LOIRE VALLEY TOUR REVIEWS – CUSTOMER TESTIMONIALS

Best Adventures in Loire Valley

by France Off the Beaten Path Tours

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  EXCELLENT  
  
 Based on 93 reviews 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Wanda Mittman 
 
17 September 2026
 
 
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My tour to the Loire Valley with Christy and her wonderful staff was memorable! She provided so many wonderful experiences from visiting the Chateau’s to fine dining and cooking with chefs in their home and restaurant. My favorite was the wine tasting and lunch at the owners beautiful historic home, what a wonderful day!! The attention to all the details, professionalism, and kindness made it a truly unique and and memorable experience!
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Lisa Snabes 
 
17 September 2026
 
 
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+0
My experience with the Provence Off The Beaten Path tour will be hard to beat on my future travels. The attention to detail shown by our tour leaders, from the accommodations and meals to the transportation and carefully curated places we visited along the way, made the experience truly special  - one I'll remember for years to come.
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Christina Mannino 
 
10 September 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Excellent tour! From the wonderful hotel accommodations and well-air-conditioned bus to all the thoughtful little touches—iced water to stay hydrated, refreshing mist sprays to cool us down in the heat, and always knowing where to find the best available bathroom—every detail was carefully considered. The small group size made the experience feel personal and relaxed, and our guides, Philippe and Summer, along with our driver, P2, were absolutely awesome! They were knowledgeable, attentive, fun, and made the entire experience so memorable. Highlights included our fabulous dinner at Catherine’s, abundant and delicious food and wine, and the fun-filled activities—making macarons, visiting a lavender distillery, and even making our own wine to bottle and take home! And a special shout-out to Summer, who doubled as our priceless personal photographer and captured so many wonderful memories along the way. Beyond the food, wine, and activities, I especially appreciated learning about the history, culture, and traditions of the region. It truly embodied the **joie de vivre** of Provence! I highly recommend this tour and look forward to taking another tour with this company in the future. My only recommendation would be to consider adding one additional day. Perhaps a half day to relax and enjoy the hotel pool or explore St. Rémy on our own, followed by another half day visiting an additional destination. It would be the perfect way to make an already wonderful experience even better!
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Martha Zornes 
 
3 September 2026
 
 
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+1
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.
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Mary Weigel 
 
24 August 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
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.
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Regina Kitching 
 
24 August 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Wonderful tour, every last detail attended to. The itinerary was great and the guides amazing.
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Susan Thompson (Hi) 
 
3 August 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
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.
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Julie Lecci 
 
1 August 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Great tour, very flexible and the team provided us with opportunities we would not have been able to find on our own. Well worth the cost!
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Julia Sosa 
 
28 July 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
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!
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 JOYCE BRISLAWN 
 
25 July 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
+6
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💕
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 “Yes, we have several friends that enjoy cooking, and we will definitely tell them all about our trip. Joe and I will try to talk them into taking the trip with us next time! We both LOVED seeing the chateaus and learning the history behind them. They were all connected but each had its own charm. I wish we could make the days last longer, because each activity was enjoyable. But the highlights of the trip and what we will cherish were the group dinners and cooking classes. Each Chef was so knowledgeable and willing to explain or share secrets of their craft. Please tell them how thankful and appreciative we are of their time and knowledge. Thank you Christy for everything, the tour definitely exceeded our every expectation and then some!” — Joe and Peggy Bernazani, Front Royal, VA

 “Yes, we already have! We love the small size of group, access to smaller towns and your tours offer a more granular view of an area of France, with access to restaurants and tastings that we would not know of or be able to do on our own. Guidance and help of knowledgeable guides is also a BIG plus! We really enjoyed the dinner at Christophe and Angelique’s home in the countryside, the chocolate tasting, Chenonceau, cooking lessons, hotel geographical overviews, Remi’s smiling face! I also appreciate all the accommodations you made for me with my knee problem. We’ll be back to France again, and it will be with you! Thank you Christy!! — Andy & Jane Mallor, Indianapolis, IN (This was Andy & Jane’s 2nd OTBP Tour – they traveled on our 2015 Provence Tour and our 2016 Loire Valley Tour)

