This is the best itinerary to thoroughly discover the Northern part of France: Burgundy vineyards, Loire Valley castles, Normandy WWII history . . . and ending in the most famous and beautiful capital in the world - Paris.
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 family house right between Dijon and BeauneA beautiful mansion in the Burgundy vineyard
#1 - A family house right between Dijon and BeauneWith spacious and comfortable rooms with a view over the park
#1 - A family house right between Dijon and BeauneEnjoy meeting with your very friendly hosts
#1 - A family house right between Dijon and Beaune...and having breakfast outside on a sunny day
#2 - A 14th century house in the Loire ValleyA charming house, nestled in a lovely hamlet
#2 - A 14th century house in the Loire ValleyRelax in a cozy room, after a day sightseeing.
#2 - A 14th century house in the Loire ValleyYour lovely hosts will take good care of you...
#2 - A 14th century house in the Loire Valley...and will take you to their vaulted cellar for the apéritif.
#3 - A Romantic Castle in the Loire ValleyDiscover the Loire region, staying in a castle
#3 - A Romantic Castle in the Loire ValleyRelax at night in a gorgeous room
#3 - A Romantic Castle in the Loire ValleyTake the time to settle in one of the lovely sitting rooms...
#3 - A Romantic Castle in the Loire Valley...or stroll the park & garden
#3 - A Romantic Castle in the Loire ValleyJust sit, relax, enjoy !
#4 - A 19th century typical stone Normandy homeThe lovely garden inspires your hostess for watercolors
#4 - A 19th century typical stone Normandy homeEnjoy a mix of decoration inspiration coming from your hosts previous lives
#4 - A 19th century typical stone Normandy homeYour hosts in the garden
#4 - A 19th century typical stone Normandy homeAfter breakfast drive 20 minutes to reach Mont Saint Michel
#5 - A beautiful house in NormandyStay in the old Bayeux...
#5 - A beautiful house in Normandy...with very comfortable suite-room equipped with a small kitchen
#5 - A beautiful house in NormandyWe'll recommend where to taste Normandy's famous seafood
#6 - A 4* Boutique-Hotel in Saint Germain des PrésIsn't this street "typiquement Parisienne ?"
#6 - A 4* Boutique-Hotel in Saint Germain des PrésEnjoy a large room with a nice reading area
#6 - A 4* Boutique-Hotel in Saint Germain des PrésBreakfast is served in the comfortable lobby
Step by step
Burgundy - La Bourgogne
As you will probably arrive at CDG airport, we have planned for you to pick up your rental car at the airport. It can be another location based on where you arrive in France. From Paris, drive 3 hours to Burgundy. We will recommend a very nice resting stop on your way.
You will reside for 3 nights in a beautiful mansion, surrounded by a vast park in Côtes de Nuits vineyards.
We will provide you with the detailed itineraries you need to discover the authentic and charming region of Burgundy. This region is much more than its vineyards: winding roads leading to tiny timeless villages - some of them the "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 very lively modern city and full of charm. Taste some local cheese, the "Epoisse" at the cheese factory or stroll around Beaune from the cellars to the ramparts.
One day, let Alex, a local guide, take you on a nice walk in the vineyards of Meursault to better understand Burgundy wines from the vine culture to the glass. You will end this afternoon with the visit of a family-owned winery you could not visit on your own, andtaste 5 of their wines.
The Loire Valley hidden beauties
On the 4th day, you will drive about 4 hours to get to the Southern Loire Valley. You will reside for 4 nights in the outbuildings of a disappeared monastery dating back to the 14th century. Your charming hosts know this region very well and will be happy to share some tips with you. If you wish, you can have diner at the B&B. Located on the south banks of the Vienne River, this charming B&B is within short driving distance of Chinon and Saumur, beautiful historic cities.
One day, let Anne take on you on Joan of Arc's footsteps in Chinon medieval city and dicover its amazing history and architecture on a private tour.
On the 8th day, you will move to the Northern Loire Valley. Stay for 3 nights in a gorgeous Renaissance castle . . . the perfect place to explore the "castle country" in a very romantic setting.
Touraine is also famous for its vineyards – Chinon, Bourgueil, Vouvray and many more – and we have planned a special wine tasting for you. You will have the opportunity to taste different wines - in a privately owned 16th century castle - accompanied by some local specialties.
Normandy : the Mont Saint Michel
On the 11th day, you will be on your way to the Mont Saint Michel!
Spend 2 nights in a 19th century typical stone Normandy home surrounded by a lovely garden, located 20 minutes from the famous Mont Saint Michel.
Here, you will enjoy a peaceful environment - away from the touristy crowds, in a home decorated around nostalgic roses, engravings, and Indonesian furniture.
The property is surrounded by a lovely garden where you can relax, and it is walking distance from several restaurants.
We will give you tips to discover this very touristy site while avoiding most of the crowds.
Normandy: from Bayeux to Giverny
Continue your trip nearby, in Bayeux, the heart of the Calvados region. Spend 4 nights in a very old mansion downtown Bayeux, at a stone throw from the gorgeous Cathedral. You will be walking distance to all shops and restaurants and enjoy this lovely typical French town.
From here, you can visit Bayeux and its famous tapestry, all the landing beaches (from Sainte Mère Eglise to Pointe du Hoc), Caen and the typical fishing ports.
The Normandy back country 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 cheeses!
Deauville and Honfleur are within driving distance. Honfleur really deserves a visit for its picturesque harbor and art galleries, and Deauville for its famous Grand Casino, its horse track and luxury cars. This part of Normandy is also famous for its seafood, especially scallops from Port en Bessin and oysters from Asnelles.
On day 17, visit Monet’s house and gardens in Giverny, on your way back to Paris. We have included in this itinerary cut-the-line tickets to avoid waiting to enter.
Paris landmarks
You will drop off the rental car downtown Paris at the nearest agency to your hotel and then become a pedestrian traveler to explore the city of lights.
For the last 3 nights of your trip, you will be living the Parisian life. Comfortably accommodated in an intimate 10 room 4* boutique-hotel in the lively Saint Germain des Prés, you will discover the French capital city’s must sees and hidden beauties.
Being based less than 5 minute walk from Notre Dame Cathedral, you can explore Paris by foot, by boat or using public transportation with different and unique itineraries we have planned 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.
This is "la belle France" !
Activities included
Burgundy Vineyards with a Private Guide
Let Alex, a local guide, take you on a nice walk in the vineyards of Meursault to better understand Burgundy wines from the vine culture to the glass. You will end this afternoon with the visit of a family-owned winery you could not visit on your own, and taste 5 of their wines.
Guided Tour of Chinon
Explore Chinon medieval town with a private guide who will take you on Joan of Arc footsteps.
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.
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.
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.
