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France By Locals

France By Locals offers a different way to experience France—one that goes beyond the postcard-perfect highlights. From the Mediterranean to the Atlantic, through valleys, mountains, and picturesque countryside, we design immersive journeys that reveal the true essence of each region.

Whether you're drawn to outdoor adventures, culinary discoveries, cultural heritage, or a blend of all three, we craft trips that match your pace, interests, and budget. Solo travelers, couples, families, and groups alike can enjoy flexible itineraries, from short getaways to extended explorations.

Our commitment to responsible tourism means prioritizing meaningful encounters, supporting local communities, and preserving the landscapes we love. No unnecessary greenwashing—just genuine, thoughtfully curated experiences that celebrate the richness of our regions. Whether it’s hiking, cycling, wine tasting, stargazing, or simply slowing down to soak in the surroundings, every journey with us is designed to be both enriching and sustainable.

France By Locals is part of the following groups: France Travel Agents

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Recent Trip Reviews for France By Locals

Family Trip to Paris, Provence and Friench Riviera
France | May 29 - Jun 8, 2025

Vinodhshankar
Vinodhshankar B.
India | Reviewed on Jun 10, 2025
Had a wonderful trip to France. Sebastian, was highly responsive and flexible to our needs and requests. Thank you Sebastian. Top highlights of our tour: (1) Private Bour tour at Marseille visiting Frioul archipelago
(2) Cycling through Cezanne's route at Aix-En-Provence
(3) Visiting 6+ villages (Luberon and Riviera) experiencing so many aspects of French cuisine and culture
(4) Visit to Eze, Monaco and Montecarlo
(5) Paris Cycling and Guided tour to Montmarte
Read more

Had a wonderful trip to France. Sebastian, was highly responsive and flexible to our needs and requests. Thank you Sebastian.

Top highlights of our tour:

(1) Private Bour tour at Marseille visiting Frioul archipelago
(2) Cycling through Cezanne's route at Aix-En-Provence
(3) Visiting 6+ villages (Luberon and Riviera) experiencing so many aspects of French cuisine and culture
(4) Visit to Eze, Monaco and Montecarlo
(5) Paris Cycling and Guided tour to Montmarte

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

Great trip. Pierre was an awesome guide. Enjoyed so many aspects of Paris.

Quality of Experience
Learning about history
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Gourmet & Historic walking tour of Marseille
Gourmet & Historic walking tour of Marseille
Marseille

OK tour learning about Marseille history

Quality of Experience
Visit to soap factory was not there.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Nice person
Guided Family Tour of Montmartre
Guided Family Tour of Montmartre
Paris

Great trip. Julien was an awesome guide.

Quality of Experience
Avoided crowds
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Skip-the-line: louvre museum greatest masterpieces private guided tour
Skip-the-line: louvre museum greatest masterpieces private guided tour
Paris

This was not a private tour. It was a group tour. We were delayed by 10-15 mins due to a bus route issue. Tried calling agency but they did not pick up the call. The lady at the agency was very rude. She refused to accommodate us in any way. Refused to give guides number. Also said ticket may not work but thankfully it worked. This was a big disappointment.

Quality of Experience
Grace period when delays happen
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Private gourmet pastries & chocolate tour in Saint Germain
Private gourmet pastries & chocolate tour in Saint Germain
Paris

Final tour was different from St Germain due to food allergy related. Nice tour but details in the tour were not as interesting. Guide was very passionate and very nice.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Passionate guide. Very flexible. Stayed back over time to see of us in our cab.
Private Boat Cruise in the Calanques National Park
Private Boat Cruise in the Calanques National Park
Marseille

Top highlights. Amazing experience. Clemence was the best guide of our trip

Quality of Experience
Archipelago, swimming in the ocean, spotting fish, speed boating
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Clemence is queen of the season. One of the best in the business.
Transport
Paris: Illuminations Seine River Cruise
Paris: Illuminations Seine River Cruise
Paris

Wonderful experience

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
May be a boat with some AC :)
E-Bike Tour Along Cezanne's Route
E-Bike Tour Along Cezanne's Route
Aix-en-Provence

One of the best highlights of trip. Amazing guide and amazing experience.

