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"!
My husband was born in France and moved to Australia in 1970 when he was just 5. He went back for the last time in 1980 and had not returned since. In January 2017 I started to …
My husband was born in France and moved to Australia in 1970 when he was just 5. He went back for the last time in 1980 and had not returned since. In January 2017 I started to formulate an idea to surprise him with a trip back home. Being Australian, we love road trips but without his French language skills I felt a bit scared to start booking hotels etc. Thankfully, a google search came up with Emilie. She helped me surprise my husband and my 16 year old daughter with a trip that will be hard to beat. Ever.
What can I say? The kindness that she showed as she helped me shape a trip of a lifetime is beyond words. She helped me to go back to my ancestral roots (even finding a hotel just 50 metres from where my great-grandfather was born!), and a drive through the village where my husband spent his first 5 years.
Add to this a list of amazing accommodations, unique parking spots, the most incredible guide books you'll ever seen, and more! As so many others here have mentioned, you get so much more than just a simple travel package with vouchers. The maps, the books, the history, the suggestions - things we will continue to read and delight in for years to come.
You know it's been an exceptional holiday when during the loooong journey home (all 30 hours of it!) you can't come up with a single 'best' moment. It was all the best.
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.
A Trip "Just for us!' We had an outstanding driving tour through NW France. We got to experience the trip at our own speed focusing on our individual interests. No large groups, tour buses, or strict schedules. It was heavenly! Emilie set us up with four special guides during our trip. Each was passionate about their area of expertise, well spoken …
A Trip "Just for us!'
We had an outstanding driving tour through NW France. We got to experience the trip at our own speed focusing on our individual interests. No large groups, tour buses, or strict schedules. It was heavenly!
Emilie set us up with four special guides during our trip. Each was passionate about their area of expertise, well spoken, polite, and enthusiastic.
Andrea
My husband and I had a full week to spend in southern France before an event we were attending in Cahor. We found France Just for You and got the best care and the best itinerary for those days. We arrived on the day of a strike and Emilie took care of us. She found alternate means of transportation and stayed with us by phone and email throughout …
My husband and I had a full week to spend in southern France before an event we were attending in Cahor. We found France Just for You and got the best care and the best itinerary for those days. We arrived on the day of a strike and Emilie took care of us. She found alternate means of transportation and stayed with us by phone and email throughout our trip. The B&B's she found were exquisite. We had such a wonderful experience. She booked tour guides, drivers, cooking classes, dinners and hikes. It made our trip so very easy and enjoyable. I would not go to France again without contacting her first.
DeLana
Emilie put together the best "bucket list" trip for my mother and myself. She listened to all of our requests and tailor made a vacation that was perfect. The attention to detail she paid our trip was mind blowing. She even had a full book made for us to guide us through our journey along with maps, tickets, etc. that were all date stamped …
Emilie put together the best "bucket list" trip for my mother and myself. She listened to all of our requests and tailor made a vacation that was perfect. The attention to detail she paid our trip was mind blowing. She even had a full book made for us to guide us through our journey along with maps, tickets, etc. that were all date stamped, highlighted and detailed. My mom and I have memories to last a lifetime! We had a birthday lunch at the Eiffel Tower, dune buggy rides through wineries, a trip to the top of Mount Blanc, and a full day with a French chef. And Jacques, our french chef instructor, was a hoot! Thank you so much for putting the perfect trip together and all of your work to make it exceptional.
