Exploring by the back roads is the best way to experience France and immerse yourself in the culture. Get a real feel for the authentic France, and enjoy at your own pace.
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 …
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!
#1 - A working Champagne winery, run by the same family for 7 generationsYour B&B is nestled in a lovely Champagne village
#1 - A working Champagne winery, run by the same family for 7 generationsYour suite-room is very large, with a sitting area separate from the bedroom
#1 - A working Champagne winery, run by the same family for 7 generationswith a nice old tile style bathroom
#1 - A working Champagne winery, run by the same family for 7 generationsEnjoy a Champagne tasting with your friendly hostess
#2 - In one of Burgundy famous "village"Stay at a wine maker family
#2 - In one of Burgundy famous "village"Relax in a very well equipped room
#2 - In one of Burgundy famous "village"Meet with fellow travelers in a convivial atmosphere
#3 - An antique townhouse in Eastern Loire ValleyThe B&B house is built against Loches' medieval walls...
#3 - An antique townhouse in Eastern Loire Valleywith welcoming rooms...
#3 - An antique townhouse in Eastern Loire Valley... decorated with antiques
#4 - An old stone house in a lovely hamlet of the Loire ValleyStay in an 18th century house
#4 - An old stone house in a lovely hamlet of the Loire ValleyEnjoy having an aperitive drink the vaulted cellar before dinner
#4 - An old stone house in a lovely hamlet of the Loire ValleyRelax in a large suite room with a living room area
#4 - An old stone house in a lovely hamlet of the Loire ValleySpend a night around your host table and taste delicious dishes
#5 - A former presbytery from the 18th century near Mont Saint MichelStay, hidden from the crowds, near Mont Saint Michel
#5 - A former presbytery from the 18th century near Mont Saint MichelEnjoy a very comfortable BandB where you will feel at home
#5 - A former presbytery from the 18th century near Mont Saint MichelYour host is a professinnal Chef, be ready for a savory dinner !
#5 - A former presbytery from the 18th century near Mont Saint Michelthis is the view from your room
#6 - An Medieval Manor in the Norman countrysideA medieval manor between Bayeux and the landing beaches
#6 - An Medieval Manor in the Norman countrysideAfter a day visiting, relax in the Norman countryside
#6 - An Medieval Manor in the Norman countrysideEnjoy a very spacious room with all the modern amenities
#6 - An Medieval Manor in the Norman countryside...and amazing home-made breakfasts
Step by step
Reims & the Champagne region
This itinerary starts at Paris CDG airport where you will pick up your rental car and drive 1hr30 to the Champagne region, your first stop for 2 nights.
You will stay in a family-owned Champagne winery. From here, you are perfectly located to enjoy Champagne wines and tour the beautiful historic old town of Reims.
Enjoy a special visit to the Champagne winery where you are staying, followed of course by a nice Champagne tasting ! After this, champagne will never have the same taste when you have it at home.
We will also recommend Champagne wineries you can visit on your own, as well as some local attractions including fossils, belle epoque architecture, a lively food market and many restaurants from simple fare to 3 stars with the Michelin guide.
Burgundy Wines & Gastronomy
In Burgundy, you will reside for 3 nights in a beautiful B&B house owned by a wine maker family and located in one of Burgundy's most famous wine towns. Situated in the heart of Burgundy, near Beaune, this is the perfect place to learn about the local wines. Explore all the major vineyards of the region and have a chance to taste red and white wines among the best in the world, directly at the winery!
Sébastien, a real passionate, will take you for half a day on a 4-wheel drive to tour around Burgundy vineyards, following itineraries that no other tour can do. You will taste wines from smaller producers and ride over dirt roads in Nuits Saint Georges and Vosne Romanée. Sebastien is very friendly and you will feel like a relative he wants to show his favorite places.
Apart from the vineyards, we will show you how to exit the beaten track and discover the authentic and charming Burgundy. Winding roads leading to tiny timeless villages - some of them "Most Beautiful Villages of France" - will give you a real feel for this region.
Discover Beaune, a beautiful medieval town that has been completely preserved from modern constructions, and you should definitly be there on market day, the local products are truly delicious. Taste some local cheese, the "Epoisse" at the cheese factory or uncover the mysteries of the Ducs de Bourgogne in Dijon. Burgundy has a lot to experience.
The Loire Valley
Then, enjoy the "sweet life"in Touraine, stopping over in little villages to savor goat cheese or taste amazing wines. Take the time to relax in rose gardens, or to enjoy the traditional cuisine in many small restaurants frequented by the locals.
