This itinerary will take you from Paris, the city of lights, to Provence in two different locations, and end in the French Riviera. Perfect to relax & get some sun !
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.
#1 - A 4* Boutique-Hotel 5 min walk to Notre Dame CathedralStay in a very quiet pedestrian street
#1 - A 4* Boutique-Hotel 5 min walk to Notre Dame CathedralEnjoy a personalized welcome
#1 - A 4* Boutique-Hotel 5 min walk to Notre Dame CathedralThis boutique-hotel was entirely renovated & redecorated very recently
#1 - A 4* Boutique-Hotel 5 min walk to Notre Dame CathedralBreakfast in the vaulted cellar is a very Parisian experience
#1 - A 4* Boutique-Hotel 5 min walk to Notre Dame CathedralYou may rest or have a drink in the guests' living room
#2 - A restored farmhouse in the heart of ProvenceA restored farmhouse surrounded by horse fields
#2 - A restored farmhouse in the heart of ProvenceRelax in a comfortable room equipped with a kitchenette...
#2 - A restored farmhouse in the heart of Provence...or in the garden
#3 - A very hidden B&B on the hills above Aix-en-ProvenceEnjoy a very large garden with a nice swimming pool
#3 - A very hidden B&B on the hills above Aix-en-ProvenceA comfortable independent cottage...
#3 - A very hidden B&B on the hills above Aix-en-Provence...a lovely hostess happy to share tips with you
#3 - A very hidden B&B on the hills above Aix-en-Provenceand this view !
#4 - A suite-rental in the heart of Nice on the RivieraRelax in a cozy suite-room
#4 - A suite-rental in the heart of Nice on the Riviera ...a romantic place, 300 yards to the sea
#4 - A suite-rental in the heart of Nice on the RivieraEarly birds will enjoy this great terrace - private to their room
Step by step
Paris - The city of lights
Start your French journey living the Parisian life for 4 nights! For a smooth arrival, a private driver will meet you at the airport and drive you to the hotel.
Comfortably accommodated in a charming 4* boutique-hotel in a pedestrian street in the Latin Quarter, you will discover the French capital city’s must sees and hidden beauties.
Being based less than 5 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 planned for you. We also recommend our favorite restaurants and boulangeries in different districts of the city so you’ll know where to take a break.
To get oriented in Paris, we plan for you to take a guided tour on a bike, following a Parisian guide. Those who are not interested in biking can also take a walking tour.
Provence, from its heart
On the 5th day, you will take a high speed train for about 2hr30 to Avignon, in the heart of Provence. You will pick up your rental car at the train station and drive 45 minutes to your first B&B. You will spend 4 nights in a typical Provencal stone house, perfectly located to explore Avignon and Isle sur la Sorgue (famous for its antiques). Your hostess and her family will welcome you warmly and give you hints and tips about the surrounding area.
You will stay in a very comfortable room equipped with a small kitchen and you can relax from a long day in a jacuzzi or the lush garden.
So many things to see in less than an hour's drive from your B&B: beautiful Avignon, also referred to as “the City of Popes”, where you can visit the Palace of the Popes, the well-preserved ramparts and the famous “Avignon Bridge”. You will enjoy hilltop villages on market day andwalking in the footsteps of famous painters such as Cézanne or Picasso. We will also tell you about some hidden jewels, off the beaten track villages where you will stroll around charming streets or have a drink of pastis at a provencal café with the locals. We can also recommend a farmer’s market and wine cellar for each day of the week!
If you are interested in history, don’t miss the Roman ruins at Arles, Orange and the Pont du Gard. We will also take you to smaller sites – less famous and much quieter.
Provence, from the Aix en Provence area
On the 9thday, stay for 3 nights half-way between Aix-en-Provence and the Luberon hills, in a very hidden B&B lost in the "garrigue" shrubland and pine forest. From the B&B, you can explore the landscapes which inspired so many painters including Cezanne.
You will explore a family-owned olive oil mill in the slopes of Luberon, with breathtaking views. In a private tour, you will learn the whole olive oil farming process from the tree to the bottle, and you will be surprised by the different tastes in the various oils.
You will be introduced to the local game, la Pétanque, with Jean-Marc who was born and raised here. You will play in a lovely town and enjoy some rosé wine: a tradition.
The Riviera, from Nice, by the sea
On the 12th day, take a 3 hr drive and you will be on the French Riviera. Your last stop will be in Nice, in a gorgeous suite-roomlocated 300 yards from the Promenade des Anglais and the beach. Wander about the narrow alleyways of the old city and visit the many famous art museums. You can also go shopping and enjoy views of the Mediterranean in seaside restaurants from Monte Carlo to Antibes.
In Nice, a lovely guide will take you to her best addresses in the old city to discover the Niçoise food & wine specialities, as well as the history of this dynamic town.
Nature is always within reach, with many hiking trails, biking tours or natural rock climbing opportunities, in spectacular sceneries. And since you know how to play Pétanque now, don't hesitate to jump into a game with the locals - they play everywhere in the Riviera!
