Lucie Rousseau

so many great experiences. I will review in the next section,

Hotel Review

Hotel La Perle

Paris

The hotel was very quaint, exceptional staff that were kind and helpful, very clean rooms and daily Freshen up. We had some miscommunication with the room and bed set up but that was more a language and word barrier than anyone’s fault. We wanted to have 3 beds all seperate , not just 2 inches. But all was fine and we adapted. The rooms were small but we rarely spent time there except to sleep and prepare for the day. Breakfast was ok but not one day of variety for the 6 days. Nothing like fresh fruit ( canned /frozen) . Service was excellent and they always asked what we needed. Just no variations. Staff were so knowledgeable , nice, spoke English , gave suggestions and always were available to answer questions or help. I felt safe and relaxed. Super quiet. The location was ok . Not really near any tourist things but maybe that is a good thing. Quiet, little traffic. We easily could walk or uber,

Authenticity & Character

Nothing to compare it to. We only went in another big hotel for drinks.

Location

maybe near some of the popular sites and on other side of river on East? Not sure for budget

Staff

they are great. Keep it up.

Cleanliness & Comfort

All clean

Activity Reviews

Starry Dinner on the Seine River

Paris

Hard to find. We needed better directions. Label on the pier? It was very nice ride. The food was ok, Scenery was amazing and at dark even better.

Quality of Experience

Food

new menu or just improve what you have. Bland

Guides, Drivers and Staff

wait staff nice . English was not always available but fine

Transport

boat smooth and nice. Waves not present

Cooking class with a Chef

Paris

The highlight of the trip and favorite

Quality of Experience

Food

All of it we made and purchased. Just a perfect day . She is helpful to explain how to do and why.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

She made it wonderful. Her knowledge, ability, kind, beautiful and her home. Classy ! French lovely

Transport

we walked

Guided visit of Montmartre

Paris

We arrived early that day and took our own walk around. When we met up with our guide we were already somewhat tired. This tour has a lot of hills and elevation.

Quality of Experience

Could have seen it in a car with same eperience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

English was great but her accent made be really have to listen carefully . Knowledgeable but kinda boring

Transport

We have walked all over Paris and it was just a long day.

Guided visit of the Louvre museum

Paris

Tour guide Sonali made it amazing. It was crowded and we expected that. Wore earpieces and that is a must.

Quality of Experience

she knew were to stand and have a great view and out of the large mass of people. Head set was helpful so much to explain and be able to move along.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Sonali again took us to the places we wanted and her recommendations.

Transport

Walked

Gourmet food tour in Saint-Germain-des-Prés

Paris

The guide was ok . She was hard to not compare with Sonali the day before, We began with chocolate . I would have preferred a coffee and croissant or similar. These were never part of tour. This chocolate place was ok but I have been on similar tours and the owner of place at least talks or appreciates your coming. Not so at these places except one or 2. The chocolate is early in the morning to begin. They also sold there many macaroons , but not offered unless you bought one. I thought that would be given and talked about. The other food stops were jams, spreads and we did have cheese. Those were ok but again not much. The best was the hot food at a restaurant that we could select 3-4 for us. Those were good and we didn’t know much about what we were eating. Guide was somewhat flat .

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Guide

Transport

We walked so not sure of question

Guided tour of covered passages of Paris

Paris

This was our first guided tour and what a special guide of Sonali for us. She is amazing and I would like to have all tours with her. She was a certified guide, which we learned is quite an honor and distinction to achieve. She is so intelligent, funny, kind, knowledgeable and has a complete confidence in her role and ease with the place touring. The passage way was very interesting and gave us several areas we would not have seen.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Sonali as I stated above

