level of confidence in her that we will not consider any other agency. She creates an itinerary for you that is faithfully based on your interests. The personalized book she prepares for each traveler is legendary, and presents an easy, chronological, and thoughtful guide and resource for the relevant history, points of interest, lodging and restaurants. The B & B's she uses are personally screened for you, and truly delightful. We know from our hosts, that Emilie is very highly regarded by them, because the clientele she attracts are curious, respectful, independent, and desirable. Emilie personally has inspected the lodging she has arranged to be sure it is first rate, and maintaining it's excellence, over time. Although all of our prior communications have been by internet, the highlight of our trip this year was meeting Emilie in Tours. We wish her continued, well deserved success!
#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.
My husband and I have both been to Europe multiple times in our school/college days but not since we've been married- so over 19 years! We finally got it together to plan a return trip together. Since it had been so long we weren't confident in planning it on our own but didn't want to be hearded around like cattle. Anyway, we found Emilie and she …
My husband and I have both been to Europe multiple times in our school/college days but not since we've been married- so over 19 years! We finally got it together to plan a return trip together. Since it had been so long we weren't confident in planning it on our own but didn't want to be hearded around like cattle. Anyway, we found Emilie and she made our trip more than amazing! Absolutely one on one attention, custom just for us and no detail overlooked. We felt everything was covered from tips on visiting France to suggestions on EVERYTHING!
We spent three weeks and drove a counter-clockwise route around the country with stops in: Loire Valley, Bordeaux, Dordogne, Carcasonne, Provence, Burgundy and Paris. From car and cell phone pick up at the airport to accomodations, drive times, suggestions on where to eat, activities, admission fees...Emilie covered it all.
In addition you get a beautiful travel size book (or two!) with pictures, tips, itinerary, contact info and anything else you might need for a successful trip.
We even contacted her because we were running late for a scheduled activity. She got in touch with the venue and gave us an alternate time to participate.
All accommodations were beautiful with friendly hosts. Car was great with full insurance. Full cell service with texting.
Can't say enough about France Just For You. An absolute gem for foreigners travelling to France.
Elliot
My wife & I completed a 2 week self-driving tour engaging the thorough and knowledgeable services of Emilie A France Just for You. Every detail was flawlessly accounted for, GPS app, wonderful B&B's, and she planned our itinerary according to our desires. The advantage of enlisting her is to get a reality check on time spent in each area as well as …
My wife & I completed a 2 week self-driving tour engaging the thorough and knowledgeable services of Emilie A France Just for You. Every detail was flawlessly accounted for, GPS app, wonderful B&B's, and she planned our itinerary according to our desires. The advantage of enlisting her is to get a reality check on time spent in each area as well as driving distances. We had so much ground to cover that she made this an efficient trip. Too bad LeMans track was not open for viewing(had a truck race that nite, so is closed to visitors). But museum was awesome. All her chosen accommodations were wonderful & it saved me tons of hours of research. She arranged our day to day visits and was extremely flexible & enabled me to drive the 1200 miles in an efficient manner. That was very important to me, as I prefer to travel alone with my wife rather than a group, and our journey was as smoothe as a Swiss timepiece. She chose places to visit that were off the beaten path that we would have missed on our own. Highly recommend Emilie.
Sue
This was our first trip to Europe with just the two of us doing all the planning. I was looking for someone to help with the details of lodging and transportation and found Emilie through this site. She planned an incredible trip for us to Normandy/Brittany, Loire Valley and Paris. She is easy to work with, responsive and organized. I told her what …
This was our first trip to Europe with just the two of us doing all the planning. I was looking for someone to help with the details of lodging and transportation and found Emilie through this site. She planned an incredible trip for us to Normandy/Brittany, Loire Valley and Paris. She is easy to work with, responsive and organized. I told her what we wanted to do and where we wanted to go and she pretty much planned the entire trip. If you aren't sure what you want to do she will make suggestions. A couple of months before the trip she sent a very complete guidebook, maps, tickets, etc. all organized by date. The planned activities kept us busy, but there was flexibility in the schedule if desired. This was our first time traveling on our own with a rental car and we felt very comfortable given Emilie's tips and directions. The lodging in B&Bs was enjoyable with wonderful hosts and guest dinners. Compared to our previous trips to Europe we found Emilie's service to be of comparable value with a more unique travel experience. We would definitely use her service again. Thanks Emilie!
