Happy Holidays to all of our guests (past, present and future)!  We wish everyone a joyous and festive holiday season!   Be safe and happy travels!

Photo Albums: June & July - 2011 - "Best Adventures in Provence"

Click the links below to view some of our June and July 2011 Provence Tour albums.  Enjoy!!

June 27, 2011 - PROVENCE Tour Photo Album

July 2, 2011 - PROVENCE Tour Photo Album




June 18, 2011 - PROVENCE Tour Photo Album

June 11, 2011 - PROVENCE Tour Photo Album

June 4, 2011 - PROVENCE Tour Photo Album

Guest Testimonials - Last Bordeaux Harvest Tour of the Season !

"We really enjoyed all of the walks, wineries and tastings, and especially loved the cooking class with Antoine! Our group and guide were outstanding and lots of fun! All of the meals and food were excellent! Thanks for a great time! We're looking forward to returning for your Provence walking tour." Paul and Cyndy Kozik, Baltimore, MD (Bordeaux Harvest Tour)

"We loved Remi!! He was so fun!! Our favorite wineries were the ones in Saint Emilion and Graves. Antoine's cooking class was fun and the food amazing! Our lead guide was so fabulous, charming and knowledgeable. This was such a pleasant experience and wonderful way to discover Bordeaux wine country and all of these excellent wines! Loved having Chateau Haut Brion with our picnic lunch!! You guys do a great job and it shows in the way you treat your guests and how well everything is organized. Hope to be back sooner than later on another of your tours." Paul and Karen Galindo, Austin, TX (Bordeaux Harvest Tour)

"The walks were all great, and so were the wine experiences and Antoine's cooking class. We enjoyed learning about the different wine appellations and classifications. You did an excellent job and we loved being a part of the tour. Thank you! " Jim Boucher and Marty Uhlmann, Cheyenne, WY (Bordeaux Harvest Tour)

"This trip was overall amazing! Loved all of the food and grand cru wines. The walks were a wonderful way to discover the different appellations. We learned so much about Bordeaux wines and had a great time drinking them too! Plus Chef Antoine and his wife were so intoxicatingly wonderful. Thank you for such a fun week!" Tony and Debbie Tilford, Austin, TX (Bordeaux Harvest Tour)

Our Loire Valley Hot Air Ballooning Pilot Featured!

Thrilled to share with our fans that our Hot Air Ballooning pilot, Nicolas, was featured on France 3 television yesterday. The story featured leading pilots from the region, all present for an annual outing - including 50+ balloonists all weekend in the Loire Valley (Centre region of France).

The 1st of Our May Provence Tour Albums Completed

2011 Albums are being posted upon completion.  Enjoy everyone!!

One of Our May 2011 Best Adventures in Provence Photo Albums

Photo Albums - April - 2011 Provence Album Available for Online Viewing

We've begun all of the 2011 tour season photo albums...

First one to be completed is our...

April - 2011 - Best Adventures in Provence Photo Album (click the link to view).

More albums will be posted as they're completed.

OUI ! What we provide and what we guarantee our guests...

Oui ...What we do...We guarantee some very specific services that we believe you, as our guest, deserve.

• We ensure a "small group" remains just that - a "small group" ! - The group size on each of our tours is a maximum 8-16 guests. Many of our trips sell out completely meaning group size is 16 guests, and some trips average 12-14 guests. Our experience has been that limiting our group size to 8-16 guests per tour creates the ideal ambiance for guests to easily mingle and get to know each other, yet still maintain their independence. We also limit our group size in order to preserve each guest’s personalized experience, and ensure our famous quality customer service.

• We include MOST meals and ALL beverages (BOTH alcoholic and non-alcoholic) in our tour prices ! - We always include pre-dinner cocktails, welcome cocktails, plus premium, classified and "Grand Cru" wines at all groups meals during each of our tours. If we don't include a meal on any particular day, we always have a list of our favorite cafés, brasseries and restaurants that we recommend and will be happy to reserve for you.

• We ALWAYS provide our guests the BEST rooms at every hotel we use on our tours ! - We always reserve the VERY BEST for our guests ! Plus there is NEVER any hotel hopping on our tours. We select one exclusive, luxurious, historical establishment for the entire 5 nights of each tour.

• Our scheduled walks are ALWAYS guided ! - We always guide our walks !! Our guides are experienced and have walked our trails repeatedly each season - even in their off season, and are knowledgeable about what each trail has to offer. Our guides accompany every walk on every tour where optional and scheduled walks are included. And our guides remain with the group during the entirety of each walk. We believe your walks with us should always be fun, interesting and a time to sit back and enjoy the views along the trail while someone else takes charge and shows you the way! We have specially designed all of our trails exclusively to share with our guests. A second guide drives the support van.

