From the landing sites in Normandy to Mont Saint Michel on to Brittany ending in the Loire Valley, this itinerary will have you discover all the history, traditions and gastronomy of the North-West of France.
My husband and I have just returned from an amazing 16 day trip in France organized thoughtfully and beautifully by Emilie of France Just for You. As the other reviewers have …
My husband and I have just returned from an amazing 16 day trip in France organized thoughtfully and beautifully by Emilie of France Just for You. As the other reviewers have stated, all interactions with Emilie have been prompt, professional and thorough. Although we have organized European travel on our own in the past, concerned that we might be limited by the language barrier (as we do not speak French), I stumbled across Emilie's website when planning for our France vacation. We couldn't have been more pleased with all aspects of her organization, planning, attention to our personal requests and responsiveness. She created an amazing trip for us. Our itinerary (the 400 page personalized book others have mentioned) was chock full of amazing suggestions for experiences tailored just for us. I especially appreciated that Emilie made many great suggestions organized for each day, but it wasn't too structured so we remained in charge of our own time. Emilie additionally organized several tours (in Normandy, Paris and a vineyard in the Loire Valley), as well as a cooking class and a day of biking. We stayed in a French chateau, a wonderful boutique hotel in Paris and the most amazing b and b's! All of the professionals with whom we interacted in France were welcoming, friendly and kind. Emilie's planning allowed us the opportunity to interact with people in a manner that I do not believe we would have experienced otherwise or if we had tried to plan this vacation on our own. The holiday was more special because of these interactions with b and b owners and the other professionals. In the end, we felt as if we left France enriched by the amazing experiences that were personalized and also having made new friends. This would not have been otherwise possible without Emilie's efforts. She takes great care and it's obvious she pays great detail to each trip. At the end of our vacation, I found myself searching to see the other locations where Emilie plans trips as we will surely use her services again and highly recommend for the most wonderful vacation.
#1 - An Medieval Manor in the Norman countrysideA medieval manor between Bayeux and the landing beaches
#1 - An Medieval Manor in the Norman countrysideAfter a day visiting, relax in the Norman countryside
#1 - An Medieval Manor in the Norman countrysideEnjoy a very spacious room with all the modern amenities
#1 - An Medieval Manor in the Norman countryside...and amazing home-made breakfasts
#2 - A cozy house along the Bay of Mont Saint MichelShare breakfasts and a diner with fellow travelers
#2 - A cozy house along the Bay of Mont Saint MichelEnjoy a main floor suite room with a kitchenette
#2 - A cozy house along the Bay of Mont Saint MichelYour hosts are from Brittany & very happy to share tips & hints
#3 - A typical stone longère in a charming gardenEnjoy Brittany countryside between Perros Guirec & Bréhat island
#3 - A typical stone longère in a charming gardenYour host Fred is also an antique dealer
#3 - A typical stone longère in a charming garden... lots of unique decoration to the house
#3 - A typical stone longère in a charming gardenYour adorable hostess has a wonderful garden
#3 - A typical stone longère in a charming gardenEnjoy a brand new room with a lot of amenities
#4 - A modern home, on the coast of the Morbihan GulfYour host is from the region, and he comes from a family of oyster farmers
#4 - A modern home, on the coast of the Morbihan Gulfenjoy a comfortable modern setting...
#4 - A modern home, on the coast of the Morbihan Gulf...and amazing Gulf views from your bed !
#4 - A modern home, on the coast of the Morbihan Gulfhere, the sea is always near you...
#5 - A restored historic home in the center of a lively townA historic home, in the center of a lively wine town
#5 - A restored historic home in the center of a lively townrelax in a large room
#5 - A restored historic home in the center of a lively town...in the courtyard or the guests living room
#5 - A restored historic home in the center of a lively townShare breakfasts with other fellow travelers
#6 - A gorgeous private castle in the LoireStay in a gorgeous privately owned castle in the Loire valley
#6 - A gorgeous private castle in the Loireplay the piano or enjoy a drink in one of the salons
#6 - A gorgeous private castle in the LoireEarly birds will have 1620 fescos on their room s walls.
#6 - A gorgeous private castle in the LoireYour lovely hosts will share their passion with you
Step by step
We can plan for you to pick up the rental car where it suits you best: Paris, CDG Airport...just let us know
Start your itinerary with 3 nights tasting the Norman quietness in a charming manor from the 11th century. Jump into the Middle-Ages, but enjoying all the modern amenities...and amazing breakfasts cooked by your lovely hostess.
Perfectly located between Bayeux and the WWII beaches, you will get a real feel for the Norman history there from William the Conqueror to the Second World War.
For your to better understand the WWII history, we include a half day with a private guide. We will tailor make your visit based on the sites you are interested in: Juno area for the Canadian army, Gold beach for the British army and Utah / Omaha for the American landing.
Continue your itinerary for 2 nights along the bay of Mont St Michel. Your B&B is located half-way between the famous Mont Saint Michel village and the lovely port of Saint Malo.
Here you will enjoy a village that lives in symbiosis with the bay - oyster farmers at work, nice walks along the dyke of the bay, etc.
Your lovely hosts are proud of their breton heritage and share this via their nice homemade “breton” breakfast. You will also enjoy a delicious fish/seafood evening meal.
We plan for you to explore Mont saint Michel village and Abbey with a private guide to get away from some of the crowds. We’ll also give you some tips to discover the typical villages and ports in eastern Brittany.
