bonjour
Dans mon périple aux USA , je vais rester 4 jours à San José en mai 2015
J'aime les grandes espaces, les parcs nationaux, la nature, comme il y en a aux USA
Que me suggérez vous?
Merci
Annie
Original post
Visites des environs de San Jose en Californie en 4 jours
by Nguyenan01
This discussion is in French, the community’s main language.
Hello
Si tu as une voiture, tu peux faire un saut au parc de Yosemite en passant au moins une nuit sur place.
Si tu as une voiture, tu peux faire un saut au parc de Yosemite en passant au moins une nuit sur place.
Si vous pouvez dormir ailleurs, vous pouvez aller a Yosemite, ou alors aller a Monterey, puis prendre la route 1 pour San Luis Obispo par Big Sur, puis retour.
Si vous devez rester a San Jose chaque nuit, vous pouvez aller a: - San Francisco (prenez le Caltrain pour y aller, car la circulation dans la region est tres dense) - Santa Cruz - Monterey (aquarium) - aller a Pinnacles National - Big Basin State Park pour les Redwoodsl Parc.
Si vous devez rester a San Jose chaque nuit, vous pouvez aller a: - San Francisco (prenez le Caltrain pour y aller, car la circulation dans la region est tres dense) - Santa Cruz - Monterey (aquarium) - aller a Pinnacles National - Big Basin State Park pour les Redwoodsl Parc.
Merci beaucoup pour vos suggestions.
En fait je suis logée chez des amis à Walnut Creek, pas loin de San José. Mes amis ont une voiture et me promènent
J'ai déjà visité Yosemete et les séquoias l'année dernière (3 jours et 2 nuits, je confirme , c'est grandiose). Je connais bien San Francisco et Monterey
Par contre je note Pinnacles National.
Le big basin State Park : qu'y a t il comme paysage?
En fait je suis logée chez des amis à Walnut Creek, pas loin de San José. Mes amis ont une voiture et me promènent
J'ai déjà visité Yosemete et les séquoias l'année dernière (3 jours et 2 nuits, je confirme , c'est grandiose). Je connais bien San Francisco et Monterey
Par contre je note Pinnacles National.
Le big basin State Park : qu'y a t il comme paysage?
Bonsoir Nguyennan01
Walnut Creek n'est pas pres de San Jose, je dirai au moins 50 Kms. Mais un peu au Nord East de SF.
Vous beaucoup plus pres de San Farncisco et le BART (Metro) vous amene directement au centre de SF.
San Jose est au Sud de San Francisco😎
Je peux vous donner des info sur SF
Cordialement
Alex
http://durandale2.blogspot.com/
How heavy do I journey on the way,
When what I seek (my weary travel’s end)
Shakespeare sonnet 50, vers 1- 2.
Merci Alex pour la précision, je n'ai pas le sens de l'orientation
Je connais bien San Francisco déjà, j'y ai habité 2 ans en 1991 et retournée visiter en 2008. Je vois que vous y habitez actuellement?
Je voudrais faire autre chose cette fois ci
Annie
Je connais bien San Francisco déjà, j'y ai habité 2 ans en 1991 et retournée visiter en 2008. Je vois que vous y habitez actuellement?
Je voudrais faire autre chose cette fois ci
Annie
Bonjour,
Voilà mes souvenirs d'expérience "d'escapades à la journée", au départ de San Jose. J'étais basée à San Jose Sud (Santa Teresa), ce qui change peut-être la donne par rapport à Walnut Creek : j'imagine que tu devras composer avec la circulation autour de la Baie, et à mon sens, tu peux aussi regarder ce qui se passe au nord de San Francisco (je n'ai pas de tuyaux pour tout le côté est / nord-est, mais je suis sûre que tu peux trouver des pistes avec Internet).
