This itinerary gives you the perfect tour of Northern France, including Paris, the Loire Valley castles and gastronomy, and ending in Normandy with the landing sites, the hinterland and beautiful Giverny.
You may already know from other reviews that "France Just for You" will create an itinerary based on your interests and time frame, booking attractions and lodgings, arranging a …
You may already know from other reviews that "France Just for You" will create an itinerary based on your interests and time frame, booking attractions and lodgings, arranging a car, and providing a detailed guide book with historical and cultural information, and suggestions for things to see and do with your unscheduled time. The whole service is magnificent. One of the valuable things "France Just for You" did for us last time was to point out that we could not see all of France in 17 days, so we did a few regions well, and went back this year to spend 12 more days in different areas. We'll be back! If only they could cover Italy and Spain!
#1 - A 4* Boutique-Hotel in Saint Germain districtA charming place run by the same family for several generations
#1 - A 4* Boutique-Hotel in Saint Germain districtStay in a comfortable superior room and enjoy walking everywhere in Paris
#1 - A 4* Boutique-Hotel in Saint Germain districtRelax in a cozy salon
#1 - A 4* Boutique-Hotel in Saint Germain districtRely on the friendly staff to make your stay even more enjoyable
#2 - A gorgeous private castle in the LoireStay in a fairytale castle in the Loire Valley
#2 - A gorgeous private castle in the Loiresettle in a very spacious room, overlooking the park
#2 - A gorgeous private castle in the LoireRelax in one of the guests' reading rooms
#2 - A gorgeous private castle in the Loireif you are not too scared, take the underground passages to the swimming pool !
#3 - A 14th century house in the Loire ValleyA charming house, nestled in a lovely hamlet
#3 - A 14th century house in the Loire ValleyRelax in a cozy room, after a day sightseeing.
#3 - A 14th century house in the Loire ValleyYour lovely hosts will take good care of you...
#3 - A 14th century house in the Loire Valley...and will take you to their vaulted cellar for the apéritif.
#4 - A beautiful mansion very close to BayeuxStay 2 miles from Bayeux historical city
#4 - A beautiful mansion very close to BayeuxRelax in a suite room and enjoy a delicious dinner cooked by Vincent
#4 - A beautiful mansion very close to BayeuxYou can also read your guidebook in your own little private greenhouse
#5 - A Gorgeous Mansion on the hill above Giverny townStay away from the crowds only 2 miles to Monet's house and gardens
#5 - A Gorgeous Mansion on the hill above Giverny townRest in a spacious room, lavishly decorated...
#5 - A Gorgeous Mansion on the hill above Giverny town...or in the welcoming living room
Step by step
Paris, the city of lights
Start your French journey living the Parisian life for 4 nights! For a smooth arrival, a private driver will meet you at the airport and drive you to the hotel.
Comfortably accommodated in a charming 4* boutique-hotel in the Saint Germain disctrict, you will discover the French capital city’s must sees and hidden beauties.
Being based less than 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 capital city so you’ll know where to take a break.
To get oriented in Paris, we plan for you to follow a private Parisian guide for a half-day. We will craft your itinerary with Raf based on what you already know and want to discover. It may also include museums if you wish.
The Loire Valley
On day 5, you will pick up your rental car near the hotel and drive 3 hours to the Loire Valley. This region and its people will welcome you with its renowned "sweet life", its Renaissance castles and gardens, and its famous gastronomy and wines.
Stay for 3 nights in a charming and romantic Renaissance castle in the heart of the Loire Valley. The perfect place to be introduced to the "Castle Country," and enjoying the warm welcome of the owners themselves.
We will craft your days for you to enjoy a bit of everything the Loire Valley has to offer: famous castles to hidden beauties, lovely towns and farmers markets, relaxing strolls in unique gardens . . .
On day 8, you will move to the Southern Loire Valley for 3 nights near Chinon. From here, discover all the hidden marvels of the Loire Valley: the castles of Azay-le-Rideau and Langeais, the beautiful gardens in Villandry and the historic towns of Saumur, Chinon and Richelieu.
You will stay in the outbuildings of a disappeared monastery dating back to the 14th century. Your charming hosts know the 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 totally unique experience!
Touraine is famous for its vineyards – Chinon, Bourgueil, Vouvray, Amboise and many more – you will visit a Chinon winery run by a charming couple who come from generations of winegrowers. Enjoy a commented tasting of the wines with some very local specialties.
