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.
Truly an amazing experience traveling with France Just for You. Their attention to detail, availability, communication, and knowledge of France is unmatched. Went on the girls trip …
Truly an amazing experience traveling with France Just for You. Their attention to detail, availability, communication, and knowledge of France is unmatched. Went on the girls trip of a lifetime thanks to them! Made incredible memories and loved the balance of having curated activities planned and suggested activities for the time in between. Truly felt like we were able to explore and experience the real France. I have recommended and will continue to recommend France Just for You to everyone! You will not regret it!
#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.
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 …
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.
Merci beaucoup France Just For You!
Tyndall from the US
Truly an amazing experience traveling with France Just for You. Their attention to detail, availability, communication, and knowledge of France is unmatched. Went on the girls trip of a lifetime thanks to them! Made incredible memories and loved the balance of having curated activities planned and suggested activities for the time in between. Truly …
Truly an amazing experience traveling with France Just for You. Their attention to detail, availability, communication, and knowledge of France is unmatched. Went on the girls trip of a lifetime thanks to them! Made incredible memories and loved the balance of having curated activities planned and suggested activities for the time in between. Truly felt like we were able to explore and experience the real France. I have recommended and will continue to recommend France Just for You to everyone! You will not regret it!
Janet
We have traveled in Europe a dozen times. Our trip to France, the Loire Valley and Normandy was one of the very best. Their custom self-guided tours are based on places and activities that interest you. Emelie listened to what we wanted and created an itinerary that was just what we wanted as well as some suggestions for other things we might try …
We have traveled in Europe a dozen times. Our trip to France, the Loire Valley and Normandy was one of the very best. Their custom self-guided tours are based on places and activities that interest you. Emelie listened to what we wanted and created an itinerary that was just what we wanted as well as some suggestions for other things we might try. Emelie created a spiral bound book with information about traveling in France as well as detailed information about the B & Bs, maps, directions and all the places we planned to visit. The B & Bs were lovely old stone buildings with modern comforts. A private cooking class, a private tour of an ancient church in the mountains, and a guided tour of Normandy were features we really enjoyed. The chateaus and gardens [my personal favorites] were magnificent. Normandy was so moving. I am glad that we had a guide who spent the entire day with just us. We learned and saw so many things we would have missed on our own. We would urge you to consider France Just for You. We loved our trip and would use them again. GPS was a life saver.