• We ALWAYS provide van support for our walks ! - In addition to providing guides who accompany each walk on our tours, we always provide a support van whose sole responsibility is to meet the group at designated points throughout each walk to provide more refreshments and snacks, collect any purchases made during visits along our trails, and provide a ride to any guest who needs a break.

More Testimonials from Our Bordeaux Harvest Tour and Provence Tour Guests!

"Thanks for a great time discovering Bordeaux wine country! We enjoyed this trip a lot.  The people in the group were very compatible. The winery tours were very good.  It was nice to be able to see all of the different processes. We will see you again on another tour."  Jerry and Sheila Ettinger, Raleigh, NC (Bordeaux Harvest Tour)

"Loved lunch at the winery!  The hotel was perfect and the meals were very nice.  We especially enjoyed Antoine's cooking class and having dinner at his home.  Thank you again!" Mark and Monica Lang, Omaha, NE  (Bordeaux Harvest Tour)

"Our guide was great with organization and ensuring that every detail of this trip was as perfect as possible.  The winery tours were excellent. Antoine's cooking class was superb-loved being in the Chef's home cooking and tasting wines and the Armagnac from his personal collection!   Loved all of the walking and the beautiful scenery in the vineyards.  We had so much fun and will be back for your Provence Tour!" Neville and Jenny Blomeley, Brisbane, Australia (Bordeaux Harvest Tour)

"Thank you for a wonderful time!!  I loved all of the winery tours, wine tastings and fabulous food.  Cooking with Antoine was so very special and being welcomed to cook and dine in his home was a very memorable experience.  Loved it all!!" Terry Berk, Solana Beach, CA (Bordeaux Harvest Tour)

"Wasn’t sure which was the best email address for you so hopefully this gets to you.  Wanted to send out this brief note last week but it has been pretty hectic since returning.  ... more importantly, Deni and I did want to let you know that we enjoyed our tour!, something (given the events that happened to us at the end-(Sindels had a family emergency arise towards end of the tour), we may not have communicated.  The small size and the people themselves, most of the activities, the area and, of course, yourself made it something we are glad we were able to reschedule after a 10 year wait." Phil and Deni Sindel, Boston, MA  (Provence Tour)

"This was our first tour and we loved it!!  We had lots of fun and enjoyed many laughs throughout the week!  Cooking classes were fun and loved the hands-on part. The group size was perfect, as many had already stated, staying at one hotel as a base camp was perfect and we just had a lot of fun with the others in the group also.  We will recommend you to our friends! WE HAD FUN!" Andy and Dorothy Klavins, Bainbridge Island (Seattle), WA  (Provence Tour)

"We truly enjoyed the Chefs and cooking classes.  Loved the village to village walk-pace was excellent.  Market day was fun and of course all of the meals were out of this world!  Thank you, we thought our guide did a great job!!" Bob and Kris U'Ren, San Francisco, CA (Provence Tour)

"People of Provence and our small group were great!  This was our first tour.  We chose it for its' flexibility, group size and we really wanted to experience southern France from a different perspective.  Thank you, we had a fun time!  The meals were one of the many best parts of the trip.  The selection of restaurants and brasseries was excellent.  We also enjoyed all of the cooking classes."  Deb and Karen Schinnerer (mother/daughter), Michigan and Washington, D.C. (Provence Tour)

Bordeaux Guest, Jerry shares his Harvest Video!

One of my wonderful Bordeaux Wine Tasting and Culinary Walking Tour Guests, Jerry Ettinger, just sent me this short video he made of during our harvest tour Sept. 26-Oct. 1, 2011.

Thanks Jerry!  This is such a wonderful video...I loved watching every minute of it!!

Click the link to watch the video...
Jerry's Bordeaux Harvest Video

Guest Testimonials and Photos From Our Early September Tours

"I especially loved Cassis, our cooking classes and farewell dinner!  My daughter chose this tour for me as a birthday gift.  It was my first tour ever, and she chose well! I enjoyed it more than I could have ever imagined, and Off the Beaten Path has set the bar quite high for all that follow."  Laurette Mercer, Morristown, NJ (Provence Tour)

