My wife and I were planning a special trip to Provence and although we didn't want a canned tour, we did want support to ensure we didn't miss out on experiences we simply weren't …
My wife and I were planning a special trip to Provence and although we didn't want a canned tour, we did want support to ensure we didn't miss out on experiences we simply weren't aware of. In our search we got lucky and found Emilie. She interviewed us in advance so she could customize the trip to our desires and interests and ultimately created our own guidebook packed with countless options and details. She secured the perfect vehicle for us with a gps so we could use the coordinates provided in the book to get exactly to even the most obscure location. This alone saved us hours of time and aggravation. We had an excellent and diverse itinerary featuring 2 beautiful B and B's. At the second, Phillippe ( a Michelon Chef) and his wife cooked a wonderful dinner and served the best waffles I have ever had. We toured small villages perched on the sides of cliffs, went truffle hunting with trained truffles
Dogs, had a dune buggy ride through a vineyard, etc. , all thanks to Emilie' s knowledge and expertise. We got to see Provence as we would never have been able to do on our own. I highly recommend Emilie to assist with making your trip the best it can be!
#1 - A typical house nestled in a lively Provençal townFrom the street you will never believe what's behind the door
#1 - A typical house nestled in a lively Provençal townenjoy a comfortable room opening on to the garden
#1 - A typical house nestled in a lively Provençal townShare a glass of wine...
#1 - A typical house nestled in a lively Provençal town...with your lovely hosts
#1 - A typical house nestled in a lively Provençal townEnjoy very typical views from the terraces garden
#2 - A Typical Mas House, in a hidden valley in ProvenceStay in wilder Provence, at the foot of Mont Ventoux
#2 - A Typical Mas House, in a hidden valley in ProvenceEnjoy a comfortable room
#2 - A Typical Mas House, in a hidden valley in Provence...and many spots in the garden, or by the swimming pool.
#3 - A lavishly renovated farmhouse on the Pyrenees foothillsA very typical Basque House
#3 - A lavishly renovated farmhouse on the Pyrenees foothillsThe rooms have a lot of charm but also comfort
#3 - A lavishly renovated farmhouse on the Pyrenees foothillsRelax in the garden by the swimming pool
#3 - A lavishly renovated farmhouse on the Pyrenees foothillsSpend the evening in the covered patio...
#3 - A lavishly renovated farmhouse on the Pyrenees foothillsSpend some time with your hosts
#3 - A lavishly renovated farmhouse on the Pyrenees foothillsPush the doors to a place near paradise
#4 - An elegantly restored perigourdin farm in DordogneA 19th century farm...
#4 - An elegantly restored perigourdin farm in Dordogne...with a traditional sheep farming borie outbuilding.
#4 - An elegantly restored perigourdin farm in DordogneStay in a very comfortable room...
#4 - An elegantly restored perigourdin farm in Dordogne...and enjoy a delicious home-made dinner.
#5 - An old stone house in a lovely hamlet of the Loire ValleyStay in an 18th century house
#5 - An old stone house in a lovely hamlet of the Loire ValleyEnjoy having an aperitive drink the vaulted cellar before dinner
#5 - An old stone house in a lovely hamlet of the Loire ValleyRelax in a large suite room with a living room area
#5 - An old stone house in a lovely hamlet of the Loire ValleySpend a night around your host table and taste delicious dishes
#6 - A 4* Boutique-Hotel 5 min walk to Notre Dame CathedralStay in a very quiet pedestrian street
#6 - A 4* Boutique-Hotel 5 min walk to Notre Dame CathedralEnjoy a personalized welcome
#6 - A 4* Boutique-Hotel 5 min walk to Notre Dame CathedralThis boutique-hotel was entirely renovated & redecorated very recently
#6 - A 4* Boutique-Hotel 5 min walk to Notre Dame CathedralBreakfast in the vaulted cellar is a very Parisian experience
#6 - A 4* Boutique-Hotel 5 min walk to Notre Dame CathedralYou may rest or have a drink in the guests' living room
Step by step
Southern Provence near Aix
Start your trip with 3 nightsin a lively town between Aix en Provence and the Luberon hills. You will be comfortably settled in the former school which was entirely renovated by your hosts. Walk to restaurants and enjoy a terraced garden with gorgeous views to the town's roofs. Very Provençal !
