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Christy Destremau
Christy Destremau enjoying lovely lunch with her guests
Christy Destremau
Christy Destremau on the boat with happy guests
Christy Destremau
Christy Destremau

Meet Christy Destremau:

Founder & President of France Off The Beaten Path

Experience France with Destination Expert Christy Destremau & Her UNESCO Award-Winning Team!

RATED EXCELLENT WITH 500+ REVIEWS

2019 WINNER!! 3RD CONSECUTIVE YEAR!

RECOMMENDED BY FROMMER’S FRANCE!

Christy Destremau, founder of France Off the Beaten Path™, sitting in front of the beautiful lake, and old castleI’m Christy Destremau.

As the entrepreneur who founded France Off the Beaten Path Tours, I actively participate in my company’s daily operations and guiding responsibilities. I am American by origin, and my academic specialty is French history, specifically 14th-19th century France. I arrived in Provence, France, 30 years ago to marry a French man, and later relocated to northwestern France, where I raised my two children and three dogs in a small village in the French countryside. I officially became a French citizen in 2003, and for the past five years, I call Bordeaux, France, home.

My life in France began nearly three decades ago when I first stepped foot on French soil with my freshly acquired degrees from San Diego State University. Having sold my belongings following graduation, except what I could fit into a single suitcase, I hopped on a plane to Provence, France. “My dream? To live a dream.” Equipped with an extensive education in Political Science, French history, language, and international relations, and my heart full of passion for and knowledge of this historically and culturally rich country, I dove into French life head first and never looked back. Soon after my arrival, I discovered that working as a non-European citizen in France presented many challenges, but I persevered and transformed my experience into something positive and fruitful. As an immigrant, it’s a great source of pride to contribute to my adopted country of France by bringing hundreds of groups to visit this magnificent country I call home.

I launched Off the Beaten Path, LLC with an idea, a guide license, and programming skills. I published my first website showcasing multi-day tours with all the trimmings of appeal to share my favorite regions of France with travelers. I dedicated every waking minute between my kids’ school schedules and family obligations to building my company and establishing my internet presence, which, at the time, was a new frontier. I rode the waves of uncertainty every start-up company faces, and as an entrepreneur, I rode those waves alone, filled with hope. I was determined to succeed as a woman breaking into a male-dominated industry. While building my business, I learned the true essence of French life, being married into a traditional French family and raising two children and three dogs in a village of less than four thousand people. My son Oliver, a graduate of Penn State University, is now an electrical engineer in the US, and my daughter Chloe, also a graduate of Penn State, is currently working on her Masters at the University of Marseille. I never missed a summer vacation with my kids, birthday celebrations, or family holidays. Steadfast on my new path in life, I forged ahead with my ideas, turning my dream into reality on my terms. Three months after going live with my first website, I sold my first tours, and today, my passion continues to flourish as a successful company with the privilege of welcoming hundreds of travelers each year to my beautiful France.

Christy DestremauMy team and I bring French culture and history to life thanks to my network of French friends and actively living in the country. We design and deliver once-in-a-lifetime adventures for English-speaking travelers from around the world. As our tour guest, you spend time with the people who make this magical country unique and are welcomed into my French friends’ homes, workshops, and kitchens to discover the true essence of their culture. You learn the history and thrilling anecdotes that transform each tour day into a fun journey into the past. You spend your time on tour with us in a true small group welcomed as friends. With a commitment to authenticity and a penchant for the extraordinary, my tours invite you to discover the captivating narratives and unexplored wonders that await you. Are you ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure with us?

Join us on one of our cultural, walking, and gourmet tours to Provence, Loire Valley, Bordeaux, Champagne, and Normandy! We also offer a limited edition tour of my winter home, Egypt!


Prominent travel magazines coverRecommended by Frommer’s !

Prominent travel magazines and fellow guides recognize Christy Destremau as a leading France travel expert. Her tours are featured in major travel magazines, Frommer’s France Guide, Best of France Guide, and many more. She has been featured in FORBES as an up-and-coming female entrepreneur. Best-selling travel author PJ Adams and Christy also co-authored a Loire Valley, France guidebook, Intoxicating Greater Paris – Loire, Valley of the Kings.

**Please note – Our toll free number listed in Frommers France guide is no longer in service. Our service provider ceased operations at the onset of the pandemic.

Our contact number is +1.717.683.2827.

 

 

 

Christy Destremau, Founder of France Off the Beaten Path tours in ProvenceProminent travel magazines and fellow guides recognize Christy Destremau, as a leading France travel expert. Anything you want to “make happen” in France, she can make it happen. Her tours are regularly featured in prominent travel magazines, as well as being included in Frommer’s France Guide and Best of France Guide. Christy is a free-lance journalist, published book author and member of the National Writers Union. Christy co-wrote a Loire Valley, France guidebook – Intoxicating Greater Paris – Loire, Valley of the Kings – with best selling travel author PJ Adams, and she has been featured in FORBES Traveler.

FEATURED IN “LOVING BORDEAUX” MAGAZINE JULY 2020!

 

Christy Destremau, founder of France Off the Beaten Path™ is FEATURED IN “LOVING BORDEAUX” MAGAZINE JULY 2020!

NOT JUST A TOUR: IT’S A PERSONALIZED, SMALL GROUP, FRANCE TOUR EXPERIENCE LIKE NO OTHER!

Christy’s extensive network of professional connections and personal friends in France is the key to her “exclusive” and unique tour itineraries setting France Off the Beaten Path small group tours well above the offerings of other tour companies. Christy recognizes that no one can specialize in everything, and she has chosen to concentrate on small group travel and small group touring within her adopted home country of France!

