Unforgettable Moments in France
France | Nov 30 - Dec 10, 2025

Liz
Liz C.
Denver, CO | Reviewed on Dec 15, 2025

As a kimkim employee, I recently traveled through France with Kimkim’s guidance, visiting Paris, Strasbourg, Avignon, Arles, Aix-en-Provence, and Marseille. From start to finish, the trip was seamless, thoughtfully planned, and full of memorable experiences.

The accommodations were comfortable and well-located, making it easy to explore each city. The guides provided excellent insights, and the self-guided information from Kimkim ensured we didn’t miss hidden gems along the way. Their recommendations for key stops enriched our journey and gave us a deeper appreciation of the regions we visited.

Transportation was flawless. Train travel was smooth, with transfers to and from stations handled seamlessly. For exploring at our own pace, the rental car was perfect. Following Kimkim’s advice to choose a small car proved invaluable—it made navigating narrow streets, parking in tight spots, and enjoying efficient gas mileage effortless.

The olive oil, wine, and cheese tastings were unforgettable, offering an authentic taste of French culture. Stopping at ruins along the way broke up longer drives into enjoyable segments. At the same time, hikes and outdoor explorations gave us the freedom to connect with nature and stumble upon unexpected treasures.

The flow of the trip was exceptionally well planned, maximizing our time without feeling rushed. The balance of guided experiences and self-guided flexibility allowed us to make the journey truly our own. Every detail—from logistics to local tips—was handled with care, making this trip both enriching and stress-free.
Thank you, Kimkim, for expanding our knowledge of France and helping us discover all that it has to offer travelers. This was a trip we’ll cherish for years to come.

Hotel Reviews
Hôtel Adèle & Jules Paris
Paris

This hotel is very centrally located. It's on a quiet side street on the right bank. We enjoyed Montmartre, the Opera district, and could ride bikes down to the Seine and to the Arc de Triomphe. The room was spacious and had great character. The bathroom was spacious, featuring a bathtub and a walk-in shower, with plenty of room for toiletries. We had a couch and room for our luggage. There was a small elevator that helped to transport the luggage. The specific room we had was located on the top floor, featuring a slanted ceiling and unique windows. When you look at buildings in Paris, you wonder what the top floors look like with the smaller windows, and this hotel allowed us to stay in the city and experience all the characteristics of France.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Arok
Strasbourg

This hotel was a surprise. I loved it. The location was perfect. We walked from the train station, left our luggage, and went to the Christmas markets. In December, the city center is closed to traffic, which means taxis can not get as close to the hotels as they do at other times of the year. This made the convenience of the Arok all the more impressive. It was clean, spacious, and the breakfast was authentic. The Christmas decorations were carefully selected with a touch of fun. The hotel offers luggage storage for those exploring other areas of the Alsace region, using Strasbourg as a base. The Le Dix restaurant at 20 Place de La Gare, next to the hotel, serves great food that reflects the French-German region.

Authenticity & Character
The room is basic but offers all that is needed.
Location
Staff
The staff helped us organize luggage storage and went out of their way when someone was trying to get in touch with us.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hôtel & Spa Régent Petite France
Strasbourg

This hotel was located right on the outskirts of the city center, perfectly situated for the Christmas markets. We had limited luggage, so it was easy to walk to the hotel. If we had more luggage, it would have been ok as there were not very many cobblestone streets between the drop-off location and the hotel. The hotel has a spa that has a suna, steam room, hot tub over lokking the river. The breakfast in the morning was delivered to the room and excellent. The rooms were spacious with a walk in shower. Getting to the spa you can walk by the pump room where the old pumps are on display. The building was originally a 17th-century mill that housed the Glacières de Strasbourg, an ice factory. The pump room is where the original, historic ice-making machinery, including gigantic cast-iron wheels and transmissions, has been preserved.

Authenticity & Character
The pump room was cool to see
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hôtel d’Europe
Avignon

The hotel is situated right inside the city wall. It is in proximity to the Pope's Palace. The staff was very friendly and accommodating. The hotel had a classic feel with an inner courtyard.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Bastide de Bellegarde
Avignon

This was our favorite hotel of the trip. It was so personalized. The dinner and breakfast were unmatched. The character of the Bastide comes through in every detail. The comfort of the different sitting rooms makes this location perfect for family gatherings or group events. It's also ideal for a romantic getaway. Brian had bikes on site for people to ride around the island or into Avignon. The beds were the most comfortable of the trip, and the bathroom had a walk-in shower and bathtub. This night will stay with me for years to come. I hope to go back sometime.

