France Just For You has organized its own very special Tour de France. No need for a bike but be ready for a great deal of adventure! This itinerary will take you off the beaten path to all the must sees & dos in four of the most enthralling regions of France.
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 …
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.
#2 - A Wine Estate in Saint EmilionThe winery team will make sure that you have a great stay
#2 - A Wine Estate in Saint EmilionTaste the wine...directly where it is made !
#3 - A Perigord style house, in central DordogneStay only 15 minutes to Sarlat in the heart of the medieval Dordogne
#3 - A Perigord style house, in central DordogneEnjoy a fantastic dinner by the swimming pool or the fire place
#3 - A Perigord style house, in central DordogneThis medieval castle is walking distance from your B&B
#3 - A Perigord style house, in central DordogneYour lovely hosts know the region perfectly
#4 - A Typical Mas House, in the vineyards in wilder ProvenceAt night, relax in the garden or by the swimming pool in the olive trees
#4 - A Typical Mas House, in the vineyards in wilder ProvenceAfter a great dinner cook by your host - enjoy a great night sleep
#4 - A Typical Mas House, in the vineyards in wilder ProvenceReady for a swim ?
#4 - 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 : small roads along the river
From Paris or CDG airport, drive the rental car for 3 hours to the Loire Valley. We will recommend a great stop to rest on the way.
You will spend the first 4 nights in a charmingly restored townhouse, in the heart of a very lively town in the Loire Valley. From here, you can walk everywhere, including to Leonardo Da Vinci's final dwelling.
Discover all the marvels of the Loire Valley: the castles of Chambord, Chenonceau and Azay-le-Rideau, the historic cities of Saumur, Chinon and Amboise.
Touraine is also famous for its vineyards – Chinon, Bourgueil, Vouvray and many more – and we have planned for you to discover some local wines with a wine maker. She will take you to her vineyards and explain about the vine growing, then you will go to her cellar so you can taste some wines (sparkling and still), together with some local food products.
The Bordeaux Region
Your second stop for 3 nights is a Grands Crus Classés wine chateau. Experience Saint Emilion while staying at one of the places where everything happens, right in the Saint Emilion's vineyards. Away from the crowds, you will enjoy what Saint Emilion wines have to offer.
Built along the banks of the Garonne river, the opulent merchants' homes are very specific to the city of Bordeaux. You will find everything in this region: from villages nestled into the Medoc or the Saint Emilion vineyards, to the bustling night life in Bordeaux. Also, bear in mind that Bordeaux's Sainte Catherine Street is the longest shopping street in Europe!
Very near Saint Emilion, we have planned for a private tour to a famous wine estate: after visiting the estate from the vineyards to the cellars, learning about the different grape varieties and wine making process, you will enjoy a picnic lunch together with a tasting of 3 different wines.
Dordogne
In Black Perigord, you will stay in a restored stone house for 4 nightsand share a mouth-watering dinner cooked by your hosts.
Dordogne is famous for the prehistoric caves in Lascaux and we'll recommend to you several more intimate visits, in 15,000 to 20,000 year old caves. If you are interested in history or if you are a JM Auel reader, this is a must!
We'll tell you where to find the most typical goat cheeses - and if you like outdoor activities, you'll be in paradise. You'll also visit the old city of Sarlat and feel the buzz of activity on market day.
You will also spend a memorable time looking for truffles with a passionate professional and his truffle hound.
Provence Sceneries
Your last Bed & Breakfast for 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. One night, your host Chris will cook a delicious table d’hôtes dinner - a great evening guaranteed.
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
Discover quaint villages of the Luberon riding an electric bike. You will have several itinerary options, from easy to more sporty, for you to explore hidden hamlets, chapels in the vineyards, wineries, road-trails in the olive trees and evergreen oaks. A great day, at your own pace
Go shopping in Aix-en-Provence or take a sunbath near Cassis. Arles, famous for its Roman Empire arena, will take you 2,000 years back in time.
We recommend you fly out of Marseille to save time and energy. Otherwise, we will be happy to help you plan transportation to your next destination.
After this trip, will you still watch the “Tour de France” on TV?
Activities included
Wine estate visit & tasting
Visit a wine estate with its owner in the Loire Valley. She will take you to the vineyards to explain about terroir, soils and vine. Then you will enjoy a wine tasting together with some local food products.
Tour a St Emilion Winery
Visit a wine estate near St Emilion with a private English speaking guide. After the tour, you will enjoy a picnic lunch together with a tasting of different wines from the estate.
Truffle Hunt
In Dordogne, spend a memorable time looking for truffles with a passionate professional and his truffle hound.
E-Biking Day in Provence
Spend a day in the Luberon gorgeous landscapes driving an electric bike. Several itinerary options for you to enjoy biking 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 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!
Laura from Canada
Words cannot begin to describe how pleased we are with the 22 day trip that the France Just for You team created for us as we celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary. We normally plan our own trips but when we looked at France we became overwhelmed with how much we could do. We found the FJFY team and saw that they had all 5 star reviews. You can …
Words cannot begin to describe how pleased we are with the 22 day trip that the France Just for You team created for us as we celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary. We normally plan our own trips but when we looked at France we became overwhelmed with how much we could do. We found the FJFY team and saw that they had all 5 star reviews.
You can trust the FJFY team to create a fantastic, thoughtful, engaging and memorable holiday experience in France.
Marlene & Terry
Emilie, You are the best! Everything you selected for us was perfect in every way. All the tickets, tours and reservations were handled well and we thank you for arranging such a beautiful vacation. We are recommending you to everyone we talk to. If you are ever in Toronto, we would be happy to host you and Guillaume!
Emilie,
You are the best! Everything you selected for us was perfect in every way. All the tickets, tours and reservations were handled well and we thank you for arranging such a beautiful vacation. We are recommending you to everyone we talk to. If you are ever in Toronto, we would be happy to host you and Guillaume!
