Discover French gastronomy in three regions famous the world over for their food and wines. Burgundy and the Loire Valley are actually arguing about where Coq au Vin was first invented. Burgundy is famous for wine sauce and the Loire Valley for river fish, fruits and goat cheese. And of course Paris is heaven to gourmets! You’ll find the best boulangeries in the world in Paris, and the food markets are amazing.
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 3* Boutique-Hotel in the heart of Le Marais districtA unique place, in the very center of Paris
#1 - A 3* Boutique-Hotel in the heart of Le Marais districtStay in a cozy room...
#1 - A 3* Boutique-Hotel in the heart of Le Marais district...less than 10 minute walk from Notre Dame Cathedral
#2 - A beautiful house nestled in a lovely town near BeauneStay in a gorgeous valley, in the Burgundy countryside
#2 - A beautiful house nestled in a lovely town near BeauneIn a very typical town
#2 - A beautiful house nestled in a lovely town near BeauneYour charming hosts will turn breakfasts into a very special moment of your trip
#2 - A beautiful house nestled in a lovely town near Beaune..let's not forget about this host as well !
#2 - A beautiful house nestled in a lovely town near BeauneSpend very quiet nights, in a relaxing room
#2 - A beautiful house nestled in a lovely town near BeauneEnjoy a delicious dinner cooked by your host who used to be a Chef
#2 - A beautiful house nestled in a lovely town near Beaune...in a very nicely decorated room
#3 - A charming townhouse in a lively townA beautiful place in a lively town
#3 - A charming townhouse in a lively townOn a sunny day, enjoy breakfast in the garden
#3 - A charming townhouse in a lively townThe town is lively, but once you pass the B&B door, it is very quiet
#3 - A charming townhouse in a lively townMeet with lovely hosts !
#3 - A charming townhouse in a lively townRelax in the small garden
Step by step
A Few Days in Paris
Start your French journey living the Parisian life for 2 nights! For a smooth arrival, a private driver will meet you at the airport and drive you to the hotel.
This itinerary starts in Paris but if you wish, we can easily turn it around. Comfortably accommodated in a charming boutique-hotel in a quiet street of the bustling Marais district, you will discover the French capital city’s must sees and hidden beauties.
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.
Ideally based less than 10 minute walk to Notre Dame Cathedral, you will 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 patisseries in different districts of the city so you’ll know where to take a break.
Burgundy Gastronomy
On the 3rd day, you will pick up your rental car at the closest agency from the hotel and drive 3 hours to Burgundy. We will recommend a gorgeous castle on your way.
In Burgundy, you will reside for 3 nights in in a beautiful house, nestled in a lovely village of the Burgundy countryside. Situated in the heart of Burgundy, between Dijon and Beaune, you will be perfectly located to tour the region and taste its wines. One night, enjoy a delicious dinner prepared by your host who used to be a Chef !
Explore all the major vineyards of the region and have a chance to taste red and white wines among the best in the world, directly at the winery!
On day, Alex will take you on a private walking tour of Beaune starting by the famous Hospices...and the exploring the historical rampart town, enjoying local gourmet products : cheese & wine tasting, gougères, pain d'épices....the local gastronomy & history won't have any secret for you !
We will provide you with all detailed itineraries to discover the authentic and charming Burgundy. This region is much more than the vineyards: winding roads leading to tiny timeless villages - some of them "Most Beautiful Villages of France" - will give you a real feel for this region. Taste some local cheeses, the "Epoisse" at the cheese factory or stroll around Beaune from the cellars to the ramparts.
The Loire Valley Castles & Gardens
On the 6th day, you will drive for 4 hours to the Loire Valley where you will spend the last 4 nights of this itinerary. Stay in a charmingly restored townhouse, in the heart of a very lively town in the Loire Valley. From here, you can walk everywhere including to Leonardo Da Vinci's final dwelling.
Discover the marvels of the Loire Valley: we will give you tips for visiting Chambord or Chenonceau castles away from the crowds. We will also recommend smaller castles and hidden places, less famous and with a lot of history and beautiful settings. If you like gardens, don’t miss Chaumont or Villandry.
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 specialties.
You will also wander off the beaten path into tiny villages and get a taste of French gastronomy in restaurants and local markets we have tested for you.
On your last day, you can drive 3hrs back to downtown Paris or 3hr30 to CDG Paris International Airport.
Strong or lighter wines, cow and goat cheeses, pastries, chocolate, farmers markets . . . this itinerary will delight food lovers!
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.
Beaune with a Private Guide
Alex will take you on a walking tour of Beaune starting by the famous Hospices...and the exploring the historical rampart town, enjoying local gourmet products : cheese & wine tasting, gougères, pain d'épices....the local gastronomy & history won't have any secret for you !
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.
My friend and I decided to do a trip to Paris and then drive down to Nice. I was initially going to plan it however I got busy with work and did not have the time. This is when I found, France Just for You, and read the amazing reviews on Trip Advisor and decided to book. Emilie was great! She was thoughtful and paid great attention to detail. We …
My friend and I decided to do a trip to Paris and then drive down to Nice. I was initially going to plan it however I got busy with work and did not have the time. This is when I found, France Just for You, and read the amazing reviews on Trip Advisor and decided to book.
Emilie was great! She was thoughtful and paid great attention to detail. We thought everything was well organized, and easy to follow. This was from making the initial payment, to working together to make our itinerary and budget work. The guidebook was great for a little history lesson, and great attractions.
Overall the trip was well planned and all we literally had to do was pack our bags and follow our guidebook. Emilie had our tour maps dated and it was beyond easy to follow. We also knew that Emilie was available had we any questions. There was a personal touch to every place we visited. Emilie's warm and friendly personality seemed to be felt even in the hotels/BnB's we stayed at.
There was a lot of thought, consideration and attentiveness that was put into the planning that made the trip extremely special. We truly enjoyed our time in France, and we want to thank you again for such a great trip!
Ellen & Ray
This was the best trip to France we have ever been on! It was the second trip that Emilie and Laura at France Just for You set up for us. The first was a trip around Provence, which we loved so much that we asked them to set up our second trip to the Loire Valley, Normandy, and Paris. Both trips were tailored to our interests - food, wine, art …
This was the best trip to France we have ever been on! It was the second trip that Emilie and Laura at France Just for You set up for us. The first was a trip around Provence, which we loved so much that we asked them to set up our second trip to the Loire Valley, Normandy, and Paris. Both trips were tailored to our interests - food, wine, art, history, castles, cathedrals - with many special restaurants and sights that we never would have found in conventional guide books. Every B and B that we stayed in was clean, elegant, and comfortable. All of our hosts were kind and eager to help us find whatever we were looking for. I can't recommend France Just for You highly enough. I don't care where we go next time - as long as Emilie and Laura arrange it for us
Susan & Richard from the US
This trip was amazing, and Laura did such a fantastic job at planning it for us, with us. Wow, the detail and care the whole team put into our package was astonishing.
This trip was amazing, and Laura did such a fantastic job at planning it for us, with us. Wow, the detail and care the whole team put into our package was astonishing.
