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 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.
This was one of the best trips we have taken to Europe. We have often done our own planning. It was so nice to have Laura help. We were very delighted with accommodations and friendliness of all our hosts and tour guides. As Americans that don't speak much French, we would never have been able to arrange a trip like this ourselves - and we've done …
This was one of the best trips we have taken to Europe. We have often done our own planning. It was so nice to have Laura help. We were very delighted with accommodations and friendliness of all our hosts and tour guides. As Americans that don't speak much French, we would never have been able to arrange a trip like this ourselves - and we've done lots of independent travel in the past. We loved the many small towns you recommended. Merci Laura for arranging such a wonderful experience for us.
Elizabeth
My husband and I just returned from two magnificent weeks in France that included four nights in Paris, four nights in the Loire Valley, two nights near Mont Saint Michel, three nights in Bayeux, near the WWII Landing Beaches and one night at a CDG airport hôtel. We stayed in charming B&Bs with equally charming hosts who recommended great places to …
My husband and I just returned from two magnificent weeks in France that included four nights in Paris, four nights in the Loire Valley, two nights near Mont Saint Michel, three nights in Bayeux, near the WWII Landing Beaches and one night at a CDG airport hôtel. We stayed in charming B&Bs with equally charming hosts who recommended great places to eat and were very knowledgeable about the local area. Emilie provides exceptional services that includes a guidebook, complete with GPS coordinates for all accommodations, activities, restaurants and even parking! We could not have had a more perfect experience and heartily recommend Emilie's services at France Just For You!
Vania
Emilie did an outstanding job choosing ideal locations, charming B and B's and accommodating our requests. We went from Normandy to Aix to the Alps to Paris and were happy with the entire trip. She created a personalized itinerary that made our travels very easy and our experiences feel unique. No doubt I would recommend France Just for You and …
Emilie did an outstanding job choosing ideal locations, charming B and B's and accommodating our requests. We went from Normandy to Aix to the Alps to Paris and were happy with the entire trip. She created a personalized itinerary that made our travels very easy and our experiences feel unique. No doubt I would recommend France Just for You and would use their services again.