Quality of Experience
Cezanne's route is magical
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
One of the cycles - electric motor did not work
Luberon Markets and Villages small-group guided tour
Luberon Markets and Villages small-group guided tour
Aix-en-Provence

Great experience visiting 3 villages

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
HD - Monaco, Monte Carlo & Eze private guided tour
HD - Monaco, Monte Carlo & Eze private guided tour
France

Another top highlight of our trip

Quality of Experience
Coast view, Perfume factory, Monaco walk
Guides, Drivers and Staff
High energy, positive vibe and very social. Guide was flexible to start 30 mins later.
Transport
I think vehicle did not have AC at the rear. But guide did everything he could to make us comfortable.
Cultural tour of Antibes | Grasse & Gourdon | Saint-Paul de Vence
Cultural tour of Antibes | Grasse & Gourdon | Saint-Paul de Vence
France

Gourdon and St Paul Du Vence are awesome.

Quality of Experience
Gourdon and St Paul Du Vence
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Very flexible guide. Accommodated request for a 30 min delayed start.
Transport
Very comfortable van
Local specialist: Sebastian Prino
Sebastian
Sebastian Prino
Local specialist in Marseille | Replied on Jun 11, 2025
Hi Vinodh, Thank you so much for your kind words — it truly means a lot! I'm so glad to hear you had a wonderful trip and that you enjoyed such a rich variety of experiences across France. 🙏 Your highlights list made me smile — from the boat tour around the Frioul islands to cycling Cezanne’s route and discovering the charm of our villages, it sounds like you embraced every moment! It was a real pleasure helping to craft this journey with you. If you ever feel like exploring more of France... Read more

Hi Vinodh,

Thank you so much for your kind words — it truly means a lot! I'm so glad to hear you had a wonderful trip and that you enjoyed such a rich variety of experiences across France. 🙏

Your highlights list made me smile — from the boat tour around the Frioul islands to cycling Cezanne’s route and discovering the charm of our villages, it sounds like you embraced every moment!

It was a real pleasure helping to craft this journey with you. If you ever feel like exploring more of France (or coming back for seconds!), I’d be thrilled to help again.

Wishing you all the best and safe travels until next time!

Warm regards,
Sebastian

Great Experience Start to Finish!!!
France | May 16 - May 24, 2025

K
Kelly Y.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Jun 03, 2025
I worked with Sebastian from initial planning all the way through the end of my trip. He incorporated my ideas and wants into my trip itinerary with some suggestions of his own that turned out to be great. He selected hotels that I would not have necessarily keyed on and they all ended up being wonderful experiences with real local feel and not just another cookie cutter Holiday Inn. During the trip there were a few instances where I had questions or needed clarification on things and... Read more

I worked with Sebastian from initial planning all the way through the end of my trip. He incorporated my ideas and wants into my trip itinerary with some suggestions of his own that turned out to be great. He selected hotels that I would not have necessarily keyed on and they all ended up being wonderful experiences with real local feel and not just another cookie cutter Holiday Inn.

During the trip there were a few instances where I had questions or needed clarification on things and Sebastian and his team were timely in getting back to me and even stepping up to help get answers to some of my questions, etc.

In my opinion, this is a perfect example of "you get what you pay for" and what I got for my money with KimKim and Sebastian was an amazing experience seeing a large swath of the country with activities tailored to my interests. It is worth the time and money to work with these fine folks.

Hotel Review
Hôtel du Cygne
Tours
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Sebastian Prino
Sebastian
Sebastian Prino
Local specialist in Marseille | Replied on Jun 03, 2025
Hi Kelly, Thank you so much for your kind words—it truly means a lot! 😊
It was a real pleasure helping you craft this adventure through France, and I'm thrilled to hear the itinerary, hotels, and experiences hit the mark for you. I always aim to blend personal wishes with local gems, so I'm glad some of my suggestions turned out to be great additions.
Also, thank you for trusting us throughout the trip. Knowing you felt supported, especially when questions came up on the road, is exactly... Read more

Hi Kelly,

Thank you so much for your kind words—it truly means a lot! 😊
It was a real pleasure helping you craft this adventure through France, and I'm thrilled to hear the itinerary, hotels, and experiences hit the mark for you. I always aim to blend personal wishes with local gems, so I'm glad some of my suggestions turned out to be great additions.

