Wandering away from the holiday season for a while and thinking aloud about a project I have for next summer. I'd love to have some input please.
I'm thinking of offering brocante tours here in Spring and Summer 2011. Along the lines of long weekends including brocantes, good food and wine, private château and garden visits, country walks, possibly a trip to Giverny. Never straying further than an hour away from our valley. Accommodation either in our cottage or in nearby B&B's in friends' châteaux or country homes.
Of course there are companies out there offering this sort of thing already. Mine would be low key, small groups, never more than I can drive around in a large car. Personalised and pampered.
I know I can always count on you for an honest opinion and loads of good ideas, so tell me, what do you think I should be offering?
Thank you so much for your help.
Posts
Go for it! Sign me up! However, as I would be coming from the USA, a weekend would be too short of a time to fly all the way there. Is a week a possibility? I read your blog every day. Please keep us posted.
ReplyDeleteI think it is a fabulous idea. I would keep it to samll shops and flea markets and restaurants. I met a designer who does that on a larger scale (Kimberley Seldon Design). She mentioned that to do this she had to get a licence as a travel agent wven though she did not book their travel to France.
ReplyDeleteWhat's not to like. A great plan. Would extend to at least a week. Could include a shopping spree in Paris.
ReplyDeleteWonderful idea. Keep us all updated to the timing.
ReplyDeleteFabulous idea....keep it simple...like you've planned. People get more out of that. Let us know when....K
ReplyDeleteI think the long weekend is the best. People who come from afar can go on to somewhere else for the rest of the week to add variety and see brocantes in other areas. If you know of someone like you in Provence or the Dordogne you could send people down to do similar in their region.
ReplyDeleteI think it would be hard work having visitors by the week especially if you didn't get on! What you're suggesting sounds a lovely idea.
I think a long weekend would be perfect since people from the USA wouldn't want to be tied up for a week. It's a lot to take on though are you sure you're up for it Sharon? Keep in mind you'll be responsible for others happiness...like foot massages, I could use one now....lol.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion you should try first to offer one-day-trips with good food and wine.
ReplyDeleteI really would like to come and do a trip with you!
Salut!
*Tasiaa
Oh Yes!!!! Sharon you're such a wonderful host.
ReplyDeleteI have had such a great time in your cottage...
You can surely sign me up again...
Hugs
Erna
Das hört sich ja toll an! Eine wunderbare Idee!
ReplyDeleteGanz viele liebe Grüße, Yvonne
I think it is a good idea, but agree with those that a few days is too far to make the trip for some. On the other hand, more than a few days would be hard on you. I am sure you could work something out to make it work. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteI think it's a great idea. And it could be just a part of someone's vacation in France. I know that I'd be interested for a weekend, or even a day, and then be off exploring on my own.
ReplyDeleteI think it's fabulous and the long weekend is just perfect! Good Luck! xxoo :)
ReplyDeleteSo you're going to do it! Good for you!
ReplyDeleteMaybe offer several options- a long weekend or a week. How many can you offer accomodations to at one time? Are there close-by hotel or b&b options as well?
I am excited!
-Ann
I think you have just described a version of heaven on earth. It's perfect, just as you planned. For those that want more they could book 2 back to back weekends and spend the mid week back in Paris or traveling about on their own. We just bought an apt in Paris that we will be remodeling(completely new kitchen install and bumping up a mezzanine level) starting in February, so I may need to book you privately before then. The fleas in Paris are too expensive and I hear the country Brocantes are the way to go. Also, still want a country home in Normandy...someday... but I can only handle one international project at a time. Hope your holiday season is filled with much joy, happiness and blessings overflowing.
ReplyDelete~jermaine
It sounds perfect! I'd love to do a tour with you one day :)
ReplyDeleteWell I think it will be a brilliant idea, how many times do you follow a guide book saying that there is a brocante fair on a certain day only to find that there isn't one - so frustrating - it would be lovely for someone who knew where they were to organise tours. Go for it!!
ReplyDeleteJillxx
Great idea, a weekend would be perfect just to do brocante tours, then people can go on their merry and do whatever they want on their holiday. We only came across one antiques market while on our quick tour of France several years ago. My sister was on the lookout for quilting fabrics for a friend but we didn't see any of those, or in fact any craft market at all. You have to know where to look obviously.
ReplyDeleteJust happened onto your blog and I think it sounds pretty dreamy. What a wonderful holiday it would be.
ReplyDeleteDebbie
Hello Sharon.
ReplyDeleteI am very much interested in your new venture. please keep me update.
Julie xx
I've been waiting for you to do this!!!
ReplyDeleteYou are the consummate hostess and I cannot imagine a better offer ever!!
I think for me it would be the trip of a lifetime, being with you, intimately in your world.
You are already a treasure to me and I can't imagine finally meeting you and hanging out in your world which looks like paradise to me :)
I need to start selling a lot of treasures and saving every penny because... I'M ALL IN!!!!!!!!!
xx
Your idea sounds wonderful. I have always wanted to go on just such a trip. I look forward to hearing more about your plans. I am a great fan of your blog,it never ceases to transport me away from this cold winter in Canada.
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