A perfect fit for our family
France | Jun 28 - Jul 5, 2023

Ryan
Ryan S.
Canada | Reviewed on Jul 06, 2023

There are so many good things to say about Simon and the trip he planned for us. Let me start with our initial plan. He created so many fun and interesting things for us. Some weren't quite for our family so Simon was responsive to help choose different activities that were a prefect fit. Once we had everything all in place it turned out that we couldn't get the dates we had planned for. Within a few hours Simon had rebooked everything on our new dates. I can't imaging doing this myself, this alone was worth it.
Simon sent us our detailed itinerary a week before the trip so we could be comfortable in planning our timing, moving around the country.
When we landed in France we were greeted by a beautiful Limo that took us straight to the hotel. The Hotel in Paris was an apartment and nicely located for us to get around the city by Metro. The accommodations were clean and the breakfast each morning was very nice. We made good use of the coffee machine. We explored the city and loved our river cruise of the Seine at night. We also took the opportunity to climb the Eiffel Tower. After a long night of travel we found the cruise to be a perfect way to start the trip.
On day two we all loved the ride out to the palace of Versaille. The kids loved exploring the rooms and the gardens. When we returned to the city we explored the Jardins du Luxembourg on Simon's recommendation. It was perfect.
On day three we did a treasure hunt of the Louvre with the kids. We got to see all the important parts of the museum and the kids loved learning and seeing all the beauty of the museum.
Our next day took us by train to Marseille. Our first impression was a little off, but this was in large part due to the protests that were going on. However the hotel was in a great location and allowed us to get where we needed to go easily. After a good sleep we woke up to a new town. The streets had been cleaned and the energy was much better. Here again Simon was an excellent communicator for our trip. We had planned a morning cruise out to the Calanque national park, but the wind and the sea prevented us from going. Simon gave us plenty of notice and cancelled the excursion and provided a full refund very quickly. In the afternoon we did the e-bike tour of Marseille. The kids claimed this was the highlight of our whole trip. The views were spectacular, the exercise was fun and I highly recommend this as a way to connect with the city. Thanks to Simon notifying us that we couldn't sail in the morning. We were able to book a dinner cruise of the harbour and sea for the evening when the seas had calmed. This also was a highlight.
Then we were off to Nice. The train ride was smooth and easy. We checked in to another centrally located hotel that was cozy and again served a nice breakfast. We went and did some shopping and spent the afternoon splashing in the sea.
On our final full day we took a very lovely ride into Monaco. Our guide was very informative and it was a beautiful city. Definitely worth seeing. And of course getting to do a lap of the course of the Monaco Grand Prix was fun for everyone.
Upon returning to Nice we had more time to play in the Sea.
On our final day our limo to the airport was right on time and delivered us to the airport for a safe flight home.
Our family was so impressed by Simon and our kimkim experience. We had amazing things to do everyday and Simon created the trip of a lifetime for us. We are grateful!!

Hotel Reviews
Citadines Bastille Marais Paris
Paris

The apartments were clean. The breakfast was very good. The location was close to several Metro lines allowing you to get around easily.

Authenticity & Character
It was a more modern feel.
Location
close to the Metro, easy to get around Paris
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Maison Saint Louis Vieux Port
Marseille

Rooms were small but that is to be expected. We had a decent view. Very warm in the rooms. The breakfast was good. The location was very close to the harbour.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hôtel Aria
Nice

A nice hotel. Rooms were clean with a nice washroom. The breakfast was very good.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Easy to walk to the Sea
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Paris: Illuminations River Cruise
Paris: Illuminations River Cruise
Paris

This was the perfect way to start our vacation. The cruise is beautiful at night showing off Paris at sunset. There is lots of room and the views are spectacular.

Quality of Experience
The view of the city
Louvre Treasure Hunt (kids or teens tour)
Louvre Treasure Hunt (kids or teens tour)
Paris

This was the best way to see the Museum. Our guide, Marine, was knowledgeable and fun. She told wonderful and engaging stories that kept our kids interested and fascinated. My wife and I were able to enjoy the stories as well and we saw all the the best of the Louvre. We were by the lines and avoided the crowds. We all learned a lot.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Knowledgeable, fun, and a great storyteller. We loved Marine!!
Marseille Fada Guided Ebike Tour
Marseille Fada Guided Ebike Tour
Marseille

The whole family said this was the highlight of our vacation. This is the only way to see a city. Our guide was knowledgeable and able to navigate the city with ease. The e-bike made it possible for us to cover a lot of ground. The view were spectacular and we were able to cover so much. They had a bike for my son and my daughter was just a little small but loved riding in the buggy behind me.

Quality of Experience
Just the best way to see the city
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Fantastic
DU Half-day excursion to Monaco, Monte-Carlo, Eze & La Turbie
DU Half-day excursion to Monaco, Monte-Carlo, Eze & La Turbie
Nice

A visit to Monaco was well worth it. And we were pleasantly surprised to have the visit tot the village of Eze on the trip. It was quite the contrast of the old city of Eze and the activity and grandeur of Monaco. Our driver was very knowledgeable and was very good and navigating the busy streets. It was fun to do a lap of the Formula 1 course.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
clean
Palace of Versailles Half day trip (Skip the line, audioguided & gardens) by minivan from Paris
Palace of Versailles Half day trip (Skip the line, audioguided & gardens) by minivan from Paris
Paris

This was a beautiful look at history. The palace is immaculately maintained and it made you feel a part of the history of the culture and country. The gardens are so vast you could spend days there. We loved the hall of mirrors and the artwork is truly a site to see.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Simon Hardy
Simon
Simon Hardy
Local specialist in Marseille, France | Replied on Jul 12, 2023

Hello Ryan,
Thank you very much for these sweet words here on Kimkim! I also transmitted your encouragement to my team; it was Noemi who took care of the reservations and Baptiste who assisted me with your digital travel booklet :)
Thank you again. We look forward to welcoming you again in France.
Simon