Keep driving West to Nothern Brittany where you will spend 3 nights in a charming typical stone “longère”, nestled in a lovingly tended garden between the Pink Granite coast and Bréhat island.
Your adorable hosts will put all their hearts into making sure you have a wonderful stay and enjoy their beloved region.
From here, you are perfectly located to enjoy northern Brittany’s Pink Granite Coast’s dramatic landscapes, explore gorgeous privately-owned gardens, walk along the coastal “customs” trail and taste savory crepes and seafood !
Cross Brittany from North to South and reach the Morbihan Gulf where you will spend the next 2 nights, in a comfortable modern home, in the region of the Carnac megalithic site.
The view is amazing of the Gulf and some of its islands, whether you are in your room, the guest salon, or the vast garden. Your host is from the region, and he comes from a family of oyster farmers.
Visit old towns like Vannes and Pont Aven, walks along the coast directly from the B&B garden, outings on the water or exploring some of the Gulf’s islands.
Explore Carnac megaliths following a local guide, on a segway: a great way to visit the entire site which spreads over 4 hectares.
Discover the Loire Valley region, comfortably settled in a beautiful historic home nestled in a lively town, by the river. Your host will be happy to make many recommendations about wineries, wine bars or restaurants to experience the Touraine sweet life.
You will spend the following 3 nights of your journey comfortably settled in a beautiful historic home nestled in a lively town, by the river. Your host will be happy to make many recommendations about wineries, wine bars or restaurants to experience the Touraine sweet life.
Located on the banks of the Vienne River, you will jump back to the Medieval times and learn about Joan of Arc history. At night, one of the best restaurant in the region is less than a 1-minute-walk.
Visit a Chinon winery run by a charming couple who come from generations of winegrowers. Enjoy a commented tasting of the wines with some local-product snacks.
On your way back to Paris, treat yourself with the last 2 nights in a luxury privately owned castle, 5 miles to Chambord Unesco Renaissance castle.
You will stay in a comfortable room which may have original frescos dating back to 1620 on the walls (for the early birds) and also enjoy a vast park, tennis court and a huge swimming pool. In the evening, enjoy a drink in one of the many "salons" where you will always feel welcome.
You can return the car rental where it is the most convenient to you: Paris, CDG Airport, .... just let us know.
Activities included
Private Guide on the WWII sites
Spend a half day with a private guide who will customize the itinerary to your wishes and interests. A must do to better understand what happened on D-Day.
Mont Saint Michel Private Tour
Discover this unique village and its Abbey with a local guide who will explain you about its history and traditions. She will take you to many small streets to see places that tourist usually don't see.
Carnac Segway Tour
Get on a guided Segway ride to explore Carnac 6000 years old menhirs.
A Winery Visit & Tasting in Chinon
Visit a Chinon winery run by a charming couple who come from generations of winegrowers.
Enjoy a commented tasting of the wines with some local-product snacks.
We just got back from a 2-week fairytale trip to the Southwest of France, perfectly planned for us by Emilie and Guillaume. We spent 3 days in Carcassonne, 4 days in the Dordogne, and 4 days in the Medoc. Each B&B was charming and the hosts were wonderfully welcoming. The special activities that were planned (truffle-hunting, wine-tasting and …
We just got back from a 2-week fairytale trip to the Southwest of France, perfectly planned for us by Emilie and Guillaume. We spent 3 days in Carcassonne, 4 days in the Dordogne, and 4 days in the Medoc. Each B&B was charming and the hosts were wonderfully welcoming. The special activities that were planned (truffle-hunting, wine-tasting and blending, a specially-arranged English-language tour of Michel de Montaigne's library, etc.) were amazing experiences that we probably would never have been able to arrange on our own. The "Emilie book" was indispensable! I cannot recommend France Just For You highly enough!
And we can't wait to come back to la belle France!
John
In May we travelled to France for our second trip with Emilie and France Just For You, and it was just as wonderful as our first adventure! Emilie's planning is so thorough and detailed that not a thing is left to chance. The B and B's were lovely and the hosts delightful; the routes were carefully planned to give us a complete taste of Southern …
In May we travelled to France for our second trip with Emilie and France Just For You, and it was just as wonderful as our first adventure! Emilie's planning is so thorough and detailed that not a thing is left to chance. The B and B's were lovely and the hosts delightful; the routes were carefully planned to give us a complete taste of Southern France; and the suggestions for restaurants, shopping and cultural activities were perfect. We completely trusted all of Emilie's suggestions and highly recommend her services!
Mary & Dan
Emilie, Our trip has been fantastic! We appreciate all that you did to make it so wonderful. Many, many thanks! The itineraries, special experiences--- like the 4x4 wine tour, wine picnic, and cooking with Catherine---and the unique accommodations made our vacation very very special. We start toward home tomorrow, leaving your beautiful country but …
Emilie,
Our trip has been fantastic! We appreciate all that you did to make it so wonderful. Many, many thanks! The itineraries, special experiences--- like the 4x4 wine tour, wine picnic, and cooking with Catherine---and the unique accommodations made our vacation very very special.
We start toward home tomorrow, leaving your beautiful country but feeling satisfied that we've seen the very best of Burgundy and Provence. Again, many thanks.
P.S. We've already recommended you to several people we've met on our trip, and will continue to do so to friends and family.