> Big Basin (http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=540) : c'est une forêt où on trouve encore des sequoias de type Redwoods. Le parc monte de la côte (en gros au niveau du petit parc d'Año Nuevo / Waddell Creek) jusqu'aux crêtes qui surplombent Saratoga. Jolies balades / rando à faire. C'est moins peuplé que Muir Woods. >> Dans le même coin, côté côte, selon la saison : ça peut valoir le coup de visiter Año Nuevo (http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=523) (se renseigner : le parc est peu accessible à la période où les éléphants de mer mettent bas, de mémoire, en fin d'hiver / printemps). >> De l'autre côté de la crête, côté San Jose à Saratoga, tu as les jardins Hakone (jardins japonais) (http://www.hakone.com/main.html). Là aussi, plus ou moins intéressant selon la saison (floraison des rhododendrons, des hortensias, ou autres). >> Et j'étais aussi allée me baladée dans le Sanborn County Park.
> Il m'était arrivé de faire l'aller-retour pour Point Reyes (http://www.nps.gov/pore/index.htm). Ca fait un peu de route, mais en partant tôt et rentrant tard, tu pourras en avoir un aperçu. Idem pour les vallées de Napa ou Sonoma. Prévoir de passer San Francisco en dehors des heures de pointe.
> Monterey était une de mes destinations de prédilection... et j'y repasse dès que j'ai l'occasion quand je suis par là. Et donc, je suppose que tu connais aussi le State Park de Point Lobos, juste au sud de Monterey (http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=571). Sinon, ça vaut le coup d'y passer une demie journée.
> Santa Cruz... pas forcément pour la randonnée, mais j'aime bien l'ambiance de cette petite ville... et je passais des heures dans les librairies d'occasion.
> Pinnacles, déjà cité, en effet (http://www.nps.gov/pinn/index.htm).
Ca te fait déjà de quoi meubler un peu le temps libre pendant ton séjour. Pour ma part, j'aime bien revisiter les coins que j'aime bien... donc dans l'hypothèse où j'aurais quatre jours "à tuer" autour de San Jose, j'irais probablement de nouveau flâner à San Francisco (la ville a bien bougé depuis mes dernières visites approfondies) et du côté de Sausalito ou Berkeley... Mais ça, c'est moi !
Trois liens complémentaires : > Le site du NPS pour les parcs et monuments nationaux (partie Californie) : http://www.nps.gov/state/ca/index.htm > Les State Parks de Californie - il y a quelques petits bijoux : http://www.parks.ca.gov/ParkIndex > Les County Parks du Santa Clara county (qui couvre donc San Jose - mais ne va pas jusqu'à Walnut Creek !) : http://www.sccgov.org/sites/parks/parkfinder/Pages/parkfinder.aspx
Christine
Voilà mes souvenirs d'expérience "d'escapades à la journée", au départ de San Jose. J'étais basée à San Jose Sud (Santa Teresa), ce qui change peut-être la donne par rapport à Walnut Creek : j'imagine que tu devras composer avec la circulation autour de la Baie, et à mon sens, tu peux aussi regarder ce qui se passe au nord de San Francisco (je n'ai pas de tuyaux pour tout le côté est / nord-est, mais je suis sûre que tu peux trouver des pistes avec Internet).
> Big Basin (http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=540) : c'est une forêt où on trouve encore des sequoias de type Redwoods. Le parc monte de la côte (en gros au niveau du petit parc d'Año Nuevo / Waddell Creek) jusqu'aux crêtes qui surplombent Saratoga. Jolies balades / rando à faire. C'est moins peuplé que Muir Woods. >> Dans le même coin, côté côte, selon la saison : ça peut valoir le coup de visiter Año Nuevo (http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=523) (se renseigner : le parc est peu accessible à la période où les éléphants de mer mettent bas, de mémoire, en fin d'hiver / printemps). >> De l'autre côté de la crête, côté San Jose à Saratoga, tu as les jardins Hakone (jardins japonais) (http://www.hakone.com/main.html). Là aussi, plus ou moins intéressant selon la saison (floraison des rhododendrons, des hortensias, ou autres). >> Et j'étais aussi allée me baladée dans le Sanborn County Park.
