  
Dennis Benoit & Anne Lorenz & their 2
children,
Toronto (Ontario)
With
Evelyne’s help, we had a fantastic family experience in France
with
our children aged 8 and 10 yrs
old. Evelyne arranged everything we had asked for and gave us more. There
was never a dull moment ! The gentrified “fishing village” of St Jean de Luz
had everything to please each member of our family. Our 2 bedroom & 2
bathroom apartment was charming and in the "the centre of the action". We
enjoyed easy access to San
Sebastian & Bilbao in Spain. Evelyne’s “
Carnet de Voyage” was full of maps and brochures for all kinds of
interests. It also contained a personalized booklet of Evelyne’s own advice
on the travelling in Paris and the Southwest of France, with very wise
advice on how to get the most out of the experience. My only regret is
that 3 weeks was not enough time to get around to everything described in
it. If someone told me that I was obliged to “only” vacation in the
Southwest of France for the next few years, I would not be upset at all….nor
would my children ! ( full testimonial with
highlights of each area to be posted on the Expérience
Authentique blog)
Steve Bureau & Lesley King, and their 2 children,
Calgary, AB
Our trip
to both the Spanish and French sides of the Basque country was absolutely
great. All of your recommendations were fantastic, a great fit for us as a
family. I will definitely recommend your services. Thanks so much for
everything!
Family Hickey & family Gutelius, 2
couples & 5 children,
Toronto (Ontario)Evelyne’s
efforts were an important part of our great experience. We were met on
arrival and loved the benefit of having some food and drinks already
stocked for us. Evelyne understood that a two family vacation required
extra planning. Her recommendations were outstanding…from the beautiful
house with a pool (walking distance into St Jean de Luz via the ocean
promenade) to added services such as the in- home chef and guided tours
of St Jean and Bayonne. Evelyne’s preparations were very thorough and
she was available during our trip to answer any questions. We look
forward to using her services again! Vive la France!”
The Tharp family reunion, Calgary,
Toronto, Hong-Kong
Our family gathered to celebrate an 80th
birthday in St Jean de Luz in July 2007. There were 17 family members
(plus a few friends) who came from 3 different cities to spend two weeks
together. Ages ranged from 8 months old to 80 years. We wanted a
destination that was not overly commercialized, yet well serviced by air
transportation, amenities and health care. What we found was a truly
French environment (no fast food!), a beautiful setting, a temperate
climate, and a great range of activities to please people of many
different interests.
Beauty and culture were everywhere, both in St Jean de Luz and its
surrounding area. St Sebastian in Spain is 30 minutes away by train.
There is hiking, biking, beautiful markets to visit and wonderful
history to learn.
The accommodation was well chosen for our large group: we never felt
crowded, and the facilities were sufficient to manage our large party. Evelyne’s
services and recommendations were well chosen. They reduced the work
that can come with large group gatherings, and augmented the enjoyment.
I would happily return to St Jean de Luz for another holiday or family
gathering. It is not often you can find a place that is so unique, yet
so well serviced. As for Evelyne, her guidance is like having a friend
in a place where you are visiting. Follow her directions. You won’t be
disappointed.
Dave & Lesley-Ann Giles, Oakville ( Ontario)
The trip was great! We had a lot of fun and would do
it again. On the bike trip, everyone was so nice and the countryside and
towns were beautiful. The Paris apartment was fantastic. Thanks for
organizing the apartment, hotel and trains. Everything worked out great. If
any of our friends want help organizing a trip to France I’ll suggest they
give you a call!
Mark Maybank & Catherine Freisen, and their 3 children,
Toronto ( Ontario)
We had a wonderful trip.
Carcassonne and the Camargue were excellent. We ate well, slept well, and
enjoyed the pools! Thank you for your assistance. We would not change a
thing!
John and Betty Reilly & their 2 children, Toronto
It was our first visit to the southwest region of France and certainly
not our last. We thoroughly enjoyed the Basque culture, the proximity to
Spain and incredible sea and surf. We had a wonderful centrally located
house with it's own parking ( a blessing in crowded Biarritz) that allowed
us to blend in like locals. The tour guides arranged through Experience
Authentique were extremely knowledgeable and aquainted us with the
history and culture of the towns and villages and gave a great perspective
to our children. We couldn't keep our children off the beach and they were
able to take advantage of the local surf schools and now they're hooked for
life. Evelyne did a marvelous job in making our visit an authentic
experience of a lifetime."
Anne Conway & James Findlay & 4 children (10 to 16yr old),
Toronto,
ON
Our time in the Southwest of France, Spain and Paris was brilliant. We
truly adored our holiday and all of your suggestions were superb!
