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To contact us, call 866.844.7167 (Toll Free in U.S.) or email sue@aparistravel.com |
I
believe this message says so much about communicating in this new millennium
using the web! - Sue Lillie, President—A Paris Travel
Just a note to say thanks for arranging the Normandy beach tour for my son. He called to say the tour guide was very nice, very friendly and that everything worked out just fine. I appreciate that I can surf the Web from the west coast, find a firm on the east coast to arrange a tour in France, that you could keep in touch even though you were in Florida, and I could send the confirmation form to my son in Spain and you could notify the tour operator in France!
And quite frankly, it's impressive that we could complete a business transaction over such a long distance without knowing each other, and me having picked you from a selection of Google listings. It says something about the Internet and cellular phones, but also about people, it seems. So thanks again for the help in putting the trip together...and so quickly!
- Gary A., Berkeley, CA
Hi
Sue
Just to say thank you it was a wonderful evening for the Seine Cruise and Eiffel Tower dinner. Hope you like the pic-- the food was fab!
- Linda B., Liverpool, England
Sue: I guess this is a semi-mea culpa because I have intended to write you for several months. To be honest with you, I thought there was a chance that I had flushed my money down into the Paris sewers when I prepaid the trips we scheduled with you. I crossed my fingers and hoped for the best. And the best it indeed was! To jog your memory, we planned a half day tour of Paris and a full day to Normandy in early October.
Feel free to use me as a reference for either or both of these tours.
The tour vehicles were clean and comfortable. Both drivers spoke excellent English. Both took us to places we would not otherwise have even dreamed of.
Another sign of my approaching senility is the fact that I can remember neither of the drivers' names. Suffice it say they were extremely knowledgeable and quite entertaining in their descriptions of people, places and events. When we return (that's "when" not "if") to Paris, we will certainly use your services again.
- Clark G., Pinehurst, NC
This is a belated thank you for a wonderful experience during our recent trip to Paris in October. Lionel Rochmann was the guide you provided to us for our private tour of Normandy with a stop in Honfleur. Lionel was extremely knowledgeable and highly professional. He was an expert guide with a passion for the subject matter. We were very, very pleased with our experience. I would not hesitate to recommend your company and Lionel in the future. All the best for the holiday season,
- Marla and Phil G., New York, NY
Dearest Sue - Bonjour!
I apologize for my delay in writing you about our trip to Paris. Please don't interpret my procrastination as a sign we weren't happy with your tour arrangements. Nothing would be further from the truth. We absolutely loved Paris - she seduces with her sophistication, sights, history, culture and food. Our tour driver Claude was wonderful and gave us a very fine tour of the city - hitting all the highlights and always patient with his knowledge and accommodating ways. The Eiffel Tower was a real highlight and lunch there was very good. We went up to the 2nd and top levels - loved the view. Fortunately, we hit three days of sunny weather - cold - but certainly helped illuminate the fine architecture of the city.
In addition, you didn't frown or say it was impossible to do a Normandy Tour in one day - and indeed we felt it was very workable. Pierre was our tour guide to Normandy and he too could not have been a nicer, more knowledgeable individual. Certainly glad we included the Normandy trip and he was kind enough to take us through villages unchanged since the War and a good restaurant for lunch at Sword beach. Your vans were new, clean and very comfortable. We had plenty of time at "Omaha" beach, the cemetery, the museum, saw quaint villages and even stopped for a moment at a beautiful Chateau. Pierre was kind enough to stop for breakfast near Caen.
Three days in Paris was not enough time and we are already thinking of how to return. Thank you so much for helping our trip be complete. WE QUICKLY LEARNED THAT TRYING TO DO ANY FOREIGN CITY WITHOUT A TOUR IS NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE. METRO WAS ON STRIKE WHILE WE WERE IN PARIS AND HAD TO RELY ON TAXI'S. In London we tried to get around ourselves and found it very difficult - the trouble was, we didn't have a "live" person to help us plan before hand and believed we could do just fine on our own - wrong. You always answered, no question was too silly, you took care of everything in a very timely manner.
Also, wanted you to know how well we were treated in Paris - in stores, shops, coffee shops, restaurants, hotel. Felt very welcome. Thank you for doing what you do to enhance one's enjoyment of France.
