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!
Laura and Emilie started working with us to develop a trip in July of 2020, but the trip had to be postponed because of COVID. Nonetheless they kept everything in place and made some modifications so that the trip could take place this October and November. They were always responsive and helpful with our questions and concerns. All of the …
Laura and Emilie started working with us to develop a trip in July of 2020, but the trip had to be postponed because of COVID. Nonetheless they kept everything in place and made some modifications so that the trip could take place this October and November.
They were always responsive and helpful with our questions and concerns. All of the arrangements they made worked out just as represented.
The rental car process was easy (we can't blame them for Paris traffic), and the places they arranged for us to stay as well as the activities arranged were outstanding.
We feel we really got a sense of the beauty of France and met some very nice people along the way. The tour book was terrific and very helpful. They made the trip almost effortless and truly enjoyable. Thank you Laura and Emile for making this a memorable vacation. We wish you did "Italy Just for You" too!
Paul
My wife and I had our travel plans created by Emilie at "France Just For You," a personal travel planner, Our trip was seamless as everything was prepared by FJFY: car rental pickup, B&B #1, detailed maps and activities, B&B 2, train to Paris, hotel, tours . . . . it was simply amazing! FJFY creates a customized tour book for your entire trip, it …
My wife and I had our travel plans created by Emilie at "France Just For You," a personal travel planner, Our trip was seamless as everything was prepared by FJFY: car rental pickup, B&B #1, detailed maps and activities, B&B 2, train to Paris, hotel, tours . . . . it was simply amazing!
FJFY creates a customized tour book for your entire trip, it comes with maps, activity suggestions, restaurants. Our B&B's were beautiful and the hosts were kind and helpful. It was fun to meet others at the B&B's, people who have come back to the same place year after year because of the hospitality.
Paris accommodations were located in a nice area and within walking distance of many locales and train stops. We had a guided tour of the city and tickets to the Louvre all taken care of by FJFY.
The only bad part about FJFY is the challenge of deciding on the many itineraries, all are enticing so I MUST go back to France. When we return I will be seeking Emilie's expert advice once again.
Susan & Richard from the US
This trip was amazing, and Laura did such a fantastic job at planning it for us, with us. Wow, the detail and care the whole team put into our package was astonishing.
This trip was amazing, and Laura did such a fantastic job at planning it for us, with us. Wow, the detail and care the whole team put into our package was astonishing.
