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active 2 days ago

Pauline Mathieu

Hello ! I'm Pauline, and I am thrilled to be your dedicated trip planner for your upcoming adventure!

I'm a native of Champagne Ardenne, so I know the ins and outs of the region like the back of my hand.

Over the past five years, I've meticulously crafted journeys for groups spanning the globe. Today, I am focus on customizing trips to make them more authentic.

Whether I'm in France or abroad, I love finding off-the-beaten-path spots like local markets, cozy restaurants….

With a keen eye for aesthetics, I am constantly on the lookout for unique accommodations, from quirky boutique hotels to cozy countryside gîtes.

Let's craft together your next amazing trip to make it as extraordinary as you are!

What places and activities do you specialize in?

"I will be your dedicated trip planner for France and Scotland!"

How did you get involved in travel?

"Driven by an intense passion for learning languages and orchestrating unforgettable trips and events for my loved ones, I transformed my passion into what I consider to be my dream career."

Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.

"So many stories to tell! The most unique one I experienced recently was in Egypt. Wandering through the bustling souk of Cairo with its narrow streets and diverse shops, admiring the vastness of the pyramids, and uncovering the secrets of ancient Egypt, all guided by the most wonderful guide I've ever met!"

Top itineraries and travel advice

Recent trip reviews for Pauline

Pauline was a dream to work with…..
Scotland | May 13 - May 19, 2025

Maggie
Maggie G.
Jacksonville, FL | Reviewed on May 23, 2025
Pauline was a dream to work with. Helping us revise and squeeze in destinations we were interested in.
Holister who picked us up at the airport after a delay was informative and very professional
Our trip around Skye was amazing and Stewart was a fabulous driver— he managed our trip expertly and avoided crowds. Timberbush Tours
The sequencing of our self guided yours allowed us ample time to fit everything in The hotels and our rooms were fabulous None of the above would have... Read more

Pauline was a dream to work with. Helping us revise and squeeze in destinations we were interested in.
Holister who picked us up at the airport after a delay was informative and very professional
Our trip around Skye was amazing and Stewart was a fabulous driver— he managed our trip expertly and avoided crowds. Timberbush Tours

The sequencing of our self guided yours allowed us ample time to fit everything in

The hotels and our rooms were fabulous

None of the above would have happened without Paulines attention yo our needs and attention to detail

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Colessio
Stirling

Great location great amenities

Authenticity & Character
Location
O
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel du Vin & Bistro Edinburgh
Edinburgh

Great hotel. Cute and charming

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
P
Rusacks St Andrews
St Andrews

Perfect location — roof top nar exceptional— pub and dinning was awesome

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Oban Bay Hotel
Oban

Great location- cute bar overlooking the bay

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Mercure Inverness hotel
Inverness

Centrally located

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre tickets
Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre tickets
Inverness
Boat Ride Around the Canal & Loch Ness including a Visit to Urquhart Castle
Boat Ride Around the Canal & Loch Ness including a Visit to Urquhart Castle
Scotland
Isle of Skye Daytrip from Inverness
Isle of Skye Daytrip from Inverness
Inverness

So much easier to have a driver for the day so we both could enjoy the amazing island

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Stewart was amaxing
Transport
Stewart was a great driver
Blair Atholl Tour at Blair Atholl Distillery
Blair Atholl Tour at Blair Atholl Distillery
Pitlochry
Edinburgh Castle Tickets
Edinburgh Castle Tickets
Edinburgh
Boat tour from Oban - see the coast of Mull
Boat tour from Oban - see the coast of Mull
Oban
Oban Distillery Tour
Oban Distillery Tour
Oban
Stirling Castle Tickets
Stirling Castle Tickets
Scotland
Local specialist: Pauline Mathieu
Pauline
Pauline Mathieu
Local specialist in UK & France | Replied on May 26, 2025

Thank you so much for this amazing review, Maggie!!! 😍 I'm absolutely thrilled to hear that you and Jim had such a fantastic time in Scotland.

Timberbush really is the best, aren’t they? 😉

I’m already looking forward to creating another unforgettable experience for you both!

