Kimkim Trip Reviews for France

Our interchange with KimKim begin during our planning phase by working with Valentine and the team in establishing activities, locations and ideas to experience on our trip. With the help of the team, we selected a local hotel to use as our base to take day trips throughout the area.

The hotel selected was a very good recommendation by being responsive to most of our needs. They also free provided transportation to/from town since we chose not to have a rental car. The hotel facilities as well as the pool/spa were very nice and the staff was very friendly.

We had some 'not so great' experiences with afternoon and evening dining at the hotel. The dinner menu was a static Prix Fixe menu that did not change throughout the week of our stay. So after the first night, we did not have much dinner choices on site. The buffet breakfast was alway beautiful and plentiful, but again, offered the same daily choices.

Valentine also attempted to assist after the hotel scheduled a conference which had the break period immediately below our rooms resulting in lots of noise and smoke from cigarettes. It was too late to effect any changes but it was appreciated.

The daily tours that we chose where fun and cultural met our expectations - Sophie (forgot last name), Provence RÉverie was an excellent guide. She went above and beyond to ensure we had a great time and adjusted the schedule so that we would have time to visit St Rémy.

Our favorite day was the visit to the local market with Gilles Conchy of Provence-Gourmet. We determined a menu several minutes before our tour of the market of local produce, cheeses, and meats. Then off to the winery to select wine with lunch followed by arriving at the kitchen of a local chateau to prepare our lunch together under his classic instruction. We highly recommended for Gilles for anyone looking for a cooking and eating experience.

We also need to identify our driver to the train station in Avignon, Christophe Lano, Alpilleges Luberon Provence Transport. He delivered a present of wine from Valentine fromthe local vineyard we had just visited. Total surprise and was a wine we had tasted and enjoyed. Although we did not experience his ability as a guide, he was very informative on the way to the train station and I believe he would also make a great guide/driver for English speaking tourists.

One note - as tourists not used to traveling on French rail we experienced difficulty in ascertaining the actual itinerary on the train from Avignon to CDG as the tickets did not show where the train would actually stop. We were on an older train that did not have the digital readout showing the actual station and do not speak French. Unfortunately, we got off the train at the Disney stop rather than the airport stop and had to take a cab the rest of the way. Easy solution, but it would have been a bit less hectic if we had a 'tutorial' in riding the French train.

Overall we had a relaxing and fun time on our trip. Thanks to the entire team for your guidance!

Hotel Review

Le Vallon de Valrugues & SPA

Saint-Rémy-de-Provence

Activity Review

Cooking Class, Provencal Lunch and Local Market Tour in the Alpilles

France

Loved this opportunity to experience the market, find local produce and wine and then prepare a meal. Gilles is amazing!!

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Our experience and expectations started with outstanding support during the planning phase. We outlined our objectives and with Valentine and Team we worked through many options to create a memorable and most enjoyable trip.

They were especially helpful in recommending a location outside Avignon, in St. Rémy de Provence for our lodging. This allowed us to spend time in St Rémy and see and enjoy the small town of Provence.

The hotel selected was overall a very good recommendation. They provided transportation to/from town and it was very responsive. This was especially important to us since we did not have a rental car. The Spa and facilities were also very nice. Overall the staff was helpful and pleasant. On the negative side, when we arrived it was at the end of lunch and initially we were told that we would not be able to get any food. They did arrange for a platter and wine. Dinner was set menu - it would be helpful when arranging lodging for Americans not familiar with France to identify if a la carte menu is available.
Valentine also attempted to assist after the hotel scheduled a conference which had the break period immediately below our rooms resulting in lots of noise and smoke from cigarettes. It was too late to effect any changes but it was appreciated.

The Tours met our expectations - we wanted to visit small vineyards and were able to have a great experience with tasting and finding new wines that we liked. Sophie (forgot last name), Provence RÉverie was an excellent guide. She was passionate and knowledgeable about Provence and its history, food and wines. She went above and beyond to ensure we had a great time and adjusted the schedule so that we would have time to visit St Rémy. One of the highlights was our cooking class, presented by Gilles Conchy, Provence-Gourmet. He was superb and humorous. His tour of the market was instructive in the local produce, cheeses, and meats. The location for the class was fantastic. His patience with those of us who needed a bit more assistance was appreciated. Finally, the meal and wine we had topped off the experience. He should be highly recommended for English speakers who are looking for a cooking class.

