FRANCE BY LOCALS is specialized in responsible travels on bespoke tours in France.
Our team organizes self-driven and guided trips from 1 to 20 days and creates high-value experiences thanks to a wide local ambassador network.
27/05/2025
🌿 Travel light, travel waste-free 🌍 3 easy habits to stay eco-friendly on the go:
🥤 Reusable water bottle – skip the plastic! Tap water is drinkable in most places across France.
🍴 Picnic kit – a small box, your own cutlery, and a cloth napkin = no trash, more pleasure.
🛍️ Foldable tote bag – perfect for local markets or bakeries, without using disposable bags.
👉 Simple items, big impact — for the planet and for genuine, thoughtful travel 🌸
23/05/2025
🌊 Discover the charm of Le Lavandou 🌸
, a coastal paradise on the Côte d'Azur, is the perfect destination for those seeking authentic beauty and tranquility. ✨
With its stunning beaches, vibrant fishing village vibe, and crystal-clear waters, Le Lavandou offers an escape to those wanting to experience the Mediterranean lifestyle. 🏖️🌊
🚶♀️ Stroll along the picturesque port, savor local seafood in charming restaurants, or relax on the beaches of Saint-Clair. The village’s cozy streets invite you to explore its colorful markets and art galleries, showcasing the true essence of the South of France.
💡 Fun fact: The name "Le Lavandou" comes from the lavender fields that once dotted the area, giving the village its signature scent.
👉 Whether you're here for a peaceful getaway or to explore the Mediterranean coastline, Le Lavandou will leave you with unforgettable memories.
20/05/2025
🌟 A Journey to Remember 🇫🇷✨
Thank you for choosing us to be part of your adventure! 🌍 We’re so happy to hear that your trip was filled with unforgettable moments in Normandy.
Ready to embark on your own extraordinary journey through France? Let us craft a tailor-made experience you’ll treasure forever.
16/05/2025
🏛️ Discover the serenity of 🌿
Nestled in the heart of the Var, Abbaye du Thoronet is a hidden gem of Provence. ✨
Built in the 12th century, this Cistercian monastery embodies the simplicity, tranquility, and timeless beauty of the region. Its stunning architecture and surrounding nature offer a peaceful escape, where time seems to stand still. 🌱
🚶♀️ Wander through the silent cloisters, admire the medieval stonework, and enjoy the serenity of the gardens. It's the perfect spot for those seeking to connect with history and nature in a truly peaceful setting.
💡 Fun fact: The abbey is known for its acoustic perfection—take a moment to listen to the stillness. 🎶
👉 If you're looking for an authentic Provencal experience, far from the crowds, Abbaye du Thoronet is a must-see.
13/05/2025
"🚲🦪🍷 Bikes, oysters, wine & local vibes!
Amandine went on a journey through Western France to (re)discover what makes our trips so special — and spoiler: it’s all about authenticity, connections, and great taste! 😍
From oyster tastings by the Arcachon Bay, to e-biking along the Vélodyssée, charming boutique hotels, and a food tour in a vintage Combi van across the Basque countryside… it was the perfect mix of discovery and inspiration! 🌿🚐
✨ Real experiences, real people, and plenty of delicious wine along the way — just how we like it at France By Locals.
Huge thanks to our wonderful local partners who make these moments possible : , .tours , , .bike
And huge thanks to for embracing the ride with so much energy and curiosity! 🧡
"
09/05/2025
🌿 Discovering & Rediscovering Aix-en-Provence and its Surroundings
🚲 Day 1: flavors & landscapes
Local market, Provençal cooking class, mountain biking around Sainte-Victoire, eco-conscious hotels… and a Roman spa to unwind 🛁
🏞 Day 2: slow travel vibes
Hilltop villages, e-biking, cherry blossoms, lunch under the plane trees… a true inspiring escape 🌸
💬 These eductours help us shape better journeys for our travelers 🌍💛
🙏 Huge thanks to our amazing partners for the warm welcome and inspiring work : .tours .cuisine
"
06/05/2025
☀️ Little-Known French Regions to Discover This Summer 🌍
Looking for hidden gems in France this summer? 🌿✨ At France By Locals, we believe in helping you discover the authentic side of France, away from the tourist crowds. Check out these stunning, lesser-known regions:
The Côte d’Albâtre (Normandy): Spectacular white cliffs and charming coastal villages. 🏖️
The Vercors (Alps): Majestic cliffs, deep gorges, and traditional mountain life. 🏞️
The Charente-Maritime Islands (Ré and Oléron): Wild beaches, salt marshes, and serene landscapes. 🌊🚲
Whether you’re into hiking, history, or simply soaking in the local culture, these regions offer the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure, all while supporting sustainable travel. 🌍💙
Come explore the real France with us—away from the crowds and into the heart of local life. 💫
"
29/04/2025
🌍 It's possible to travel with a sense of solidarity and responsibility! ✨
More and more destinations in France are becoming agents of change by setting up projects that combine ecology, solidarity and responsible tourism. 🚶♂️🌿 Here are a few ways in which you can help travel by taking part in these initiatives:
1️⃣ Buy to donate 🛍️: There are a number of associations in France, such as the Restaurants du Coeur, which collect food donations and redistribute them to the most disadvantaged.
2️⃣ Clean up the natural spaces 🧹: Take part in clean-up actions with Surfrider Foundation, Clean Up France or Zero Waste France
3️⃣ Support short distribution channels 🥕 : Buy local produce directly from markets or from shops selling made in France and regional products. Not only will you be contributing to sustainability, but you'll also be able to enjoy some delicious local dishes!