Your next stop will be in the heart of the medieval city of Loches. Spend 2 nights in a very comfortable house - built against the old walls - that used to be a coach inn. From here, explore Montrésor, one of the "most beautiful villages of France" and the must see castles of Chenonceaux or Chambord.
As a second stop in the Loire Valley, you will stay for the following 3 nights in a restored 18th century stonehouse nestled in a lovely hamlet. Your charming host knows this region very well and will be happy to share some tips with you. One night, you will share a delicious home-cooked dinner, prepared by Monsieur. Do not miss the aperitif in the underground vaulted cellar - an out-of-time experience!
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 the owner of a 12th century abbey guide you in this amazing and totally off the beaten tracks historical site. A great experience.
The Mont Saint Michel area
On your way to the Normandy landing beaches, stop over for 2 nights near the Mont Saint Michel, theancient beautiful abbey sitting on top of a tidal island in the middle of Mont Saint Michel Bay. A true wonder!
Stay in a former presbytery from the 18th century,located half-way between the famous village of Mont Saint Michel and the lovely port of Saint Malo.
Discover the famous Mont Saint Michel with a local guide during a barefoot walk in the bay, around the site . . . great and unique way to get a special feel for this very touristy site.
Normandy from Bayeux : heritage & history
For 3 nights, taste the Norman quietness in a manor from the 11th century. Jump into the Middle-Ages all while enjoying the modern amenities . . . and amazing breakfasts cooked by your lovely hostess.
Jump into the local history: from William the Conqueror in the 11th century whose adventures are illustrated in the Bayeux tapestry, to the Battle of Normandy in 1944.
From here, you will discover the WWII landing sites as well as the Norman hinterland, its cheeses and half timbered villages.
History, culture, gastronomy, "the sweet life": this is France!
Activities included
Champagne Visit & Tasting
Enjoy a special visit of the Champagne house where you will stay and of course...a nice Champagne tasting !
Burgundy Wine Tasting
Spend a half-day with Seb who will drive you in his 4WD in the back tracks and the dirt roads of Burgundy vineyards. He will take you like a friend would do to several wineries in some of the most famous vineyards in the world.
Guided Tour of a 12th c. Abbey
Get totally off the beaten track and explore each nook and cranny of this 12th century jewel. The owner, who will guide you, is passionate about local history and is totally dedicated to the conservation of this site.
A Guided Walk in Mont St Michel Bay
Let a local guide take you on a walk barefoot around Mount Saint Michel Bay to understand better the nature around this unique site. This is an opportunity to discover the bay as very few can see it.
Staying in B&B’s is a great way to see the country and meet the people who live there in their normal environment. And, “France Just for You” provides an excellent way to have this experience. Emilie’s knowledge and detailed planning made the trip exciting and enjoyable! We will definitely seek her out for our next trip to France.
Staying in B&B’s is a great way to see the country and meet the people who live there in their normal environment. And, “France Just for You” provides an excellent way to have this experience. Emilie’s knowledge and detailed planning made the trip exciting and enjoyable! We will definitely seek her out for our next trip to France.
Jackie & Joe
Our trip to Paris, Normandy and the Lore Valley could not have been more enjoyable thanks to all the personalized attention that Emilie gave our requests! She even delivered on the perfect weather we asked for! All of the accommodations were very comfortable and the hosts were so friendly, helpful, and fluent in English. Although I am not usually a …
Our trip to Paris, Normandy and the Lore Valley could not have been more enjoyable thanks to all the personalized attention that Emilie gave our requests! She even delivered on the perfect weather we asked for! All of the accommodations were very comfortable and the hosts were so friendly, helpful, and fluent in English.
Although I am not usually a wine drinker, I really enjoyed the wine tasting Emilie arranged. The advance purchase tickets to Giverney
saved us hours standing in line. It was a dream come true excursion for us, all made very easy by Emilie's expertise and attention.
Anthea
We have just returned from a road trip around France and with Emilie's help, we had one of the best trips we've ever had. We travel extensively and I normally do my own research and bookings because we don't like using formal , organised tours but we were looking for advice on self driving holidays in France. Emilie's attention to detail is …
We have just returned from a road trip around France and with Emilie's help, we had one of the best trips we've ever had. We travel extensively and I normally do my own research and bookings because we don't like using formal , organised tours but we were looking for advice on self driving holidays in France. Emilie's attention to detail is outstanding. She listened to our likes and dislikes and put together the most amazing itinerary, with a personalised guide book, maps, iPhone, booked our car rental , booked B&Bs , advised on restaurants and suggested daily itineraries. We had all the information and yet all the freedom , which is what we wanted. I would definitely use her services again and would highly recommend her to anyone thinking of doing a trip around France
