Travel through three of the most fascinating regions in France. Let your friendly hosts introduce you to the French "sweet life" in their charming B&Bs.
A "Pinch Me" Tour. Expertly organised. We just spent the most wonderful month in France on our honeymoon curated by Laura and Emilie in such a way that we felt we experienced the …
A "Pinch Me" Tour. Expertly organised.
We just spent the most wonderful month in France on our honeymoon curated by Laura and Emilie in such a way that we felt we experienced the very essence of France. From the Loire Valley, through the Biarritz area, the Basque region and finally to Provence. The itinerary gave us so many "pinch me" moments that we lost count.The whole trip was just what we wanted, traveling at our own pace, selecting where we wanted to go and when, expertly guided by the FJFY personalised app which included so many fantastic day trip options from each of our accommodations, all of which have been tried and tested by Laura and Emilie. We can't think of a better way to have traveled and cannot recommend France Just For You more highly.
#1 - A restored historic home in the center of a lively townA historic home, in the center of a lively wine town
#1 - A restored historic home in the center of a lively townrelax in a large room
#1 - A restored historic home in the center of a lively town...in the courtyard or the guests living room
#1 - A restored historic home in the center of a lively townShare breakfasts with other fellow travelers
#2 - A typical Bordeaux house, in the heart of the cityA Bordeaux classical architecture
#2 - A typical Bordeaux house, in the heart of the cityMixed with modern touches - which makes the place very special
#2 - A typical Bordeaux house, in the heart of the cityThe rooms are much larger than usual, being downtown a major city
#2 - A typical Bordeaux house, in the heart of the cityYour lovely hosts are multilinguals. Your host comes from a winemaker family
#2 - A typical Bordeaux house, in the heart of the cityEnjoy the views of Bordeaux roofs !
#3 - An elegantly restored perigourdin farm in DordogneA 19th century farm...
#3 - An elegantly restored perigourdin farm in Dordogne...with a traditional sheep farming borie outbuilding.
#3 - An elegantly restored perigourdin farm in DordogneStay in a very comfortable room...
#3 - An elegantly restored perigourdin farm in Dordogne...and enjoy a delicious home-made dinner.
Step by step
The Loire Valley
If you start from Paris, drive 3 hours to the Loire Valley where you will spend the first 4 nights of your journey in a lively historical town. Your B&B is right at the foot of the medieval fortress where Joan of Arc met her future King of France. From this B&B, you will enjoy walking to the restaurants and wine bars or having a romantic picnic on the river banks.
You will visit some of the LoireValley's famous castles such as Chambord or Chenonceau but we will also take you to hidden beauties you would not find on your own. You will wander off the beaten path into tiny villages dotted along the Vienne and Loire rivers and get a taste of French gastronomy in restaurants and local markets that we have tested for you.
Discoverthe vineyards of the Loire Valleywith Vincent, a real passionate who will take you, like a friend would, to several wineries and have you love the Touraine terroirs and its winemakers. Taste very different wines: red, whites, still or sparkling . . . No worries, Vincent will safely drive you back to your B&B.
Bordeaux region
Carry on your tour in Bordeaux city for 3 nights and enjoy discovering this lively city and within walking distance from the historical district.
Built along the banks of the Garonne river, the opulent merchants' homes are very specific to Bordeaux. The rise of colonial trade together with the growth of the wine industry contributed to Gironde’s amazing expansion during the 18th century. You will find everything: from villages nestled in the Medoc or St Emilion vineyards, to the bustling night life in Bordeaux. Also, bear in mind that Bordeaux's Sainte Catherine Street is the longest shopping street in Europe!
At a famous wine estate, we have planned a special tour for you: after visiting the estate from the vineyards to the cellars, learning about the different grape varieties and wine-making process, you will play the sorcerer's apprentice and make your own Bordeaux wine (your own blend). You'll see that it's not that easy! You'll also enjoy pairing 3 wines with 3 different chocolates.
Dordogne
Drive about 2hr30 and continueyour sightseeing expedition in the Dordogne. In Black Perigord, you will stay in an old stone Perigord style house for 5 nights. One afternoon, you will enjoy a nice cooking workshop with your hosts - followed by a mouth-watering dinner shared with Nat & her husband and fellow travelers. You are very close to Sarlat and the prehistoric caves and we will be happy to recommend some intimate visits for you, in 20,000 year old caves. If you are interested in history or if you are a JM Auel reader, these are a must!