We just returned from an amazing trip to Scot...
Scotland | May 13 - May 19, 2025

Jim
Jim G.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on May 21, 2025
We just returned from an amazing trip to Scotland. Pauline, from KimKim travel was very helpful, patient, flexible, and she listened to our wants. She helped us immensely to craft a plan that hit all the key spots we wanted, and also included open blocks of time on most days for us to just wander and explore. The hotels were all in perfect locations and were wonderful. We liked the suggestions for restaurants in each area and we enjoyed those a lot. Also helpful were suggestions on... Read more

We just returned from an amazing trip to Scotland. Pauline, from KimKim travel was very helpful, patient, flexible, and she listened to our wants. She helped us immensely to craft a plan that hit all the key spots we wanted, and also included open blocks of time on most days for us to just wander and explore. The hotels were all in perfect locations and were wonderful. We liked the suggestions for restaurants in each area and we enjoyed those a lot. Also helpful were suggestions on sites, hikes, and other places of interest to consider in each area… that turned out to be a nice pick list.
Of course we had a hitch in our trip, as our flight to Scotland arrived over 4 hours late. Not a problem to coordinate with Pauline for a revised airport pickup time, and she also was able to reschedule a time sensitive tour. Very much appreciated.
We gladly recommend KimKim, and of course Pauline or one of her colleagues.

Hotel Reviews
Hotel du Vin & Bistro Edinburgh
Edinburgh

Nicely appointed hotel in walking distance to most of Edinburgh’s main sites. The staff were all wonderfully helpful and very friendly. Our room was lovely, and quite comfortable. Breakfast offered excellent quality choices. Definitely recommend!

Authenticity & Character
Charming
Location
Easy to Walk to about everything
Staff
Friendly, happy, and helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
Rusacks St Andrews
St Andrews

Perfect location. Charming and beautiful hotel. Awesome staff. Nice restaurant and breakfast service.

Authenticity & Character
Wry impressive and historic hotel, with all the modern conveniences you want.
Location
Perfect location for golf and anything else you want to do in St Andrew’s
Staff
Extremely helpful, courteous, friendly and fun.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Awesome room, overlook8 g the 18th hole
Mercure Inverness hotel
Inverness

Really great location to explore Inverness, great restaurants and pubs all steps away. Parking on site was good and easy to get out and about on day trips. Our room was very comfortable and clean. The staff was always available to help and helpful and friendly. They made us feel very welcome.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Perfect location for walking to many great pubs, restaurants, and shops in central Inverness. Yet easy to get out on the road for day trips.
Staff
To a person, all the staff were helpful and very nice.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Our room was very comfortable and clean. But some public areas in the hotel could be updated.
Oban Bay Hotel
Oban

Lovely hotel overlooking Oban bay and on the Main Street in town. Easy walk to get to everything. Room was comfortable and clean. Breakfast was excellent. Charming bar and front porch area to relax, have a drink and snack. Staff was simply lovely, we enjoyed our stay a lot.

Authenticity & Character
Has a feel of old world charm, and is quite comfortable.
Location
Beautiful views from the hotel, and easy walk to everything in town.
Staff
Very helpful, accommodating, and fun too.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Colessio
Stirling
Authenticity & Character
Our room was stunning, beautiful, and comfortable. Best one on our trip! We also liked the bar/restaurant.
Location
Close walk to the castle, distillery, restaurants and shopping just off the main area.
Staff
Very nice, friendly, and helpful.
Cleanliness & Comfort
The outside is not as impressive as the lobby and restaurant, and our room was THE Best!
Local specialist: Pauline Mathieu
Pauline
Pauline Mathieu
Local specialist in UK & France | Replied on May 21, 2025

Hey Jim,

Thank you so much for your feedback! It was such a pleasure planning this amazing trip to Scotland for you. I'm so glad you and Maggie had a great time!😍

We can’t wait to see what adventure you plan next! 😉

Planning Makes the Perfect Trip
Scotland | Apr 5 - Apr 12, 2025

Eddie
Eddie R.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Apr 13, 2025
Pauline asked all the right questions to give us options for a perfect trip to Scotland. We loved all the tours and especially our Ecoventure boat tour in Cromarty. Read more

Pauline asked all the right questions to give us options for a perfect trip to Scotland. We loved all the tours and especially our Ecoventure boat tour in Cromarty.