> Il m'était arrivé de faire l'aller-retour pour Point Reyes (http://www.nps.gov/pore/index.htm). Ca fait un peu de route, mais en partant tôt et rentrant tard, tu pourras en avoir un aperçu. Idem pour les vallées de Napa ou Sonoma. Prévoir de passer San Francisco en dehors des heures de pointe.
> Monterey était une de mes destinations de prédilection... et j'y repasse dès que j'ai l'occasion quand je suis par là. Et donc, je suppose que tu connais aussi le State Park de Point Lobos, juste au sud de Monterey (http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=571). Sinon, ça vaut le coup d'y passer une demie journée.
> Santa Cruz... pas forcément pour la randonnée, mais j'aime bien l'ambiance de cette petite ville... et je passais des heures dans les librairies d'occasion.
> Pinnacles, déjà cité, en effet (http://www.nps.gov/pinn/index.htm).
Ca te fait déjà de quoi meubler un peu le temps libre pendant ton séjour. Pour ma part, j'aime bien revisiter les coins que j'aime bien... donc dans l'hypothèse où j'aurais quatre jours "à tuer" autour de San Jose, j'irais probablement de nouveau flâner à San Francisco (la ville a bien bougé depuis mes dernières visites approfondies) et du côté de Sausalito ou Berkeley... Mais ça, c'est moi !
Trois liens complémentaires : > Le site du NPS pour les parcs et monuments nationaux (partie Californie) : http://www.nps.gov/state/ca/index.htm > Les State Parks de Californie - il y a quelques petits bijoux : http://www.parks.ca.gov/ParkIndex > Les County Parks du Santa Clara county (qui couvre donc San Jose - mais ne va pas jusqu'à Walnut Creek !) : http://www.sccgov.org/sites/parks/parkfinder/Pages/parkfinder.aspx
Christine
- http://kinouworld.free.fr
- http://kinouworlds.blogspot.fr/ : Californie-Oregon 2014 / Southwest Loop 2016 / Four Corners 2018 et plus encore
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Fort Stockton for an overnight stop.
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Tucson and the Pima Air & Space Museum: Tombstone, Bisbee.
Phoenix:
Still working on the program.
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Has anyone been there, or do you have another hike to suggest?
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There are several attractions along the way: - Mormon Rocks - Desert Discovery Center and visit the Old Woman meteorite - Joshua Tree National Park - Mojave Desert - Mojave National Preserve - Anza-Borrego Desert State Park - Silverwood Lake
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I’d love for her to experience the desert with an itinerary adapted to her condition. I’m also open to other points of interest that aren’t mentioned. We have 3-4 days for the trip, so we’re not in a rush—just want to explore.
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**Viewpoints on the East Side:** Are most of the viewpoints (Balancing Rock, Granite Cave, Bonsai Rock, etc.) right by the road, or do you have to hike to reach them?
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**Parking:** We’d like to walk to Eagle Falls and then Eagle Lake. I’ve spotted two parking lots that seem close to each other and give access to the trailhead. Where and how do we pay for entry to Emerald Bay State Park and Inspiration Point?
**Viewpoints on the East Side:** Are most of the viewpoints (Balancing Rock, Granite Cave, Bonsai Rock, etc.) right by the road, or do you have to hike to reach them?
**Donner Memorial State Park:** Is it worth making a detour to Truckee to visit this park and the Truckee historic downtown?
Thanks in advance for your tips! 🙂
Hi there. I'm shocked by the price of the Upper Antelope Canyon tour—$175 for less than an hour… You might say, "if you can’t afford it…" But the real question is whether it’s really worth it, because $350 for two makes me feel like I’m getting ripped off. For those who’ve done both Lower and Upper, can you tell me if the price difference is really justified? Thanks
Hi everyone! 🙂
As you can see, we're heading back from September 6th to the 27th.
Everything’s booked for September—flights, accommodations, and the car. As I plan, I’ll be asking the experts for help. This is our second trip to California, but most of the stops are new to us.
We’ll start directly from San Francisco to our first overnight stop, Davis, before heading to Lassen Volcanic Park for 4 nights. Our flight lands at 12:50 PM.