We also need to identify our driver to the train station in Avignon, Christophe Lano, Alpilleges Luberon Provence Transport. He delivered a present of wine from Valentine fromthe local vineyard we had just visited. Total surprise and was a wine we had tasted and enjoyed. Although we did not experience his ability as a guide, he was very informative on the way to the train station and I believe he would also make a great guide/driver for English speaking tourists.

Overall transportation was excellent. On time and provided safe and timely travel. One note - as tourists not used to traveling on French rail we experienced difficulty in ascertaining the actual itinerary on the train to CDG as the tickets do not show where the train will actually stop. We were on an older train that did not have the digital readout showing the actual station and do not speak French. We heard a reference to Charles de Gualle and could not see any name of the station; and we made the mistake of getting off one station
early. In hindsight we should have know that it was too early to be a CDG.

Again, thanks for helping use create and enjoy a memorable trip.

Hotel Review

Le Vallon de Valrugues & SPA

Saint-Rémy-de-Provence

See my previous notes

Authenticity & Character

Location

availability to St Rémy

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Review

Cooking Class, Provencal Lunch and Local Market Tour in the Alpilles

France

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Simon was very attentive and designed a wonderful trip for us. We visited Lyon, Avignon, the Luberon, and Marseille. It was a good balance of planned activities and free time for exploration on our own. Each stop had something memorable. In Lyon, the gastronomy walking tour peas our favorite. In Avingon, Pont de Gare and a side trip to Nimes. Both the cooking class and the e-bike tour were great, and staying in Roussillon was superb. We didn't have much time in Marseille so that was some place we'll have to return to on another trip.

Hotel Reviews

Le Clos de la Glycine

Roussillon

Roussillon is a stunning location and this hotel is right in the center of the town. Our room had a patio with a gorgeous view of the ochre cliffs and across the valley. It was a few weeks before prime lavender season but everything was lush and green. The room was spacious for the three of us. And breakfast on the terrace was delicious, plus the view...

Tips for future travelers

Our room had a hot tub (not all do), check so you can be prepared.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hôtel de l’Horloge

Avignon

Great location in Avignon, central, near the Pope's Palace. Breakfast was excellent.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Review

Cultural and culinary walking tour

Lyon

Guide was amazing, very easy going, lots of interesting facts. He was also good at engaging the group. The tasting locations were all excellent as well. Learned a lot.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Our Food Tour was terrific. The Versailles Tour was also a success. Wish we could have stayed longer to explore the huge garden. The Seine Cruise was a mess. The directions to collect tickets were wrong. We ran from Pier to Pier at least 4 times until someone in upper management finally took pity and worked us through the scan and get to hop on the boat.

The Mont St. Michel tour was where we really had problems. We were on an almost full coach and everyone but us were provided a headset and audio for the Long Journey. However Valentine booked us, we were transportation only. All that countryside and no history or awareness of what we were seeing. Those with the headsets purchased online with Viator so paid much less but got much better value.

For the price we paid I expected more concierge service from Valentine. The suggestion was to use the City Map app and we allowed plenty of time to walk to the tours but the Arc de Triomphe area from the app kept us going around and around. It would have been a higher level of service to reach out to us on our first day. Ask if we had questions. No sleep and automatically tuning into the process to hop on the subway or bus could have been resolved with a suggestion to take an Uber the first day since it was a walking tour. We had no idea the distance to travel and the narrow streets and many turns needed to take if walking.

To finish our extension we were to do a biking tour. It was 35 degrees and we were not prepared with outwear that fit that temperature. We reached out to Valentine responded with a request to cancel which she responded was not allowed. So that meant I needed to communicate with the Bike Tour Company and they were able to allow for a credit which I can now provide for guests visiting in July. This should have been the concierge service provided for a custom itinerary.