"I really loved the cooking classes.  I was impressed with how down-to-earth the fantastic chefs were and how they could take ingredients we use every day to make incredible dishes.  I loved visiting the  castles, but I really enjoyed experiencing food I have never had before and LOVING it. I chose this trip for the cooking classes, gourmet food and ballooning.  I loved the serenity and beauty of Chateau des Tertres, lovely place and lovely people.  The energy and knowledge that our guide brought to the trip was outstanding.  She knows what interests most Americans and zones in on these areas making for a very interesting understanding of French history.  LOVED Angelique and Christophe too!  I'll certainly come again on another tour. Thank you!!" Pat Herbert, River Vale, NJ (Loire Valley Tour)

"Thank you for a wonderful time here in the Loire.  It was so lovely meeting you and all of your friends.  Angelique is soo funny and Christophe such a nice guy! All the cooking class chefs were great.  We loved everything!" Leonard and Gabriela Bebchick, Washington, D.C. (Loire Valley Tour)

"Thanks to our guide for everything, she really made the trip very memorable.  I loved seeing the castles and smaller towns of France, meeting the people (both American and French), eating all of the wonderful food, staying at the Chateau des Tertres, and again our guide-she had such interesting information to share. I had always wanted to see the French countryside, but didn't necessarily want to go alone.  This was my first tour ever and the bar has been set very high.  We never had to worry or think about anything, everything was always taken care of (no worries, exactly what I was looking for).  I hope to come back for your Provence Tour!"  Ann Johnson, Atlanta, GA (Loire Valley Tour)

"This trip was truly a dream come true-so much fun and lots of interesting people both in our group and everyone we met during the tour.  Loved Christophe C.'s style with us and his staff.  I liked the way our guide spent time getting to know each of us individually as to our interests and special needs.  The way the history and style of each chateau was recounted seemed to build to a climax. And, the ultimate was going to cooking class in a famous French chef's home and having dinner with them.  That was very special!  I chose this trip two years ago for the culinary experiences, selection of chateaux and the trip length, and finally was able to find a date that wasn't sold out and fit my schedule. Thanks for helping also to get medicine for cold so I could enjoy my trip."  Sandy Ellison, Atlanta, GA (Loire Valley Tour)

"This entire Provence Tour was well organized but not too structured.  We had plenty of time to do everything we wanted. Loved the cooking classes especially the team class-that was really different from any cooking experience I've had before.  What a wonderful way to teach cooking and new techniques.  The calanques walk was even more spectacular than I had imagined.  And, St. Remy de Provence is such beautiful town, I loved shopping there for all the traditional Provence things we hear about in the US.  I loved the small group - everyone was so nice and lots of fun to be with.  Excellent trip.  If ever you need just 1 more person to fill a last minute trip, please let me know, I'd love to come back on another trip!" Patricia Jacubec, Washington, D.C.  (Provence Tour)

"Thanks for a spectacular trip in such a beautiful region!  We had great dinner conversations.  It was very comfortable traveling around in your minivans.  The hospitality of such famous chefs was outstanding.  GREAT JOB!!  Already been to Bordeaux, but after our wonderful Loire experience with you we need to look at dates to come on one of your Provence Tours next!!"  Don Drapeau and Betty Folliard, Minneapolis, MN (Loire Valley Tour)

"I ate too much, BUT it was ALL sooo very good!  The cooking classes were intimate, personal and a lot of fun.  Our guide's grasp of French history was superb.  Loved how this trip was casual, yet "top-drawer"- we were spoiled everyday and loved it!!  I love France!  Merci !!!" Cathey Mathias, Cape Canaveral, FL (Loire Valley Tour)

"Thank you for orchestrating a fun, memorable and unique experience for all of us.  You are providing terrific services and I appreciate the attention you put into designing and implementing the Loire Valley trip.  I liked everything about this trip.  I always enjoyed visiting historical sites, walking around towns, villages and markets.  Having someone else plan and deliver the itinerary made this trip so much more relaxing than a totally independent vacation.  And, the cooking classes made the trip a truly superlative and special experience.  Thanks for all of your work!" Wendy Breinig, Jacksonville, FL (Loire Valley Tour)

"Loved Damien's "Tour de France" experience with wine and cheese tasting-his way of explaining cheese and wine was entertaining and informative.  Plus we really liked the combination of demo and hands-on cooking with Damien and Christophe C. Also, LOVED cooking and having dinner in a French home with Christophe and Angelique.  We'll never forget that evening.  Thank you for wonderful experiences throughout!!"  John and Kathy Carroll, Rehoboth Beach, DE (Loire Valley Tour)

"We had a lot of fun!   All the walking and cooking was fabulous! You have so much knowledge of French culture.  It is wonderful.   I am sending pics in several e-mails." Sisters: Barbara McLean and Patricia Gilbert, Orlando, FL (Provence Tour)

