Fabulous trip
Fabulous trip. Christy and her team were excellent, and the trip was beyond my expectations. Only criticism is they insisted on taking way too many photos!
About France Off the Beaten Path
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- traveloffthebeatenpath.com
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- Events & Entertainment
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- Last 12 months
- 31 reviews
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About this business
France with Friends; Tours that feel more like traveling with friends! Celebrating 32 years as a boutique tour operator, France Off the Beaten Path Tours offers a unique, immersive, and personalized travel experience for those looking to explore the hidden gems of France beyond the typical tourist experience. The company focuses on designing and delivering authentic cultural encounters and excursions, and every tour offers travelers a deeper understanding of French culture, history, people, and way of life. From time spent with local French friends, some of France's most celebrated professionals, to quaint and artist villages, spectacular countryside landscapes, private tours of historical sites, and uniquely personalized dining, France Off the Beaten Path Tours offers a truly unforgettable journey off the well-trodden tourist trail.
Written by the business, not verified by us.Is France Off the Beaten Path legit?
France Off the Beaten Path (traveloffthebeatenpath.com) has a 4.9 out of 5 rating on OK.one, based on 100 user reviews collected here. It is listed under Events & Entertainment and its reputation is excellent. Praise is nearly unanimous, with 98% rating it 4 stars or higher; The business has replied to 50% of negative reviews; 31 of them were added in the last 12 months. Last updated 2026-08-28.
What reviewers say
AI generatedReviewers overwhelmingly had a great experience with this company. Consumers consistently share that the staff and guides are exceptionally knowledgeable, kind, and always go above and beyond to ensure everyone feels safe, welcome, and special. Visitors frequently feel that exploring destinations with them is just like traveling alongside trusted companions who deeply understand the local culture and hidden gems. Guests truly love the wonderfully planned itineraries, charming accommodations, and spectacular dining experiences filled with delicious local food and regional wine. Many people eagerly mention that these carefully curated journeys create magical memories, genuine camaraderie, and lasting connections that stay with them forever.
Auto-generated from all reviews of this business. For reference only.What people say
We took the Walking Tour of Provence…
We took the Walking Tour of Provence the 2nd week of May. It was outstanding (and the weather was beautiful). St. Remy, where we stayed, was such a lovely town. Everyday we went to other towns and Philippe was our amazing tour guide, along with Summer, our second guide. Philippe was a walking history book. He knew everything and everyone! He was also an excellent driver. We can’t say enough about how everything was SO well planned and timed beautifully. We were in St. Remy and Cassis on market days, which you wouldn’t want to miss. Our three meals with Michelin star chefs were incredible. This was the first time we had ever joined a “tour group” and it was really wonderful. We would take another of Christy’s tours in a second.
Fantastic Tour!
I am recently back from the Bordeaux tour, and it exceeded my highest hopes and most fanciful dreams! I waited over thirty years to return to France after falling in love with it as a college student on a year abroad, and this trip was worth the wait! Christy and her team offer a singularly fantastic experience. They are completely professional, attentive to detail, gracious, flexible, and great fun to be with. The food and wine are outstanding, and the accommodations and staff at the beautiful Hotel de Seze are delightful. Thank you, Christy and your team, for a unique and unforgettable experience.
Exceeded Our Expectations!
This trip to the Loire Valley exceeded our expectations! Christy planned unique and interesting excursions and activities that highlighted the beauty of the area and provided in-depth background knowledge about the various chateaux we visited. The cooking classes with renowned chefs, held in their restaurants and homes, were never-to-be forgotten experiences, and the visit to the winery was a highlight. The hotel was delightful and charming, and staying in one location for the entire time was a treat. Every meal or cocktail hour was planned to highlight the delicious specialties of the region. Christy is extremely knowledgeable about the various places we visited and imparted that knowledge in an interesting and entertaining manner. She and Remi took great care to ensure that we were always comfortable and well-looked after. We could not have asked for a better trip!
This was one of the best trips ever…
This was one of the best trips ever (the other being FRANCE OFF THE BEATEN PATH trip to Provence, years ago)! Because of the depth and caring of the relationships that Christy has forged over the years, we were invited into home, kitchens and wineries and were treated like friends. The group of travelers were all great to be with and we bonded during our week together. I want to go again!
The best tour company!
I have done two tours - Provence and Loire Valley - and I am already looking forward to booking another. The tours are all perfectly curated and Christy is a wealth of knowledge. She is so kind and takes all of your needs and wants into consideration. I cannot recommend Off the Beaten Path enough!
