So Provence, So Alps!

I have many positive things to say about Kim Kim and some questions about the costs of the trip. Sebastian was very responsive and helped us when we needed it. This was especially true about getting in to our hotel early. It was nice that he was from France and knew Paris. In the beginning he sent several possible trip options. It seemed that the these options were not really what we had in mind. Our primary reason for going to Paris was to see the Mark Rothko show. Sebastian recommended many other types of activities and we were not interested in them. We like to wander around Paris on our own without many tours. I can imagine that this was frustrating for Sebastian. I wonder if somehow that could have been more clearly stated. I had a friend who contacted Kim Kim recently wanting a trip to Paris. She wanted to wander around without many tours and was told by Kim Kim that it wasn't the type of trip Kim Kim planned.
When I inquired about the price break down I was given a vague response, they said they don't give the actual prices. When I look at the cost and what we actually used from Kim Kim its hard for me to reconcile. Kim Kim provided the cost of the hotel, transportation to and from the airport and tickets to 2 events .I am happy to pay for the all that Sebastian did and yet the price seems very high. The cost differential ( to the best of our abilities) was a several thousand dollars higher. If there is a representative from Kim Kim who would like to discuss tis further, please feel free to contact us.

Hotel Review

My Maison in Paris - Louvre

Paris

This place was great. The location was accessible to many things and the staff was helpful. The place was clesan and had all that we needed. Many conveniences are in the neighborhood. Would highly recommend?

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Covered Passageways of Paris

Paris

This tour was long and heavy on the ancient history of Paris.

Exhibition at the Louis Vuitton fondation

Paris

This exhibit was amazing. Having a ticket was important. We provided our own transportation both ways.

Quality of Experience

The Astotel hotel in Paris was amazing!! Service was great, staff were friendly and very accommodating, rooms were clean, breakfast was wonderful with many selections and complimentary snacks in the comfortable lobby all day was a real plus.
All of the hotels we stayed at were clean and accommodating and made us comfortable.
The guided tour to Normandy was a fantastic experience and the guide (Guton) was friendly, knowleageable and responsive. The tour to Versaille was worth the trip and the Guide (Edwardo) made the experience enjoyable and informative.
Simon from KimKim was readily avilable during the trip and helpful with any questions or asssitance that we needed.

Our group trip to Normandy was perfect. All KimKim guides, drivers, and hotel were excellent. We'd like to particularly call on Manon, who was will us for our D-Day tour and Mont St Michele. Dinner at Le Presbytre was incredible. Thanks for our third trip with KimKim!

I usually like to plan my own trips, but this time I just didn't have the extra time on hand to do the research. David helped us plan exactly the type of trip we were looking for in South France. I couldn't have done it better!

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

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)

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

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

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

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

We enjoyed the hotel and boat ride in Marseille. It was nice for everything to be walking distance. We also loved staying in Moustiers St Marie and the activities near there. Le Jas du Colombier was perfect to walk to town and hang out by the pool. The canyineering with Armand from the Verdoniers was epic. Our kids loved that so much. The kayaking with Christophe of Aquattitude was also a favorite. The horseback riding was a bit of a long and hot day for beginners. Same with biking, it was really hot and a bit challenging for the kids. We appreciated seeing the region from all these vantage points. It is really important for you to share any necessary info to be prepared ahead of time, since we are not in direct contact with the guide.

Hotel Reviews

Maison Saint Louis Vieux Port

Marseille

Great location in the middle of the city. Clean and comfortable. Convenient to everything.

Authenticity & Character

Architecture

Location

Walkable

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Le Jas du Colombier

Moustiers-Sainte-Marie

We had a huge house to ourselves. Very well equipped to cook and wash clothes. We loved the salt water pool at the end of a long hot day. The views are amazing and we enjoyed eating meals outside. It is really more of a house rental, not a hotel. This should be more clear for setting expectations.

Authenticity & Character

A but cluttered with their personal items but we really enjoyed our stay.

Location

Walkable to village center

Staff

Jeanine is very welcoming.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Comfortable beds

Activity Reviews

Half-Day morning Cruise to Calanques National Park - small group

Marseille

Fun ride and swim, but captain was not not sharing a lot of info.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

More friendly and sharing info

Transport

We walked there

A day in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie

Moustiers-Sainte-Marie

Tons to see and do. Truly a gorgeous village. The hike to the church at the top earns you ice cream.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Canyoneering in the Verdon Gorges

France

A big hit with our entire family.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Armand was so friendly and able to adapt to each persons ability.

Transport

Horse riding in the Gorges, full-day

Moustiers-Sainte-Marie

A bit too long and not as scenic as expected. We were supposed to bring our own lunch, would have been better if provided because travelers don’t typically have packs for lunches.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Half-day Canoë kayak Excursion in the lower Verdon canyon

France

Gorgeous view of the canyon and great explanations.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Christophe from Aquattitude was phenomenal.

Transport

Mountain-biking around the lake

France

A bit long and challenging for our kids. We enjoyed the picnic at the lake and biking through the region.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Simon and his team provided thorough itineraries however there is no follow up contact from them to check on us, the travelers. With minimal of 4 arrangements with local guides during our 28 day trip, we were very much on our own most of the time. It would be more informative for us to have a guide in a city. We did not expect to have ones in small town or village stays. With the amount of research that we did ourselves, at times we thought that we could have done the trip without having to go with KimKim.

Many thanks to Kimkim and Simon for helping us to plan our two-week tour of France to celebrate my wife's 60th Birthday. The full itinerary brought in all the highlights we wanted to view and experience in a thoughtful well laid out order. The top highlight was Mont-Saint-Michel, a true wonder (although it was difficult to choose). The trip started in Paris, we then traveled to Bayeaux, in Normandy, then to the Loire Valley for Chateau tours before traveling to Avignon to experience Provance with the Roman ruins and wonderful wine. It was truly the trip of a lifetime.