I don't believe Valentine knew enough about Paris to create this itinerary. The price did not match the level of service we received. I believe booking online with Viator would have provided the same level which was a huge disappointment. The phone service, we seemed to reach one fellow over and over who did help to answer our questions.

I am sad I am not able to recommend your company. The automation, texts, itineraries were state of the art. But in the end would I have been able to use you for my clients and my agency receive a commission, that I never did get an answer. And I do not see Valentine's level of service as one I expect for my clients.

Our trip was simply amazing! Every tour was great and we had a lot of fun. Our gastronomic tour with Carole felt warmth and tailored made. She took us to a place we found more appropriate to our style.
The tour to the palace was also great, although it felt a little rushed.
But the idea to go to the south of France and visit the little towns around Avignon was simply amazing and it could not have been without the help of Joel. We were simply amazed by the beauty of Saint Remy the Provence, and the walled city in Avignon.

Thank you so much for all the help and we're definitely going back the next time we can!

Hotel Reviews

Hôtel A la Villa des Artistes

Paris

Wonderful hotel! The breakfast was delicious and everybody was kind to us.

Authenticity & Character

Location

How centric it qas.

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hôtel Le Mas Saint-Joseph 3*

Saint-Rémy-de-Provence

We loved this place! And the owner was simply wonderful! She was very kind and charitable to us. The breakfast was delicious. The attention to detail was amazing. Definitely want to go back.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Eiffel Tower Summit Ticket

Paris

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Luberon Markets & Villages

France

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Everything was excellent. Our travel agent, Valentine, provided service above expectations (Trip My France/Objectif France).
Jeremie with Authentica gave a great tour of Burgundy countryside.
Lyon Food Tours/Lyon Original Tours was fun and informative. Our guide was lovely.
We were unable to use the full day bike rental due to rain and did not get reimbursed, which is disappointing, but the only part of the trip that wasn't perfect.
All transfers where excellent: AJR Annecy, Michael from Passport Bourgogne was excellent, Nussi Taxi, Limo 013.
Happy with our accommodations at Spendid Hotel Annecy, Les Remparts Hotel Et Demeures Historiques, Globe Et Cecil Hotel. They were all within walking distance to many sites, which we requested.
We would use again, we will and have recommended to friends.

Everything from planning to the actual travel days were stress free. We were able to completely relax and follow the small group excursions that were conducted with excellent driver/guides.

The planned days and routes gave us enough excursion and relaxation time throughout our trip.

I highly recommend kimkim for your personally curated vacation!

Hotel Review

La Villa Nice Promenade

Nice

Location was close to the beach bit not to the shopping areas closer to old town. Rooms were nice and was very charming. Staff was excellent.

Authenticity & Character

Decor

Location

We wished it was closer to old town.

Staff

Very friendly and helpful

Cleanliness & Comfort

Cozy rooms.

Activity Review

Uncover the Gastronomic Treasures of Nice

Nice

This trip was amazingly easy to arrange, reasonably priced, and unforgettable. We got to see everything on our wish list. The hotels were great. Transportation was arranged. We couldn’t have asked for more. Our KimKim contact knew her stuff and really came through for us! We are very happy.

Valentine worked with me to create an amazing trip to Bordeaux, Tours (Loire Valley) and a quick stop in Paris. My accomodations were perfect - apartment style w/kitchens in residential areas. My apartment in Tours (Central Parc Tours) was breathtaking. Open, bright and looking right over a beautiful park. I did not rent a car and wanted to be able to walk everywhere and feel comfortable as a solo, female traveler. Valentine nailed it!!!!

I opted for several small group and private tours of the cities, wineries and surrounding towns. All of my guides were outstanding and I thoroughly enjoyed each of the trips. Ate, drank, laughed and explored some amazing regions.

Thank you Valentine for making this such a memorable trip (and on short notice). I look forward to working with you again on my next trip to France.

Jamie

Hotel Review

Central Parc

Tours

As I mentioned in my overall review - the location and individual apartment were fabulous!! Amazing location overlooking one of the most beautiful parks. Easy to walk to everything - food, shops, dining, stores. The staff were very helpful and friendly. I will DEFINITELY be staying here again!!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Overlooks the most beautiful park!! And, close to everything...walkable.