Transport

Not sure what this means since we walked

Our guide the first day was very good and responsive to our requests, however she said that we could not go to Sacre Coeur as it was too far out for that tour. She did help us buy our passes for public transportation that day which was helpful and took us to a very nice ice cream place near Notre Dame for scrumptious ice cream before heading out to our hotel. The luncheon cruise on the Seine was very nice. The later visit to the Eiffel Tour was set for 6:30 pm and probably could have been made for an earlier time as the luncheon cruise was over about 3:30 pm. We were not allowed to enter the tower until our time, and it was cold and windy that day with not many options for waiting inside in a warmer place. We did not spend much time at the tower once it was our turn to go up. Wednesday was a tour to Giverny and Versailles with lunch included. I do not know much about what might be available to book from where we were staying at the Marriott Village Disney, but it seems it would have made more sense to book us a tour that left from near our hotel rather than one leaving from Paris at 8:15 am requesting us to be there 15 minutes early. We decided we needed a driver to pick us up at 6 am from our hotel rather than using the public transportation to get there on time. He got us there in plenty of time. We even had time to go to a nearby cafe and have a drink and some food. The booking place was not too impressive. No one was there even after our cafe visit, and we had to stand around on the sidewalk until someone got there who unlocked the door. There were several people also waiting, and each group was given a different color card to designate what van they would take. Our driver was OK, but we encountered a detour that went quite a bit out of the way, so we were late to the restaurant for lunch, and the food (chicken) was very dry. Then the van did not start right away after lunch, but he got it going and we headed to Versailles. The tour of the palace was OK but lots of other tourists and crowded. He told us some things different from what our tour guide three years ago told us. The afternoon was rainy and cold, so we did not go into the gardens. There was not much of a place to get a warm drink and wait out the time until we were to meet at the van. Then we got back to the booking company (Paris Trip, I think was the name. It was located in a small store front.) and no driver to take us back to our hotel was waiting. We had thought we had booked a driver for to and from the hotel, but evidently that is not what Lucie had understood, so my niece got us an Uber which was 100 Euros. Thankfully he was close and got there quickly. Overall, it seemed that Lucie and her colleagues were not as responsive to our needs as the KimKim representative we had 3 years ago was when my sister and I visited Paris.

The pleasures of Provence are legendary, and the Kimkim team was instrumental in helping us to delight in them. Our guides were interesting people in their own right, affable, informed, humorous, efficient and invariably reliable. I’m quite old and I have my share of infirmities—but the guides, Adie and Greg, were alert to these and truly helpful in accommodating my needs. To Lucie we owe the wonderful idea of cooking a meal in a chef’s kitchen, for me the high point of the trip, including as it did a trip to the market for the ingredients of our meal. (Special praise is due to the chef, who said, after our trip to the market, “For this afternoon, my kitchen is your home.”) Lucie also accommodated us when we needed to make changes in our arrangements and was, from the first, always accessible. The drivers from and to the airport in Nice were on time and very helpful, though there was some confusion about the dropoff in Nice, which I attribute to the hotel. I couldn’t have made this trip without the Kimkim team.

Hotel Review

Grand Hôtel Roi René Aix-en-Provence Centre – MGallery

Aix-en-Provence

Entirely comfortable and adequate, though the open shower was a bit hard to manage. Breakfasts were quite ample and quite good.

Authenticity & Character

Location

A bit distant from the center of activity in Aix, but not a problem for a good walker.

Staff

Very pleasant and helpful, but could do better in helping us to change large Euros

Cleanliness & Comfort

very clean, beds very comfortable, shower a bit hard to manage

Activity Reviews

Private Provençale Cooking Class & Lunch

Aix-en-Provence

I have commented on this in my written review. It was, for me, the high point of the trip, and Emma, the chef, was wonderful: I’ll never forget her welcome to her kitchen and the pleasure of shopping for, cooking and eating a meal with her.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Guided Tour of the Bastide du Jas de Bouffan

Aix-en-Provence

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

ignore—we had no Kimkim driver or fuide for this event

Transport

ignore—we furnished our own transport

Lucie and Slimane from Kim Kim planned a fantastic trip for our family to Aix-En-Provence. The companies that they connected us to were all top-notch. The guides from A la Francais couldn't have been better. We spent 4 days with Adrien and 1 day with Greg. They were passionate about the experiences they provided to us, were well versed in history and regional information and were kind and accommodating throughout.

Our cooking class with Emmy who runs La Cuisine De Leki was magical. Her intent is not to have a technical cooking class, but to let you experience what it's like to be invited to a French home for a home cooked meal with friends or family, and she certainly succeeded.

Lucie and Slimane made this happen over months of planning with my Mom, with frequent changes and updates, but their patience and knowledge certainly turned this into a memorable trip.

We thoroughly enjoyed our 10 day trip to Paris and Provence. We chose to use the KimKim service because we had never planned a trip like this before and did not know what to expect or how to navigate the planning process. We also do not speak French. Lucie was amazing in working out all of the details and activities once I told her what we would like to experience. The days were packed and we enjoyed all of our tours. If I were to do it again, I may allow a little more free time, even though we enjoyed everything that we did. Some of the highlights were the Moulin Rouge, the food tour in Paris with Laure as well as the tour with Remy in Provence to the three villages. We also loved, loved, loved seeing Cassis with our tour guide Coco. Our train travel between Paris and Provence was seamless, and all the transfers were on time and as planned. The hotels were fine; comfortable and we really enjoyed having breakfast available, but I would have liked being closer to the main attractions in Paris and a slightly more elevated experience. I should have communicated this more effectively. Be sure to review all the details of the trip before your go. We had one minor glitch that I noticed last minute and Lucie did make the adjustment that was needed promptly so there were no issues. All in all our trip to France was magical, memorable and way more than I could’ve expected or could’ve planned all on my own.