Most sincerely - merci
- Treva W., Mill Creek, Washington
Hi Sue,
I have just now got a chance to write you to let you know that we had a WONDERFUL time with Rene at Normandy. It would be hard to decide which was the greater thrill -- to experience Normandy or enjoy the terrific good company and excellent tour provided by Rene. He is great at his work but also has the personality to relate to all. Very comfortable to be with!!!
It is definitely a blessing that I called you from your ad on your website. Maybe even divine intervention as I was in such need of a solution and I was drawn to your website without any hesitancy and a lot of trust. The weekend turned out very well. Thank You, Thank You, Thank You for your efforts and attention to our needs. You are very good at what you do. Without a doubt we will recommend you to anyone we know that is traveling to Paris/France.
In addition, Denis and I had a great day with Barbara on our walking tour. Such a Pro! She also is wonderful giving tourists a quality experience and their money's worth. Such an interesting lady. I think I could easily spend at least a week with her in Paris. Again, you (maybe divine intervention again !!!) made all the difference.
We are so grateful our paths crossed. Our France adventure was definitely enhanced because of your involvement.
- Denis & Mary Ann H., Topeka, Kansas
Sue-
I have been busy since returning from our family’s trip to Europe in August, but wanted to let you know how much we enjoyed our private tour to the Normandy beaches with your arranged guide, Phillippe. He picked us up at our Paris hotel right on time, and we had an easy drive out to Normandy, stopping along the way to pick up some pastries and coffee. From Pointe du Hoc, to Omaha Beach, to the American Cemetery to the German sites with their remarkably intact guns, he was very informative. We stopped for lunch at a bed and breakfast that was tremendous.
On the way back to Paris, while the rest of my family snoozed, Phillippe and I had some great conversation on a more personal level, which solidified my previous belief (I had been in France 30 years ago) that the French are a very friendly, engaging people.
I’m excited to see Ken Burn’s PBS miniseries about World War II, The War, which debuts next week.
I think as the family watches the episode on the D Day landings, the memories of our recent trip will cement in their memories even more the dedication and courage our soldiers demonstrated back in 1944.
Thanks so much for arranging our great day in Normandy.
- Steve S., Leawood, Kansas
Bonjour Sue,
Mom and I are back from our whirlwind tour of Paris. I can't begin to tell you what a wonderful time we had.
We were treated very kindly and hospitably by all the local Parisians. We enjoyed visiting many of the museums, churches, parks, cafes, etc.
Our favorite day, by far, was the day we took the minivan tour (which you arranged for us) through the French countryside to Giverny, Monet's home and gardens, and Versailles. It was an incredible experience to wander about Monet's gardens where the lilies and weeping willow trees live that made the subject matter of so many of his paintings. We stood in his studio admiring many of his other creations.
What a gift to have had such talent! My favorite part of Versailles was not the palace itself, impressive as it is, but the surrounding gardens and fountain show. The best meal we had on our trip was lunch that day at Le Moulin de Fourges located in the countryside outside Giverny. The BEST salmon terrine and the BEST apple tart! Oh, and the BEST wine! Oo-la-la! What made that day so exceptional was our guide, Herbert. He was so kind, personable and informative. He made a great day even better.
Thank you again for arranging such a wonderful and memorable day trip that we will never forget!
Sincerely,
- Gisele S., Seattle, Washington
Bonjour Sue,
We had an amazing time in Paris! What a beautiful city! We want to thank you so much for arranging the Normandy D-Day Mini-Van tour for us. It was absolutely wonderful. Our tour guide Honore was great! We will not hesitate to call you the next time we visit France and will definitely recommend your company to anyone we know that will be traveling there.
Thank you again,
- Santina & John C., Nashua, NH
Sue:
Just a quick note to thank you and Jean Michael for an excellent tour of the Canadian Sector of the Normandy Beaches. Everything we could have asked for was anticipated. We really appreciated the attention to detail and care with our tour. Jean Michael was an excellent driver and guide and a true gentleman. It was a perfect day for our family. I have given your company name (link) to our travel agent in case she has any other clients who may want a similar tour.