Staff

Very communicative and helpful suggestions

Cleanliness & Comfort

Immaculate!!!

Activity Review

Landmarks of Bordeaux - Private Walking Tour

Bordeaux

My guide was wonderful - very informative, personable. Also had great suggestions for other activities.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Our trip from Brussels to France was terrific. The itinerary was very doable with different things and tours each day and attention to helping us get from train to hotel and to place as well as to care rental. We thoroughly enjoyed the trip and the advice we received from Isabelle. The guides and transfers were handled by folks that Isabelle knew and had worked with previously so we were very comfortable with each.

Our only suggestion is to have a bit more information on the road book instead of relying on "see voucher" as not all vouchers provided the same level of detail. In particular - in a city where there are multiple train stations, indicate which station the ticket ends in - we had confusion with one situation where our train made an unexpected change.

Otherwise -- I would highly recommend Isabelle in particular and Kimkim in general.

Thanks for a great time.

Activity Review

Contemporary Food Tour in the Marais & Beyond

Paris

Guide was terrific and the experience was unique - great job Phillippe.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

We spent 3 weeks in France with my family of four! I love to plan and research but it was becoming too time consuming so I reached out to KimKim. They connected us to Simon, who completed a full 3-week itinerary for us - including hotels, train, transfers, and tours and experiences. It was fun picking and choosing what our family wanted from the options given. Simon then booked everything for us after we had finalized our selection. I am writing this out in the review because to be honest, I really didn't understand how KimKim works. This is how it works. I can't imagine how many hours I saved with Simon planning and then booking everything for us.

Our trip was amazing - we refer to it as a YOLO trip!! We thoroughly enjoyed experiencing all different parts of France - a country of many countries. While on our trip, Simon checked in on us and we even met him when in Marseilles.

I don't know if I will ever go back to planning trips now that I know it is so easy with KimKim!
5 stars - all the way!

Hotel Review

Edgar Suites Paris Louvre - Bellan

Paris

Perfect for our family of 4. More space than a typical hotel room and great location. My only downfall would be the 3 flights of stairs with luggage, but hey, we expected that!

Tips for future travelers

3 flights of stairs

Authenticity & Character

Location

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Review

Electric Bike tour of Paris' Hidden Gems - Small-group

Paris

Favorite activity in Paris!

I thought I had reviewed this trip, so sorry! This was a Fabulous trip. Our local specialist, Laurence V. Of Paris tu Jours, scheduled a daily itinerary that was perfection. She asked initial preferences and then crafted a personalized vacation for our group of 4 adults. She lined up our private transportation, train tickets, private tours for each locale. Everything was perfect and we cannot pick a favorite. Our favorite hotel in Paris was Hotel Madame, in the Latin quarter. The staff was so friendly , delicious breakfast each morning. Our goal in coming to France was to visit Normandy, but we loved each experience at Mont St Michelle, and the Loire valley. Hopefully we will be able to return one day and will be sure to contact Laurence Vermillion for planning our trip, Robin Connelley

Valentine was amazing!
She solved every detail of our trip including Covid issues!
Great trip, great experience!

Valentine with Kimkim was professional and wonderful to work with as well as the individuals she had set up for our private transfers and lodgings. The lodging selections were superb, safe and beautiful. The logistics were perfect. We traveled by plane, trains, a rental car for six days and private transfers in between. Everything went like clockwork! I told Valentine what I wanted to see and do in France and what my budget was and she helped plan a perfect family vacation.

I can't thank Simon and Ambre Marie enough for all their planning and recommendations for our group! Everything was truly wonderful, from when we arrived in Marseille to our last night in Eze. Our guides throughout the week - LuLu, Arthur, Alex, Nathalie and Stephan - were all excellent, and the towns and locations visited spectacular. A highlight for us all was Captain Laurence, on our boat tour out of Marseille - she is wonderful. Our first dinner in Marseille at Restaurant Une table au Sud was truly memorable - we would definitely recommend this restaurant! And we cannot forget the Olive Oil Tasting/Cooking Class at Moulin Sant Jean in Fontvieille - another high point! Chateau Eze we will remember as a highlight of the trip, along with the fabulous dinner at the hotel restaurant on our last evening.