Hotel Reviews

Hotel Jeanne D'Arc Le Marais

Paris

We only stayed here one night. It was very comfortable and staff friendly and accommodating. We needed our breakfast a little earlier and they were great. Very close to a square with lots of restaurants. Was a tad noisy due to this but we weren’t bothered. Elevator functional but very small. Common areas a bit worn.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hotel Escaletto

Aix-en-Provence

Opt for a twin room (2 twin beds pushed together) as double room was very small. Enjoyed the rooftop deck and location close to the heart of the city. Friendly staff and lovely breakfast.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Location is great, there is a lot of construction nearby right now.

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Le 9Hotel Opera

Paris

Hotel is in the Opera District, some attractions close by, but not in the heart of the city. Rooms were comfortable and was staff friendly (limited English speakers). Also offered a great breakfast! We had 2 adjoining rooms which was great but 1 room had a large tub/shower with high sides which was VERY difficult to climb in and out of.

Authenticity & Character

Nothing special

Location

Closer to heart of city and more restaurants/shopping close by

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Excursion to Cassis

Aix-en-Provence

We loved both the area and our guide. She could not have been more attentive and accommodating. Cassis is just gorgeous and quaint. We absolutely loved it!!!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

I cannot say enough good things about our guide!!!

Transport

Provence Wines and Luberon Villages

Aix-en-Provence

This was really 2 tours in 1 day with the same guide. The morning wine tour was enjoyable with stops at 2 different wineries. They were very different, with the 2nd being our favorite. We then returned to Ax-en-Provence for lunch on our own and headed back out for a very long afternoon at 3 different Luberon villages. The were all lovely.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Guide came off as a bit arrogant. He spent a lot of time giving his opinions about why France is better than US/Canada rather than providing historical/factual information.

Transport

Excursion to Arles, Les Baux and Saint-Remy de Provence

France

This was one of the highlights of our trip. The guide was amazing! He was super knowledgeable, easy to understand and made sure we saw everything. He answered every question and we could tell he really enjoys what he does.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Cabaret show at the Moulin Rouge at 9 PM

Paris

Loved it!!!

Quality of Experience

Day Trip to Loire Valley Châteaux

Paris

The castles were beautiful and the driver/guide was friendly and accommodating. There is LOTS of walking and stairs on this trip, so just be prepared. Would have appreciated just a bit more information at each stop about where to go and what we were seeing. We got a brief overview and then we were on our own.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Gourmet food tour in Saint-Germain-des-Prés

Paris

Loved our guide and everything we saw, tasted and experienced.

Quality of Experience

High quality tastings!

Guides, Drivers and Staff

So knowledgeable and friendly!

Seine River Cruise

Paris

Tour was great. It was cool and rainy when we went, but we still enjoyed it. The guide was wonderful.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Visit of Orsay Museum

Paris

Loved this museum! Skip the audio tour, it’s not necessary. Enjoyed lunch in the fancy restaurant as well.

Quality of Experience

We had an absolutely wonderful trip to France, beautifully organized by Lucie. She was incredibly helpful, always reachable, and very knowledgeable. Every detail was thoughtfully arranged, and all our transportation was seamless, making the entire experience smooth and stress-free.
In Paris, we enjoyed a magical Seine River cruise and a fabulous vintage car tour (2cv Paris Authentic) with John, who was not only knowledgeable but also helped us capture stunning photos at iconic Paris landmarks. Our stay at Hotel Jeanne D’Arc Le Marais was delightful – the hotel was clean, charming, and staffed by friendly, welcoming people.
In Aix-en-Provence, we had an amazing time wine tasting and exploring the Luberon villages with Greg – truly the best tour guide! He was incredibly knowledgeable about the region’s history, culture, and hidden gems. The views were absolutely breathtaking, and every moment felt special.
We loved every part of this trip – from the vibrant city life in Paris to the serene beauty of Provence. Huge thanks to Lucie, John, and Greg for making it so memorable!

We had a great trip to Paris for adults and kids. The vintage car ride around Paris was great for the adults, the kids didn't find that as exciting. The Lourve and Eiffel tower were great and tickets were easy to use. Versailles tickets were great as well. We had to Uber there as the train was shut down that day so be sure to have a backup plan. My kids especially loved the Evolution museum and zoo. Overall, great trip and planning.