In a week, discover the most beautiful heritage in France: from the castles ‘country to Paris monuments…from the "Coq au Vin" to the "Soupe à l’oignon"!
France Just For You planned the trip of a lifetime for my husband and me. We traveled to Normandy, St. Saint Michele, the Loire Valley and Provence. We are typically not road trip …
France Just For You planned the trip of a lifetime for my husband and me. We traveled to Normandy, St. Saint Michele, the Loire Valley and Provence. We are typically not road trip travelers, but this adventure brought us closer to the wonderful people of France than any group tour or "drop and plop" vacation could ever do. The bed and breakfasts were charming, and the time we spend talking with our interesting hosts lent so much warmth to the trip. The guides Emilie provided were knowledgeable and personable. One of the best experiences of our lives was hiking in St. Saint Michel Bay at night, in the water, with our guide Roman. Each day was outlined with many suggestions and background information to allow you to make choices based on our interests and energy level. She set up experiences, such a wine tastings or cooking classes based on our feedback to her questions before we went. The book Emilie provided and the maps couldn't have been more detailed or better organized for easy use. I will say that it's important to read EVERYTHING before you go, as there's so much great information that you need time to become familiar with the guide before you go. Also, take Emilie's advice about the gps. She suggested you download maps either on your own device or your phone before you go. We used an internet app on our phone, which worked great, until your internet service dropped. (not often) The gps in the rental car was not in English in one of the cars, but it was in the other. Also, she gives you great tips about how to use the toll road systems, and even how to learn where to stand to get the TGV spot to wait for your car. One more tip: "drop a pin" on the maps app on your phone whenever you leave your car. We "misplaced" our car twice...makes a great story but is not very fun in the moment! We had a simply wonderful trip. Even though we never met Emilie, we felt like she was a friend because of all of the quick and thorough communication. We definitely recommend France Just For You, and we hope to have the opportunity to return to see the rest of France very soon!
The Garden of France & Paris hidden beauties
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Your accommodations
Pictures of the specially selected accommodations
#1 - A tuffeau stone house in a green valleyA charming tuffeau stone house in a green valley
#1 - A tuffeau stone house in a green valleyRest in a quiet room, full of charm
#1 - A tuffeau stone house in a green valleyor in the garden
#1 - A tuffeau stone house in a green valleyEnjoy a savory home-made cuisine
#2 - A 3* Boutique-Hotel in Quartier Latin districtA family owned Boutique-Hotel in the Latin Quarter
#2 - A 3* Boutique-Hotel in Quartier Latin districtStay in a comfortable room...
#2 - A 3* Boutique-Hotel in Quartier Latin district...with a balcony and nice view over one of Paris most famous landmarks
#2 - A 3* Boutique-Hotel in Quartier Latin districtSavor breakfast in the historical vaulted cellars
Step by step
The Loire Valley
As you will probably arrive at CDG International airport, we plan for you to pick up the rental car there and drive 3hr30 to the Loire Valley. For you to rest and enjoy your first day in France, we will recommend a great stop-over for lunch.
For the first 4 nights, you will stay in a welcoming Bed & Breakfasts, between Amboise and Chenonceau, in the heart of the Loire Valley. Your hostess is an excellent cook. At night relax in the lovely garden and one night, enjoy a table d’hôtes dinner prepared by your lovely hostess.
Located on the south banks of the Loire River, this charming B&B is within short driving distance of Chenonceau castle and Amboise or Tours beautiful historic cities. You will also wander off the beaten path into tiny villages stretched along the Cher and Loire rivers and get a taste of French gastronomy in restaurants and local markets we have tested for you.
Touraine is also famous for its vineyards – Chinon, Bourgueil, Vouvray, Amboise and many more – and also its gastronomy. For this reason, we plan for you to spend a late afternoon cooking with your hostess a main dish and a local dessert. Then you will savor a full meal based on your work - with your hosts and fellow travelers. A “very French” experience.
Another day you will also explore Clos Lucé in Amboise which is Leonardo Da Vinci's final dwelling...then your private wine guide will take you to secret underground passages which is closed to the public, to enjoy an old vintages tasting. This is the Loire Valley !
