We are preparing to do our second trip with Emilie to the Loire Valley, October 2018. Our first trip was to the region of Provence which was perfectly guided and gave us a most memorable experience. I highly recommend Emilie’s ability to put together a fabulous and memorable France just for you holiday.
France History Self-Drive Tours
French heritage doesn't need to be advertised. With churches, castles, manors, mansions, abbeys, and former battle sites from world wars, history lovers will have more than enough to learn about and keep them busy on one of our France history tours.
We'll help you immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of French history. From ancient Roman ruins to majestic cathedrals, opulent castles to centuries-old buildings, and help from a private tour guide if you prefer, you'll discover the fascinating stories that have shaped France. Our captivating self-guided history tours of France will help reveal the hidden gems and iconic landmarks that make France a favorite destination for history enthusiasts.
Castles: Tales of Nobility, Religion and Intrigue
Discover the stories of nobility and intrigue as you explore the splendid castles that dot the French landscape. The fairytale-like Château de Chambord in the Loire Valley will transport you to the Renaissance era, while the medieval fortress of Carcassonne will ignite your imagination with its formidable walls. Discover the opulence of the Palace of Versailles or the Palace of the Popes in Avignon, or journey to the picturesque. And don't miss the Château de Beynac in Dordogne, a majestic fortress nestled on a hilltop, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside and a glimpse into the medieval history of the area.
Churches: Marvel at these Architectural Splendors
France has many beautiful churches, showcasing architectural wonders that span centuries. Admire the Gothic masterpiece of Notre-Dame de Paris, immerse yourself in the ethereal beauty of Sainte-Chapelle, renowned for its stunning stained glass windows that create a mesmerizing kaleidoscope of colors, or head south to Provence and explore the Chapelle du Rosaire, adorned with original artwork and exquisite stained glass windows by Henri Matisse, who found inspiration in this charming town during his time there.
We know the most beautiful churches to visit in each place you visit, including many that are away from the typical tourist trails.
Cathedrals: Awe-Inspiring Divine Grandeur
We would love to help you discover France's magnificent cathedrals. The grandeur of Reims Cathedral in the Champagne region, where French kings were once crowned, will leave you stunned. We also recommend a visit to beautiful Amiens Cathedral in the Somme region, the largest Gothic cathedral in France. Or you may admire the elegance of Strasbourg Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site that stands as a testament to the region's rich architectural heritage.
Centuries-Old Buildings: Witness Living History
Wander through the streets of France and encounter centuries-old buildings that have stood the test of time. Explore the medieval hospices of Beaune in Burgundy, stroll along the charming canals of Colmar, Alsace, lined with well-preserved half-timbered houses, or wander the narrow alleyways of Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux, where ancient stone buildings stand by renowned vineyards.
Tranquil Abbeys
We will help you find some tranquility in the serene abbeys scattered throughout France. The ethereal beauty of Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey rising from its rocky islet in Normandy will leave you awe-inspired. We'll advise you where to take the best photos and how to avoid the tourist crowds.
In beautiful Provence, you may stop by at Abbaye de Senanque, surrounded by lavender fields. In the fascinating region of Brittany, we'll guide you to an ancient monastery with a rich history dating back to the 5th century, nestled in lush greenery and overlooking the Bay of Brest.
On the French Riviera, escape the crowds of Cannes by taking a short boat trip to Abbaye de Lérins on the picturesque Mediterranean island of Saint-Honorat. You'll stroll through serene gardens and vineyards, and discover their monastic traditions while enjoying breathtaking views.
Roman Ruins: Echoes of an Ancient Civilization
France has some remarkably well-preserved Roman ruins. These include amphitheater in Nîmes and the Roman theater and Les Alyscamps necropolis in the ancient city of Arles. You'll love the stunning Pont du Gard, a majestic Roman aqueduct spanning the Gardon River, and you may even enjoy kayaking under the bridge, if you like.
.We'll also help you discover some Roman remains off the beaten path, in gorgeous little villages that most tourists don't know about.
World War Battle Sites: Remembrance and Reflection
Some travelers are interested in a World War history tour of France, so if this interests you, we can help you visit some former World War battle sites with expert private guides.
Verdun, where one of the bloodiest battles in history took place, stands as a poignant memorial, with military cemeteries, well-preserved trenches, and ruins from destroyed villages. Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery and Memorial is the biggest American military cemetery in Europe and may be of interest to American travelers.
You may also walk in the footsteps of soldiers at the Somme WWI battlefields, where history unfolded on a tragically vast scale. We can also help you explore the Normandy landing beaches, where Allied forces made their historic D-Day landings toward the end of World War II.
Unveil the Mysteries of French History with Us
Our history trips to France will take you on an unforgettable journey through time, always based on your particular interests. The expert guides we work with will bring the stories of each site to life, with fascinating narratives that will deepen your understanding and appreciation of our heritage.
We tailor every aspect of your tour to your preferences, with guidance from your unique France Just For You guidebook and our preferred smartphone apps. And of course, the France Just For You team are always at the end of the phone if you need anything during your trip.
Let us plan your unique self-drive itinerary that will take you to the best of France's hidden historical gems.
We also understand that there is such a thing as "too much" of one thing.
We plan the daily suggested itineraries so our travelers can get "a bit of everything" they like and won't feel bored.
Our self guided tours for history lovers
Our Travelers’ Reviews
We've just come back from an amazing holiday planned by Emilie. The detailed guide book and all the maps and brochures we received were way beyond our expectations. The information on local customs and language helped us immensely during our stay in France. Emilie was prompt and courteous answering our many questions while planning our custom tour …
The planning and coordination of our holiday was quite awesome and far exceeded all of our expectations and indeed our imagination. The 300 odd page personalised guide book with maps, times and distances, restaurants on route and at our destinations, recommended places to visit on route and the accomodation itself and hosts at each location were …