"Had a great time in Damien's cooking class-wine and cheese tasting too!  We liked the market experiences, the gardens at Villandry and especially our trip group-everyone was pleasant and enjoyable. Blois, Azay-le-Rideau and Chambord were our personal favorite castles.  The history and architecture interpretation of castles and villages by our guide was excellent.We loved the way this trip was designed to experience French history, culture and food.  Thanks you for a wonderful time!" Stephen and Michele Bloom, Fort Collins, CO (Loire Valley Tour)

"We really enjoyed the cooking classes and of course all of the wonderful French food!  We had a great group to add to the fun of this trip.  St. Remy is a beautiful and interesting town, lots of history, art and plenty of things to do.  And, of course the walks were very enjoyable.  We loved the variety of activities you offered and our guide was fun, knowledgeable and very personable. Thank you for a memorable week in Provence!" Yves and Patricia Dussault, Montreal, Quebec, Canada (Provence Tour)

Announcing A Very Important Addition to Our Team...

Very Excited and Proud to Announce...

Off the Beaten Path, LLC is excited and very proud to announce that Lauriann Green, founder and former owner of French Wine Explorers, is joining its' team beginning with the 2012 Tour season. Lauriann founded French Wine Exlporers in 1999 and was president of the company until 2007 when she sold it to pursue other professional opportunities. Under Lauriann's direction French Wine Explorers was considered a leading luxury French wine tour company in the U.S. Lauriann was noted as one of the "best wine tour guides in the world" in Food & Wine Magazine. She also holds the prestigious Sommelier-Conseil degree from l'Université du Vin in France. We are thrilled to welcome Lauriann to our team in 2012! She will lead our Bordeaux Wine & Culinary Tours and some of our Best Adventures in Provence Tours alongside OTBP owner Christy Destremau.

Especially For Our Women Travelers...

For all of our women travel guests, we have officially launched ROAM Women's Adventures ...

After 17 years of success offering small group, luxury tours to Provence, Bordeaux, Loire Valley, Champagne and Dordogne, France for couples, friends, family, solo travelers and other small groups, Christy recently realized another dream with the launch of her second company, a company focusing solely on adventure travel to exotic destinations for women called ROAM - Truly Active Adventures for Women. Read more about ROAM by clicking on the link to access ROAM's website where women travelers will find complete details on all of the company's women only tour offerings to Africa, India and Vietnam/Cambodia. Now women can join Christy for an exclusive small group experience in France by joining one of her co-ed tours listed here at Off the Beaten Path, LLC's website or they can join Christy on one of her women only adventure trips and safaris to more exotic destinations by joining a ROAM Women's Adventure. Click the following link to access ROAM's website : ROAM - Truly Active Adventures for Women

Fabulous Photos of Provence during the Summer!!

Here are a selection of some of our favorite shots taken from our end of June and early July PROVENCE Tours.  We hope you enjoy them!  We had a lot of fun on these tours!  

  

Guest Raves from our June 18 Provence Tour

 "Just wanted to thank you for a fantastic trip. Marc's cooking class and the day in Cassis really stood out. This was my first venture into group travel and it could not have been better! Thank you so much ! " Cathy Gold, New York, NY


"Had a great time ! Activities were exactly what we would expect from the trip literature. The group, food and activities were fun! Thanks for everything!" Mark and Lyn Fanelli, American ex-pats on assignment in London, UK 

"Happy to be home but missing Provence~ thank you so much for a great time!! You're the best!!! I was having lunch in Marseilles (bouillabaise at the Miramar YUM), I met Claudia from Paraguay and I told her about your tours! Luckily, I had one of your business cards! I will highly recommend Off the Beaten Path!!" MJ Dino, Los Angeles, CA

"Loved all of the functions at the private estates! Thanks for a fun week ! " Kevan and Gail Vick, Lawrence, KS 

"Our group was great! Everyone really had fun together.  The two cooking classes and chefs were entertaining.  Especially loved playing petanque.  You were great!! " Dave and Becky Rosinbum, Olympia, WA

The Colors of Provence - Summer is here & so are the flowers !

 Preparing for an evening of petanque before dinner...a little wine always helps get things rolling ! 

Calanques Walk in June - Spectacular Colors !

Our calanques walk from Cassis turned out to be even more scenic than usual.

Provence Cooking Classes - June 18 Tour Group

The weather was warm, yet comfortable this past week in Provence, and created the perfect back-drop for our daily walks, evening petanque match and a fun week in general.  Going to post quite a few photos here in separate posts, because there were so many beautiful photo ops that it became to difficult to choose just a few to share.