With kindest regards,
- Scott, Cecilia, and Mary J., Surrey, British Columbia, Canada
Hi Sue,
Hope the unpacking is over and that you are all organized!! I just wanted to write to thank you for all you did to make our trip wonderful! All the cars were there on time, all the drivers delightful and knowledgeable, and the city was beautiful!! I have already recommended you to any number of people! Next time we go I will just call you first!
Thanks again, and good luck in your new home!
Peace,
- Gay L., Missouri City, Texas
Hi Sue,
I just wanted to let you know that our trip was wonderful and all the arrangements you made for us were great. Our tours were all interesting and our drivers were friendly and well informed. (We found out that the French are always on time if not early!).
Thanks for all your hard work and prompt replies. It made our trip so much easier and most enjoyable.
I will not hesitate to recommend your services to other travelers.
Best Regards,
- Jean H., Verna R., Betty P., Mary C., USA
Sue,
Vive La France!! My wife and I had a wonderful two days in Paris which as you may recall was our starting point for celebrating our 35th wedding anniversary before traveling on to Italy. Surfing the internet to find travel assistance brings with it a certain degree of uncertainty. Yet, we proposed a travel package and you immediately went to work along with those across the "pond" to make it not only possible, but memorable!
The young man picked us up at our hotel promptly at 6:30 pm and we were on our way for the Seine River Cruise followed by dinner at the Eiffel Tower - Altitude 95. We were seated with three other couples who also spoke highly of the arrangements made by "A Paris Travel." Although dinner ran slightly behind, we managed to make our connection with our second guide who took us to our final destination -- Moulin Rouge. The day was long and yet unforgettable; I will definitely refer you to others considering a trip to Paris or other parts of France!
- Mark K., Atlanta, Georgia
Sue,
Many thanks for your assistance. Isn't it a very small world now where an Australian in Melbourne organises tours in France with someone in Virginia!
- Matt D., South Yarra, Australia
Dear Sue,
It has taken me a couple of days to rest up but I am finally writing to you. After our whirlwind trip to Paris I wanted you to know that the trip you arranged for us to Normandy was much more than a highlight. Our guide, Lionel, arrived 10 minutes early but we were ready to go. He was well dressed and quite warm and welcoming. After driving about an hour, he picked a great place to stop for breakfast. After that we were wide awake and ready for the rest of the day. He took us to Pointe du Hoc, Omaha Beach, Batterie de Longues, American Cemetery, Arromanches and the Peace Memorial in Caen. Lionel is so informative and educated and provided us with much insight into the history of the area. We had a wonderful time.
Midway through the day we had a wonderful lunch and a quick snack stop on the way back to the hotel. Very professional and thoroughly enjoyable tour. My sons and I cannot thank you enough for the excellent service you provided. Although we were only in France for 2 days, our trip was something we will never forget. My younger son even managed to bring home some items to share with his classmates at their upcoming banquet prom that has a night in Paris theme.
Thank you again.
- Gloria A., Clearwater, Florida
Sue:
Sue and I just got home and we are exhausted, but it was worth it. René and Stéphanie were outstanding. We loved Normandy and everything about Paris. Both René and Stéphanie were professional, accommodating, knowledgeable and just fun to be with. Thanks for a great trip and everything you planned went off like clock work. I almost got up on the stage at the Moulin Rouge but Sue put her foot down. We will definitely use your services again on any trip to France or Paris.
Thanks again, Ray.
- Ray B., Avondale, PA
Sue:
What a wonderful trip we had to Paris!!!! It is truly an amazing city. Our mini-bus tour to the Loire Valley was fantastic and our tour guide, Julian, made the trip. He was an encyclopedia of French history and art history. He majored in Art History at Sorbonne and then studied and worked at the Louvre for two years. He taught us more in one day about French history, French art and architecture and France in general that we could have learned in a semester in school. We stopped for lunch at this quaint little family owned restaurant in Amboise and it was delightful. Julian made a very long day (12 hours) most enjoyable. Our bus trip to Normandy was also great. It was certainly the most moving part of the trip, especially since our son Travis is recently home safe from the Marines. Thanks again for your help with the excursions.