You will explore the landscapes which inspired so many painters including Cezanne, stroll Aix en Provence's little streets and why not spend a day by the sea in Cassis and the surrounding creeks?
One day, enjoy a fun Petanque class in one of the loveliest towns in Provence, with Jean Marc, who was born and raised there. A very Provençal experience!
Provence Sweet Life
Then, drive towards North and the Avignon region where you will stay for 3 nights in a very typical Provençal mas, in a hidden valley, at the foot of Mont Ventoux. There, you will enjoy the farniente and be perfectly located to explore Provence away from the beaten paths.
You will discover the Roman heritage in Provence: Orange arch, Pont du Gard bridge and enjoy the scenic drives in the Luberon & Vaucluse hills.
Biarritz & the Basque Country
On the 7th day, you will drive all the way to the South West of France and reach the Atlantic coast. You will stay for 5 nights in a lavishly decorated former farmhouse, between Biarritz and Saint-Jean de Luz.
We will craft your days so you get a feel of everything the Basque culture has to offer, and there is a lot! Taste the local Bayonne ham after strolling a valley and discovering the traditional and still alive mountain pig farming, get acquainted with the Basque weaving tradition, try to make your own Basque cake or stroll one of the many farmers markets.
Several “most beautiful villages of France” will be on your scenic drives – and you may see some locals playing the Basque Pelote game at the town’s fronton. Nature and outdoors lovers will enjoy endless walks and hikes in the Pyrenees foothills.
Dordogne: prehistory, fortresses & ducks
In Black Perigord, you will stay in an old stone Perigord style house for 5 nights. One night you will share a mouth-watering dinner with your hosts Nat & her husband as well as fellow travelers.
Dordogne is famous for the prehistoric caves in Lascaux and we'll recommend to you a much more intimate visit: we plan for you to step back to the prehistoric time, in a 20,000-year-old painted cave - access is limited to only 40 people per day.
There is a lot to do in this region: medieval castles to visit, wonderful food to taste - we'll tell you where to find the most typical goat cheeses - and if you like outdoor activities, you'll be in paradise. Also, visit the old city of Sarlat and feel the buzz of activity on market days.
The Loire Valley: castle & king country
Spend the next 5 nights in a restored 18th century stonehouse nestled in a lovely hamlet. Your charming host knows this region very well and will be happy to share some tips with you. One night, you will share a delicious home-cooked dinner, prepared by Monsieur. Do not miss the aperitif in the underground vaulted cellar - an out-of-time experience!
Travel through small villages lost between rolling hills, stop over for wine tastings or to wander about outdoor markets and savor local specialties.
Explore all the marvels of the Loire Valley: the castles of Chambord and Chenonceau, Chaumont gardens and the historic city of Amboise. You will also explore, at your own pace, several villages and castles such as Langeais and Villandry gardens.
Touraine is also famous for its vineyards – Chinon, Bourgueil, Vouvray and many more – and we have planned a special wine tasting. You will have the opportunity to taste different wines - in a privately owned 16th century castle - accompanied by some local snacks.
Ah . . . Paris!
On the 22nd day, you will drive back to Paris and return the car by the ring road (to avoid driving inside the city).
Experience living the Parisian life. Comfortably accommodated for 4 nights in a charming boutique-hotel in a pedestrian street of "Quartier Latin", less than a 5 minute walk to Notre Dame Cathedral, you will discover the French capital city’s must sees and hidden beauties.
We plan for you to get oriented with a Parisian guide for a half-day, discover Paris most famous buildings along the Seine river and get to learn a lot about French culture and history while having a lot of fun.
Being based 10-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 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.
On your last day, a private driver will take you to the airport.
We will do our utmost for you to have the best time in our country !
Activities included
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.
Prehistoric Caves
Walk back on the prehistoric men footsteps, in 20,000 year old painted caves - access is limited to 40 person per day.
A Wine Tasting in a castle in the Loire
Visit a family-owned 16th century castle and winery surrounded by over 100 acres of vineyards and forests.