Hotel Review
Tulloch Castle Hotel
Dingwall

A little out of the way but a great place. The food was wonderful at breakfast and dinner.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Pauline Mathieu
Pauline
Pauline Mathieu
Local specialist in UK & France | Replied on Apr 14, 2025

Thank you so much, Eddie!
I'm absolutely thrilled to hear that you and your wife had such a wonderful trip to celebrate your 30th anniversary—and Audra’s birthday too! 😍
It means a lot to us that we could be a part of such a special occasion.

An Unforgettable and Delightful Travel Adventure!
United Kingdom | Sep 24 - Oct 6, 2024

Michelle
Michelle B.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Oct 07, 2024
We were knocked out by the variety, depth and professionalism we experienced during our travel adventures. This was one of the best travel experiences we've ever had. We could never have dreamed up the countless escapades we got to be a part of and were so appreciative of the accessibility and ease of it all! We explored museums, castle ruins, and ancient villages and dined in cozy pubs in the middle of vibrant world-class cities. We had some of the finest guided tours I've ever been... Read more

We were knocked out by the variety, depth and professionalism we experienced during our travel adventures. This was one of the best travel experiences we've ever had. We could never have dreamed up the countless escapades we got to be a part of and were so appreciative of the accessibility and ease of it all!

We explored museums, castle ruins, and ancient villages and dined in cozy pubs in the middle of vibrant world-class cities. We had some of the finest guided tours I've ever been on (the Edinburgh literary tour and Cotswold Tour in Bath were standouts). But we were most impresssed by our KimKim travel specialists, Pauline and Sarah (and earlier on Neil), who not only put together this unforgettable travel experience for us but who were available to us at every turn.

In fact, they managed to transform a potential disappointment (due to an unexpected train incident) into one of the most exciting days of our long vacation by rescheduling a much-anticipated river cruise for us. We were able to sneak in a spontaneous visit to the Greenwich Museum and see a show at Shakespeare's Globe Theatre because of the way they thoughtfully configured our day. (We even had a chance to visit with some of the actors at the Swann afterward)! Pauline was as warm and attentive as she was thoughtfully professional as she worked to troubleshoot the inevitable unexpecteds that travel brings.

Our accommodations, while varied, were universally safe, clean and served delicious breakfasts. We were especially fond of our accommodations at the Grosvenor Arms in Bath, where we found the company of our host Richard genial and engaging. The Crown Inn at Penrith was our coziest night of sleep and the hardworking staff was personable, warm and gracious. We loved our travel itinerary in the Lakes District and the fascinating visit to beautiful ruins of Lowther Castle.

There is an endless array of memories to meditate on over the coming winter. One thing is certain: we will be trusting our next travel adventure with Kim Kim!

Hotel Reviews
Grosvenor Villa
Bath

Grosvenor Villa was really lovely. It had a charming atmosphere with the host being very personable. The setup was cozy with a piano and fireplace, making it a great communal space. My husband, being a musician, enjoyed playing the piano there. It was a delightful stay, and the breakfast was excellent, featuring delicious food. The hospitality stood out, and the ambiance added to the relaxing experience.

Crown Inn Pooley Bridge
Penrith

Crown Inn Pooley Bridge was incredibly quiet and cozy, giving us our best night's sleep during the trip. It's a dog-friendly location, which is wonderful for pet lovers, but perhaps not ideal for those with allergies. I appreciated the peaceful setting and the overall comfort of our stay.

Angel's Share Hotel
New Town, Edinburgh

Angel's Share Hotel in Edinburgh had a cosmopolitan and edgy feel, which was a fresh change of pace. The aesthetic was distinctly modern, and while it wasn't as warm as some other places, the service was accommodating, with our room ready upon arrival. The overall ambiance was enjoyable although it felt a bit less intimate.

ibis Styles London Gloucester Road
London

Our stay at the hotel was a bit of a mixed bag. While it was an understandable price point for a central location like Kensington, the hotel felt a bit too commercial for my liking. They had a quirky subway theme, which included 'mind the gap' decor, but it was a bit much after a day of train travels. Our room was small, and we barely had space to move around. One of the lifts was broken, and although there was another working one, it was a bit of a hassle. Having to deal with many stairs wasn't ideal either, especially when mobility could be a potential issue for some.

Activity Reviews
Lowther Castle
Lowther Castle
United Kingdom

One of our favorite experiences was visiting Lowther Castle. The ruins are off the beaten path, and it was a great recommendation from our guides that truly added a unique touch to our trip. I thoroughly enjoyed the Castle's ambience and would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a memorable historical site.