- Bill B., Austin, Texas
Sue,
I just finished going through the 401 pictures we took in Paris and London and am struck by the difference between the two countries. France has glorious architecture that England, thanks to the Luftwaffe, cannot match. It also has a much more structured society and better food - although the Indian and Mediterranean was very good in London. London also has theater that Paris cannot match - at least if you don't speak the language.
Trish and Adam and I have to especially thank you for Barbara. She met us on our first full day and showed us exactly what we wanted to experience. We visited a few market areas, San Gervais, San Suplice (Adam's a DaVinci Code fan), a couple of cafes, Shakespeare and Co, the Marais, and then took us to Place de Vosges (I apologize for my French spelling). We walked into the hotel that now occupies the Queen's House and sat and talked for an hour or so about modern French society, economics and the workplace. She then took us to the Bastille Monument and then left us at a very nice Thai restaurant for dinner. We ate and headed back to the hotel before France lost the World Cup.
Our six hour walking tour lasted 8.5 hours and Barbara's commentary added immeasurable to our enjoyment of Paris.
You can tell any of your concerned customers, that throughout our week long visit, everyone we met was friendly and helpful. Between the three of us, we have a vocabulary of about a dozen French words, but got along very easily by starting each encounter in French. That was not the case during our last trip 20 years ago and, to tell the truth, I was really not eager to return. However, I am a convert. While I am an Anglophile, there is something about Paris that has to be experienced. All three of us had a marvelous time.
It was a pleasurable, eye-opening and educational trip. And a lot of fun. My 15 year-old son loved it and came with his world-view changed. Thanks for your assistance. We could have done it without you, but it would have been a challenge. I'm so glad I found your web-site and you.
Merci
- John L., Naperville, Illinois
Dear Sue,
We took our trip to Normandy yesterday with Stephanie. She picked us up at 7:30 as planned. We had a nice drive in the country and she taught us all about France and the events of World War II. It was an interesting day. We stopped at the American cemetery and went to 3 other beaches. She had lunch with us in Bayeux. Of course she knew the best restaurant to go to. The food was delicious and affordable. We arrived back at our hotel at 7:00pm as planned. The day was perfect. Stephanie made it that way for us. My wife and twin 13 year old daughters thoroughly enjoyed the trip. Thank you for helping us see a part of our history that was so significant.
Warmest Regards,
- Craig I., Farmington Hills, Michigan
Sue,
René
could not be more gracious, knowledgeable, and accommodating. He treated my
Father like deity and it was so awesome. No D-Day veteran alive should go to
his grave without meeting René. We went everywhere that was pertinent in
Normandy. We were so impressed with the people there and a lot of it had to
do with "René connections". The man is "the guide" of Normandy. The only
reason that someone would have anyone else is that René is not available. I
cannot thank you enough for introducing and making this jewel available to
us. I will exuberantly recommend him to all I know and would only be too
happy to offer any further accolades for this wonderful man. In the South we
would call him a true "Southern gentleman", in addition to all of the above.
Thanks again for your arrangements and expertise. I would definitely use
your services at any time.
- Cecilia J., Spring, Texas
Sue.
It has taken me too long to write, but I wanted to let you know that we had a very good trip, and your work made everything very smooth. The hotels were perfect and in great locations. The cooking class was a lot of fun (I think talking with our delightful Chef over lunch was even better than cooking. It just seemed like we didn't ever have to worry about anything (except maybe how to work the pay toilets :) ). We even helped other Americans who did not know how to deal with the train tickets the way you told us to. I certainly agree with the saying that "nothing can replace an experienced guide".
Thanks.
- Michael B., Greencastle, Indiana
Hi Sue,
I
am so sorry it has taken me so long to write- things have been so crazy
since we returned from France. I just wanted to thank you for setting up the
D-Day tour for us. It was an amazing experience and one of the highlights of
our trip! Oliver was wonderful and took very good care of us. We would not
think twice about booking another tour and in fact we are looking to do so
either next year or the year after.
- Carolyn K., New Hartford, New York
Hi Sue,
Well the trip is over - sadly.
We had a great time and Olivier was great. He arrived promptly at 7:30 and the day was superb - we wish we could have had him for the whole week, What a gentleman - my children really enjoyed him and were very impressed by him.