Also, thank you for trusting us throughout the trip. Knowing you felt supported, especially when questions came up on the road, is exactly what we strive for.

Wishing you many more amazing travels ahead—and who knows, maybe another trip together in the future!

Warm regards,
Sebastian

Paris and Alsace region
France | May 19 - May 29, 2025

Sheila
Sheila D.
Atlanta, GA | Reviewed on May 30, 2025
Sebastian was easy to work with and prompt to respond to questions and requests. He set up a good Paris and Alsace region itinerary for us.
While we thoroughly enjoyed Paris- we did not like the Paris hotel at all. Although the staff at the hotel were kind, the amenities, location, bed, pillows and breakfast were not to our standards. The promise of a one day turn around laundry service according to the laundry brochure in our room ended up not being true. A lot of noisy people congregated...
Read more

Sebastian was easy to work with and prompt to respond to questions and requests. He set up a good Paris and Alsace region itinerary for us.
While we thoroughly enjoyed Paris- we did not like the Paris hotel at all. Although the staff at the hotel were kind, the amenities, location, bed, pillows and breakfast were not to our standards. The promise of a one day turn around laundry service according to the laundry brochure in our room ended up not being true. A lot of noisy people congregated most nights in the ally outside our room. I would dare to say this is even a 3 star hotel.
The hotel in Strasbourg was great. The staff went above and beyond in accommodating us. The Alsace villages tour was good and the pastry cooking class was top notch. The only feedback I would give regarding Strasbourg is that 4 nights is one too many.
Overall, I would give the entire trip 4/5 stars, but working with Sebastian was 5/5.

Activity Reviews
A Half-Day tour in the Alsatian villages from Strasbourg
A Half-Day tour in the Alsatian villages from Strasbourg
Strasbourg

Our tour guide, Roxane was great. She took us to some small Alscaian villages and told us a lot about the history of these villages. A highlight of the tour was going to the St. Odiel convent. The views were amazing.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Tour de France of Wine Tasting (cheese pairing)
Tour de France of Wine Tasting (cheese pairing)
Paris

Great wines. Guide was knowledgeable.

Quality of Experience
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

PM tour felt rushed. I did agree to the PM tour. I would also just take the train next time. It took us 1.5 hours to go 14 miles in Paris traffic.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Timely, nice driver. He was honest about the traffic.
Local Alsacian bakery class
Local Alsacian bakery class
Strasbourg

This was an unexpected highlight of our time in Strasbourg. Dominique was amazing. She was welcoming and had everything well prepared. She kept apologizing for her English, but there was no need as we were able to communicate with her very well. We don’t do much baking, but she was a great teacher. Getting to spend some time with her in her home really made us feel like we’d had an authentic Alsatian experience, and the rhubarb tarts we made were delicious! This was a 10/10 experience!

Quality of Experience
Local specialist: Sebastian Prino
Sebastian
Sebastian Prino
Local specialist in Marseille | Replied on May 31, 2025
Hi Sheila, how are you? Thank you so much for your detailed feedback — I truly appreciate you taking the time to share your experience. I’m really glad to hear that you enjoyed the overall trip, especially the Alsace villages tour and the cooking class, and that working together was a positive part of your journey 😊 I'm very sorry to hear that the Paris hotel did not meet your expectations. Your comments regarding the amenities, location, and noise are extremely helpful, and I’ll be sure... Read more

Hi Sheila, how are you?

Thank you so much for your detailed feedback — I truly appreciate you taking the time to share your experience.

I’m really glad to hear that you enjoyed the overall trip, especially the Alsace villages tour and the cooking class, and that working together was a positive part of your journey 😊

I'm very sorry to hear that the Paris hotel did not meet your expectations. Your comments regarding the amenities, location, and noise are extremely helpful, and I’ll be sure to take this into account moving forward. I always aim to suggest accommodations that align with my travelers’ comfort and preferences, and your feedback will help me refine those recommendations.

Also noted on the Strasbourg stay — next time I’ll suggest trimming it down a bit unless travelers specifically ask for a longer, more relaxed pace.