Visit the old city of Sarlat and feel the buzz of activity on market days. We'll also tell you where to find the most typical goat cheeses - and if you like outdoor activities, you'll be in paradise.
You will jump into the Middle Ages with fortresses hanging on cliffs all along the Dordogne river - one of the most famous castles of the area is only a 30 minute walk from your B&B. Also, 4 of the "most beautiful villages of France" are within a 4 mile drive.
On your last day, you can return the car in Brive airport, Bordeaux train station or airport . . . or drive to your next destination.
Here life is truly "sweet".
Activities included
Wine Tasting Tour
Spend a half-day wine tasting with a professional. He will take you to several cellars so you can enjoy the diversity of the Loire Valley wines.
Bordeaux Wine tasting & blending
Visit a Medoc wine estate with an English speaking guide: from the vineyards to the wine storehouses. After the tour, you'll make your own blend with different varieties and pair wines with 3 chocolates.
Cooking Class & Dinner
Spend a late afternoon with your hosts making dinner together like friends would do. Then you'll enjoy a convivial and savory dinner with your hosts & fellow travelers.
Thank you so much Emilie for all your hard work on our anniversary trip to St. Emilion and the Loire Valley! We had such a great time and everything you planned for us was just perfect. Having traveled to Paris and Nice many times, this was our first time exploring the countryside and we had a blast. We cannot thank you enough for everything! Kris …
Thank you so much Emilie for all your hard work on our anniversary trip to St. Emilion and the Loire Valley! We had such a great time and everything you planned for us was just perfect. Having traveled to Paris and Nice many times, this was our first time exploring the countryside and we had a blast. We cannot thank you enough for everything! Kris and Kristina
Deirdre
My husband and I spent one week visiting Normandy and the Loire Valley on a trip planned by France Just For You. The trip was amazing....We stayed in beautiful accomodations,had the BEST private guides,utilized many suggested itineraries---and all while keeping within our budget! For anyone who does not have the time or inclination to plan a trip …
My husband and I spent one week visiting Normandy and the Loire Valley on a trip planned by France Just For You. The trip was amazing....We stayed in beautiful accomodations,had the BEST private guides,utilized many suggested itineraries---and all while keeping within our budget! For anyone who does not have the time or inclination to plan a trip themselves, this is definitely the way to go....it was terrific from start to finish!
Lynne & Jeff
In 2013 I had 2 big reasons to plan a trip to France: a new grand baby boy in Avignon, and I wanted to surprise my husband with a trip to Normandy. He absolutely loves anything and everything he can find to read or watch that is related to WWII. So, I started exploring online for a custom tour designer that could put together a great itinerary for …
In 2013 I had 2 big reasons to plan a trip to France: a new grand baby boy in Avignon, and I wanted to surprise my husband with a trip to Normandy. He absolutely loves anything and everything he can find to read or watch that is related to WWII. So, I started exploring online for a custom tour designer that could put together a great itinerary for these two objectives, and I found the most amazing person, Emilie from France Just For You! She listened to what I wanted to do and created the most amazing 2 week itinerary from Normandy, to the Loire Valley, to Provance. She set up stays in restored castles, grand estates, warm and inviting B &B's, arranged rental cars, train tickets, special retired military tour guides in Normandy, and too many things to list! The icing on the cake was an amazing customized bound itinerary in book-form, with tips about driving in France, tolls, roundabouts, gas stations, speed limits, traffic signs, 3-4 day trips by car for each area we visited, so we could choose how and what we wanted to see the countryside or quaint towns. Suggested out-of-the-way sights, cafes, wineries, shopping, scenic places, etc. One of the places we loved most, was staying in her parents' B&B in the Loire Valley. Their home was lovely, warm, inviting and we met such wonderful travelers there! I fell in love with her mother's homemade fresh yogurt, and she told me how to make it once I got home! I love it and make it all the time now!!
We ended our trek through France in the south, in Avignon, where we spent time with family and met our grandson for the first time! We stayed in a comfortable home there that was like being in our own home. We were able to share relaxing family time with lots of space. And don't forget the lavender fields and the natural beauty of Provance! What a way to end our trip.
I highly recommend Emilie for all of your travel in France! I will always call her for my trips there- and I'll probably call her for any trip to Europe in the hopes that she can help with other countries too!!!