Ambre-marie was amazing! She did such a great job tailoring the trip to our wants and needs. She was available throughout our trip anytime we ran into problems finding our tour group, using public transportation etc. She was prompt and professional. The hotels were great that she chose for us and gave us great directions when making connecting trains to our second destination. All of the excursions were top tier and so memorable.

Hotel Reviews

Hôtel La Comtesse 4*

Paris

Great continental breakfast. Rooms are small but have everything you need. Great views of the Eiffel Tower. It felt warm and hospitable and safe.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Maisons du Monde Hôtel Marseille Vieux Port

Marseille

Super fun decor and very large bathroom with great shower. The breakfast in the morning was amazing and felt like a home cooked meal. Staff was friendly and knowledgable of the area.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

A Day in Le Marais: Cheese Shop, Museums, & Market

Paris

We had a small tour group so it felt like we got all of the attention and the full experience. Great food and our tour guide was very knowledgable about the area.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Discovery of the Parisian catacombs

Paris

Really cool to listen to the guided tour and felt like we could take our time in the catacombs. Was a really awesome experience

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Palace of Versailles Half day trip (Skip the line, audioguided & gardens) by minivan from Paris

Paris

I didnt realize that our tour only included the palace and not the grounds. The app that you use to walk through the palace felt incomplete unless you paid for it. It was still a great experience but wish the audioguide was more user friendly and that there was better clarity on what was included in the tour.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Great tour bus, very comfortable

Half-Day Afternoon Cruise to Calanques National Park - small group

Marseille

By far our most memorable excursion. There was a mixup with our skipper not being on time for the tour but they made up for it by adding on extra time at the end and overall didnt impact the experience. The skipper was funny and personable and knowledgable on the area. Gave great local tips on areas to eat and things to go back and see. There were soft drinks and non-alcoholic beverages aboard

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Gourmet & Historic walking tour of Marseille

Marseille

Our guide was super knowledgable about Marseille and gave us a real local experience. we were able to stop and look in shops as we desired. She gave great recommendations for other things to do as we toured the city. She had great historical information and we felt like we got a really comprehensive tour of Old Marseille

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

This was our first family trip to Paris and I wanted to make it special. Ambre-Marie worked with me for six months to plan this! She was patient and kind with my questions and changes. Ambre-Marie was very responsive! The tours and dinners were well worth it!

Pierre-bike tour-well done with the Place Vendôme, the Palais Royal, the Roman ruins, and St. Sulpice explanations!! Loved meeting at the Place Vendôme. We enjoyed the coffee and croissant in the middle!! My college kids both thought he was awesome!! He was high energy and engaged the whole time!!!

Thibeaut-Meeting the French-Latin Quarter tour and chocolate/pastry tour-both informative and friendly. He was kind and thoughtful and courteous the whole time! We liked how he discussed both modern and historical events and helped us with finding stores after our tour. He handled both a small group and large group well.

Eiffel Tower dinner-wonderful view and easy to get in! All inclusive! Very special!

Seine River tour-perfect view!!! I would just include location of the dock, but we were early and had plenty of time to find it.

Knowing how quality your tours are, I probably would have asked Ambre-Marie to book the Louvre, Notre Dame, Christmas concert, St. Chapelle, Sacre Couer, dinners.

Everything turned out excellent and quality! I will tell others about your services!!!

Activity Reviews

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

Paris

Our guide was Pierre and he was exceptional! We met at the Place Vendôme which was particularly exciting! His explanation of history was clear and well thought out. We enjoyed biking through the streets-my college kids really loved this! The Palais Royal stories are super memorable. Good storytelling skills. Then, off to the Roman ruins! Wow! Who knew!? Then, St. Sulpice-excellent art explanations!!!

Quality of Experience

Strong knowledge of history

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Friendly, engaging, funny, smart!

Transport

Exciting and adventurous

Gourmet dinner on the Eiffel Tower - Menu Gustave

Paris

Wonderful location of table!!!

Quality of Experience

All inclusive

Food

Desserts stand out

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Friendly

Transport

Latin Quarter Guided Walking Tour - Semi-Private

Paris

Thibeaut was happy go lucky and informative! He mixes some current fun facts with historical ideas. We went to different places than our bike tour. Our understanding of French food has increased tremendously!!

Quality of Experience

Loved the cheese explanations

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Loved the croissant and bread explanations

Transport

Good to walk to burn off the calories 😂😂

Private gourmet pastries & chocolate tour in Saint Germain

Paris

This is soo fun and you eat soo much! The macarons, chocolates. This was my loved language! Super fun for kids and families of all ages!!

Quality of Experience

Excellent choices and greater appreciation of food!! Loved the tiny streets and historical areas in St. Germaine that we not have known about!! Cafe where Jefferson went, Ernest Hemingway, space invader signs, explanation of ship on signage, explanation of middle aged St. Germaine church.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Thibeaut appreciates and honors the history and culture as well as people. Very humble, kind, happy and interesting guide. He was energetic and joyful and positive!!

Transport

Lots of walking to burn calories 😂😂

Paris Dinner Cruise

Paris

Perfect location of table near window!! Thank you!

Quality of Experience

Excellent food, important sites!

Food

Loved the escargot

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Fun waiter!

Transport

Beautiful and serene boat!

Transfer from Paris hotel to Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG)

France

Both transfers were on time, helpful, spacious!!

Quality of Experience

Very friendly

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Service oriented

Transport

Clean, spacious