What a great trip with Christy
What a great trip with Christy, Summer and Remi! Their knowledge of the area and history of the castles made it extra special. The four castles we visited were all unique and there was plenty of time for shopping and resting. Highly recommended if you want a great experience in the Loire Valley. Try to add a balloon ride!
A Trip Of A Lifetime!
It will be impossible for my words to capture the passion, care, professionalism and knowledge that my family experienced on our trip to France with Christy and Philippe. This trip was to celebrate my father's upcoming 90TH birthday. My father loves history. We had the opportunity to visit Normandy, the Loire Valley, Versailles, and Champagne. Every day was filled with amazing adventures, such as visits to Normandy, specifically D-Day beaches, castles, cooking classes, wineries, museums, and gardens. I can honestly say that I am still reflecting with wonder as I scroll through my memory of each day. The most profound days we experienced was during the D-Day beach tours. Listening to the strategies the allies put in place, marking D-Day as the day that turned the tide in favor of the allies in spite of the horrific amount of casualties and being present in the locations were the battles were being fought was somber and heartfelt. Visiting the D-Day cemeteries, German and American encapsulated the contrast in the tone of the war. We learned about the French Dynasties, how wine and champagne are made and stored, along with how to make a variety of amazing appetizers. I highly recommend taking this amazing trip, you will not regret it.
APRIL -2022 Specialty Tour
APRIL -2022 Specialty Tour Fulfilling a dream for my 90-year-old father seemed like an impossible adventure. Off the Beaten Path Founder & President; Christy Destremau and Philippe Goninet; President Tourism Office, assisted with achieving my dad’s ultimate goal of visiting France. This is my 3rd Trip with Christy, and each trip is more exceptional than the last. OTBP’s generosity of time and care devoted to my dad was invaluable to the success of this journey. Every detail of this trip was carefully crafted to the needs of my dad. Christy specifically designed this trip to hit on all of my dad’s wishes such as visiting Normandy and touring with a WWII expert in this field. OTBP had their hands full as this 90-year-old behaved more like teenager. As a lively high-spirited person, my dad was able to keep up with Phillipe adventurous side and they both quickly built a bond for the duration of this journey. We had plenty of time in between activities to recharge our batteries and move on with the next adventure. The hotel choices, Michelin restaurant choices, cooking class at Angelique & Christophe’s home along with the Champagne tasting was beyond exceptional. Let’s not forget the wine tasting at Chateau Nitray with an actual Duke. This was a magical experience that allowed us to create memories of a lifetime. We cannot express how grateful we are to OTBP professionalism and the support they provided during our time in France. The trip was a lifetime dream for a 90-year-old and OTBP, Christy and Philippe exceeded expectation. The best trip to date with OTBP!
Terrible experience based on COVID cancellations
I'm writing to express another bad and similar experience with France of the Beaten Path due to the extreme price increases since my original booking in 2020. I do want to say that I went on the Provence tour, so I'm a repeat customer (doesn't matter), and it was very nice although very overpriced for what you get. I was fortunate to get an early booking discount and a waiver of the single supplement which was the only way I was able to afford the trip. I booked the tour to Loire valley with the same early booking discounts (a year and a half) and paid $3,098 for a 5 night tour for one person. Due to Covid the tour was cancelled in 2020, I rebooked for 2021 and also had to cancel due to Covid and traveling restrictions. After emailing with Christy numerous times about taking the trip in 2022, she would not honor my original agreed upon price for the trip and required an additional $2,000 for the same trip for a total of approx. $5K. Also, she was very vague about the additional cost until the additional bill came. I cannot afford another 2K, nor is the trip for 5 nights worth this price. She will not refund my original 3K and will not be reasonable enough to try to find a solution that we both would be satisfied with. I have travelled with numerous tour groups both larger and small boutique ones. Most have worked with their customers during the COVID pandemic to make reasonable changes. I'm really disappointed in the way this has been handled. I'm sympathetic to the costs increasing due to the loss of business and general increase of goods and services but an increase of 66% to take the same trip is truly unfair. BE CAREFUL when booking with a small company with this kind of history! I'm afraid I'm out $3,100 now since the current price would be $5,600!! (over $1,100 a night!). I truly don't know what else to do.