Here’s our itinerary: Day 1: Davis – overnight stop Day 2: Red Bluff – exploring Lassen Volcanic Park (scenic drive to Lake Helen) Day 3: Susanville – scenic drive through the park via the South Entrance, points of interest, and hikes Day 4: Susanville – Cinder Cone and Painted Dunes hike Day 5: Susanville – Warner Valley (hikes) Day 6: South Lake Tahoe Day 7: South Lake Tahoe Day 8: Mammoth Lake Day 9: Mammoth Lake Day 10: El Portal via Tioga Road Day 11: El Portal Day 12: El Portal Day 13: Oakhurst Day 14: Miramonte Day 15: Three Rivers Day 16: Three Rivers Day 17: Coalinga Day 18: Monterey Day 19: Monterey Day 20: San Francisco Day 21: San Francisco Day 22: Departure
For hikes in Lassen Volcanic Park, I’ve planned: Bumpass Hell, Cold Boiling Lake (Day 2) Paradise Meadow (maybe not going all the way), Devastated Area, and the loop around Reflection and Manzanita Lakes (Day 3) Cinder Cone and Painted Dunes (Day 4) Devil’s Kitchen and Boiling Spring Lake (Day 5)
I’ve read there are trails to access the trailheads for Cinder Cone (11 km) and Warner Valley. Are these easy trails for an SUV? Are there any other must-see spots or things we shouldn’t miss?
That’s where I’m at for now. Thanks for your replies, and have a great evening! Marcalamar 🙂
Here’s our itinerary: Day 1: Davis – overnight stop Day 2: Red Bluff – exploring Lassen Volcanic Park (scenic drive to Lake Helen) Day 3: Susanville – scenic drive through the park via the South Entrance, points of interest, and hikes Day 4: Susanville – Cinder Cone and Painted Dunes hike Day 5: Susanville – Warner Valley (hikes) Day 6: South Lake Tahoe Day 7: South Lake Tahoe Day 8: Mammoth Lake Day 9: Mammoth Lake Day 10: El Portal via Tioga Road Day 11: El Portal Day 12: El Portal Day 13: Oakhurst Day 14: Miramonte Day 15: Three Rivers Day 16: Three Rivers Day 17: Coalinga Day 18: Monterey Day 19: Monterey Day 20: San Francisco Day 21: San Francisco Day 22: Departure
For hikes in Lassen Volcanic Park, I’ve planned: Bumpass Hell, Cold Boiling Lake (Day 2) Paradise Meadow (maybe not going all the way), Devastated Area, and the loop around Reflection and Manzanita Lakes (Day 3) Cinder Cone and Painted Dunes (Day 4) Devil’s Kitchen and Boiling Spring Lake (Day 5)
I’ve read there are trails to access the trailheads for Cinder Cone (11 km) and Warner Valley. Are these easy trails for an SUV? Are there any other must-see spots or things we shouldn’t miss?
That’s where I’m at for now. Thanks for your replies, and have a great evening! Marcalamar 🙂
Here's a tip for future visitors!
https://www.foxnews.com/travel/3-national-parks-slash-red-tape-americans-boldly-transforming-visitor-entry
https://www.foxnews.com/travel/3-national-parks-slash-red-tape-americans-boldly-transforming-visitor-entry
Hi everyone,
I’m a total USA addict. I’ve already done several road trips, including the East Coast and West Coast. I’m here today because I’m planning to go back for another road trip on the West Coast. Possibly with one of my sisters and a couple of friends. It’s still just a plan for now, but I’m working on an itinerary in the meantime. Ideally, I’d leave in 2026, but I don’t have the exact dates yet—maybe April-May or September-October. My last trip to the West Coast was in September 2014. We went for 2 weeks, but this time it’d be 3 weeks. What made me want to go back was simply a colleague who just left today. As I’m writing this, he’s on the plane. I’m so happy for him, but now all I can think about is going back.
