Truly a lovely experience. Staying at one hotel for the entire tour and taking bus trips to the surrounding countryside was great. It eliminated changing hotels which can be an issue on other tours. The guides were ever present and helpful with lots of information and assistance. My tour was in early July and the temperature was very hot, but the bus was cool and the guides had water available whenever it was needed. The lavender fields were spectacular and there was plenty of time each day to wander the small towns we visited. The restaurants and experiences selected for the entire group provided great food and lots of fun and laughter. The small group of travelers quickly became friends. My only caution would be for travelers who find walking challenging. In order to fully enjoy the towns, one needs to be comfortable walking a good distance sometimes uphill as the bus cannot always drive into the towns. Overall, the trip was wonderful and I would happily travel again with this company.
This small group tour could not have been better. Their attention to detail was remarkable. Their guides were very well informed and were very fun to be with. We took the Best Adventures in Provence trip and it was amazing. All of the tiny towns, winerys, locally owned restaurants and local businesses that they shared with us along the way were perfect. We got to see so much of the area and I only wish I had some extra time to spend in the town of Saint Remy where our hotel was located. Although we spent time in the town, there were so many neat little shops and restaurants right around there and I’m sure I would’ve enjoyed another day or two. If I did it again, I would probably add a day or two on at the beginning or end for just that. You cannot go wrong booking with the store company.
This was my first group travel experience and Off The Beaten Path gave my daughter and I a truly memorable immersion into Provence life, culture and beauty. The Hotel Gournod in St. Remy was the perfect base located in the heart of town. A lovely, authentic property, with an accommodating staff, and daily breakfast. Coffee was excellent!.
The tour staff has so much experience and carefully curated each place and restaurant we visited. It was hard for me to let go and let someone else handle all the details of a trip as I have always planned my trips, but I quickly learned how truly relaxing it was to allow Christy and her excellent staff to handle all of the behind the scenes details and just be carefree! This was a small group tour and I really enjoyed the company of the other members and the kind and patient staff!
I’m looking forward to another wonderful venture.
Can all of the positive reviews be true? Yes, even the one that states that too many photos were taken (more on this below).
The hotel is lovely, spacious room, comfy bed & bedding, the itinerary is as stated, the meals were delicious, the workshops were fun, the van transportation was comfortable, and the members of FOTBP team are gems. You’ll soon feel like you are traveling with long-time friends.
The itinerary options and free time are great perks. It’s like having a tour personalized just to your liking and capability. I never felt rushed and had ample time to absorb what was around me and to take MANY photographs.
Communication with the team members before, during & after was excellent. Members of the team were always by our side and within eyesight. Didn’t hear or understand what was said? Forgot something? Wondering if you’ll get to see something not on the itinerary? Want another bottle of water? Just ask and the matter is addressed immediately as if you were the only one on the tour and without disruption to the rest of the group’s experience. This team is AMAZING!! They enjoy every step of the way with you as if they were doing it for the first time. The success of the tour is due to the impeccable teamwork of Philippe (1) the head guide, the tour assistants Summer, Isabelle and Chloe, as well as Philippe (2) the driver. Christy has handpicked outstanding individuals to form this team.
Don’t doubt the MANY in-depth positive reviews, including the one that comments that the FOTBP team takes too many photos. You don’t have to participate in the group photos, and you can simply ask that photos not be taken of you. However, I welcomed this perk. Photos of me, of and with my bestie were taken without having to ask anyone to take a pic for us. It’s like having a personal photographer with you.
SUGGESTIONS
The Hotel Gounod features serene outdoor areas and a pool. Consider booking an extra night or two to allow you more time for lounging in these areas. This hotel has 2 rooms with bathtubs. If you need a bathtub, or rather not have to climb into one, make sure to communicate this ahead of time.
At Arles, ask a team member to book a tuk tuk for you. It is the best way to get around Arles and see the maximum number of sites. The price is reasonable, the seating was comfortable, the driver spoke English, he was punctual, informative and friendly, took us to the various Roman ruins, as well as other sites, waited for us as we explored and stopped whenever we saw a photo-op.
Italian restaurant Da Peppe - On one of the dinner on your own evenings, I enjoyed a delicious & hearty Burger Da Рeppe with & fries. It’s located across the street of the hotel on Avenue Fauconnet, Indoor, outdoor & 2nd floor seating as well as takeout.
Do I recommend FOTB’s Provence tour? YES!
I had a fantastic time in Provence with its Lavender, wine blending class, beautiful shore lines of the Mediterranean Sea and shopping the markets.Fantastic hotel, Christy and her staff were knowledgeable, kind, caring. I can’t wait for the next trip💕
This tour of Provence was fantastic. From booking, to planning, through execution my expectations were exceeded. Our three guides, Philippe, Isabelle, and Chloe were professional, interesting, and knowledgeable. They made each day fun, and I felt they truly cared about all of the guests having a great experience. I highly recommend this tour!