Price increase
Hi everyone, this review is not for our trip experience but the price gouging I have incurred now after booking their Provence June 2020 trip. I booked that trip well in advance, sometime in Nov 2019 to travel in June 2020 to take advantage of their Early Booking Discount. The rate was $ 4,098.00 (per person) minus early booking discount of $1,100 (per person), total for $5996 for 2 people. I paid it in full in March 2020. When covid was widespread, of course we could not to France in June 2020, Christy did not reimburse us, Instead we go a credit towards a future trip. Summer 2021 did not happen either since France was closed to Americans till Fall and my mom and I wanted to visit Provence during Lavender season. We moved our reservation to July 2022. I understand inflation and price increase but this morning I got an invoice for another $4264.00 for 2 people! That is in addition to $5996.00 I already paid in March 2020! They had that amount from us for over 2 years, an now we get no discount for this trip in July 2022. I would never pick a trip that would cost me $1000 per person per night – this tour is only 5 nights, and not all meals are included. But I am stuck and don’t know what to do – I will never get my $5996.00 back but to go on this tour I have to come up with another $4264.00, which I did not expect. Just a warning to others – these prepaid small company tours can be tricky with price, if anything happens… We all went thru challenges because of Covid, loss of business, etc. but I can’t believe Off the Beaten Path would hike our price this much, after we had our tour fully paid and you kept our money for over 2yrs.
Reply from France Off the Beaten Path2022-05-18
Dear Julia, Thank you for your review. Having built a strong positive reputation over 28+ years of operating our tours in France, we appreciate you taking the time to write a review, and wish your experience had been positive. We would have loved to have welcomed you to our June 2021 Provence Tour that you requested to postpone until 2022. While the June 2021 tour group was smaller than usual, we operated it as published on our website without sacrificing the quality of experience for the 8 participating guests who were all returning guests but 2, and were happy to have been able to confirm your requested change to a 2022 tour date, as noted in our email exchanges included below. Please email me directly at [email protected] with any questions you might have. All the best, Christy Destremau On May 3, 2021,, Julia Kolyadenko wrote: hi Christy, Due to high covid numbers, restrictions in France and almost a 100% chance of US citizens not being able to travel to that country for tourism for at least a few more months, we would like to move our credit to June 2022, similar dates at the end of June. Every touring company has cancelled all June and July 2021 France trips, not taking any chances and giving hope to their clients that their trips still may happen those months. Please when you have a chance send me an acknowledgement you received this request and confirmation / PDF certificate for June 2022. We are thinking to combine the week with you in Provence with trip to Bordeaux in 2022. Thank you, Julia Kolyadenko Monday, May 3, 2021 Hi Julia, Thank you for your email. We are notifying all of our tour guests this week with the French government update. Fully vaccinated international travelers will be welcomed to France starting June 9; however, full restrictions will not be lifted until June 30. Based on Macron’s release of the deconfinement schedule and lifting of restrictions, we have received confirmation from our restaurant and excursion friends and partners, as well as our transporter, that we can run our June tours. This means all of our June and July 2021 tours will run as scheduled. We certainly understand your preference to postpone until 2022, and will confirm you for the June 21-26, 2022 tour date. We will send you a new pdf confirmation. There is a price difference for 2022 tours. We’ll email you an invoice for the 2022 price difference less any credits on your account about 90 days before your tour departure date. The balance will be due no later than 60 days before the selected and re-confirmed tour departure date. Please email me, if you have any questions. I’m always happy to help! Have a wonderful day! Kindly, Christy Destremau Wednesday, May 5, 2021 Hi Christy, Please go ahead and move our trip credit from this June 2021 (attached) to June 21-26, 2022. For me, Julia Kolyadenko and my mom, Nataliya Kirk. Thank you, Julia
Egypt Trip March 2022
What a wonderful trip! Always a joy to travel with Christy. Weather was fine, people were warm and welcoming. We were a bit worried before the trip about security in Egypt, but when we were there we never felt threatened and always felt quite safe. The Dahabeya is a great way to travel down the Nile, the crew were charming and a day on the felucca was magical. We learned a lot about Egypt and spent a very relaxing time on board the boats. I highly recommend this trip to anyone thinking about traveling this year.
France Off the Beaten Path was so great…
France Off the Beaten Path was so great the first time that I had to return to Off The Beaten Path for a repeat visit. Everyone that works for Christie is excellent and full of life. Loved their tours to Van Gough, Dinner at Catherine’s home, picnic in the woods, wineries - chateau de Pape And the only max at 16. So we really got to know each other. Highly recommend.
We had an excellent tour with Christie…
We had an excellent tour with Christie and her crew in the Loire valley. We did things that only a true insider would have access to-dinner at a Michelin chefs house, helping/learning to cook at a highly rated restaurant in their kitchen. This was in addition to seeing the sights and touring the castles. A truly unique experience that is off the beaten path. We will use her again when going back to France.
Second visit to Provence was just as wonderful as the first!