Thanks again for your trust and honesty. I hope to have the chance to help you plan another trip in the future — and get everything to a 5/5 next time 😉

Warm regards,
Sebastian

Amazing Normandy Trip!
France | Apr 18 - Apr 24, 2025

Phillips
Phillips P.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Apr 27, 2025
Our trip to Normandy was amazing - all that we wanted and more! Thanks to Sebastian, we saw all the things we had asked for, as well as had informative and engaging guides for the more important sites. He listened to our request for hotels and locations, and everything on the trip went smoothly. The whole family had a wonderful time and we came home with great memories! Read more

Our trip to Normandy was amazing - all that we wanted and more! Thanks to Sebastian, we saw all the things we had asked for, as well as had informative and engaging guides for the more important sites. He listened to our request for hotels and locations, and everything on the trip went smoothly. The whole family had a wonderful time and we came home with great memories!

Hotel Reviews
Le Bayeux
Bayeux

This hotel was convenient, quiet and clean - just what we wanted. We were able to easily walk to the Tapestry and Cathedral in Bayeux, as well as the British cemetery. The drive to Mont St. Michel and the D-Day beaches was easy from this centrally located area. Parking was great, as well as the lovely breakfast each morning. The staff were friendly and had good recommendations for us.

Authenticity & Character
Charming!
Location
Centrally located with parking
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Radisson Blu Hotel, Rouen Centre
Rouen

Conveniently located for our family with parking. We parked the first day and then walked everywhere in Rouen. Five minutes walk to the restaurants, another 5 mins for the Cathedral and Abbey. It was clean and quiet, and the family suite was great for us four. Breakfast was filling and tasty.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Jangle Courtyard by Marriott Paris Roissy Charles de Gaulle Airport
Le Mesnil-Amelot

Stayed overnight prior to an early morning departure - convenient and quiet. Only seven minutes from the airport and the shuttle arrived as advertised. Breakfast was great - just what we needed.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Private Mont-Saint-Michel Day Trip with Entrance Tickets (Rental Car)
Private Mont-Saint-Michel Day Trip with Entrance Tickets (Rental Car)
France

Because we had a rental car, we could make our own way to Mont St Michel. We arrived in the late morning and spent a couple of hours exploring before our private tour. I liked having time before hand to think of questions, and our guide was great. We walked the causeway both ways - great way to experience the charm of the island!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Guided visit of Rouen
Guided visit of Rouen
Rouen

Our guide, Ludevic, was engaging and entertaining, and we learned so much from our time with him! I appreciated his enthusiasm, especially as both teenagers were listening to him and learning. He covered all the major attractions and easily answered questions we had. His information really enhanced our time in Rouen.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Guided tour of Monet's house and gardens
Guided tour of Monet's house and gardens
Giverny

Veronique was great! Her tour of Monet's garden added to our knowledge and made the place come alive! I appreciated that she engaged both teenagers, and then tailored parts of the tour to what they had mentioned. I'm grateful for her care and attention. I learned so much and came away with even more respect for Monet's work.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Sebastian Prino
Sebastian
Sebastian Prino
Local specialist in Marseille | Replied on Apr 28, 2025
Hi Phillips family, Thank you so much for taking the time to share such a detailed and wonderful feedback! I'm thrilled to hear that your trip to Normandy was everything you hoped for and more. It was truly a pleasure organizing it for you, and I'm so happy that the hotels, guides, and overall experience matched your expectations.
I'm especially glad to know that Ludovic and Véronique made such a positive impact — they are both fantastic at what they do, and it's always rewarding to hear...
Read more

Hi Phillips family,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share such a detailed and wonderful feedback!

I'm thrilled to hear that your trip to Normandy was everything you hoped for and more. It was truly a pleasure organizing it for you, and I'm so happy that the hotels, guides, and overall experience matched your expectations.
I'm especially glad to know that Ludovic and Véronique made such a positive impact — they are both fantastic at what they do, and it's always rewarding to hear when our travelers connect so well with them!

Thank you also for your kind words about the hotels — your detailed comments will certainly help future travelers too.

If you ever feel like discovering more of France (or even another hidden gem!), it would be an absolute pleasure to assist you again.

Wishing you and your family all the best, and hope to hear from you soon for a new adventure!

