What is the TripUSAFrance Tour Difference? Founder Julia Shares Her Story

Julia Girard-Gervois leads TripUSAFrance, a boutique travel agency she founded in 2015 alongside her parents in France. Their vision is simple: invite guests to discover southern France as locals do, with warmth and genuine connection. From April through September, they run tours in Normandy and Southern France. The TripUSAFrance tour group sizes are small to foster camaraderie and authentic experiences. Julia and her family pour their hearts into every journey, sharing the stories, flavours, and traditions that make each region unique. We sat down with Julia to uncover what truly sets TripUSAFrance apart in the world of small group travel. Here’s what she shared.

Photo credit ©TripUSAFrance

How would you describe TripUSAFrance?

TripUSAFrance is a small-group tour company connecting American travellers with authentic French experiences. We limit our groups to 14-18 people to ensure a personal and meaningful trip.

These itineraries are designed with a relaxed pace to ensure that every trip feels authentic and personal, whether you travel alone, as a couple, or with friends.

Our tours celebrate food, history, and culture, blending must-see landmarks with secret treasures. We offer exclusive access and authentic encounters that you wouldn’t discover on your own or with a typical tour.

Aigues Mortes: Photo credit ©TripUSAFrance

Tour Company Vision

Can you take us back to when the idea for TripUSAFrance first came together, and you decided to start the company?

The idea grew gradually from my own experience living between France and the United States. I was born and raised in the South of France, and when I moved to the United States in my twenties, I started noticing a pattern: American travellers visiting France would see Paris or Nice and come home thinking they’d seen the country. But there’s so much more: the markets, the small vineyards, the villages, the stories behind every region.

I wanted to build something that would show travellers the France that locals love. With my father, Stephane, and our dear American friend, Peter, we began designing trips that reflected our expertise and passion for France. Our first tours ran in 2016, starting in the South of France, where I grew up. Building on that success, we expanded to Normandy, Bordeaux, and Dordogne.

Photo credit ©TripUSAFrance

Was there a specific travel experience or a gap in the tour market between the U.S. and France that influenced your vision for the company?

I’ll never forget one day in England that inspired me: a disastrous, large bus tour from London to Windsor, Stonehenge, and Bath. With no real guidance and barely any time to stop and look, the whole day felt exhausting and disappointing.

That experience opened my eyes to a real gap: travellers were being offered rushed tours, when what they craved was something personal and human. TripUSAFrance was created to bridge that gap with tailor-made adventures.

From the very first TripUSAFrance itinerary, I focused on small groups, shorter drives, longer stays in a single hotel, and meals and walking tours that were thoughtfully planned. Everything is designed so travellers can breathe and connect with a place, rather than pass through it.

Photo credit ©TripUSAFrance

Cultural Exchange

What personal values do you feel are most deeply woven into TripUSAFrance today?

Authenticity, curiosity, and care.

Care is woven into every detail: from handpicking hotels and planning each day to choosing restaurants and supporting our travellers from the very first booking. We collaborate with trusted local partners, passionate tour leaders, winemakers, restaurateurs, and guides who share our high standards and deep affection for the regions we explore.

Our tour leaders are often the highlight for guests, bringing destinations to life with their expertise and heartfelt storytelling. Seeing them share tales about places they adore transforms each site into a living memory.

Aigues Mortes: Photo credit ©TripUSAFrance

Was there a traveller’s story or experience on one of the trips that reminded you why you started this company?

Honestly, it happens every trip. A group of strangers becomes a tight-knit group of friends by the end of the week, people who don’t want to say goodbye, and neither does the tour leader. That never gets old.

Another moment that always stands out is when travellers mention activities they were unsure about—like visiting a horse-and-bull ranch in the Camargue—only to discover these become their favourite memories. Transitions like these affirm why our work matters and the impact we can have on our guests.

Camargue: Photo credit ©TripUSAFrance

Can you share a moment when you witnessed a genuine cultural connection between Americans and locals in France during one of your trips?

True cultural connections often bloom in the simplest moments. On our Southern France tour in Le Grau-du-Roi, guests might discover a favourite restaurant, return again and again, and soon the owner greets them by name and offers a seat. Or the hotel breakfast staff begin chatting—half in French, half in English—turning breakfast into a cherished daily ritual.

That’s one of the subtle joys of our approach: by staying in one place for several nights, you stop being just a visitor and start feeling like a regular. This slower rhythm, focus on genuine connections, and integration with the local community truly set us apart from other travel experiences.

Photo credit ©TripUSAFrance

Touring France with Guests

TripUSAFrance offers small-group tours in different regions of France – Normandy, Bordeaux, Dordogne, Languedoc, and Provence. Do you have a favourite among these tours?

It’s honestly impossible to pick just one, because every region has its own unique character and a special kind of magic.

Normandy’s beauty and history feel especially powerful when you stand on its storied beaches. Bordeaux and Dordogne enchant with medieval villages perched above winding rivers, unforgettable food and wine, and a timeless atmosphere. Languedoc is full of surprises, with landscapes and traditions that defy expectations. And Provence, with its bustling markets, fragrant lavender fields, and ancient Roman ruins, is iconic for a reason.

For me, the joy is showing how varied France is from one region to another—scenery, cuisine, culture, and accents. There’s always something new to discover.

Photo credit ©TripUSAFrance

While the geography and cuisine vary, what similarities do the tours share?

All our tours share a philosophy: small groups, quality hotels and meals, careful itineraries, and genuine connections to local culture.

We blend cultural visits, regional cuisine, and free time so travellers can experience the real rhythm of each region, rather than rushing from stop to stop.

Each itinerary is a collection of places we know intimately and love deeply, from iconic landmarks to hidden gems. We choose them because we’re certain our travellers will fall in love with them, too.