Fay
Leblanc & Alan Wood, Whistler & Ali Ryan, Victoria, BC
The House
suited us to a T, WE LOVED IT, it was a real family home (you did a good job
preparing us for what it was/wasn't, so it was sure to fit us). The stocking
up of fridge was a real treat, local products & wine, and other exciting
stuff as well as basics! The various local hosts, especially Catherine on
our spectacular hike to San Sebastian and Serge driving through the small
mountains roads and villages were special people: knowledgeable and
responsive to our needs. St Jean de Luz overall is a fascinating town in a
fascinating region. Amazing variety of food and venues available, and lovely
to be there off-season. Evelyne, thank you so much for your advice and your
help. We would not even have known about St Jean de Luz without you, and
here we are, in love with it. Hotel in Paris was perfect.
Camila
Vaz's family, Toronto
Our previous
family trips to Italy and the Middle East have been with relatives who are
domiciled in those areas shepherding us from place to place. In comparison
our trip to France was a step way outside anything we had tried before. We
had a wonderful time in every aspect – a great holiday, a terrific learning
experience and most of all an understanding of Parisian history, culture and
daily life. All this in just 6 days!!! Thank you very much for all you did
for us. Good Luck & grand success.
Ruby
Donner in Winnipeg & Eileen Sever in Santa Monica traveling with teenage
grand-daughters through Dordogne
Thank you for all of your wonderful planning and effort. In retrospect
the trip was just wonderful. My grandchild was here visiting recently and
she reflects on it very positively. In short, it accomplished everything I
wanted it to. Thanks, and thanks again.
Suzanne Shore & Jamie Cuthbert and their two children,
Toronto,
ON
Your itinerary was the centre point of our holiday- indispensable, fun,
down to earth. Your carnet de voyage was a tremendous help for a rich three-week holiday of experiences for our family. The specially tailored points of
interest you suggested, surfing in Biarritz, dinner at the imperial hotel,
dinner at the seaside in a rustic beach house place etc… were extremely valuable. Biarritz and Saint Jean de Luz on the coast were superb. The Basque countryside was
peaceful and relaxing. We loved the buzz of San Sebastian.
Elizabeth Rickerby and Jerry Alexander traveling with a couple of close
friends, Toronto, ON
Very, very scenic and diverse from the coast to the
mountains. Lovely little towns, interesting food, people friendly and
helpful. Lots to see and do if you like the outdoors and walking.
Being so close to Spain is a real plus, and Basque culture is unique in
France. Really enjoyed the pace of life. The fact that it is not well
traveled or well known in North America is part of its charm.
All of your
first hand knowledge was invaluable and having some guidance about where to
go and what to do made each day easier to plan. Loved the villa we stayed at
and the chateau itself was amazing. For me the opportunity to
meet some French people (Paul, Isabelle & Pierre) and spend some time with
them was the highlight and made this trip most memorable. The carnet de voyage
was
a treasure of information and we would have liked to be able do everything !
We would absolutely recommend your services to our friends and network.Don & Jane Fraser & 14 year old child, Toronto,
ON
We valued
the overall travel arrangements. I would recommend Expérience Authentique Services with
absolute confidence.We valued the overall travel
arrangements. I would recommend Expérience Authentique Services with
absolute confidence.
Pam Isaak & Greg Kiessling and their two children, Toronto (Clients in 2004,05,06,07
& 08) We
loved the Southwest of France – it appears to be less “touristy” than
other regions of France and is beautiful, historically fascinating, and
the people were charming, helpful and generally friendly. We will definitely
promote the region to our friends as an “untouched” area
to visit with many beautiful and interesting sites as well as gorgeous
beaches and a great climate.
Outstanding service overall – itinerary very accurately reflected
our desires and introduced us to the beauty and charm of the region.
The local knowledge was invaluable. Without your help and encouragement
I don’t think we would have chosen the region to visit but we are
so happy that we did. You suggested great options for us to explore and
new things to try (e.g. surfing, horseback riding) and really listened
to what we wanted (driving trip through the Pyrénées was fabulous).
We enjoyed our first trip so much that we really wanted to take our children
to this very special part of France and rent a villa. The children had a great
time and were encouraged by the opportunity to use their French as the people were
very friendly and warm. You also made many wonderful suggestions for
child-friendly activities. We are very happy to act as references and try to
recommend your services far and wide!
Kim Olynyk & Shawn Murray & their children, Barrie, Canada (Clients in 2006, 07
& 08)
We
would definitely recommend Expérience Authentique's
services to our friends and network. We especially valued the organization
of accomodations and the certainty that they were appropriate. The carnet de
voyage was very detailed and helpful . We very much enjoyed our surfing
experience as a family.
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