Since I recently went to NY, I noticed that prices have really gone up. I assume the same is true for the West Coast? For 2 people over 3 weeks, what budget should I expect? We’re the type to watch our spending and find great tips. I think we’ll arrive in San Francisco like the first time and leave from either Los Angeles or Las Vegas.
Thanks to everyone for your advice and help.
I’m a total USA addict. I’ve already done several road trips, including the East Coast and West Coast. I’m here today because I’m planning to go back for another road trip on the West Coast. Possibly with one of my sisters and a couple of friends. It’s still just a plan for now, but I’m working on an itinerary in the meantime. Ideally, I’d leave in 2026, but I don’t have the exact dates yet—maybe April-May or September-October. My last trip to the West Coast was in September 2014. We went for 2 weeks, but this time it’d be 3 weeks. What made me want to go back was simply a colleague who just left today. As I’m writing this, he’s on the plane. I’m so happy for him, but now all I can think about is going back.
Since I recently went to NY, I noticed that prices have really gone up. I assume the same is true for the West Coast? For 2 people over 3 weeks, what budget should I expect? We’re the type to watch our spending and find great tips. I think we’ll arrive in San Francisco like the first time and leave from either Los Angeles or Las Vegas.
Thanks to everyone for your advice and help.
Thanks for advising me on the booking—should I reserve a room in the hotel or go for a cabin for the best view?
Should I get breakfast or not?
What do you think of the restaurant?
Hello, if the off-the-beaten-path enthusiasts are still around 😉, I’d love some info on tackling these trails. I’m not super familiar with the rules, risks, or what to expect—I’m looking for firsthand experience from folks who’ve done it on their own once or multiple times.
Hi everyone!
I’m planning a week-long family trip to NYC in October 2026. The focus is on museums and soaking up the New York vibe. I’ve been checking Airbnb, but the prices in Manhattan are through the roof. Since I don’t know NYC well, is it "wise" to look outside Manhattan? Any neighborhoods you’d recommend?
Hello,
After our first trip to the West, we’d love to go back to see other must-see spots!
The stay would be from May 11 to 20, 2026—it’s short, but hey...
M11: Lyon to Las Vegas (overnight in Vegas) T12: Route 66 – overnight in Grand Canyon (GC) W13: Visit GC – overnight in Page Th14: Visit Antelope Canyon / Horseshoe Bend – overnight in Monument Valley (MV) F15: Visit MV – overnight in Moab Sa16: Visit Arches / Dead Horse Point – overnight in Bryce Su17: Visit Bryce – overnight in Zion M18: Visit Zion / Valley of Fire – overnight in Vegas Tu19: Return flight
What do you think? Could we add one more night somewhere? We’re not big hikers, so we’ll mostly explore the parks using shuttles.
Also, we’re all set—passports are good. Do you think one classic Visa card and one premium Visa card will be enough for coverage?
Thanks so much for your feedback, and happy holidays!
Christophe
After our first trip to the West, we’d love to go back to see other must-see spots!
The stay would be from May 11 to 20, 2026—it’s short, but hey...
M11: Lyon to Las Vegas (overnight in Vegas) T12: Route 66 – overnight in Grand Canyon (GC) W13: Visit GC – overnight in Page Th14: Visit Antelope Canyon / Horseshoe Bend – overnight in Monument Valley (MV) F15: Visit MV – overnight in Moab Sa16: Visit Arches / Dead Horse Point – overnight in Bryce Su17: Visit Bryce – overnight in Zion M18: Visit Zion / Valley of Fire – overnight in Vegas Tu19: Return flight
What do you think? Could we add one more night somewhere? We’re not big hikers, so we’ll mostly explore the parks using shuttles.
Also, we’re all set—passports are good. Do you think one classic Visa card and one premium Visa card will be enough for coverage?
Thanks so much for your feedback, and happy holidays!
Christophe
Hi North America forum crew,
Just a little post that might interest some of you:
Travelers to the United States | Photo Now Mandatory Upon Entry and Exit | La Presse
Hi everyone.
I assume many of you already know, but the America the Beautiful annual pass, which was $80, will increase to $250 starting January 1, 2026.