Photo credit ©TripUSAFrance

Careful Planning

How do you manage such a busy tour schedule?

Guests are often amazed at how seamlessly everything unfolds. Travelling with a small group means you can relax—no need to stress about driving, impossible parking in French towns, or hunting for the perfect place to eat.

Our groups enjoy priority access at most sites, and restaurants are ready for us. With fewer people, everything moves quickly, from boarding the bus to taking breaks and getting on our way without delays.

One thing I’m proud of is that our itineraries remain flexible. If someone wants to skip the walking tour and sit at a café with a book for an hour, that’s perfectly fine. In any case, we always include some free time at each stop to shop, explore, or find a sunny spot to relax and enjoy the surroundings.

Pont du Gard: Photo credit ©TripUSAFrance

Do many TripUSAFrance guests return multiple times?

Absolutely, and that’s the greatest compliment we could receive. Many travellers return for a second or third adventure. France’s diversity always leaves you craving more, and earning our guests’ trust to return means the world to us.

We’re also thrilled about new journeys ahead, from the Loire Valley and Alsace to destinations beyond France where our local connections open new doors.

Aix-en-Provence: Photo credit ©TripUSAFrance

Touring in Provence

Of course, we love Provence and the Camargue. Can you share some of the highlights of this tour that guests always enjoy?

Where to begin! In Arles, we trace Van Gogh’s footsteps through the very streets he painted. Les Baux, a hilltop village, rises above the valley like a scene from a storybook. Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert, a secluded medieval village on the Santiago de Compostela route, is a hidden treasure for most travellers. The morning market in Aix-en-Provence is the quintessential French market, bursting with colour and life. And the Pont du Gard, a Roman aqueduct standing proud in the wild garrigue, remains astonishingly intact after two millennia.

And then there’s the Camargue, where flamingoes, white horses, and black bulls roam across vast, open plains that feel worlds away from anywhere else. It’s always an unexpected delight for our guests.

Camargue: Photo credit ©TripUSAFrance

One of the tour’s true highlights is spending eight nights in Le Grau-du-Roi, a picturesque seaside town on the Mediterranean. Our travellers adore its lively marina lined with restaurants, cafés, and boutiques, and the beach steps away. Evenings are spent strolling the harbour, sampling local cuisine, or unwinding by the water, soaking up the laid-back spirit of Southern France. It’s the perfect place to slow down and savour the moment.

The hotel is another guest favourite. Every room boasts a private balcony overlooking the sea, and many travellers say that watching the sunset from their balcony becomes one of the trip’s most unforgettable moments.

Photo credit ©TripUSAFrance

Travel Trends

What trends are you noticing among international travellers visiting France?

Travellers today seek more meaningful experiences rather than just ticking off famous sites. They’re interested in local cuisine, regional customs, and understanding how people live. Small-group travel has grown significantly because it offers what large tours can’t: flexibility, personal attention, and access to places a bus of 50 can’t reach.

How does TripUSAFrance stand out from other international travel companies connecting visitors with France?

It all starts with our purpose of combining small groups, personal attention, and trusted local partnerships. We create authentic experiences you won’t find on a standard tour. Our focus on daily life, history, food, and culture lets travellers experience France as locals do, not just as visitors.

We’re not aiming to show guests every place—we want to take them somewhere that leaves a lasting impression. Our tour leaders bring destinations to life with rich stories and insider insights. We carefully curated a blend of iconic sights and hidden gems that make each journey unforgettable.

The feedback we hear most often is: “This is the best tour I’ve ever been on.” That’s exactly what we’re going for.

Arles: Photo credit ©TripUSAFrance

When you picture the future of TripUSAFrance ten years from now, what do you see?

I envision TripUSAFrance expanding with new itineraries that always stay true to our roots: small groups, authentic adventures, and local expertise. Ultimately, our greatest goal is simple—a wonderful vacation. For us, a happy traveller is the truest sign of success.

How to Book with TripUSAFrance?

Don’t miss your chance to secure a spot on their signature tours. Book now and embark on a journey that will enrich your appreciation of the beautiful regions of Provence and Occitanie.

TripUSAFrance (website)
Email: contact@tripusafrance.com

Tours: Southern France & Southern France Lavender (July only), Normandy, Bordeaux and Dordogne. Or Custom tours are also possible.
Tour dates: April through October. There are only a few spots left for 2026. However, the 2027 schedule is now open for booking.
Hotel base: Le Splendid Camargue in Le Grau-du-Roi, in a room with a balcony and sea view.
Duration: 8 days, 8 nights
Driving: 1h to 3h30 maximum per day
Tour cost: Includes all transfers, hotel accommodation, entrance fees and most meals

Photo credit ©TripUSAFrance

Full-Day Wine Adventure from Marseille: Exploring the Côtes de Provence Appellation

Join us for a captivating day tour as we explore the Côtes de Provence wine appellation! Your adventure begins by unveiling the beauty of Montagne Sainte Victoire, an iconic symbol of the area.

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Carolyne Kauser-Abbott

With her camera and laptop close at hand, Carolyne has traded in her business suits for the world of freelance writing and blogging. Her first airplane ride at six months of age was her introduction to the exciting world of travel.

While in Provence, Carolyne can be found hiking with friends, riding the hills around the Alpilles or tackling Mont Ventoux. Her attachment to the region resonates in Perfectly Provence this digital magazine that she launched in 2014. This website is an opportunity to explore the best of the Mediterranean lifestyle (food & wine, places to stay, expat stories, books on the region, travel tips, real estate tips and more), through our contributors' articles.

Carolyne writes a food and travel blog Ginger and Nutmeg. Carolyne’s freelance articles can be found in Global Living Magazine, Avenue Magazine and City Palate (Published Travel Articles).