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.
I cannot recommend France Just For You enough! We had a wonderful time as we customized a trip and experienced our French dreams come true! Thank you for the best experience!
I cannot recommend France Just For You enough! We had a wonderful time as we customized a trip and experienced our French dreams come true! Thank you for the best experience!
The Center of France on the Back Roads
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Your accommodations
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#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!
Alex will take you on a private walking tour of Beaune starting by the famous Hospices...and the exploring the historical rampart town, enjoying local gourmet products : cheese & wine tasting, gougères, pain d'épices....the local gastronomy & history won't have any secret for you !
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.
Touraine is also famous for its vineyards – Chinon, Bourgueil, Vouvray and many more – and we have planned a special wine tasting. You will have the opportunity to taste different wines - in a privately owned 16th century castle - accompanied by some local specialties.
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 !
Beaune with a Private Guide
Alex will take you on a walking tour of Beaune starting by the famous Hospices...and the exploring the historical rampart town, enjoying local gourmet products : cheese & wine tasting, gougères, pain d'épices....the local gastronomy & history won't have any secret for you !
A Wine Tasting in a castle in the Loire
Visit a family-owned 16th century castle and winery surrounded by over 100 acres of vineyards and forests.
Enjoy a commented tasting of the wines with some local-product snacks.
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.
My husband and I have both been to Europe multiple times in our school/college days but not since we've been married- so over 19 years! We finally got it together to plan a return trip together. Since it had been so long we weren't confident in planning it on our own but didn't want to be hearded around like cattle. Anyway, we found Emilie and she …
My husband and I have both been to Europe multiple times in our school/college days but not since we've been married- so over 19 years! We finally got it together to plan a return trip together. Since it had been so long we weren't confident in planning it on our own but didn't want to be hearded around like cattle. Anyway, we found Emilie and she made our trip more than amazing! Absolutely one on one attention, custom just for us and no detail overlooked. We felt everything was covered from tips on visiting France to suggestions on EVERYTHING!
We spent three weeks and drove a counter-clockwise route around the country with stops in: Loire Valley, Bordeaux, Dordogne, Carcasonne, Provence, Burgundy and Paris. From car and cell phone pick up at the airport to accomodations, drive times, suggestions on where to eat, activities, admission fees...Emilie covered it all.
In addition you get a beautiful travel size book (or two!) with pictures, tips, itinerary, contact info and anything else you might need for a successful trip.
We even contacted her because we were running late for a scheduled activity. She got in touch with the venue and gave us an alternate time to participate.
All accommodations were beautiful with friendly hosts. Car was great with full insurance. Full cell service with texting.
Can't say enough about France Just For You. An absolute gem for foreigners travelling to France.
Robert
From Bordeaux, Medoc wineries, Basque country of France and Spain, Carcassone, Dordogne, pre-historic caves, beautiful medieval towns and villages, switch-back mountain roads, sunshine, truffles, food & wine and gracious b&b hosts to final flight home, this was the trip of a lifetime! We drove over 3,200 kms with the help of our included gps and …
From Bordeaux, Medoc wineries, Basque country of France and Spain, Carcassone, Dordogne, pre-historic caves, beautiful medieval towns and villages, switch-back mountain roads, sunshine, truffles, food & wine and gracious b&b hosts to final flight home, this was the trip of a lifetime!
We drove over 3,200 kms with the help of our included gps and cell phone package. Emilie provided all of the details, maps, recommendations that you could ever want and never hope to experience all of them -- but, what excellent choices!
We have travelled in France on our own before and on tours. This was number One! We are in our mid 70's and were able to mange this trip with ease. Thanks for everything, Emilie!
Sue
This was our first trip to Europe with just the two of us doing all the planning. I was looking for someone to help with the details of lodging and transportation and found Emilie through this site. She planned an incredible trip for us to Normandy/Brittany, Loire Valley and Paris. She is easy to work with, responsive and organized. I told her what …
This was our first trip to Europe with just the two of us doing all the planning. I was looking for someone to help with the details of lodging and transportation and found Emilie through this site. She planned an incredible trip for us to Normandy/Brittany, Loire Valley and Paris. She is easy to work with, responsive and organized. I told her what we wanted to do and where we wanted to go and she pretty much planned the entire trip. If you aren't sure what you want to do she will make suggestions. A couple of months before the trip she sent a very complete guidebook, maps, tickets, etc. all organized by date. The planned activities kept us busy, but there was flexibility in the schedule if desired. This was our first time traveling on our own with a rental car and we felt very comfortable given Emilie's tips and directions. The lodging in B&Bs was enjoyable with wonderful hosts and guest dinners. Compared to our previous trips to Europe we found Emilie's service to be of comparable value with a more unique travel experience. We would definitely use her service again. Thanks Emilie!