The museum at Caen was impressive as were the beaches.
Once again, thanks so much for your great attention and all your help.
- Ruth R., Markham, Ontario, Canada
Hi Sue!
FANTABULOUS the only way to describe the job YOU did by hooking us up with René. The trip was incredible and his care, time, contacts, knowledge and now friendship made it all so. Thank You. This will be a memory the kids have for years and years. MERCI!
- Tom S., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Sue,
Fabulous trip to Normandie.Martine was beautiful, gracious, efficient, and did a great job with many good stories. Her sidetrip to Bayeax for the tapestry was wonderful.
- Gary and Donna M., and John and Linda D., North Dakota
Dear Sue,
Please excuse me for not responding before now. I just wanted to thank you for all your help and advice. We had a wonderful time. Both Kathleen and I really appreciate your guidance and recommendations. I believe we got everything in and more. We had a great 3-day mini adventure. I saw a side of France that I had not seen before. Plus got to do one of the things I have always wanted to do, visit the D-Day landing beaches and the Normandy region. If I know of anyone looking to go, I will recommend you to them. Thanks again.
- Chuck K., Westborough, Massachusetts
Sue,
I must apologize that I haven't gotten around to giving you an update on our trip but you are on my list to email. We had an awesome time on our Normandy trip but life has been a whirlwind this past year. René could not have been better. He was awesome and thank you so much for all of your help. Thanks again for all of your help and I will definitely be keeping your contact information. When we return to France you will be my first contact.
- Jackie H., South Dakota
Sue,
Just wanted to thank you for setting up the Chartres tour. It was a wonderful tour and our tour guide was superb. You could tell he really loved sharing what he knew. We had a great 4 days in Paris and plan to go back some day. If I hear of anyone wanting to visit Paris, I will definitely point them to your website! Thanks again!
- Ken W., Vancouver, Washington
Bonjour Sue,
A heartfelt note of thanks about our recent visit to France. Our driver, Stéphanie, was the best: a competent and safe driver, a knowledgeable art and military historian, fluent in English and a delightful person. Our trips to Giverny and Normandy were all that we could have asked for.
Merci bien,
- Tom F., Madison, Wisconsin
Good
morning.
We had a safe trip. Great from France to Philly and then we had a two hour delay for our short hop from Philly to Scranton because of bad weather somewhere that delayed the crew getting there for our trip home but all went well. And we are tired!!!!! And again many many thanks for all you both did. You and Dave are a terrific team.
We will never forget all the different things we did and places we went. And we can't wait to see your pictures. Will email later when I "wake up". So long for now.
- Alice and Bill N., Scranton, PA
It
has been a little more than a month since we returned from Paris and this is
the first time I've had a chance to let you know that we had a wonderful
time! The day trip that you scheduled for us to The Loire Valley, was great!
We all enjoyed it. The Loire Valley trip was the "icing on the cake" for my
wife's birthday celebration in Paris. We know that we will visit Paris again
and will definitely be contacting À Paris Travel. We wish you Happy Holidays
and a prosperous New Year.
- Ken H., Avon, Indiana
Sue,
Hi
this is Lisa. My husband and I just got back from Europe. Even though we
were there 2 weeks and saw France, Germany, Luxembourg, and the Czech
Republic, our absolute favorite place we visited and our favorite tour was
our day trip to Normandy. It was amazing to see. I will recommend your
company to all of our family and friends. Our tour guide was great and so
knowledgeable. Thank you so much for all of your help.
- Lisa G., Fall River, Massachusetts
Hello Sue
Our trip to Paris was wonderful, I thank you very much for the trips you scheduled for us. The trips worked out just as planned and the guides were excellent.
Respectfully,
- Charles M., Springfield, Ohio
Dear Sue,
I'm jet lagged and just thrilled with our trip and your ears must be burning! Everything you did worked without a hitch and your talents are awesome.
We
had a great dinner at Aux lyonnais and were obviously lucky to have a
reservation!
Meeting Nancy and David was "a piece of cake" and the train was just fine.
René is the best and we can fill you in on the details. We did our free day at Honfleur and Balleroy and managed to avoid most of the rain storms.