Warm regards,
Sebastian

Amazing, hassle-free trip!
France | Mar 9 - Mar 18, 2025

robert
robert m.
Los Angeles, CA | Reviewed on Apr 02, 2025

The trip itself was the trip of a lifetime. Thanks to Sebastian’s expertise and planning we didn’t have a single thing to worry about regarding scheduling or transportation. Some of our “small group” tours ended up being private which was a very pleasant surprise, and any time we needed to communicate we always received a very kind and timely response.

Local specialist: Sebastian Prino
Sebastian
Sebastian Prino
Local specialist in Marseille | Replied on Apr 03, 2025

Hi Robert,

Thank you so much for your kind words! 😊 It truly makes me happy to hear that your trip was such a memorable experience. I'm glad everything went smoothly and that you even got some unexpected private tours—what a nice surprise!

It was a pleasure planning this journey for you, and I hope to help you create another amazing adventure in the future. Wishing you many more incredible travels ahead! ✨🚀

Best,
Sebastian

Another amazing trip!
France | Mar 23 - Mar 29, 2025

M
Manoj I.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Mar 30, 2025
An amazing travel experience was had! Sebastian’s meticulous planning ensured a seamless itinerary. The hotel and location were ideal, situated centrally near attractions and in a vibrant neighborhood. The tours were exceptional, with knowledgeable guides who enhanced the overall experience. We felt like we got the full Parisian experience. Despite traveling with two young children, the trip was remarkably smooth and enjoyable for all. The children remained engaged throughout the journey... Read more

An amazing travel experience was had! Sebastian’s meticulous planning ensured a seamless itinerary. The hotel and location were ideal, situated centrally near attractions and in a vibrant neighborhood. The tours were exceptional, with knowledgeable guides who enhanced the overall experience. We felt like we got the full Parisian experience.

Despite traveling with two young children, the trip was remarkably smooth and enjoyable for all. The children remained engaged throughout the journey with the recommendations. This was our second booking through KimKim, and we anticipate future endeavors with the company. Their user-friendly platform significantly enhances our travel experience, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the destinations.

Hotel Review
Hotel Bastille Spéria
Paris

Although the rooms were smaller compared to US hotels, they were reasonable considering we're in Paris! The location was exceptional, and I thoroughly enjoyed the neighborhood it was located in. The Italian restaurant across the street was particularly impressive and I highly recommend it. The surrounding area offered a diverse culinary scene with numerous excellent restaurants. The hotel’s breakfast buffet was exceptional, and the overall cleanliness and efficiency of the establishment were commendable. I would be delighted to stay there again in the future.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Paris: Illuminations Seine River Cruise
Paris: Illuminations Seine River Cruise
Paris

An excellent commencement to our journey. We were fortunate to witness the city’s prominent landmarks and get a great overview of our home for the next week. Regrettably, we wish we had scheduled our visit slightly later in the evening to experience the city’s illuminated beauty.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Louvre Treasure Hunt (kids or teens tour)
Louvre Treasure Hunt (kids or teens tour)
Paris

Our guide, Tiffen, was exceptional in maintaining the engagement of both children and adults throughout the tour. Through insightful commentary, we gained a comprehensive understanding of the Louvre’s historical significance and the historical context of the artwork it houses. The incorporation of a treasure hunt element significantly enhanced the enjoyment of the experience for the children, who were particularly delighted by the prize they received at the conclusion of the tour. The duration of the two-hour session was highly appropriate.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
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

A must-see attraction in Paris, Versailles offers a captivating experience despite the lengthy commute from the city center. The driver’s entertaining commentary provided an engaging narrative while commuting to Versailles. The audioguide offered a comprehensive historical account, however, its detailed nature may occasionally hinder sustained attention. The gardens are resplendent, though vibrant array of blooms were missing for us during the early spring season. Nevertheless, navigating through the extensive palace can become congested, particularly during peak tourist hours.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Opera Garnier visit
Opera Garnier visit
Paris

A comprehensive tour of an exceptionally grand opera house left a lasting impression. Its imposing architecture and regal aura were truly awe-inspiring. However, the two-hour duration proved somewhat protracted for what was to be seen. Despite this, the guide’s exceptional engagement skills ensured that we remained captivated throughout the experience.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Guided tour of Paris and secret Montmartre in a Citroën 2CV
Guided tour of Paris and secret Montmartre in a Citroën 2CV
Paris