From the moment my first trip to Provence in June, 2018, with France Off the Beaten Path ended, I began planning for my second trip in 2020, which finally occurred in September, 2021 - and it was just as magical as I remembered! Although the lavender and sunflower seasons were over, Phillipe and Summer had plenty of activities and beautiful sights planned for us to see! Phillipe is THE best tour guide I have ever had to pleasure of knowing, and Summer is the second best; she is also exceptionally knowledgeable and so much fun. Both were outstanding guides whom I now consider as great friends. Although I certainly aspire to visit the Loire Valley and Burgundy with Christie, a trip without seeing Phillipe seems unimaginable!! Hotel Gounod is my favorite boutique hotel; their staff is super nice and go out of their way for the guests. The magical dinner with Chef Catherine at her lovely home was my favorite meal, and so much fun! The wine tour and lunch at Chateauneuf-du-Pape was as delicious as the first one I had in 2018! And of course, exceptional wines. All of the meals and wine tastings were delicious. I hope to return one of these days!
This trip was amazing in July 2021
This trip was amazing in July 2021! And Christy made sure it was packed with activity as well as some down time. Totally enjoyed every minute of this wonderful experience! Would use this travel company again!! Everyone was so personable, friendly and welcoming!
Returning to Provence with France Off the Beaten Path
I wanted to return to Provence as soon as it was open. I had toured with Christy in Loire Valley in 2019 and knew I wanted to travel with her again. For the second time, everything was well organized, personal and definitely off the beaten path. Christy and Phillippe have a wealth of knowledge and are eager to share. The hotel was perfectly located in St Remy, the tours to the lavender and sunflower fields are my favorite memory. The lunches and dinners were like visiting friends. The boat tour in Cassis was another highlight. Even though I had visited Provence, this trip with France Off the Beaten Path brought a new appreciation for the area.
Reply from France Off the Beaten Path2021-09-27
Hi Susan, Thank you for taking time to write a review about your June 22-27, 2021 Provence lavender season tour with us. I had such a fabulous time with you in the Loire Valley in 2019, and am happy you made it back to experience Provence with us for even more good times! I am thrilled that you enjoyed the mix of activities and excursions, as well as the meals and boat tour in Cassis (not Capri :-) ). Our entire team had a really fun time with you and the other guests in the group. Everyone made it a memorable experience knowing it was our 1st tour of 2021 thanks to re-opening of international borders. I hope to see you soon, maybe in Bordeaux next time. Take care, and from my entire team, our partners and myself, thank you again for choosing France Off the Beaten Path Tours! Kindly, Christy Destremau
A once in a lifetime trip ---
A once in a lifetime trip --- but we took it twice! We returned to France Off the Beaten Path Provence tour again --- 2018 and again last week in 2021. It was like returning to our best friends who took magnificent care of us, ensuring that every detail was covered, that we saw the most beautiful sites and learned the history and all about the region and its customs and people. Christy, Philippe and now Clement curate every single detail --- from our stay in the wonderful Hotel Gournod, to the lovely transportation, to beautiful sites, meals and unforgettable experiences. And you have group pictures galore to enjoy after you return home! Until you have taken one of Christy's trips, you will not fully appreciate the level of care she puts into her guests' experience. When I say this is a trip of a lifetime, I am not exaggerating --- and I have taken it twice. The price is so reasonable given the travel experience you have in return. And you make lifelong friends in the process --- returning to Christy's trips is like going back to be with old friends and even family. Do not hesitate to book with France Off the Beaten Path --- you will not be sorry!
A lovely experience
A lovely experience, beautiful city, wonderful guides and amazing scenery and wine!
Reply from France Off the Beaten Path2019-11-28
Hi Rebeccca, Thank you for writing a review about your September 24-29, 2019 Bordeaux Tour. I am happy that you and Larry had a lovely experience, and thoroughly enjoyed Bordeaux, our guides, the scenery and wine. We look forward to welcoming you back in the future. Kindly! Christy Destremau https://www.traveloffthebeatenpath.com
Stunning Provence
Outstanding tour of truly beautiful areas of Provence by a very friendly and knowledgeable guide who spoke perfect English. Gorgeous accomodation, very special restaurant experiences, and an effort made to avoid arriving at tourist hotspots with the hordes made it all the more enjoyable.
Reply from France Off the Beaten Path2019-11-28
Hi Geoff & Lorrene, Thank you for writing a review about your October 1-6, 2019 Provence Tour. I am thrilled to read that your tour with us was outstanding and that you enjoyed the knowledge of your guide, Philippe. Thank you for sharing your feedback. We look forward to the possibility of welcoming you back for another tour. All the Best! Christy Destremau https://www.traveloffthebeatenpath.com