Accomodations: The Intercontinental in Marseille was beautiful and the food and service very good. La Maison Dauphine in Aix was the perfect guest house for the six of us. I would be sure when booking that your customers are aware that there is no lift - fine for us, but could be an issue getting to the third floor for some. Véronique was a gracious host, assisting us with restaurant suggestions and reservations. La Divine Comédie in Avignon was beautiful, but we would not recommend it. We are dog lovers, but huge weimaraners trying to sit on your chair while you're eating breakfast in the dining room did not seem appropriate when paying luxury prices. On our first night, having toured all day and bearing wine and cheese from our travels, we asked to utilize some utensils and plates, which were provided but at a fee per person - again seems out of line with the price point. We were also sitting in the garden at 5PM in the afternoon when one of the staff came out to tell us we were being too loud ( I know - Americans!). If it was late in the evening, a fair concern, but at 5PM in the afternoon? It was also VERY difficult for the guides to find us and to load and unload luggage at this location.

Overall, we couldn't have been happier with this long planned/delayed trip for our group. Many thanks for your thoughtful understanding of the type of experience we were hoping for - you definitely delivered! Best: Karen, Tom, Maggie, Brian, Jack and Kandy

Our trip was wonderful and we will use kimkim again. Valentine is great to work with and the kimkim team was very responsive before and during the trip. The drivers who provided the transfers deserve a special thank you as they took care of us. The hotels that Valentine chose were great! The Villa Florentine in Lyon, and the Hotel Imperial Palace in Annecy were wonderful. The Abbaye De Maizieres in Beaune took us back in time for sure. The people of Beaune were very warm and friendly. We were very comfortable there. The location, staff and rooms are 5 of 5 stars. Next time we go to Lyon we would stay in the newer part of Lyon as the older section was a bit uncomfortable at night.

Our trip to France was awesome. Kimkim put me in touch with Joel who put together a perfect trip for us. He listened to me and executed exactly what we wanted. He was unfamiliar with a couple of our requests but set out to find options for us and delivered an experience of a lifetime! Huge thanks! Online travel agent.... worked for me!!!

Enjoyed our small group tours that were set up for us by Isabelle with the Local independent tour guides

Isabelle did an amazing job at putting a memorable trip together for us. Everything went so smooth. The hotels were excellent everywhere. Can't say enough about the wonderful private tours, all the guides were 1st class.
Isabelle took all our requests, wishes and even apprehensions into account when helping us plan the trip. Everything was well timed, we never felt rushed and had plenty of time to really experience the places we visited.
Had the trip of our dreams. Merci Beaucoup!

Such an amazing thing to get to take in some of the most famous places and experiences in Paris! We spent 10 whirlwind but incredible days exploring all that Paris has to offer! Absolutely loved the Seine dinner cruise, Monets Garden, Versailles, the Louvre, Sacre Couer, Montmartre was an adorable village, and so much more! The food, pastries and wine and pretty much everything we ate and drank was amazing! Even at the tiny sidewalk cafes. We did a walking food tour that was a blast and really enjoyed all of the open air food markets.
The metro has an app and was very easy and affordable to use. The Catacombs was a mind blowing experience but not for those that are claustrophobic! We ended up at the large famous flea market on the north end of Paris on a Monday but half the vendors were closed, so not a highlight. Many things can be touted yourself instead of having a guide - like the covered passages of Paris or your own audio guide of the Louvre if you’re looking to cut costs, but the guides with the tours were all highly knowledgeable and professional and we learned a lot from them.
The hotel staff was friendly but the beds and pillows were extremely uncomfortable and the hotel, while in a great neighborhood was a ways away from the Eiffel Tower and some of the more visited places. (Mercure)
Altogether however, with transportation covered from airport and back and reservations made for us by Isabelle for tours and some dinners, it was a very stress free trip of a lifetime!