Explore Eastern France, from South to North . . . colorful Provence, Burgundy vineyards, and of course the city of lights: Paris!
We recommend that our travelers fly into Marseille and out of Paris (which is not always more expensive and much more convenient than Paris on both ends).
We were overwhelmed by the wealth of information available when attempting to plan our 6 week self drive holiday in France. Never having been to France before we found the task …
We were overwhelmed by the wealth of information available when attempting to plan our 6 week self drive holiday in France. Never having been to France before we found the task daunting and sifting through forums full of information only confused us.
We have traveled in New Zealand using a New Zealand based travel adviser and decided to look into using a similar company for this trip.
So glad we did. We found France Just For You and felt as though we were on the right track. After lots of communication with Laura we came up with an itinerary that proved to be terrific. Our accommodation was all fantastic, suggestions of things to do and places to eat, rental car was organised even down to the all important places to park.
We had an unforgettable holiday made so much better on the recommendations of France Just For You. We highly recommend this company if you are wanting guidance for your holiday in France.
#1 - A comfortable house in Southern ProvenceStay in Aix-en-Provence heights
#1 - A comfortable house in Southern ProvenceEnjoy fresh nights in a peaceful setting away from the crowds
#1 - A comfortable house in Southern ProvenceWalk on painter Cezanne footsteps
#2 - A Peaceful mansion on the island of AvignonEnjoy a peaceful park away from the crowds
#2 - A Peaceful mansion on the island of AvignonRest in a very spacious suite-room
#2 - A Peaceful mansion on the island of AvignonMeet with fellow travelers in cozy communal areas
#2 - A Peaceful mansion on the island of AvignonYour lovely hosts will be happy to help
#3 - A restored barn near BeauneStay 10 minute drive to Beaune, in a former farm
#3 - A restored barn near BeauneAfter a day visiting, relax in the jacuzzi or in the garden
#3 - A restored barn near Beauneenjoy a nice rest in a large and well-equipped room
#4 - A 4* Boutique-Hotel in Saint Germain districtA charming place run by the same family for several generations
#4 - A 4* Boutique-Hotel in Saint Germain districtStay in a comfortable superior room and enjoy walking everywhere in Paris
#4 - A 4* Boutique-Hotel in Saint Germain districtRelax in a cozy salon
#4 - A 4* Boutique-Hotel in Saint Germain districtRely on the friendly staff to make your stay even more enjoyable
Step by step
Southern Provence - Cezanne landscapes
Start your journey with 3 nights in Aix en Provence, in the heights of the city, on the slopes of the Sainte Victoire mountain. You will be comfortably settled in a typical “mas house”, surrounded by a lovely garden with a swimming pool. From the B&B, you can stroll beautiful trails that will take you on Cezanne footsteps.
From here, discover the beauty of southern Provence as you visit picturesque little villages in the Luberon or bigger cities such as Marseille and Aix-en-Provence. Tour the salt marshes of the Camargue, take an easy hike in the calanques near Cassis or visit the Alpilles region, where you will find beautiful Saint Remy de Provence and Van Gogh's favorite landscapes. We will tell you where to buy the best olive oil or lavender products!
The daily suggested itinerarieswill take you from the must sees to secret hideaways, from the Luberon stone villages to the Mediterranean's wonderful panoramas. Flower fragrances, glowing colors, Mediterranean flavors and sunshine will delight you.
Avignon - Central Provence
The second step of your journey is in Avignon. You will reside in a comfortable and quiet B&B for 3 nights on the island of Avignon. This very quiet house is nestled in a nice garden where you will enjoy relaxing by the pool, and it is only a 15 minute walk to the heart of Avignon's historic center. Your hosts know the region very well and they will be happy to give you some advice if you'd like.
Discover several 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.
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 at a provencal café with locals.
Burgundy vineyard sceneries
On the 7th day, you will drive 4 hours North to Burgundy. You will reside for 3 nights in a former barn which was entirely restored by your hosts. Situated in the heart of Burgundy, 10-minute drive to Beaune, you will be perfectly located to tour the region and taste its wines.
We'll tell you where to go for the best wine tasting in the area. After that, you can savor a traditional Burgundy meal or buy a picnic at Beaune market and take a sunbath it in the park close by.