The highlight of our trip was undoubtedly the exhilarating experience of racing around the city in a Citroen 2CV, the iconic French car. The exceptional driving skills and captivating entertainment value of the drivers made it an unforgettable experience for all ages, including the children. We captured some of the most memorable photographs with the car positioned in front of iconic landmarks such as the Montmartre, Eiffel Tower, and Arc de Triomphe. Passersby were captivated by our presence, often capturing images of us as if we were movie stars during our thrilling drives. This unique mode of transportation provided an exceptional opportunity to explore the city while immersing ourselves in its vibrant atmosphere.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
 Macaron Cooking Class
Macaron Cooking Class
Paris

I selected this experience for my children, and they thoroughly enjoyed it. It was a remarkable opportunity to witness a genuine Parisian apartment and create our own macarons, immersing ourselves in the authentic Parisian experience. The tour was exceptionally efficient and entertaining. Was great talking to the chef to learn more about French food and culture. If you have a passion for macarons, this is an indispensable activity.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Private Transfer from Paris hotel to Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG)
France

Professional and reliable drivers who prioritize safety and punctuality. The pickup service was provided in a luxurious minivan, ensuring a comfortable and convenient experience.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Sebastian Prino
Sebastian
Sebastian Prino
Local specialist in Marseille | Replied on Mar 31, 2025

Hi Manoj,

Wow, thank you so much for your kind words! I’m absolutely thrilled to hear that you had such an amazing experience and that everything went smoothly—especially with two young children! It was a pleasure planning your trip, and I’m so glad you enjoyed the hotel, the tours, and the full Parisian experience.

Your feedback means a lot, and I truly appreciate you trusting me (and KimKim) with your travels again. Looking forward to helping you plan your next adventure whenever you're ready! 😊✨

A bientôt!
Sebastian

Perfect trip!
France | Mar 10 - Mar 20, 2025

Kortner
Kortner N.
Atlanta, GA | Reviewed on Mar 21, 2025
Sebastian was excellent at planning our trip. He was very responsive to our unusual needs and accommodated our priorities flexibly. Everything went smoothly. We landed at Charles de Gaulle in Paris. A driver was waiting for us and took us to the train station. Our tickets were ready and waiting online. The car rental agency was across the street in Caen. From there we drove to the hotel in Bayeux. It was well maintained and centrally located with pleasant staff. The day long private... Read more

Sebastian was excellent at planning our trip. He was very responsive to our unusual needs and accommodated our priorities flexibly. Everything went smoothly.

We landed at Charles de Gaulle in Paris. A driver was waiting for us and took us to the train station. Our tickets were ready and waiting online. The car rental agency was across the street in Caen. From there we drove to the hotel in Bayeux. It was well maintained and centrally located with pleasant staff.

The day long private guide of the D-Day sites in Normandy was excellent. We then had a couple of free days to explore on our own. Then we drove back to Paris and turned in the car. That was a harrowing experience around the Gare St. Lazar. From there we spent foJonathan was excellent at planning our trip. He was very responsive to our unusual needs and accommodated our priorities flexibly. Everything went smoothly.

We landed at Charles de Gaulle in Paris. A driver was waiting for us and took us to the train station. Our tickets were ready and waiting online. The car rental agency was across the street in Caen. From there we drove to the hotel in Bayeux. It was well maintained and centrally located with pleasant staff.

The day long private guide, Emmanuel, of the D-Day sites in Normandy was excellent. We then had a couple of free days to explore on our own.

Then we drove back to Paris and turned in the car. That was a harrowing experience around the Gare St. Lazar. From there we spent four days on our own visiting our favorite sites, using the Metro for transportation.

Our driver was ready and waiting well in advance to take us back to Charles de Gaulle in time for our flight. Overall Kimkim did a perfect job!

Local specialist: Sebastian Prino
Sebastian
Sebastian Prino
Local specialist in Marseille | Replied on Mar 24, 2025
Hi Kortner, Thank you so much for your kind words! I'm delighted to hear that everything went smoothly and that you had a wonderful experience in France. It was a pleasure assisting with your trip and ensuring your priorities were met. I’m especially glad that you enjoyed your private tour of the D-Day sites and that all logistics, from transportation to accommodations, worked seamlessly for you. I understand that driving around Gare St. Lazare can be quite an adventure, but it sounds like... Read more

Hi Kortner,

Thank you so much for your kind words! I'm delighted to hear that everything went smoothly and that you had a wonderful experience in France. It was a pleasure assisting with your trip and ensuring your priorities were met.