Normandy - the Bayeux Area
On day 11, drive about 3hr30 to the Normandy seaside area, in Calvados and stay for 3 nights in a lovely house, located in downtown Bayeux, a few minutes walk to the Cathedral, the tapestry, the restaurants and shops.
From here you can visit Bayeux and its famous tapestry, all the landing beaches (from Sainte Mère Eglise to Pointe du Hoc) and Caen.
The Normandy hinterland might not be advertised abroad but is much worth a detour: the typical half-timbered villages, the Cider road, the beautiful English style gardens, the apple brandy traditional manufactures . . . and of course the cheese. A trip to Normandy would not be complete without tasting Camembert or Livarot cheese!
Deauville and Honfleur are within driving distance. Honfleur deserves a visit for its picturesque harbor and art galleries and Deauville for its famous Grand Casino, horse track and luxury cars.
To get familiar with Norman gastronomy, we have planned a cooking class for you with Brigitte. She will welcome you in her home where you’ll prepare a 3 course meal that you will savor for lunch. A fun experience!
Normandy - Giverny
On day 14, you will take the last step of your trip to Giverny – 2hrs from Bayeux and 1hr to CDG Airport. This tiny unchanged village takes you back to the 19th century when the great painter Claude Monet created a new art movement: impressionism.
In Giverny, you will visit the house where he lived for 43 years and where he painted some of his most beautiful masterpieces, among them “Haystacks”, “Rouen Cathedral” and the “Water Lilies”. The gardens are beautifully kept in the exact shape as they were when Monet painted them. We include in this package cut-the-line tickets that enable you to not have to wait at Monet’s house and gardens.
In Giverny, we have planned for a 2-night stay in a gorgeous mansion, 2 miles from Giverny town, in the orchards. This will give you enough time to follow Valerie's advice and discover the Seine river valley, Les Andelys and maybe even Versailles at your own pace.
With this itinerary, you will enjoy the must sees of Northern France and also you will discover some hidden gems.
Activities included
Paris Private Walking Tour
For a half-day, follow a private guide in the heart of Paris to get oriented and learn more about the history, art, culture or architecture. We will taylor make your program based on your wishes.
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.
Norman cooking Class
Spend a morning with Brigitte who will teach you how to make a real norman meal. Then you'll enjoy the lunch in her welcoming dining room or in the terrace.
Monet's House & Garden
Avoid wasting time standing in line, use the by-pass line to visit the house of Monet and its famous gardens. Follow in the footsteps of this painter and the American Impressionists in the small town of Giverny.
Dear Emilie, Thank you so much for all you did to make our vacation fantastic. From the initial planning, the guide book, and all the accommodations and plans, everything was fabulous! Our trip was made better because of you! Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
Dear Emilie,
Thank you so much for all you did to make our vacation fantastic. From the initial planning, the guide book, and all the accommodations and plans, everything was fabulous! Our trip was made better because of you!
Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
Earl
It's hard to know where to begin. We stumbled across France Just For You by accident when researching ideas for our three week visit to France. We made contact with Emily by email and began a conversation over the coming weeks as she planned a self-guided holiday for us, designed to fulfil our dream of staying in French b'n'bs in wine-growing …
It's hard to know where to begin. We stumbled across France Just For You by accident when researching ideas for our three week visit to France. We made contact with Emily by email and began a conversation over the coming weeks as she planned a self-guided holiday for us, designed to fulfil our dream of staying in French b'n'bs in wine-growing regions as well as outdoor/sporting activities, finishing in Paris at the French Open. Her network and knowledge of b'n'bs, restaurants, activities etc is exceptional and her organisational skills are amazing and simply add confidence for the traveller from another part of the world. Emily organised all our accomodation, transport, car hire, entry tickets to Roland Garros, Palace of Versailles, theatre, cooking classes, bike hire and produced a 400 page travel manual tailored individually for us. I'm not sure I could unbundle exactly what we paid for her work but I promise you it was worth every cent. Our travel manual was laid out with a plan and schedule for every day of our trip, with gps coordinates for every location we needed to get to. Even if I were a seasoned traveller to France I would still recommend FJFY as it took all the stress out of planning and executing our trip, as well as taking us to places we would never have imagined. If I could give Emily more than 5 stars I would do so gladly! Thank you Emily for making our trip so memorable.
Miller Family
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!