Johnnie Walker Tasting Experience - Whisky Explorers
Johnnie Walker Tasting Experience - Whisky Explorers
Edinburgh

The Johnnie Walker Tasting Experience was a pleasant surprise for us as casual drinkers. We had an excellent guide, and despite it being her first launch, she did a commendable job. I'd recommend this to whisky lovers and those who are curious alike.

The Bath Gin Company Distillery Tour & Tasting Experience
The Bath Gin Company Distillery Tour & Tasting Experience
Bath

The Bath Gin Company Distillery Tour & Tasting Experience was nothing short of amazing. Our guide was remarkable, and it was fascinating to go behind the scenes and witness the inner workings. The quality of their product speaks for itself, and I'm hopeful for their great success. A must-visit for gin enthusiasts!

Literary tour of Bath
Literary tour of Bath
Bath

The Literary tour of Bath was fantastic, particularly the Jane Austen experience. It was well-written, comprehensive, and beautifully presented. The guides were top-notch, enhancing the entire visit with their depth of knowledge.

Edinburgh Castle Tickets
Edinburgh Castle Tickets
Edinburgh

Our visit to Edinburgh Castle was a bit disappointing as we missed our guided tour slot due to unforeseen circumstances. Although we managed to do the audio tour, it felt like a lost opportunity. The site was extremely busy, probably due to a bank holiday, which added to the regret.

Local specialist: Pauline Mathieu

Would recommend to anyone
Scotland | Sep 9 - Sep 17, 2024

E
Emmett W.
Denver, CO | Reviewed on Sep 21, 2024
The trip planning process was incredibly easy and we were supported the entire way through by Pauline and the kimkim staff. Once we were on our vacation, we were able to continue contacting Pauline when we had a few snags at hotel check in, which she expertly handled. Using kimkim took a lot of stress out of traveling and is something that we’ll consider using again in the future! Read more

The trip planning process was incredibly easy and we were supported the entire way through by Pauline and the kimkim staff. Once we were on our vacation, we were able to continue contacting Pauline when we had a few snags at hotel check in, which she expertly handled. Using kimkim took a lot of stress out of traveling and is something that we’ll consider using again in the future!

Hotel Reviews
Alban & Abbey House
Inverness
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The room was awesome, the bed and pillows were quite uncomfortable though
Rufflets St Andrews
St. Andrews
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Malmaison Aberdeen
Aberdeen
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
No.32 Hotel
Edinburgh

Small issue at check in, but it was quickly resolved. We were incredibly welcome for our whole stay and loved the amenities.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Near the train station and an easy walk to the city center
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Apex City of Glasgow Hotel
Glasgow
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Garrison
Fort William
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Royal Hotel Portree
Portree
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Pauline Mathieu

Second time - also a Charm!
Scotland | Jul 19 - Jul 31, 2024

Michael
Michael W.
Raleigh, NC | Reviewed on Aug 01, 2024
This was our second time booking a trip through KimKim - our first time working with High Pointe Holidays and Pauline. The trip was expertly planned, perfectly paced and hit all the right notes for us. The team was incredibly proactive and responsive when we did have questions. In the one instance where an accommodation fell short of our expectations (not KimKim's fault!) they more than rectified the situation. We would absolutely book through KimKim/High Pointe Holidays again. Read more

This was our second time booking a trip through KimKim - our first time working with High Pointe Holidays and Pauline. The trip was expertly planned, perfectly paced and hit all the right notes for us. The team was incredibly proactive and responsive when we did have questions. In the one instance where an accommodation fell short of our expectations (not KimKim's fault!) they more than rectified the situation. We would absolutely book through KimKim/High Pointe Holidays again.

Hotel Reviews
Malmaison Edinburgh City
Edinburgh

Very well located in new town. Very nice, generously sized rooms. Incredibly helpful staff!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Rosedale Hotel
Portree County

Do not stay here. Location is great. But, little to no parking. If you are on a long trip and traveling with family/kids + have bags - can be a bit of a challenge. Front desk staff were rude and unfriendly. Asked for passport number and future travel plans. Terrible experience would not recommend.