Back to Paris
On the 5th day, you will drive back to Paris (about 3hrs) and drop off the rental car at the closest agency from your hotel – as you won’t need a car in Paris. End your French journey living the Parisian life!
For 3 nights, you will be comfortably accommodated in avery cozy boutique-hotel, in the heart of the Latin Quarter. Your room enjoys a unique view over one of Paris most famous landmarks and you can walk everywhere.
Being based less than 10 minute walk to Notre Dame Cathedral, you can explore Paris by foot, by boat or using public transportation with different and unique itineraries we have prepared for you. We also recommend our favorite restaurants and boulangeries in different districts of the capital city so you’ll know where to take a break.
To get oriented in Paris, we plan for you to follow a private Parisian guide for a half-day. We will craft your itinerary with Raf based on what you already know and want to discover. It may also include museums if you wish.
On your last day, a private driver will meet you at the hotel and drive you to the airport.
Beautiful landscapes, delicious local gastronomy... this itinerary is for hedonist travelers!
Activities included
Loire Cooking Workshop
Spend a late afternoon with Valérie who trained in gastronomic restaurants. You will prepare a main course and a dessert, then you'll enjoy a savory dinner with your hosts.
Old Vintages in Leonardo's home
Explore Clos Lucé in Amboise which is Leonardo Da Vinci's final dwelling...then your private wine guide will take you to secret underground passages which is closed to the public, to enjoy an old vintages tasting. This is the Loire Valley!
Paris Private Walking Tour
For a half-day, follow a private guide in the heart of Paris to get oriented and learn more about the history, art, culture or architecture. We will taylor make your program based on your wishes.
The Perfect Trip Through France With France Just For You Emilie interviewed us and designed a perfect trip from Paris through the Loire Valley and Normandy, back to Paris, to celebrate my husband's 70th birthday. Every detail was perfect and it was easy to get around. The places she selected for us to stay were simply lovely with wonderful hosts …
The Perfect Trip Through France With France Just For You
Emilie interviewed us and designed a perfect trip from Paris through the Loire Valley and Normandy, back to Paris, to celebrate my husband's 70th birthday. Every detail was perfect and it was easy to get around. The places she selected for us to stay were simply lovely with wonderful hosts and beautiful gardens, and the pace of the trip was just right. We celebrated on a private wooden boat on the Seine with a wine expert, swam in a pool on the lawn of a chateau, walked with peacocks, and enjoyed a breathtaking view of the chalk cliffs in Etretat. Beautiful breakfasts were served each morning on location and we had the opportunity to meet new and interesting people from around the world. We can't imagine ever traveling through France again without France Just for You!
Anshu & Family
One of the best planned and personalised travel experiences that my family and I have ever had. From information on how to go about navigating the toll machines on the highways; a range of brilliant restaurant recommendations in every town and village that we visited; interesting daily itineraries and extremely hospitable and generous hosts at all …
One of the best planned and personalised travel experiences that my family and I have ever had.
From information on how to go about navigating the toll machines on the highways; a range of brilliant restaurant recommendations in every town and village that we visited; interesting daily itineraries and extremely hospitable and generous hosts at all our B&Bs - Emilie had it all covered.
We've come back with a lot of nice experiences and memories. Thanks Emilie
Paul & nancy
We just returned from 15 days in France, this trip was to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary. Emilie and her team were amazing. We started in the south of France and finished in Paris. We visited many towns and villages, Aix, Cassis, Marseilles, les Gorges du Verdon,...The personalized guide book was golden for us. The details and suggestions …
We just returned from 15 days in France, this trip was to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary. Emilie and her team were amazing. We started in the south of France and finished in Paris. We visited many towns and villages, Aix, Cassis, Marseilles, les Gorges du Verdon,...The personalized guide book was golden for us. The details and suggestions in the book allowed us to do and see more than what we could have done on our own (Along with vouchers and maps). Her attention to every detail was impressive. From the selection of hotels/B&B and their location, to activities, to restaurants and tours were fabulous. You are a gifted team and we thank you for making this one of the best trips we have had.
