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 former wine estateStay right in the Medoc vineyards
#1 - A former wine estateRelax by the vineyards or at the pool or spa
#1 - A former wine estateMeet with your lovely hosts who used to live Sth America
#1 - A former wine estateYou room has a very relaxing decoration
#2 - A restored farmhouse nestled between the woods & the Dordogne riverA gorgeous house nestled between the woods and the Dordogne river
#2 - A restored farmhouse nestled between the woods & the Dordogne riverRelax in a countryside setting
#2 - A restored farmhouse nestled between the woods & the Dordogne riverStay in a very large room with unique decoration
#2 - A restored farmhouse nestled between the woods & the Dordogne riverEnjoy the old stone atmosphere
Step by step
The Bordeaux area
Start your journey in the Bordeaux area for 4 nights, in the Médoc wine region - in a house surrounded by the vineyards. Your lovely hosts are passionate about wine and will invite you to a delicious dinner . . . with some local wines of course !
Built along the banks of the Garonne river, the opulent merchants' homes are very specific to the city of Bordeaux. The rise of colonial trade together with the growth of the wine industry contributed to the amazing expansion of the Gironde region during the 18th century.
We plan for you to explore Bordeaux's old town following a local food guide who will take you to many different food & wine places - delicious !
You will find everything here: from villages nestled into the Medoc or St 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 a private tour of 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 lunch together with a tasting of 3 different wines.
Dordogne
Continue your sightseeing expedition to the Dordogne . In Black Perigord,you will stay in a restored stone house for 5 nights, nestled between the woods and the Dordogne river, perfectly located to explore the area.
Your lovely hostess will open her home to you - which is filled with personal touches (artwork, books, photographies).
Dordogne is famous for prehistoric caves like Lascaux, but we have booked for you a much more intimate visit, to a 20,000 old cave. If you are interested in history or if you are a JM Auel reader, this is a must! Visit the old city of Sarlat and feel the buzz of activity on market days.
We'll tell you where to find the most typical goat cheese ever - and if you like outdoor activities, you'll be in paradise.
We also plan for you to spend a memorable time looking for truffles with a passionate professional and his truffle hound.
This is a trip you will remember forever!
Activities included
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.
Bordeaux Food Tour
Stroll Bordeaux old town, stopping at many different food and wine shops to get a nice overview of the Bordeaux region gastronomy. A very pleasant walking tour !
Truffle Hunt
In Dordogne, spend a memorable time looking for truffles with a passionate professional and his truffle hound.
Our family of 5 adults spent 17 days touring France on a trip built around the Women's World Cup Semi-finals and Final in Lyon. France Just For You did a marvelous job setting up beautiful, well managed B&B's in 5 different regions as we explored both the history and gastronomy of France. Guided tours from personable and informative guides during …
Our family of 5 adults spent 17 days touring France on a trip built around the Women's World Cup Semi-finals and Final in Lyon. France Just For You did a marvelous job setting up beautiful, well managed B&B's in 5 different regions as we explored both the history and gastronomy of France. Guided tours from personable and informative guides during the first day in each region set a base of historical and geographic knowledge that allowed for quality, individual exploration the remaining time in the region. As diverse as our family members' interests are, all 5 of us got to experience a piece of France and its culture that was special to us. Emilie and Laura did a wonderful job from initial planning to shepherding us through the trip. Merci!
Jena
Our trip was exactly as expected, planned perfectly with so many amazing tips on where and how to get around like a local. 25 days, with lots of driving and so much to see. Paris, Versailles, Normandy, Loire Valley, Sancerre, Dordogne and Bordeaux. We were warmly welcomed at all B&Bs and felt that we really got a local feel everywhere we went. All …
Our trip was exactly as expected, planned perfectly with so many amazing tips on where and how to get around like a local. 25 days, with lots of driving and so much to see. Paris, Versailles, Normandy, Loire Valley, Sancerre, Dordogne and Bordeaux. We were warmly welcomed at all B&Bs and felt that we really got a local feel everywhere we went. All recommendations by FJFY were spot on. I can’t say enough about how impressed we are by France Just For You. We will come back for more!!!
Eileen
Thank you, Emilie! This was just the trip that we had envisioned. The B&B's that you booked for us were perfect. The excursions were fabulous. The amazingly detailed books that you prepared for us were our guides and will forever remind us of our trip. You listened to what we wanted and arranged a trip just for us. I cannot imagine how this trip …
Thank you, Emilie! This was just the trip that we had envisioned. The B&B's that you booked for us were perfect. The excursions were fabulous. The amazingly detailed books that you prepared for us were our guides and will forever remind us of our trip. You listened to what we wanted and arranged a trip just for us. I cannot imagine how this trip could have been better - unless we had stayed longer in each place. There was so much to do and so many options in your books that we were unable to do it all. We probably should have scheduled some rest days in the inviting swimming pools at several of our B&B's. Maybe we should return? I am so glad that I stumbled upon your site on the web. I am sorry we missed you in Langeais. That was our favorite city. For those of you reading this review, make sure you tell Emilie what you are really looking for in a trip to France and I am absolutely certain that she will make it happen for you.