As a solo traveller I was one of seven participants in an outstanding Loire Valley Tour designed and conducted this last May by Christy Destremau. For all of our five days in the Loire region we were based in the town of Amboise and stayed in a charming four star boutique hotel, Le Close d'Amboise. We visited four of the greatest chateaux of the Loire: Chenonceaux, Chambord, Amboise and Blois, buildings renowned both for their architectural beauty and their historical importance in the French Renaissance and the sixteenth century French Wars of Religion. What made Christy's tour truly unique, however, was the balance it achieved between conventional sightseeing and one-of--a-kind experiences. While half of each day was devoted to a chateau, the other half featured a different, and more exclusive activity, typically centered around food or wine. These included several hours at an excellent restaurant gastronomique in Blois, where the chef/owner gave us a cooking lesson as well as a magnificent tasting of many of the best French cheeses; a morning at a small domaine where we learned about traditional winemaking, sampled vintages and were served lunch; and an evening with a chef who had won the prestigious title of "Best artisan of France" (Meillieur Ouvrier de France) for culinary distinction and who cooked us an exquisite three course dinner in his own home. Christy is able to incorporate such events as these into the trip itinerary because of all of the friendships she has made in decades of living and working in France. I should add that her company, Off the Beaten Path, offers similar tours of Burgundy, Provence, and Normandy.
This was my 3rd trip with Off the Beaten Path and I would go again in a minute!! The staff are exceptional -- kind, helpful, so knowledgeable and FUN. You will love it!
The Provence tour in June exceeded expectations--which were high based on a referral from friends who'd previously done the tour! Everything from the daily adventures to the accommodations at the Hotel Gounod to fabulous meals with abundant local wines was absolutely fabulous!! The guides, Philippe, Summer, and Chloe were so knowledgable and went above and beyond to make everything perfect (including tracking down a lavender field for us that was mature since the crops were way behind this year!). The group was small and made up of incredibly interesting people, making for some new friends. I highly recommend Off the Beaten Path for their tours!
Christy runs a first class tour service. We had exceptional, unique experiences behind the scenes. The accommodation was similarly unique and lovely. I wouldn’t hesitate to travel with Christy and her team again.
Summer was just outstanding, her professionalism in running the Champagne region tour was impressive…top-notch in every way. She is so knowledgeable but also genuinely kind and caring. She threw in several personal touches that added to our experience making the trip very special. Highly recommend the Champagne Region Tour by The Off The Beaten Path.
Our tour of Provence was thoughtfully crafted, offering an experience that felt elevated and genuinely authentic. Phillipe, Summer and Chloe were outstanding guides- warm, informative, tailoring the trip to both the group dynamic and individual interests.
In a weeks time we traveled to villages, seaside towns, markets and historic sites. The lovely Hotel Gounod was a perfect home base.
The food was exceptional. From dinner in a private home and a picnic at a winery to a meal prepared by a Michelin-starred chef, every experience showcased the flavors and culinary traditions of the region.
I would recommend OBP to anyone seeking a memorable travel experience.
Our tour of the Loire Valley met all of my high expectations. The tour group was so much fun to be with and was a perfect small size. Christie and Summer were exceptionally knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the history of the Loire Valley chateaux and nobility, I really enjoyed their presentations. The wine and food events were very special. I’m looking at another tour with Christie!
This was my first experience with France off the Beaten Path, although I’ve taken tours with many other companies. I was delighted with the Provence itinerary, and the expert guides, especially the guides. Our group of 16 never felt crowded, it was just the right number. Our hotel in Saint Remy was so comfortable and charming, with a delicious breakfast every morning. I miss that coffee! Each day we were treated with unbelievably beautiful sites, and delightful surprises of culinary experiences (both consumed and hands on). Just a wonderful visit to breathtaking Provence! Merci Philippe, Summer, and Isabelle.
Highly recommend. We had a wonderful experience exploring Provence with our knowledgeable guides Philippe, Summer and Isabelle. Their attention to detail, flexibility, and care for each member of our tour group made this a special experience.
This was an amazing adventure. Our tour guides were fabulous and full of knowledgeable. Very professional caring and fun. Thank you for a trip of a life time.
Look forward to our next adventure with off the beaten path.
What are the ingredients for a GREAT small group tour & adventure?
First is “passion.” Anyone can drive you around to “see the sights” and give a well-practiced speech regarding the importance of the site. But true passion for the history; the culture; the people, places and events; that is not something that can be faked.
Second is personal experiences and relationships that allow the group to “step into the lives of others" and experience the culture at a “one to one” scale.
Third is “flexibility” to tune and customize the adventure. Yes, we had an itinerary but we also had the opportunities to pivot and adjust the plans.
Finally, it is the ability to connect with your group. We felt as if we were visiting with our friends and not just “on a tour.”
Bottom line - the highlights of our Loire Valley week wasn’t just the castles and chateaus that we visited, or the history we learned; it was the immersion and connection with a culture that made the biggest impression. Thank you to Christy and all her team for a wonderful experience.
The Loire Valley trip was a bucket list item and it did not disappoint. Five days in the charming town of Amboise with day trips to the various chateaus in the region made for an excellent adventure. Christy shared her friends with us…we visited a winery and lunched in the home of the winery owners. We visited a restaurant and helped prepare one of our dishes. We even had cocktails and dinner at the home of Christy’s friends. I would highly recommend this tour
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