Let yourself be carried away by three of the most iconic regions of France. From the Vallée de la Loire's "sweet life" to Dordogne's castles and Provence's colorful landscapes, you'll have a most enjoyable and memorable journey!
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!
#1 - An old stone house in a lovely hamlet of the Loire ValleyStay in an 18th century house
#1 - An old stone house in a lovely hamlet of the Loire ValleyEnjoy having an aperitive drink the vaulted cellar before dinner
#1 - An old stone house in a lovely hamlet of the Loire ValleyRelax in a large suite room with a living room area
#1 - An old stone house in a lovely hamlet of the Loire ValleySpend a night around your host table and taste delicious dishes
#2 - A comfortable B&B in the heart of a typical Dordogne townStay in the heart of a typical Dordogne town...
#2 - A comfortable B&B in the heart of a typical Dordogne town...and enjoy a warm welcome from your hostesses.
#2 - A comfortable B&B in the heart of a typical Dordogne townRelax in a large and well equipped room...
#2 - A comfortable B&B in the heart of a typical Dordogne town...and taste delicious homemade breakfasts.
#3 - A Typical Mas House, in the vineyards in wilder ProvenceAt night, relax in the garden or by the swimming pool in the olive trees
#3 - A Typical Mas House, in the vineyards in wilder ProvenceAfter a great dinner cook by your host - enjoy a great night sleep
#3 - A Typical Mas House, in the vineyards in wilder ProvenceReady for a swim ?
#3 - A Typical Mas House, in the vineyards in wilder ProvenceA Table d Hôtes dinner is always a very convivial experience
Step by step
The Loire Valley
Start your itinerary, staying for 4 nights in a delightfully restored house from the 18th century, 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!
Included in this itinerary is a guided tour to a Chinon winery run by a charming couple who come from generations of winegrowers. You will enjoy a commented tasting of the wines with some very local specialties.
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. You will explore, at your own pace, several villages and castles such as Langeais and Villandry.
In Touraine, experience the "sweet life", stopping over in little villages to savor goat cheese or taste amazing wines. Take the time to relax in rose gardens and to enjoy traditional cuisine in many small restaurants frequented by the locals.
Dordogne, the Sleeping Beauty
Then, jump back in time in Dordogne, where history is around every corner. In Black Perigord, you will stay in an old stone Perigord style house for 4 nights, nestled in a lovely and typical Dordogne town. From here, you have several dining options within walking distance, and you can also relax by the very cute Chapel, along the river.
We'll tell you where to find the most typical goat cheeses - and if you like outdoor activities, you'll be in paradise. Dordogne is famous for the prehistoric caves in Lascaux and we will recommend to you much more intimate visits, in 20,000 year old caves. If you are interested in history or if you are a JM Auel reader, these are a must!
Spend a special day with Bea: a private guide in Dordogne. She will take you back to the prehistoric and medieval times . . . away from the beaten paths.
La Belle Provence
Your Bed & Breakfast for the last 4 nights lies just outside a lovely village on the slopes of Mont Ventoux. This former "mas house" has belonged to your hostess’s family for 4 generations and is surrounded by olive and cherry trees. Mont Ventoux remains the most authentic part of Provence, with little villages such as Vaison la Romaine, Malaucène and Bedoin and dramatic landscapes like “les Dentelles de Montmirail".
Avignon, also referred to as “the City of Popes” is a must see. Explore the Palace of the Popes, the well-preserved ramparts and the famous “Avignon Bridge”. We'll tell you how to visit them while avoiding the crowds. From here, you can easily tour the salt marshes of the Camargue and visit the Alpilles region, where you will find beautiful Saint Remy de Provence. We will tell you where to buy the best olive oil! If you are interested in history, don’t miss the Roman ruins at Arles, Orange and the Pont du Gard.
Let a passionate who was born and raised in Provence take you to his best addresses in the historic center of Avignon to discover provençal food specialties.
Mont Ventoux and its dramatic landscapes also deserve a visit, and we have planned a special activity for you in this part of Provence: explore a very private wine estate, lost in the hills of Provence. You will enjoy a tour of the estate followed by a wine tasting, then have a picnic lunch in the vineyards. A very special place you would not find on your own.
La vie est belle, isn't it?
Activities included
A Winery Visit & Tasting in Chinon
Visit a Chinon winery run by a charming couple who come from generations of winegrowers.
Enjoy a commented tasting of the wines with some local-product snacks.
Private Guide in the Dordogne
Spend a special day with Bea in Dordogne. She will take you back to the prehistoric and medieval times...away from the beaten paths.
Gourmet Experience in Provence
Let a passionate who was born and raised in Provence, take you to his best addresses in the old city to discover Provence food specialties.
Wine Tasting & Picnic in a very private Estate
Explore a very private wine estate, lost in the hills of Provence. You will enjoy a tour of the estate followed by a wine tasting, then have a picnic lunch in the vineyards. A very special place you would not find on your own.
Everything you need and things you didn’t know you needed. Emilie is very kind, a good soul. And don’t you want the people who handle your holidays to radiate happiness? A happy itinerary = a lovely journey!
Everything you need and things you didn’t know you needed. Emilie is very kind, a good soul. And don’t you want the people who handle your holidays to radiate happiness? A happy itinerary = a lovely journey!
Natalie & Family
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 …
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.
Tonya & Bob
We did 2 weeks May to June to Normandy, Loire Valley and Paris and had a wonderful time. We gave Laura our list of must see and do items and our budget and she took care of the rest. From arranging our auto rental to providing suggestions to the French smart phones, everything was taken care of and good not have been easier. When our car got a flat …
We did 2 weeks May to June to Normandy, Loire Valley and Paris and had a wonderful time. We gave Laura our list of must see and do items and our budget and she took care of the rest. From arranging our auto rental to providing suggestions to the French smart phones, everything was taken care of and good not have been easier. When our car got a flat tire Laura was available to us every step of the way translating for us and making arrangements for a new car to be delivered. We loved her suggestion for a French cooking lesson and had a great time with our hostess making a meal in her own lovely home. The wine tasing in troglodyte cave was another wonderful suggestion of her. Wonderful memories we made!