I’m especially glad that you enjoyed your private tour of the D-Day sites and that all logistics, from transportation to accommodations, worked seamlessly for you. I understand that driving around Gare St. Lazare can be quite an adventure, but it sounds like you handled it well!

If you ever plan another trip to France, I’d love to help create another memorable experience for you. Wishing you many more amazing travels ahead! 😊🚆🇫🇷

Best,
Sebastian

I love the questionnaire at the beginning and...
France | Dec 7 - Dec 14, 2024

Jennifer
Jennifer P.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Dec 16, 2024
I love the questionnaire at the beginning and about 2 days later having an agenda! Sebastian picked some great experiences and exceeded my expectations! Read more

I love the questionnaire at the beginning and about 2 days later having an agenda! Sebastian picked some great experiences and exceeded my expectations!

Hotel Reviews
Hôtel Lorette - Astotel
Paris

Beautiful part of town. Lovely hotel. Only note, our room was tiny! No place to store luggage but we were only there one night.

Authenticity & Character
In an historic building
Location
Close to Printemps!
Staff
Very friendly, great English
Cleanliness & Comfort
Spotless!
Hotel Belle Normandy
Bayeux

We had 3 days here at this beautiful school turned hotel! They had a great breakfast and helpful staff. Our room was family sized!

Authenticity & Character
In an historic building
Location
I’m walking distance to the heart of Bayeau
Staff
Super helpful, great English!
Cleanliness & Comfort
Spotless!
Domaine de la Tortinière
Veigne

Such an amazing experience to stay in an actual castle! So charming!!!

Authenticity & Character
Kept lots of the original charm while adding modern amenities!
Location
Off the beaten path in Tours
Staff
Friendly and helpful, great English
Cleanliness & Comfort
Spotless!
Courtyard by Marriott Paris Roissy Charles de Gaulle Airport
Le Mesnil-Amelot

So convenient at the airport! More of a resort feel. Room was large!

Authenticity & Character
True Marriott
Location
Perfect for catching a flight the next day!
Staff
Friendly, helpful but English needs work😉
Cleanliness & Comfort
Spotless
Activity Reviews
Full-day Tour of D-Day Sites
Full-day Tour of D-Day Sites
Bayeux

I would give this only 3 stars but it’s because of the weather! It was rainy, windy and bitterly cold. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and even added an extra stop!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Warm and dry!
Full-day guided tour from Bayeux to the Mont-Saint-Michel
Full-day guided tour from Bayeux to the Mont-Saint-Michel
France

Was not a guided tour, just a shuttle.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Vouvray & Montlouis Wine tour
Vouvray & Montlouis Wine tour
Tours

We had a private tour. Our guide was very knowledgeable about all processes of wine making! She brought along some meat and cheeses for pairing.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Sebastian Prino
Sebastian
Sebastian Prino
Local specialist in Marseille | Replied on Dec 16, 2024
Hi Jennifer, Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience with us! I'm thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the initial questionnaire and how quickly the trip plan came together. It's wonderful to know that the experiences exceeded your expectations—this is always our goal! I also appreciate your detailed feedback about the hotels. It’s great to hear how much you loved the unique charm of places like Domaine de la Tortinière and Hôtel Belle Normandy, and I’ll be sure to share... Read more

Hi Jennifer,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience with us! I'm thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the initial questionnaire and how quickly the trip plan came together. It's wonderful to know that the experiences exceeded your expectations—this is always our goal!

I also appreciate your detailed feedback about the hotels. It’s great to hear how much you loved the unique charm of places like Domaine de la Tortinière and Hôtel Belle Normandy, and I’ll be sure to share your kind words with their teams. For Hôtel Lorette in Paris, I understand the room size wasn’t ideal—thank you for flagging that, as it helps us better match preferences in the future.

Regarding the activities, I’m sorry the weather affected your D-Day sites tour. I’m glad the guide went above and beyond to include an extra stop.

