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"!
In 2013 I had 2 big reasons to plan a trip to France: a new grand baby boy in Avignon, and I wanted to surprise my husband with a trip to Normandy. He absolutely loves anything and …
In 2013 I had 2 big reasons to plan a trip to France: a new grand baby boy in Avignon, and I wanted to surprise my husband with a trip to Normandy. He absolutely loves anything and everything he can find to read or watch that is related to WWII. So, I started exploring online for a custom tour designer that could put together a great itinerary for these two objectives, and I found the most amazing person, Emilie from France Just For You! She listened to what I wanted to do and created the most amazing 2 week itinerary from Normandy, to the Loire Valley, to Provance. She set up stays in restored castles, grand estates, warm and inviting B &B's, arranged rental cars, train tickets, special retired military tour guides in Normandy, and too many things to list! The icing on the cake was an amazing customized bound itinerary in book-form, with tips about driving in France, tolls, roundabouts, gas stations, speed limits, traffic signs, 3-4 day trips by car for each area we visited, so we could choose how and what we wanted to see the countryside or quaint towns. Suggested out-of-the-way sights, cafes, wineries, shopping, scenic places, etc. One of the places we loved most, was staying in her parents' B&B in the Loire Valley. Their home was lovely, warm, inviting and we met such wonderful travelers there! I fell in love with her mother's homemade fresh yogurt, and she told me how to make it once I got home! I love it and make it all the time now!!
We ended our trek through France in the south, in Avignon, where we spent time with family and met our grandson for the first time! We stayed in a comfortable home there that was like being in our own home. We were able to share relaxing family time with lots of space. And don't forget the lavender fields and the natural beauty of Provance! What a way to end our trip.
I highly recommend Emilie for all of your travel in France! I will always call her for my trips there- and I'll probably call her for any trip to Europe in the hopes that she can help with other countries too!!!
#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.
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
Kelly
My husband and our friends spent two weeks travelling around Northern France, the Loire Valley and Paris. Emilie provided us with a detailed itinerary that exceeded our expectations. The accommodations were excellent and unique providing us with a variety of B & B's. Her recommendations for tours and sights took into consideration our interests and …
My husband and our friends spent two weeks travelling around Northern France, the Loire Valley and Paris. Emilie provided us with a detailed itinerary that exceeded our expectations. The accommodations were excellent and unique providing us with a variety of B & B's. Her recommendations for tours and sights took into consideration our interests and past visits. This was our friends first trip to France and our third. They were overwhelmed by the attention to detail and the care Emilie took in arranging transportation, accommodations etc. My husband and I enjoyed this trip even though we have visited most of the area previously, but Emilie had arranged some amazing tours that we had not taken. The Beaches of Normandy were highlights for all and the guide Emilie arranged was very knowledgeable and personable. All of the B & B owners shared their positive experience working with France Just for You. Emilie has made excellent relationships with her tour guides and hosts. We would highly recommend France Just for You and hope to return again one day. We will be sure to have Emilie prepare our next adventure.
Sandra
My husband and I prefer to travel independently not on tours but I am getting tired of doing all of the planning. Emilie did an excellent job of planning the trip. I gave input on the type of hotels and the places that we wanted to see and she took care of the details. The hotels that she picked were outstanding. All but one day we followed her …
My husband and I prefer to travel independently not on tours but I am getting tired of doing all of the planning. Emilie did an excellent job of planning the trip. I gave input on the type of hotels and the places that we wanted to see and she took care of the details. The hotels that she picked were outstanding. All but one day we followed her itinerary and were pleased. One day my husband wanted more WWII stuff and me were able to change plans at the last minute.