Travelling differently means acting for a more united and sustainable world! 🌱🤝
25/04/2025
🎒 Amandine’s Travel Journal – Welcome to the Vallée de la Clarée 🌄🌲
The Vallée de la Clarée is a hidden treasure in the French Alps, a place where the river sparkles, the mountains rise high, and nature feels untouched. Whether you’re hiking through alpine meadows or discovering peaceful mountain villages, this valley is pure serenity. ✨
🚶♀️ On the agenda: A hike through the valley’s breathtaking landscapes, with lush forests, wildflowers, and crystal-clear streams. The trail from Névache to Val des Prés offers the perfect mix of natural beauty and tranquility.
📚 A peaceful reading break: During the hike, I paused by a calm stream, settled into the peace of the moment, and opened Regain by Jean Giono. The stillness of the valley, paired with the words of Giono, felt like the perfect way to connect with both nature and literature. The quiet, the scent of pine trees, and the gentle sounds of the river made it feel like time had slowed down.
🏞️ What to explore: Don’t miss the charming villages like Névache, where stone houses and colorful flowers line the narrow streets. It’s the perfect spot to take in the mountain air and enjoy the unspoiled beauty of the Alps.
The Vallée de la Clarée is an ideal escape for those who love nature, peaceful moments, and the magic of a good book. ✨
22/04/2025
🌟 A Journey to Remember 🇫🇷✨
Thank you for choosing us to be part of your adventure! 🌍 We’re so happy to hear that your trip was filled with unforgettable moments with your family.
Ready to embark on your own extraordinary journey through France? Let us craft a tailor-made experience you’ll treasure forever.
18/04/2025
"🎒 Julie’s Travel Journal – Welcome to the Côte de Granit Rose 🌊💖
The Côte de Granit Rose, a magical stretch of Brittany’s coastline, is a place where nature’s artistry takes center stage. With its giant pink-hued rock formations, turquoise waters, and wild landscapes, every step here feels like walking through a postcard. ✨
🚶♀️ On the agenda: A hike along the famous Sentier des Douaniers (GR34), where the sea crashes against the sculpted granite boulders. The section from Ploumanac’h to Perros-Guirec is particularly breathtaking, with surreal rock formations shaped by centuries of wind and waves.
🏝️ Hidden gems: Explore the charming Île-de-Bréhat, a car-free island bursting with flowers and stunning coastal views. Or visit Trégastel, where you can walk between pink granite giants at low tide.
🌿 Wild & authentic Brittany: The Côte de Granit Rose is a land where nature is raw and untamed, where the tides shape the landscape daily. Whether you love hiking, photography, or simply soaking in the beauty of the sea, this coastline is a true wonder.
The Côte de Granit Rose is Brittany at its finest—wild, unique, and unforgettable. ✨
15/04/2025
🎒 Amandine’s Travel Journal – Welcome to the Massif de l’Estérel 🌿🌊
The Massif de l’Estérel, a fiery-red volcanic wonderland, is where the mountains meet the Mediterranean in a breathtaking fusion of colors. Between the rugged cliffs, hidden coves, and panoramic trails, this is an outdoor paradise like no other. 🔥✨
🚶♀️ On the agenda: Hike through the dramatic landscapes of the Estérel, where red rocks contrast with the deep blue sea. The Pic de l’Ours and Mont Vinaigre offer stunning panoramic views, while the Corniche d’Or road unveils some of the most beautiful coastal scenery in France.
🏖️ Secret coves & crystal-clear waters: After an adventurous hike, cool off in one of the region’s hidden beaches, like Calanque de Saint-Barthélémy or Plage du Débarquement. The turquoise waters and peaceful atmosphere make them perfect for a refreshing swim.
🌿 A wild and preserved nature: Wander through fragrant pine forests and rocky trails, where every turn offers a new spectacle of colors and textures. Whether on foot or by bike, the Estérel is a playground for those who love untouched landscapes.
The Massif de l’Estérel is a dream for hikers, nature lovers, and anyone looking to escape into a world of contrasts and wild beauty. ✨
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Let you guided by your team of tailor-made travel experts - made by locals, with locals!
We are Marianne, Simon, and Gabriele. We organize self-driven trips and guided tours off-the-beaten-path and specialize in creating local experiences all over France... all year long.
Our local travel agency (also called Destination Management Company) is based in Marseille, the oldest city in France, and settles on the Vieux-Port docks. The unique destination we work on spreads from the Mediterranean sea to the Atlantic ocean, goes from the Capital to second-scale cities and small towns or villages, crosses rivers, vineyards, valleys, mountains, lakes, islands, green and purple fields...
We do believe in responsible and sustainable local tourism. Without over-promoting or pushing a "green marketing" of our trips, we strive to discover and display the best the French regions and their people have to offer. Outdoor sports, wellness, gastronomy & wines, night discovery, city tours and cultural sightseeing; all of the covered travel thematic capitalize on the future and enhance the best of the France destination.
Whether you are in need of a tough and sporty experience, a taste of the local cuisine or simply looking for pure relaxation (or all three at once!), we offer holidays tailored to your desires. Solo travelers, couples, families or small groups of friends, there are activities for all. You set your own pace, budget and the time you want to devote to us: weekend, short breaks or trips of several days.
Bienvenue en France!
*France By Locals is named after Italy By Locals as part of a the “By Locals” network.