The highlight was the cooking class and lunch Chez Marguerite.
Lots more details and I hope to talk to you soon.
Many thanks for all,
- Cynthia B., Alexandria, Virginia
Just wanted to let you know that Darlene, Cheryl and I had a great time in France. Thanks for all your arrangements and hard work. It certainly made a difference!
With all your advice, we did not feel like Aliens in a new country.
The folks at the hotel were helpful and friendly.
Marguerite
was a real treat and she had booked another group of Australians with us. It
was great fun.
Brought back my memories of all the Aussies I know from living in Asia.
Barbara did an interesting Paris walking tour, for sure.
The restaurant suggestions were really helpful. We went on our own for a day or two and it wasn't very good so, we consulted your list and had a much better experience.
Wishing you success as you arrange for other visitors to France.
- Susan F., St. Charles, Illinois
Hi
there,
I wanted to let you know how much we enjoyed our France excursion. Martine was wonderful and we had a very good 'Canadian' D-Day/Normandy experience. We also did other things as well and the only thing I goofed on was that I didn't know that the Louvre is closed on Tuesdays and had saved that excursion for Paris day 2. So I guess that means I'll have to go back some day! The hotel in Paris, by the way, was very nicely appointed and quiet and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it so someone looking for that type of experience. The staff were very accommodating and we found the Parisians quite friendly, despite their well-known reputation to the contrary. The hotel was in easy walking distance of Les Invalides and the Eiffel tower, and more of a hike to the Champs Elysées but we accomplished that in a brisk 20 minute walk. Once again thanks for all of your hard work.
- Sheryl M., Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Thanks so much for sending us that picture! Martine printed it and gave it to us on the day of our tour! Thanks again for planning such a wonderful honeymoon for us. We will remember it for a lifetime!
- Jacqui & Jim D., San Francisco
We
certainly did have a great time with Martine. We all clicked. Brian
(as were Winnie and I) was very satisfied with her tour and it filled in
many of the blanks spots we had after our considerable reading about the
events. It was full day…a lot of laughs and serious conversation about the
background and events of D-Day. I am so glad that you were able to direct us
to her. Many thanks again from all three of us. We trust you will
continue to be able to serve many more who want to make France their port of
call.
- Chuck C., Lake Zurich, Illinois
From a travel agent:
Hi Sue, I cannot thank you enough for the wonderful handling of Bill and Alice. I spoke to Alice when they arrived home and they could not have been more thankful. They said they were treated like royalty and you made an almost impossible trip, not only possible, but wonderful and the best experience of their lives. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I will definitely contact you whenever I have a France sale.
- Tracey, Dickson City, Pennsylvania
Good
Morning Sue,
Paris is my new #1 city!! Barbara was absolutely incredible! She offered to give us an evening tour of the city which I would say was the highlight.
- Kirk N., Atlanta, Georgia
Hi Sue,
It only seems right to wish you and your family a VERY happy Bastille Day! Tomorrow at dinner Nancy and I will open our bottle of Normandy cider, raise our glasses and say “Vive La Sue!" and then “Vive La France!” and remember all the wonderful things you arranged for us this past May. Thanks again for everything.
- David B., Arlington, Virginia
Sue,
Thanks for the wonderful CD of pictures. You really got some great shots. You are quite skilled with the camera! We have really enjoyed looking at them and remembering the trip. You are a wonderful tour guide. So enthusiastic, helpful, full of ideas, willing to listen to us all. You took a group of fairly diverse people with all sorts of interests and made us a "group". It was a very memorable vacation and we thank you.
- Mary Lou S., Westfield, NJ
Dear Sue
Thank you for your xmas wishes. I can't remember if I wrote to you on our return. I meant to but you know how time gets away from us! In case I forgot, our day at the Normandy beaches was just brilliant. Phillippe was wonderful and it was a special highlight of our trip. Our son, Bill whose birthday we were celebrating, wrote an article about it for his school magazine and it is obvious how big an impression it made on him. Even our girls who were not so keen on the idea just loved it and Phillippe kept them fascinated with all his stories. All in all one of the best family days we have spent-Thank you so much.
Best regards and Merry Xmas
- Kerry S., Australia