When Christy launched Off the Beaten Path, LLC, she made a conscious decision and commitment to focus her time, energy, and “savoir-faire” on specializing exclusively on what she knows best; active, small group walking, wine, cultural and gourmet food tour travel in France. Though many industry professionals have tried to recruit her to broaden France Off the Beaten Path’s tour offerings into other countries, Christy has remained steadfast and committed to delivering what she loves; creating and delivering the finest personalized itineraries of the very best “insider” experiences in France.

 

Christy Destremau, founder of France Off the Beaten Path™ featured in French newspapers

Join Christy and her team to share in active experiences with other like-minded travelers to experience “authentic France” in a small intimate group, led by her UNESCO award-winning team of guides! Christy and her team understand both French and Anglophone culture, and ensure a perfect blend and balance between the two to deliver memorable experiences. Exceeding guest expectations on every tour is paramount.

 

Christy Destremau and France Off the Beaten Path™ team having teambuilding piknic

Christy’s commitment to designing exceptional and personalized itineraries, delivering unparalleled customer service, and ensuring unsurpassed value has propelled Off the Beaten Path, LLC to the head of the tour industry in France. Regularly awarded professional accolades by many top-tier travel industry organizations, as well as numerous travel magazines and journals worldwide, validates that Christy’s dedication remains to her tour guests.

 

Christy Destremau and her quest enjoying wine in old rustic wine cellar

A published photographer featured in National Geographic and the Loire Valley Guide, “Loire, Valley of the Kings,” which she also co-wrote, contributing as the content specialist and photographer, Christy spends her off-season time traveling around France, photographing the countryside. All photos published on this website, both slideshow photos and page content photos, are compliments of Christy. Her images reflect a distinct passion for France, the French, and sharing “all that France has to offer” with tour guests. Many of Christy’s France and regional specific landscape and foodie images can be seen featured on other travel industry websites, as well as in print. She also contributes photography to hotel partners, who are personal family friends, for use on their professional websites. Considered a France destination expert and leading authority on French history, traditions and culture, she has authored and edited travel articles about France for prominent travel guides and magazines worldwide.

Christy taking a picture of lavender
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RATED 5 STARS BY HUNDREDS OF HAPPY TOUR GUESTS

OVER 500 VERIFIED FIVE-STAR REVIEWS ON TRUSTPILOT

A WORD FROM Our Guests:

Exceeded Our Expectations!

“This trip to the Loire Valley exceeded our expectations! Christy planned unique and interesting excursions and activities that highlighted the beauty of the area and provided in-depth background knowledge about the various chateaux we visited. The cooking classes with renowned chefs, held in their restaurants and homes, were never-to-be forgotten experiences, and the visit to the winery was a highlight. The hotel was delightful and charming, and staying in one location for the entire time was a treat. Every meal or cocktail hour was planned to highlight the delicious specialties of the region. Christy is extremely knowledgeable about the various places we visited and imparted that knowledge in an interesting and entertaining manner. She and Remi took great care to ensure that we were always comfortable and well-looked after. We could not have asked for a better trip!” — Ron Rose & Sharon Matsumoto (Have done Provence tour and Loire Valley tour)

This was my third trip in the same number of years

“This was my third trip in the same number of years with Christy and Off the Beaten Path. While on her trips you can tell how much effort there is on the off season to make every single week perfect. From the pick up at the train station to the teary goodbye at the airport, everything is perfectly planned and executed. The hotel in St. Remy is magical, and the tour guides Philippe and David are exceptional. If you are considering a trip with OTBP, go for it and come home with new friends, a love of Provence and a longing to return as soon as you can!” — Beth Bower (Has done Provence tour twice and Loire Valley tour)

The Best Tour Company!

“I have done two tours – Provence and Loire Valley – and I am already looking forward to booking another. The tours are all perfectly curated and Christy is a wealth of knowledge. She is so kind and takes all of your needs and wants into consideration. I cannot recommend Off the Beaten Path enough!” — Madison Carl (Has done Provence and Loire Valley tours)

“We did the Provence tour. 8/2019. I had taken the tour 2017 & this time my husband came with me. It was just as fabulous this time as it was in 2017. Restaurants, picnic, sights, wine, all of it just delightful, but the frosting on the cake is a the knowledge, insight, humor, & attention to detail from David & Philippe. To us, they make a great trip soooo much fun. (also, 3 of our neighbors joined us this tour). Don’t hesitate, take this tour & enjoy!!!!!” — Jim & Carol Dean (Carol has done Provence tour twice)

Returning to Provence with France Off the Beaten Path

“I wanted to return to Provence as soon as it was open. I had toured with Christy in Loire Valley in 2019 and knew I wanted to travel with her again. For the second time, everything was well organized, personal and definitely off the beaten path. Christy and Phillippe have a wealth of knowledge and are eager to share. The hotel was perfectly located in St Remy, the tours to the lavender and sunflower fields are my favorite memory. The lunches and dinners were like visiting friends. The boat tour in Cassis was another highlight. Even though I had visited Provence, this trip with France Off the Beaten Path brought a new appreciation for the area.” — Susan Gage (Has done Loire Valley tour, Provence tour, Champagne tour)

“We had an excellent tour with Christie and her crew in the Loire valley. We did things that only a true insider would have access to-dinner at a Michelin chefs house, helping/learning to cook at a highly rated restaurant in their kitchen. This was in addition to seeing the sights and touring the castles. A truly unique experience that is off the beaten path. We will use her again when going back to France.” — Karen Berner (Has done Loire Valley tour)

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