“Thanks for everything you did on the tour, we really enjoyed ourselves again. We feel very fortunate to have “discovered” your tours, they are definitely the best group tours we have ever been on. We had a great time, it was especially neat to spend so much time with Christophe & Angelique.” —Bill & Laurie Crimando, Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan (Have been on 3 OTBP Tours – Burgundy Tour,Bordeaux Tour, Loire Valley Tour)

“Hi Christy and everyone. We had a fabulous time in the Loire and had so much fun with our group! We missed you all in Paris! Thanks for your wonderful “tour guidance” in France. It was quite a memorable trip.” Added message sent to us by Steve and Michelle – “We enjoyed 5 wonderful days with Christy’s tour of the Loire Valley Sept. 12 – 17, 2012. It was absolutely one of the best tours we’ve taken, and our 2nd tour with France Off the Beaten Path (first one was in Provence in 2006). Christy and her staff saw to the group’s every need, they were warm, accommodating and had every excursion well planned out. We visited remarkable Chateaux, ate at wonderful Michelin Star restaurants in the Loire and had a thrilling Hot Air Balloon ride at the end (which I think was one of the highlights for us). In addition, we were lucky to have an absolutely perfect group of fellow travellers and made many friendships we hope to foster back at home. We enjoyed very personalized and truly “off the beaten path” experiences with cooking classes/demonstrations, cheese and wine tasting and more. We hope to join another tour in the future with France Off the Beaten Path! Thank you, Christy, for a wonderful time in the Loire Valley!” –Steve Keller and Michelle Tidwell, San Francisco, California (Traveled on 3 OTBP Tours —  2012 Loire Valley Tour and 2006 Best Adventures in Provence Tour, 2018 Bordeaux Tour)

 “YES! Great venue — hotel and castles we visited. Loved the castles and Appreciated the history connected to each one. Really enjoyed and could have spent even more time at Chenonceau. Loved the specially prepared meals by local Chefs – and the behind the scenes experiences in two kitchens. That was a real treat! Great experience overall! Appreciated the positive and fun atmosphere Christy and Remi created. We will definitely be back and looking forward to your Provence Tour next trip!! Merci!” — Bob & Freddi Jacobi, Indianapolis, IN – they were referred to this tour by their friends, Andy & Jane Mallor

“Yes, I will recommend this trip because I feel it is a wonderful opportunity to see a large part of the region and includes the best castles. The whole experience was top notch from the choice of activities and castles to the wine and cuisine! The dynamics of being in a small group touring is an overall wonderful experience. I loved that every detail was taken care of, my week was stress free, transportation was very comfortable, and I really appreciated the knowledge of the guides and their willingness to share so much information. Enjoyed the chateau lodging and owners also.  I feel this is an opportunity I will never experience again.  Thank you Christy for a fun week with lots of laughs and wonderful memories!  I can’t wait to see the photos!” —Karen Abrahams, Arlington, Virginia – Loire Valley Tour – Loire Valley Tour Guest Testimonials

“Yes, I will highly recommend this trip to friends and family.  I loved the small group- it made it fun! We had EXCELLENT tour guides who encouraged a relaxed atmosphere. Loved the unique opportunities and access to chefs and restaurants.  It was a beautiful region to explore. The accommodations were comfortable and I loved staying put in one hotel. Thank you Christy for a fun week in the Loire and a truly memorable experience!” —Genera Guiterrez, Arlington, Virginia – Loire Valley Tour

 “Yes! We will come on another trip too! Liked the castle variety. Enjoyed meeting and cooking with real French Chefs, and ALL group meals were fabulous! Thank you Christy for a wonderful time in the Loire Valley. The tour was well organized, and took all guest interests into consideration. You do an excellent job!” — Tony & Chris Lewandowski, Livonia, MI

“5 out of 5 all the way!! Loved Rich’s birthday surprise, so thoughtful of you! We loved our guide’s personal touch and her knowledge of French history. She was SUPER!! The hot air ballooning was one of many memorable highlights of this trip. Loved the chateau accommodations – Christine and Bernard and staff were the best! We had a great time!! Every experience was so different and felt so authentically French.” — Rich and Nancy Strickler, Jacksonville, FL – Loire Valley Tour

 “YES! The tour has a pleasant and fascinating mix of activities and is nicely paced.I loved Christy’s knowledgeable chatty commentaries about the history, kings and queens. My highlight was to access the Chefs. The hotel was very comfortable, wonderful to stay in, and very conveniently located with easy access to everything in town. This was a very enjoyable trip!” — With appreciation, Margaret Lee, Melbourne, Australia