For the "Gourmets", you will meet with Olivier, who was a chef in star-rated restaurants. He will teach you how to cook some typical Burgundy dishes revised to make them some very sophisticated courses. A great cooking class !
We will provide you with detailed itineraries to discover the authentic and charming Burgundy. This region is much more than the vineyards: winding roads leading to tiny timeless villages - some of them "Most Beautiful Villages of France" - will give you a real feel for this region. Dijon has kept a lot of ancient monuments and houses, yet it is a modern city that is very lively and full of charm.
Ah . . . Paris !
On the 10th day, drive 3 hours to Paris – we will recommend a nice stop on the way. You will drop off the rental car at the nearest agency to your hotel and settle for 3 nights in the capital city of France. End your trip living the Parisian life. Comfortably accommodated in a charming 4* boutique-hotel in the Saint Germain district, you will discover the French capital city’s must sees and hidden beauties.
Ideally based at a 5 minute walk to Notre Dame Cathedral, you will explore Paris by foot, by boat or using public transportation with different and unique itineraries we have prepared 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.
Walk on King Louis the 14th's footsteps in Versailles castle and gardens. You will enjoy a 5hr private guided tour to the palace and the gardens: a great way to enjoy this unique and magnificient site !
On your last day, a private driver will take you to the airport.
Trust us, in two weeks, you'll discover a lot of France !
Activities included
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.
Burgundy Cooking Class
Meet with Olivier who was a Chef in star rated restaurants. He will teach you how to cook some typical Burgundy dishes revised to make them some very sophisticated courses.
Private Guide to Versailles Palace
Walk on King Louis the 14th's footsetps in Versailles castle and gardens. You will enjoy a 5hr private guided tour to the palace and the gardens.
A perfect 2 weeks in Provence in the spring! My husband and I were delighted with the itinerary ‘FJFY’ put together for our 2-week self-drive road trip in Provence. During the planning stages Emilie and Laura asked insightful questions about our lifestyle and desires relating to travel. Communications were outstanding throughout the planning stage …
A perfect 2 weeks in Provence in the spring!
My husband and I were delighted with the itinerary ‘FJFY’ put together for our 2-week self-drive road trip in Provence.
During the planning stages Emilie and Laura asked insightful questions about our lifestyle and desires relating to travel. Communications were outstanding throughout the planning stage. As a result of their in-depth inquiries, they had a keen sense for the types of accommodations and daily activities we would enjoy.
In addition to booked activities, they provided several suggested options of activities each day. The same information is provided in the excellent FJFY app, which worked flawlessly the entire trip.
The resulting trip was exactly what we needed: a fun, relaxed and enriching experience of Provence.
Our accommodations and hosts were lovely the entire trip. I highly recommend this company for anyone looking for a personal approach to travel in France!
Marcia
We would highly recommend “France Just for You” and will most defiantly use the services of Emilie again. At the end of April 2017 we spend two weeks in France visiting Normandy, Mont Saint Michel, Lorie Valley and Paris. We can would sum the trip in one word “Perfect!”. Emilie well prepared us with a personalized book, (179 pages) , describing our …
We would highly recommend “France Just for You” and will most defiantly use the services of Emilie again. At the end of April 2017 we spend two weeks in France visiting Normandy, Mont Saint Michel, Lorie Valley and Paris. We can would sum the trip in one word “Perfect!”. Emilie well prepared us with a personalized book, (179 pages) , describing our accommodations, things to see and the history of the area. She gave great recommendations of restaurants, sights and always provided the GPS coordinates which were invaluable. All of the B&B accommodations were wonderful with welcoming host that spoke English. I cannot tell how easy Emilie made traveling abroad for us, we looked forward to what each and every day would bring, except of the last day when we had to leave.
Donna & Jim from Canada
This was our second trip arranged by France Just for You. That says a lot. What says more is we would do another trip with them without any concern. They are pros from the time the trip is planned to the very last minute of the journey. Every detail is provided through the travel book, app and communication, if needed, during the trip. We would …
This was our second trip arranged by France Just for You. That says a lot. What says more is we would do another trip with them without any concern. They are pros from the time the trip is planned to the very last minute of the journey. Every detail is provided through the travel book, app and communication, if needed, during the trip. We would highly recommend France Just For You!! Many thanks.