Authenticity & Character
There are numerous trinkets and pieces of artwork to admire. We needed more time to enjoy all this Bastide had to offer.
Location
An opportunity to be a little bit outside of the city but close enough to visit and enjoy all it has to offer.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
La Maison Volver
13200

This hotel is just inside the hotel and in walking distance of a store if you need to buy anything from the French version of "Target." The breakfast we enjoyable and can be a brunch on Sundays. If you are taking the train this is a great option.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Aquabella Hotel & Spa
Aix en Provence

This hotel offers excellent amenities for the warmer weather in the summer. The pool looks very inviting. The spa has a large hot tub, heated lounge chairs, and a steam room. The rooms were spacious, there was an elevator, and the staff went out of their way to provide us with a box to help us take things home instead of buying more luggage. The breakfast was extensive and delicious.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Maisons du Monde Hôtel Marseille Vieux Port
Marseille

This hotel is ideally located right on the Old Port. It was quiet, parking was close, and the staff was very kind. The rooms were very nicely decorated and clean. The beds were comfortable.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel La Muette
Arles

This hotel is inside the city walls. It's within walking distance of the theater and coliseum. The only access upstairs is to use the stairs. The room was comfortable, but the space was limited for luggage. The shower was nice, but the space for toiletries was limited—good value for the money. Parking is available nearby, but it needs to be reserved in advance.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Photoshoot in the Heart of Paris - Eiffel Tower
Photoshoot in the Heart of Paris - Eiffel Tower
Paris

We were not sure about doing this activity, but the photographer put us at ease and made it very fun. We now have pictures to remind us of our time in France. I would strongly recommend this to any travelers who want a nice photo of their time in France.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
The photographer did a great job putting us at ease
Transport
There was not any transfers included
Iconic Paris Views from Galeries Lafayette Terrace
Iconic Paris Views from Galeries Lafayette Terrace
Paris

Highly recommend taking time to enjoy the view and the store.

Quality of Experience
Private Notre-Dame & Sainte-Chapelle Visit
Private Notre-Dame & Sainte-Chapelle Visit
Paris

We learned a great deal from the guide. The buildings are truly amazing, and the history behind them adds significant meaning to the experience of visiting them.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
we walked to the Notre Dame and met our guide
Self-guided Cathedral Viewing Platform Climb
Self-guided Cathedral Viewing Platform Climb
Strasbourg

This provides a beautiful view of the city. You ascend quickly and have the opportunity to get above the buttresses.

Quality of Experience
Self-guided Historic Wine Cellars Exploration
Self-guided Historic Wine Cellars Exploration
Strasbourg
Private Guided City Centre History & Architecture Walk
Private Guided City Centre History & Architecture Walk
Strasbourg

Our guide, Gabriel, did a great job painting the picture of the relationship between the Germans and the French over time. The architecture of the city reflects this intertwined past.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Private Full-Day Christmas Markets Experience in Colmar and other Alsacian towns
Private Full-Day Christmas Markets Experience in Colmar and other Alsacian towns
Strasbourg

Laurence did a great job combining the Christmas Markets with wine tours. His knowledge was evident, and she did a great job balancing free time to explore and providing key information to help us better understand the history of the towns we visited.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Well kept and in good condition vechiles
Painted Paths: The Van Gogh Trail
Painted Paths: The Van Gogh Trail
France

Worth the stop.

Quality of Experience
Free time in Saint Rémy de Provence and its surroundings
Free time in Saint Rémy de Provence and its surroundings
France

Fun to drive through and stumble upon random Roman Ruins.

Quality of Experience
Self-Guided Discover the Secrets of Ancient Provence: Glanum & Montmajour Abbey
Self-Guided Discover the Secrets of Ancient Provence: Glanum & Montmajour Abbey
France

This is a prominent example of an Abby surrounded by the rolling hills and agricultural fields of Provence.

Quality of Experience
Self-guided Exploration of Arles
Self-guided Exploration of Arles
France

The Roman Ruins in this city are well preserved. The market is fun to walk through. This is a good base for the Camague, Pont du Duct, and other cities in Southern France.

Quality of Experience
Self-guided day to Cassis and Calanques National Park
Self-guided day to Cassis and Calanques National Park
France

Beautiful views, opportunity to walk on the trails, and enjoy nature.

Quality of Experience
You will have the opportunity to enjoy over looks, time on the water, or exploring the Fjords.
Marseille at Dusk: Eat Like a Local
Marseille at Dusk: Eat Like a Local
Marseille

This tour provided us with the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the city's cultures and the diverse offerings of ethnic foods. While exploring the local establishments, we gained a deeper understanding of the graffiti and appreciated the murals.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Self-guided Art & History Tour in Marseille
Self-guided Art & History Tour in Marseille
Marseille

Visiting the Old Port, Notre Dame, and Longchamp Place provided a variety of experiences that helped shape our perspectives on the city and its culture. The art museum and natural history museum at the Longcamp Palace offer a great way to experience some traditional art if you don't have time to visit Paris. The Longcamp fountain is massive and impressive to see.

Quality of Experience
Local specialist: Liz Chreist