“Where did you learn to exceed expectations? It just keeps getting better and better everyday! We have had such a fun time!! We’ve learned so much on both tours. Thanks for a FABULOUS 2 weeks in France We hope to see you again soon!” —Dennis and Dr. Patricia Gelner, St. Louis, Missouri (Traveled on 2 Tours Loire Valley Tour and Bordeaux Tour)

 “Oh YES we would recommend this tour! Well, it was the best trip ever. We loved Christy’s informal and friendly style of leading the tour. Christy kept a running commentary on the history of the area with such interesting stories about the kings and queens, their castles, mistresses, victories and achievements. The cooking classes were simply the best! It is, in our opinion, great that the numbers are small (14 guests), which allows for informality and a personal relationship to build. We’ve loved the chateaus, the gardens, the cooking classes, dinners – in fact, pretty well everything. The mix of everything works well. Our guides were very personable and took care of everyone and everything. We’ve really appreciated all of Christy’s effort she made, and surprises she delivered to keep the itinerary running smoothly.  Thank you very much for a very different, interesting, and adventurous tour the Loire Valley!” — John & Barbara de Blank, Melbourne, Australia – Loire Valley Tour Reviews

 “Yes, we would! Everything was wonderful! Loved the organization of our days and your ability Christy to restructure when necessary. Especially enjoyed the time in your friend’s home! That was so very special for them to open their home to a group of strangers. We really enjoyed ourselves. Can’t wait to come back for your Provence Tour next year!!” — Dr. Butch Guest & Carol Etheridge, New Orleans, Louisiana – 2016 Loire Valley Tour – Also returned for a 2nd tour,  July 4-9, 2017 Provence Tour!

 “Yes Christy I will. I’m gonna send you lots of travelers. Thank you for everything!” — Dr. Robert & Gretchen Ball, Corpus Christi, Texas – Loire Valley Tour

 “Yes! Great job re-organizing around the floods. You did a stellar job! Your help with the entire week was superb! Need more brass bands and beer! (referring to brass band festival in Amboise June 4) – Walking and wine are definitely a winning combination! Loved spending the evening cooking and enjoying good food and wine with your friends in their home. Thank you for a fun experience!” — Dr. Steve Oshman & Dr. Colleen Beeson, Corpus Christi, Texas – Loire Valley Tour

 “Yes, Nothing can control mother nature, and Christy did a great job finding substitute castles to visit during the floods and re-arranging the itinerary to ensure everyone continued to enjoy the trip. Christy reacted to bad weather well, and our fellow travelers were very nice. Our guides were great! The dinners and lunches were yummy, and the hotel rooms were lovely. The tours were interesting and cooking fun! Thank you for helping us also on last day with train departures.” — Jay & Pam Greer, Herndon, Virginia – Loire Valley Tour

 “This trip was so much more than we expected, and YES we would definitely recommend it! We had a great time, and saw and experienced some amazing things. Christy and Philippe were very knowledgeable of the history, surroundings, castles, etc and were helpful and made us feel comfortable. Thank you for a wonderful trip!” ––Friends: Michelle Winter, Mary Harper,  Beth Fields and Stefanie Giffin, Kansas City, Kansas – Loire Valley Tour

“Fabulous pictures you sent on to us from the tour!!  They are wonderful!!  Just wanna say how spectacular the meals were during the Loire Valley tour. The breadth of the trip was great. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and a true expert on French history!  We are going to absolutely recommend your trip to everyone.If one wants to experience the Loire Valley, this is the BEST way! Thank you for a fun filled week!!” —Jeff and Jane Goodell, Carrollton, Texas – Have traveled on 2 Tours: Loire Valley Tour and Provence Tour

 “You were our express ticket to an effortless tour of a beautiful area of France!! Our guide was extremely helpful and knowledgeable at all times.  We are very happy to tell our friends and family about Off the Beaten Path tours!  Walking the path of kings was most informative and thought provoking.  Our guide’s knowledge of the language, history and customs made all the difference and ensured a memorable experience!  We will be back for your Provence Tour!! Thank you!” —Jim and Linda Rybak, Fairview Park, Ohio – Have traveled on 2 Tours: Loire Valley Tour – Provence Tour

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