So if you're planning to travel before the end of December 2026, it's in your best interest to buy your pass in December 2025, since it will still cost $80 and be valid until the end of December 2026 if you purchase it in December 2025.
This price increase only applies to non-U.S. residents.
Additionally, for those who planned to visit just one park, a $100 surcharge per person will apply to access a list of 11 national parks... For example, if there are 4 of you in a car, you’ll have to pay $35 + $400, which comes to $435 to visit one of the 11 parks on the list (I don’t have all of them... Bryce, Zion, Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Grand Teton, etc.). Total madness.
The goal is to push people who only visit one park into buying the annual pass.
Last point: free entry days are over for non-residents!
That’s all for now.
I assume many of you already know, but the America the Beautiful annual pass, which was $80, will increase to $250 starting January 1, 2026.
So if you're planning to travel before the end of December 2026, it's in your best interest to buy your pass in December 2025, since it will still cost $80 and be valid until the end of December 2026 if you purchase it in December 2025.
This price increase only applies to non-U.S. residents.
Additionally, for those who planned to visit just one park, a $100 surcharge per person will apply to access a list of 11 national parks... For example, if there are 4 of you in a car, you’ll have to pay $35 + $400, which comes to $435 to visit one of the 11 parks on the list (I don’t have all of them... Bryce, Zion, Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Grand Teton, etc.). Total madness.
The goal is to push people who only visit one park into buying the annual pass.
Last point: free entry days are over for non-residents!
That’s all for now.
Hi everyone, I’m traveling to Los Angeles and would like to rent a vehicle at the airport. However, I have a Boursobank Ultim deferred debit card, so I’d love to know if it’s possible for those who’ve experienced this recently. Thanks for the info!
Hi VF community,
I’m planning a week in S.F. in April 2026 and I can’t figure out how to tell the cable cars—of which I understand there are three lines—apart from the trams, which I think number seven. I can’t find their individual numbers or routes anywhere.
Could someone shed some light on this for me? Thanks in advance.
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a wonderful 2026 full of amazing travels. Cheers, Régine
I’m planning a week in S.F. in April 2026 and I can’t figure out how to tell the cable cars—of which I understand there are three lines—apart from the trams, which I think number seven. I can’t find their individual numbers or routes anywhere.
Could someone shed some light on this for me? Thanks in advance.
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a wonderful 2026 full of amazing travels. Cheers, Régine
Hi,
I’m planning a road trip through the American national parks starting from Denver in June 2026.
The price of the pass is jumping from 80 € to 250 € on January 1st, 2026!!!
Is it possible to buy the pass online before the end of the year to lock in the 80 € rate? If so, where and how do I go about it?
Thanks for your tips.
Arnale
Hi there,
I’m planning a road trip for July 2026 in northern Florida. Could you let me know if my itinerary makes sense? Day 1: Orlando Day 2: Amelia Island Day 3: Amelia Island Day 4: Tallahassee Day 5: Panama City Beach Day 6: Panama City Beach (visit to Destin) Day 7: Crystal River (stop in Cedar Key on the way) Day 8: Crystal River Day 9: Anna Maria (stop in Clearwater) Day 10: Anna Maria (St. Pete) Day 11: Anna Maria Day 12: Orlando Day 13: Orlando Day 14: Orlando Day 15: Departure
Thanks in advance for your tips!
I’m planning a road trip for July 2026 in northern Florida. Could you let me know if my itinerary makes sense? Day 1: Orlando Day 2: Amelia Island Day 3: Amelia Island Day 4: Tallahassee Day 5: Panama City Beach Day 6: Panama City Beach (visit to Destin) Day 7: Crystal River (stop in Cedar Key on the way) Day 8: Crystal River Day 9: Anna Maria (stop in Clearwater) Day 10: Anna Maria (St. Pete) Day 11: Anna Maria Day 12: Orlando Day 13: Orlando Day 14: Orlando Day 15: Departure
Thanks in advance for your tips!
Hey everyone!