Your glowing feedback about the wine tour warms my heart—I knew you’d enjoy it! It sounds like the guide made it a truly memorable and delicious experience.

Thank you again for traveling with us and for your thoughtful review. It was such a pleasure planning this trip for you, and I hope we can create another amazing journey for you in the future!

Wishing you many more incredible travels,
Sebastian

Kimkim helped plan our trip but was frustrating to deal with
France | Oct 20 - Nov 1, 2024

D
Dix L.
Natick, MA | Reviewed on Nov 14, 2024
Our Kimkim agent selected 2 hotels, one of which we were very pleased with. The activities he chose were very enjoyable and informative. However, the final itinerary still contained frustrating errors - despite requests to correct it. Plus, I had to remind the agent to send it to me - despite earlier communications about our eagerness to see final details. In addition, the process of planning the trip was not transparent (especially the costs). Read more

Our Kimkim agent selected 2 hotels, one of which we were very pleased with. The activities he chose were very enjoyable and informative. However, the final itinerary still contained frustrating errors - despite requests to correct it. Plus, I had to remind the agent to send it to me - despite earlier communications about our eagerness to see final details. In addition, the process of planning the trip was not transparent (especially the costs).

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Silky 4*
Lyon

Terrific location and staff. Furnishings were much too spare and the a/c - heating was inoperable

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
At least 2 small tables would have been helpful
Au Charme Rabelaisien
Amboise

Terrific location - central, but quiet. Charming furnishings. Helpful staff. Delicious breakfast.

Local specialist: Sebastian Prino
Sebastian
Sebastian Prino
Local specialist in Marseille | Replied on Nov 27, 2024
Dear Dix,

Thank you for your honest feedback; it’s always valuable for us to learn and improve. I sincerely apologize for any frustrations you experienced during the planning process and appreciate the time you’ve taken to share your thoughts.

Regarding the delivery of the travel book, I usually send these one month in advance. In your case, I sent it closer to departure (10 days prior) because I was waiting on some confirmations to ensure accuracy. I understand how this might have caused...
Read more

Dear Dix,

Thank you for your honest feedback; it’s always valuable for us to learn and improve. I sincerely apologize for any frustrations you experienced during the planning process and appreciate the time you’ve taken to share your thoughts.

Regarding the delivery of the travel book, I usually send these one month in advance. In your case, I sent it closer to departure (10 days prior) because I was waiting on some confirmations to ensure accuracy. I understand how this might have caused concern, and I’ll be more proactive in managing expectations about timelines in the future.

Throughout the process, I made every effort to be available and responsive, with seven versions of the trip plan to reflect your evolving preferences and last-minute requests, such as the rental car. Some of the difficulties you encountered, like finding the correct trip plan version, might have been resolved by clicking "Show More Trip Plans" on the platform. I’ll ensure clearer instructions are provided moving forward to avoid confusion.

As for the name discrepancy, your daughter's name appeared because it was originally entered as a traveler by you. When you asked for this change, I promptly updated it. One voucher still reflected her name because it was requested from the supplier before the update. However, I assured you this was not an issue, as the vouchers were not nominative and remained valid for your trip.

I value your input and regret any misunderstandings that may have occurred. If there’s anything further I can do to address your concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Thank you again for choosing us, and I hope we’ll have the opportunity to make your next travel experience even smoother and more enjoyable.

Warm regards,
Sebastian

French Trip of a Lifetime!
France | Aug 20 - Aug 30, 2024

J
Jake P.
Denver, CO | Reviewed on Oct 25, 2024

Sebastian did a wonderful job planning out trip and customizing it to meet exactly what we were looking for. We particularly enjoyed the boat tour of Calanques National Park, and the incredible views in Chamonix!

Local specialist: Sebastian Prino
Sebastian
Sebastian Prino
Local specialist in Marseille | Replied on Oct 25, 2024

Hi Jake,

Thank you so much for your kind words! We're thrilled to hear that I was able to create an itinerary that matched your vision.
The Calanques and Chamonix are truly spectacular choices, offering such different but equally stunning landscapes.

It's wonderful to know you enjoyed the boat tour and those unforgettable views. We hope these memories stay with you and look forward to helping you plan another unique adventure in the future! Safe travels until then!

Sebastian