Enjoy a commented tasting of the wines with some local-product snacks.
Paris Orientation Tour
Discover Paris most famous buildings along the Seine river and get to learn a lot about French culture and history...having a lot of fun.
We enjoy drive yourself travel and located Emilie's France Just For You online. How fortunate we were. In September and early October we traveled 17 days in Loire, Bordeaux, Dordogne, Carcassonne and Provence. All the accommodations were in historic B&Bs. Our hosts were invariably gracious and helpful. At every stop Emilie included a home cooked …
We enjoy drive yourself travel and located Emilie's France Just For You online. How fortunate we were. In September and early October we traveled 17 days in Loire, Bordeaux, Dordogne, Carcassonne and Provence. All the accommodations were in historic B&Bs. Our hosts were invariably gracious and helpful. At every stop Emilie included a home cooked meal which were all delicious multi-course events with good wines. A car and French phone were included as were winetours, truffle hunting and a canoe trip. Also included was a 500 page guidebook of the areas we visited with restaurant recommendations and itinerary suggestions including points of interest. Emilie made everything convenient and easy. Emilie was on top of the few minor problems of our own making that we encountered. I have organized self-drive trips myself before and Emilie saved me a lot of work with a result I never could have achieved If you like drive yourself travel you could not possibly find a better was to see France. The cost was reasonable and the trip exceeded our expectations.
Teri & Family from the US
Customized Itinerary with Fantastic Service & Support for France Travel Laura and Emilie with France Just for You provided exactly the itinerary we asked for. We corresponded with them several times to develop exactly what we were interested in and it worked out beautifully. This saved us so much time! We even experienced some challenging airline …
Customized Itinerary with Fantastic Service & Support for France Travel
Laura and Emilie with France Just for You provided exactly the itinerary we asked for. We corresponded with them several times to develop exactly what we were interested in and it worked out beautifully. This saved us so much time! We even experienced some challenging airline trouble and both Laura and Emilie were invaluable in helping with adjustments. We absolutely will be using their services again. I cannot recommend their support enough... If you want the trip of a lifetime or if you frequently visit France, they make it feel as if you've got friends there to help you in your travels. Merci beaucoup!
Maroun
I cannot say enough good things about Emilie and "France Just for You". We spent 15 days in France in June to celebrate our special anniversary and it was more than perfect. I found this superlative agency while browsing online, looking for a custom made trip to France that does not involve hopping on a tour bus with a large group of people, being …
I cannot say enough good things about Emilie and "France Just for You". We spent 15 days in France in June to celebrate our special anniversary and it was more than perfect. I found this superlative agency while browsing online, looking for a custom made trip to France that does not involve hopping on a tour bus with a large group of people, being stuck with a rigid itinerary or being pushed into tourist traps. I sent an inquiry to Emilie and she was quick to respond. From the minute we spoke I knew I had made the right choice. After a long conversation, she sent us a suggested itinerary that was 99% perfect from the get-go. We fine-tuned it, leaving room for some surprises. And surprise us she did! Armed with a 400-page custom-made guide book, we visited Paris, the Loire Valley, Burgundy and Provence. Her attention to detail is unmatched, leaving nothing to chance. She took care of everything except the flights. The accommodations included a cute and convenient boutique hotel in Paris, unbelievably charming B&Bs and a beautiful castle. All the important activities were pre-booked. Her advice was invaluable, from how to drive, which roads to avoid, how to speak and behave, where to eat, what to eat, what to visit, what not to visit, where to buy authentic souvenirs... We had fun chatting with our hospitable and generous hosts and enjoyed numerous adventures such as a bike ride, scenic walks, a truffle hunt, a cooking lesson and a surprise wine tasting and picnic, all at our own pace.
Emilie was available for support all the way through our trip and immediately addressed a small misunderstanding with the car rental company at the end.
Doing a trip like this on our own would have been virtually impossible. Only a professional, dedicated and passionate French native like Emilie, who has spent endless time and energy exploring France, could make this happen.
Thank you Emilie for the best trip we have ever had. You have forever earned our gratefulness, loyalty and admiration. We are certain to return to France in the future, hopefully with family and friends and look forward to your excellent services again.