We just finished 9 days in the American West and wanted to share our experience because we had an amazing time.
I know some of you might ask, why use an agency? Honestly, we didn’t really feel like doing all the driving and planning, especially since we didn’t know the area at all. And since our English isn’t great, having French-speaking guides was a big comfort.
We found Emmanuelle and Isabelle, and wow, they were fantastic. It was just the two of us with them, so it was a truly VIP, ultra-personalized experience. They treated us like royalty from start to finish. These two live in Las Vegas and know the region like the back of their hand. They told us they’ve spent over 15 years exploring every corner of the American West, and it really shows. Their knowledge of geology, park history, and local anecdotes is just impressive. It’s nothing like someone reciting a memorized script. They answer all your questions and really adapt to what you want to see or do.
What we really loved: the vehicle was super comfortable, and the little details made a difference—like snacks and even a homemade cake! Though, to be fair, we devoured the cake right away, so that counts.
Since they know the sites inside out, they took us at the right times to avoid crowds. So we could enjoy peaceful picnics at Grand Canyon viewpoints without being packed in with 200 people. Plus, on top of the must-see spots, they showed us some hidden gems that were absolutely stunning—places we never would’ve found on our own. They’re true locals who know all the best tips.
The service was really personalized. They adapted to our pace and preferences, and we could stop whenever we wanted to take photos. It’s the luxury of being in a small private group—you’re not just a number on a big bus. In short, we really felt like we were traveling with friends rather than professional guides. Everything’s included in the price (hotel pickup, meals, park entries, etc.), so the value for money is fair.
We loved it so much that we’re already planning to come back next year to explore other areas with them. I think we’ve caught the American West bug—it’s all we can think about, and we can’t wait to return.
If you’re looking for a French-speaking tour with real personalized service and guides who know the region like no one else, we highly recommend them. We had unforgettable moments. They also design road trips for those who don’t want a guide. And they handled our hotel reservations in Las Vegas too. If you want genuine advice from friendly locals, we’re giving them a 200% recommendation!
We just finished 9 days in the American West and wanted to share our experience because we had an amazing time.
I know some of you might ask, why use an agency? Honestly, we didn’t really feel like doing all the driving and planning, especially since we didn’t know the area at all. And since our English isn’t great, having French-speaking guides was a big comfort.
We found Emmanuelle and Isabelle, and wow, they were fantastic. It was just the two of us with them, so it was a truly VIP, ultra-personalized experience. They treated us like royalty from start to finish. These two live in Las Vegas and know the region like the back of their hand. They told us they’ve spent over 15 years exploring every corner of the American West, and it really shows. Their knowledge of geology, park history, and local anecdotes is just impressive. It’s nothing like someone reciting a memorized script. They answer all your questions and really adapt to what you want to see or do.
What we really loved: the vehicle was super comfortable, and the little details made a difference—like snacks and even a homemade cake! Though, to be fair, we devoured the cake right away, so that counts.
Since they know the sites inside out, they took us at the right times to avoid crowds. So we could enjoy peaceful picnics at Grand Canyon viewpoints without being packed in with 200 people. Plus, on top of the must-see spots, they showed us some hidden gems that were absolutely stunning—places we never would’ve found on our own. They’re true locals who know all the best tips.
The service was really personalized. They adapted to our pace and preferences, and we could stop whenever we wanted to take photos. It’s the luxury of being in a small private group—you’re not just a number on a big bus. In short, we really felt like we were traveling with friends rather than professional guides. Everything’s included in the price (hotel pickup, meals, park entries, etc.), so the value for money is fair.
We loved it so much that we’re already planning to come back next year to explore other areas with them. I think we’ve caught the American West bug—it’s all we can think about, and we can’t wait to return.
If you’re looking for a French-speaking tour with real personalized service and guides who know the region like no one else, we highly recommend them. We had unforgettable moments. They also design road trips for those who don’t want a guide. And they handled our hotel reservations in Las Vegas too. If you want genuine advice from friendly locals, we’re giving them a 200% recommendation!