To save time and energy, we recommend to our travelers to fly out of Nice or Marseille International Airports. If you wish, you can also start the trip in Southern France and end in Paris.
This is a perfect trip to discover Paris, Provence and the Riviera!
Activities included
Paris Bike Tour
Spend about 4hrs with a Parisian who will have you discover his city on a bike, with a group of max.10 travelers. For those who don't like biking, you can also take a walking tour.
Olive Oil Farm in Luberon
Explore a family owned olive oil mill in the slopes of Luberon, with breathtaking views. In a private tour, you will be explained the whole olive oil farming process from the tree to the bottle.
Pétanque Class in Provence
Enjoy a fun Petanque class in one of the loveliest towns in Provence, with Jean Marc - who was born and raised there.
Riviera Food & Wine Tour
Let your lovely hostess take you to her best addresses in the old city to discover the Niçoise food & wine specialities.
I can echo everything that has been said in the previous three reviews. The personalization of this entire trip was incredible and Emilie communicated quickly and completely, both in the planning of the trip and after we were in France. My husband and I were spending four weeks in France in celebration of our 50th anniversary. We were a little …
I can echo everything that has been said in the previous three reviews. The personalization of this entire trip was incredible and Emilie communicated quickly and completely, both in the planning of the trip and after we were in France. My husband and I were spending four weeks in France in celebration of our 50th anniversary. We were a little reluctant to take a trip this long and do this much driving but Emilie's planning and suggestions were so great that we never had any problems. And she arranged the best bed and breakfasts possible. All of the hosts were wonderful and we had some very good dinners around a table with many people from other countries, which was one of the reasons why we wanted to stay at bed and breakfasts. Our tour guides were amazing and at two different places Emilie had left personal notes and gifts. That is just the type of person she is. We asked Emilie if we could meet her and we were fortunate enough to be able to do that in her hometown of Langeais. She is just was delightful as you would expect her to be and she spent over an hour with us. It was one of the highlights of our trips. Every day we had to pinch ourselves that we were doing all of these fabulous things from Paris, to Normandy, to Brittany, to the Loire Valley, to Burgundy, to Provence and to the French Riviera. As you can see, we covered a lot of territory because of Emilie's willingness to customize our trip so that we could see a lot of France. We agree with the suggestion to go with your own GPS. It certainly helps to know how to use it before you arrive. We also suggest that you book your trip well in advance so that Emilie has time to arrange the best bed and breakfasts and the best tour guides. We certainly felt like we had that and we booked our trip seven months ahead. And read your tour book(s) before you go. You will still refer to them each and every day but there is so much general information in the books that we found very helpful. We have NEVER had a better trip and it's because of Emilie. Thank you, Emilie, for truly giving us the trip of a lifetime. We have memories that will last forever because of you.
Paul
My wife and I had our travel plans created by Emilie at "France Just For You," a personal travel planner, Our trip was seamless as everything was prepared by FJFY: car rental pickup, B&B #1, detailed maps and activities, B&B 2, train to Paris, hotel, tours . . . . it was simply amazing! FJFY creates a customized tour book for your entire trip, it …
My wife and I had our travel plans created by Emilie at "France Just For You," a personal travel planner, Our trip was seamless as everything was prepared by FJFY: car rental pickup, B&B #1, detailed maps and activities, B&B 2, train to Paris, hotel, tours . . . . it was simply amazing!
FJFY creates a customized tour book for your entire trip, it comes with maps, activity suggestions, restaurants. Our B&B's were beautiful and the hosts were kind and helpful. It was fun to meet others at the B&B's, people who have come back to the same place year after year because of the hospitality.
Paris accommodations were located in a nice area and within walking distance of many locales and train stops. We had a guided tour of the city and tickets to the Louvre all taken care of by FJFY.
The only bad part about FJFY is the challenge of deciding on the many itineraries, all are enticing so I MUST go back to France. When we return I will be seeking Emilie's expert advice once again.
Ed
This is the third year in a row that we have traveled to France, as part of a two country vacation. Because of our positive experiences with Emilie's help in the past, and our desire to be relatively independent, we chose to have her craft our French trip again this year. In a word, she is incredible! We have such a high level of confidence in her …
This is the third year in a row that we have traveled to France, as part of a two country vacation. Because of our positive experiences with Emilie's help in the past, and our desire to be relatively independent, we chose to have her craft our French trip again this year. In a word, she is incredible! We have such a high level of confidence in her that we will not consider any other agency. She creates an itinerary for you that is faithfully based on your interests. The personalized book she prepares for each traveler is legendary, and presents an easy, chronological, and thoughtful guide and resource for the relevant history, points of interest, lodging and restaurants. The B & B's she uses are personally screened for you, and truly delightful. We know from our hosts, that Emilie is very highly regarded by them, because the clientele she attracts are curious, respectful, independent, and desirable. Emilie personally has inspected the lodging she has arranged to be sure it is first rate, and maintaining it's excellence, over time. Although all of our prior communications have been by internet, the highlight of our trip this year was meeting Emilie in Tours. We wish her continued, well deserved success!
