One would think driving in a different country where cars are on the wrong side of the road and you don’t speak the language for 11 day trip would not be a smart decision. France …
One would think driving in a different country where cars are on the wrong side of the road and you don’t speak the language for 11 day trip would not be a smart decision. France Just for You is definitely the travel consultant you go to. Emilie’s very quick replies to queries, personal knowledge of having been to places recommended and organisation skills for minute details, makes them truly reliable.
From getting us a French smartphone complete with the necessary apps to help us navigate and keep us connected , and also providing us with a personalised guidebook that dictates step-by step advice on what to look out for, GPS guide on where to go , where to park, how to use the parking machines/toll machines/even pumping gas (complete with images of where to slot in your cards) , made our travelling around and navigation practically stress-free!
Emilie crafted itineraries which allows my family of four , each with different interests ( from WWII millitary historical sites to a whole new world of Chateaus ,medieval villages ,flower gardens , immersive artworks, sunset and fantastic night sky , to cooking French cuisines) experiences to treasure and remember.
We had a half day guide in Paris, Raphaelle, who is truly knowledgeable about art , history and architecture. We visited Picasso Museum and because the artwork there were not laid out chronologically, Raphaelle made it easily understandable by showing us through her own folder of personal compilations of the Master’s progress of life encounters and artworks (which should be made into a book) that ties in to the art pieces on display, it provided us with so many aha moments.
Provence: Colors, Aromas & Sceneries
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#1 - A typical house nestled in a lively Provençal townFrom the street you will never believe what's behind the door
#1 - A typical house nestled in a lively Provençal townenjoy a comfortable room opening on to the garden
#1 - A typical house nestled in a lively Provençal townShare a glass of wine...
#1 - A typical house nestled in a lively Provençal town...with your lovely hosts
#1 - A typical house nestled in a lively Provençal townEnjoy very typical views from the terraces garden
#2 - A Typical Mas House, in a hidden valley in ProvenceStay in wilder Provence, at the foot of Mont Ventoux
#2 - A Typical Mas House, in a hidden valley in ProvenceEnjoy a comfortable room
#2 - A Typical Mas House, in a hidden valley in Provence...and many spots in the garden, or by the swimming pool.
Step by step
Southern Provence: Between Luberon & Aix-en-Provence
This itinerary starts with 3 nights in a nice village, located in the heights of Aix en Provence. There, you will be cordially received by your delightful hosts who speak English well. You will stay in a comfortable room, opening to your private terrace with access to the terrace garden "restanques". After a day visiting relax by the swimming pool with a glass of rosé wine, enjoying the view over the typical tiles roofs.
From there, discover the beauty of Southern Provence as you visit picturesque little villages in Luberon or bigger cities such as Marseille or Aix-en-Provence. Tour the salt marshes of the Camargue, take an easy hike in the calanques near Cassis or visit the Alpilles region, where you will find beautiful Saint Remy de Provence and Van Gogh favorite landscapes…we will tell you where to buy the best olive oil or lavender products!
If you are interested in history, don’t miss the Roman ruins at Arles, Nîmes or Pont du Gard. We will also take you to smaller sites – less famous and much quieter.
One day, enjoy a fun Petanque class in one of the loveliest towns in Provence, with Jean Marc, who was born and raised there. A very Provençal experience!
Northern Provence in the vineyards
Spend the next 4 nights in a 'mas house' – a maison de Provencenear Mount Ventoux. Your lovely hosts will welcome you in the house they entirely remodeled. At night, refresh in the garden with swimming pool or cook your dinner in the guests' kitchen.
Mont Ventoux remains the most authentic part of Provence, with little villages such as Vaison la Romaine or Bedoin and dramatic landscapes like “les Dentelles de Montmirail”.
So many things to see in less than an hour's drive from your B&B: beautiful Avignon, also referred to as “the City of Popes”, where you will visit the palace of the Popes & the old city with a private guide.
Strolling hilltop villages on market day, walking on the footsteps of famous painters such as Cézanne or Picasso. We will also tell you about some hidden jewels - villages, off the beaten track – not too crowded…where you will stroll around charming streets or have a drink at a provencal café with locals. We can also recommend a farmer’s market and wine cellar for each day of the week!
If you like gastronomy, we also plan for you to meet with a local Chef at his house: cook for about 3 hours in the vineyards and then enjoy a very convivial dinner in his home. Ca, c'est la France !
A week in Provence is always full of surprises!
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.
Provence Cooking Class
Spend about 3hrs cooking with Ben who has been a Chef for over 20 years and if weather allows have you cooked in the vineyards by his house. Then, you will enjoy a great dinner in his family home. A very nice experience !
Private Guided Tour to Avignon
Enjoy a half-day with a local guide to discover Avignon town and stroll the Palace of the Popes. A perfect way to be introduced to Provence history & culture.
Emilie did a fantastic job of planning our 13 day trip from Avignon to Bordeaux, with time spent in Provence, Cathar Country, Basque Country, and Bordeaux. Emilie is an excellent & responsive communicator. Emilie tailored our trip from reserving the rental car and the bed & breakfasts (wonderful places with wonderful hosts), setting up private …
Emilie did a fantastic job of planning our 13 day trip from Avignon to Bordeaux, with time spent in Provence, Cathar Country, Basque Country, and Bordeaux. Emilie is an excellent & responsive communicator. Emilie tailored our trip from reserving the rental car and the bed & breakfasts (wonderful places with wonderful hosts), setting up private tours (all excellent), and giving us many options\recommendations of things to do each day of our trip (from towns to visit, sights to see, & restaurants to try). The personalized and *very* detailed guide book was an irreplaceable resource during our trip (we called it our bible!), and it is now an amazing memento of the trip, as well. I could go on and on, but I will summarize by saying that our trip was amazing, and I give Emilie & France Just For You my highest recommendation!
Elizabeth
My husband and I just returned from two magnificent weeks in France that included four nights in Paris, four nights in the Loire Valley, two nights near Mont Saint Michel, three nights in Bayeux, near the WWII Landing Beaches and one night at a CDG airport hôtel. We stayed in charming B&Bs with equally charming hosts who recommended great places to …
My husband and I just returned from two magnificent weeks in France that included four nights in Paris, four nights in the Loire Valley, two nights near Mont Saint Michel, three nights in Bayeux, near the WWII Landing Beaches and one night at a CDG airport hôtel. We stayed in charming B&Bs with equally charming hosts who recommended great places to eat and were very knowledgeable about the local area. Emilie provides exceptional services that includes a guidebook, complete with GPS coordinates for all accommodations, activities, restaurants and even parking! We could not have had a more perfect experience and heartily recommend Emilie's services at France Just For You!
Marcia
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 …
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.