Authenticity & Character
This hotel/property has a lot of potential. It needs some work. Rooms are very generous, but feels/smells musty. As mentioned, very nice location, but just didn't hit the mark for us.
Location
As far as location gets in Portree - only thing I can give high marks on.
Staff
Outside of the restaurant staff at breakfast, which were nice/helpful (but very slow) - front desk staff were terrible. Wouldn't give me room keys without providing my passport number (very, very odd) as well as asking me where we were traveling to next, so they could document it electronically.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Smelled musty. Rooms felt dirty.
The Garrison
Fort William

Another stand out amongst many. New-ish hotel. Great location. Friendly and helpful staff. Well located in Fort William. Minor complaint - small rooms if you are traveling with a child and need a rollaway bad or sleeper sofa. Great breakfast and bar.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Perfectly located. Fort William is very walkable. Key for us - onsite and free parking.
Staff
Friendly and helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very clean and very cozy rooms
3 Oban Self catering Apartment with seaview
Oban

Wish we had more time here! Perfect for us. 3 bedrooms. Full kitchen. Washer. Very walkable to all activities, shops in Oban.

Authenticity & Character
Beautiful, charming building. Generous sized rooms. Nice kitchen. Good place to stay for a few days and use as a base of operations. With the Tesco Superstore nearby wish we had more time to have used the kitchen.
Location
Staff
Self-catering, no staff.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very clean and comfortable apartment.
Apex City of Glasgow Hotel
Glasgow

Might have been our favorite hotel of the trip. Perfectly located for our activities. Center center, but away from the more busier, touristy sections of the city. Comfortable rooms. Great breakfast. Very helpful, friendly staff.

Authenticity & Character
Apex always delivers, in my experience. Everything you need. Nothing you don't.
Location
Close to the action of the city, but not too close to the busier, more touristy sections of town. Quiet. Comfortable. On par with the other Apex hotels I've stayed at.
Staff
Staff was incredibly helpful with recommendations and very accommodating.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Rooms were very comfortable. Quiet. Generously proportioned.
Activity Reviews
Boat tour from Oban - see the coast of Mull
Boat tour from Oban - see the coast of Mull
Oban

we unfortunately had to skip this activity as our son was sick. Imagine it would've been pretty awesome.

Edinburgh Castle Tickets
Edinburgh Castle Tickets
Edinburgh

When possible, I'd recommend to folks try to get the first tour of the day, especially during summer (peak season). It was uncomfortably full of people at 3pm and was hard to enjoy the tour. If you can't get an earlier tour due to travel schedule, I'd probably skip if you don't like walking shoulder to shoulder and being cut off in line constantly by unaware tourists.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Visit the Glenfinnan Monument
Visit the Glenfinnan Monument
Scotland

Please guide appropriately on timing - how early to arrive. At least an hour early if your tour is scheduled close to a train crossing time.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Loch Lomond Cruise
Loch Lomond Cruise
Scotland

We really enjoyed this activity. Small cruise, not a lot of people. Felt more intimate, which we liked and prefer.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Great commentary - quite funny.
Transport
River Forth & Bridges Boat Tours
River Forth & Bridges Boat Tours
Scotland
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Pauline Mathieu

Excellent trip and KimKim recommendations, but the planning process could use some improvement
Scotland | Jun 29 - Jul 7, 2024

M
Marcelo M.
Manhattan, NY | Reviewed on Jul 12, 2024
The trip itself was excellent, the local guides were top-notch and the recommendations for sites to visit, activities, etc. were great. We really loved the trip, especially the local guides for Edinburgh, Inverness, the Aviemore nature trip and Culoden Battlefield. The planning for the trip could have been better. Some activities were originally scheduled too closely together to be logistically feasible, the arrival date was incorrect on the itinerary despite us clearly indicating the... Read more

The trip itself was excellent, the local guides were top-notch and the recommendations for sites to visit, activities, etc. were great. We really loved the trip, especially the local guides for Edinburgh, Inverness, the Aviemore nature trip and Culoden Battlefield.

The planning for the trip could have been better. Some activities were originally scheduled too closely together to be logistically feasible, the arrival date was incorrect on the itinerary despite us clearly indicating the correct date, and there seems to be some issues with reflecting hotel stay dates accurately in the itinerary. Re the trip itself, the only disappointment was the hotel in Aviemore, which was dilapidated, inconvenient (no elevator…) and uncomfortable (very tight room).

Local specialist: Pauline Mathieu