Discover France
Beyond the Guidebooks
Petit Détour is for travelers who crave inspiration and guidance to venture beyond the usual tourist trail. If you’re like me, you love adventure but also appreciate insider tips to uncover those hidden gems and authentic experiences. You also know how overwhelming and time-consuming it can be to piece everything together on your own.
As an American who has lived in France for the past 10 years, I’m passionate about sharing the insider knowledge I’ve gathered. My self-guided road trip itineraries and custom tours are designed to help you experience a deeper side of France: wandering through stunning landscapes and tucked-away villages, savoring regional cuisines, staying in unique accommodations, and immersing yourself in French culture while supporting local artisans and businesses.
If you’ve ever dreamed of discovering France off the beaten path, you’re in the right place.
Experience a deeper side of France
Take the Roads Less Traveled
Venture Beyond Paris
Perhaps you’re traveling to Paris but dream of venturing beyond the city limits and exploring offbeat areas rich with culture, charming architecture, delicious foods, and stunning natural settings. The Southwest of France has so many and secret spots to discover and immerse yourself and I’m happy to help you find jus where to go!
Travel Tips
Traveling off the beaten path in France can surely be a little intimidating. Through my own mistakes, I’ve gathered a wealth of information to make your journey exciting and stress-free. From the best times of year to travel, to useful driving tips, even how to place an order at the boulangerie, I’ve got plenty of info to share.
Travel Consultations
As an American expat in France for over 10 years, I’ve uncovered unique hidden gems unknown to most tourists—from visiting quaint hidden villages to exploring ancient ruins on hilltops and tasting the most incredible wines and cheeses purchased directly from the producers. Let me help you experience an authentic journey in France just beyond Paris.
A Bit About Me
I’m an American expat who has called France home for the past 10 years. After many years in a bustling city, my French husband and I recently settled in the countryside of the Tarn, in the Southwest of France. We were drawn not only to its breathtaking landscapes but also to the vibrant community of artisans that make this region so special.
I love uncovering hidden corners and sharing them with others—those little-known spots that reveal France’s beauty and cultural richness. I create custom road trip guides for travelers who want to take the scenic detours, step off the tourist trail, and discover a France full of charm, character, and delightful surprises.
Get Inspired
Haut-Languedoc
We’d never heard of the Orb Valley but while researching new areas, the images stopped us in our tracks. The region is blanketed in vineyards and olive groves, has stunning blue-green swimming holes, villages perched on hilltops with crumbling chateaux, excellent dining options and fresh produce markets galore.
Pays Basque
If wild nature, charming villages, seaside and mountains calls your name, then the Basque Country is the ideal place to go. Bordering Spain on the Atlantic coast, this region has a particular Spanish influence and feels completely different from most other parts of France. But it has it all from incredible food, culture and landscapes!
Normandy
Only a couple hours north of Paris by car or train, you can find delightful towns with fantastic architecture, turquoise water beaches, hiking trails along the rugged coastline and endless landmarks with fascinating history. And don’t forget the best part… tasting all of the amazing butter and cheeses!
Happy Clients
“Megan and JP provided us with the most amazing week in France! Including but not limited to the perfect picnic spot next a slow moving river under a CASTLE, an excursion to a tiny island with no cars where we picked fresh oysters and stayed in a picturesque cottage by the sea, a bike ride thru the amazing city of Nantes, great live music spots, and over and over again tips to find UNBELIEVABLE food. If you want to get out of the tourist traps look no further—Megan and JP have got the INSIDE SCOOP. I cannot recommend them highly enough!
We can’t wait to go back.”
—Chase and Tate