My husband was born in France and moved to Australia in 1970 when he was just 5. He went back for the last time in 1980 and had not returned since. In January 2017 I started to …
My husband was born in France and moved to Australia in 1970 when he was just 5. He went back for the last time in 1980 and had not returned since. In January 2017 I started to formulate an idea to surprise him with a trip back home. Being Australian, we love road trips but without his French language skills I felt a bit scared to start booking hotels etc. Thankfully, a google search came up with Emilie. She helped me surprise my husband and my 16 year old daughter with a trip that will be hard to beat. Ever.
What can I say? The kindness that she showed as she helped me shape a trip of a lifetime is beyond words. She helped me to go back to my ancestral roots (even finding a hotel just 50 metres from where my great-grandfather was born!), and a drive through the village where my husband spent his first 5 years.
Add to this a list of amazing accommodations, unique parking spots, the most incredible guide books you'll ever seen, and more! As so many others here have mentioned, you get so much more than just a simple travel package with vouchers. The maps, the books, the history, the suggestions - things we will continue to read and delight in for years to come.
You know it's been an exceptional holiday when during the loooong journey home (all 30 hours of it!) you can't come up with a single 'best' moment. It was all the best.
#1 - A comfortable house in Southern ProvenceStay in Aix-en-Provence heights
#1 - A comfortable house in Southern ProvenceEnjoy fresh nights in a peaceful setting away from the crowds
#1 - A comfortable house in Southern ProvenceWalk on painter Cezanne footsteps
#2 - A restored farmhouse in the heart of ProvenceA restored farmhouse surrounded by horse fields
#2 - A restored farmhouse in the heart of ProvenceRelax in a comfortable room equipped with a kitchenette...
#2 - A restored farmhouse in the heart of Provence...or in the garden
#3 - A 4* Boutique-Hotel in Quartier Latin districtThe hotel in on one of Paris most famous squares
#3 - A 4* Boutique-Hotel in Quartier Latin districtEnjoy a lavishly decorated room with view...
#3 - A 4* Boutique-Hotel in Quartier Latin district...over one of Paris nicest square
#3 - A 4* Boutique-Hotel in Quartier Latin districtWhat about a drink "at home" to rest a bit ?
#3 - 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
Southern Provence
Start your journey with 3 nights in Aix en Provence - only 30 minutes from Marseille international airport - on the slopes of the Sainte Victoire mountain. You will be comfortably settled in a typical “mas house”, surrounded by a lovely garden with a swimming pool. From the B&B, you can stroll beautiful trails that will take you on Cezanne footsteps.
From here, discover the beauty of southern Provence as you visit picturesque little villages in theLuberon or bigger cities such as Marseille and Aix-en-Provence. Tour the salt marshes of the Camargue, take an easy hike in the calanques near Cassis or visit the Alpilles region. We will tell you where to buy the best olive oil, herbes de Provence andlavender products!
In a lovely and typical town, you will be introduced to the local game, la Pétanque, with Jean Marc who was born and raised in Provence, with a bottle of rosé, bien sûr.
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. If you are interested in history, don’t miss the Roman ruins at Arles, Nîmes and the Pont du Gard
Northern Wilder Provence
For the following 3 nights, you will stay in a typical Provençal stone house, perfectly located to explore the Mount Ventoux area, the Luberon and Isle sur la Sorgue, famous for its antiques.
Your hostess and her family will welcome you warmly and give you hints and tips about the surrounding area.
In Provence, we can recommend a local market and wine cellar for each day of the week! We also plan for you to visit a family-owned olive oil farm to learn how this is made . . . and of course taste the local products.
Paris !
On the 7th day, you will drop off the rental car at Avignon's train station and take a TGV train to downtown Paris.
For the last 3 nights of your trip, you will be living the Parisian life. Comfortably accommodated in a charming 4* boutique-hotel in the heart of the Latin Quarter, in the Sorbonne area, you will discover the French capital city’s must sees and hidden beauties.
Being based a 10 minute walk from Notre Dame Cathedral, you can explore Paris by foot, by boat or using public transportation with unique and different itineraries we have prepared for you. One night, you will attend a very fun show (in English) . . . a good opportunity to enjoy Paris nightlife.
On your last day, a private driver will take you to the airport.
You’ll go back home with many colorful and beautiful pictures in mind!
Activities included
Pétanque Class in Provence
Enjoy a fun Petanque class in one of the loveliest towns in Provence, with Jean Marc - who was born and raised there.
Olive Oil Farm in Luberon
Explore a family owned olive oil mill in the slopes of Luberon, with breathtaking views. In a private tour, you will be explained the whole olive oil farming process from the tree to the bottle.
Comedy Show in Paris
What about spending a night in a Parisian theater and enjoy a very fun show...in English. You'll have a great time!
We normally craft our own trips or join a small group tour. This time, we decided to try Emilie and Guillaume's tailored holiday service to enjoy southern France in a way we wouldn't have otherwise done. It was an excellent experience in every way and we recommend them highly. The BnB's chosen , the sightseeing and dining suggestions made as well …
We normally craft our own trips or join a small group tour. This time, we decided to try Emilie and Guillaume's tailored holiday service to enjoy southern France in a way we wouldn't have otherwise done.
It was an excellent experience in every way and we recommend them highly. The BnB's chosen , the sightseeing and dining suggestions made as well as the rental car arrange all were a pleasure.
Dianne & Bob
Emilie & Guillaume did an amazing job organizing and helping us on our trip to France this month. I cannot speak highly enough! Everything was planned to perfection and things went smoothly. We did a few days in Paris, Normandy and Provence, and in each one what they planned was spectacular. We especially enjoyed the wine tasting and picnic in …
Emilie & Guillaume did an amazing job organizing and helping us on our trip to France this month. I cannot speak highly enough! Everything was planned to perfection and things went smoothly. We did a few days in Paris, Normandy and Provence, and in each one what they planned was spectacular. We especially enjoyed the wine tasting and picnic in Provence, and the all day personal guide to D-Day in Normandy. We would never have been able to make those arrangements on our own, and having them made the trip a truly unique experience. We went to some of the restaurants Emilie recommended, and loved them. The book with information about EVERYTHING was the best - could not have lived without the GPS coordinates, or we would still be driving around Rouen! Thanks to them for all of their planning and help!
Cynthia
We enjoy drive yourself travel and located Emilie's France Just For You online. How fortunate we were. In September and early October we traveled 17 days in Loire, Bordeaux, Dordogne, Carcassonne and Provence. All the accommodations were in historic B&Bs. Our hosts were invariably gracious and helpful. At every stop Emilie included a home cooked …
We enjoy drive yourself travel and located Emilie's France Just For You online. How fortunate we were. In September and early October we traveled 17 days in Loire, Bordeaux, Dordogne, Carcassonne and Provence. All the accommodations were in historic B&Bs. Our hosts were invariably gracious and helpful. At every stop Emilie included a home cooked meal which were all delicious multi-course events with good wines. A car and French phone were included as were winetours, truffle hunting and a canoe trip. Also included was a 500 page guidebook of the areas we visited with restaurant recommendations and itinerary suggestions including points of interest. Emilie made everything convenient and easy. Emilie was on top of the few minor problems of our own making that we encountered. I have organized self-drive trips myself before and Emilie saved me a lot of work with a result I never could have achieved If you like drive yourself travel you could not possibly find a better was to see France. The cost was reasonable and the trip exceeded our expectations.
