Meet our team

France Trip Secrets by Loire Secrets

A Dream team in a receptive agency in the Loire Valley, Normandy, and Brittany.

With a deep passion for the region, the team of France Trip Secrets by Loire Secrets has built strong professional connections with the key figures who shape the Loire Valley, Normandy, and Brittany. We would be delighted to act as your guide, helping you discover the hidden gems of Western France and putting together a personalized itinerary including accommodation, transport, meals, visits and activities.

Karine

Founder and CEO of Loire Secrets
Karine grew up by the Loire River, surrounded by nature and local artisans. After exploring the world, she returned to he beautiful Loire Valley in France, captivated by its beauty and rich history. She founded Loire Secrets in 2013, with the aim of organizing unique trips that bring visitors into contact with local characters and hidden gems, so that every trip is unforgettable.

If I were – special, Western France :

– A cultural site: Fontevraud l’Abbaye, a monument steeped in fascinating history, first governed by women, then a prison, shaped by time, now a magnificent tourist attraction.

– A natural site: The confluence of the Vienne and Loire rivers in the heart of the Loire Anjou Touraine Nature Park. Following the seasons with variations in level and mood, sharing my treasures.

– An activity: Kayaking to take the time to discover the environment in a slow pace, discovering local animals and humans.

– A culinary specialty : The incredible « crepes suzette » flambée with Cointreau! The delicacy of Orange citrus fruits spiced up with the world-famous local liqueur: Cointreau!

– A drink: A good wine to share with friends: the old « Pineau d’Aunis » grape variety. If I were a digestive, the famous and delicious « Menthe Pastille » liqueur.

– A moment in history: The Renaissance in the Loire Valley. Between the King of France’s gardeners and the florists who created monumental bouquets to brighten chateaux.

– A season: Spring, because it’s the time of renewal, the return of migratory birds, the birth of babies in the fauna, buds in the vines and on the fruit trees.

– A music: Edithe Piaf’s « Emporté par la foule » (carried away by the crowd), which takes us back to popular French balls
Hélène
Travel designer
Originally from Anjou in the Loire Valley, Hélène grew up along the majestic Loire. Her extensive travel experience in France, New Zealand, Brazil and England, combined with her in-depth knowledge of wines and warm personality, make her an expert travel planner. Passionate about exploration, she designs tailor-made tours to discover hidden gems and the best vineyards, guaranteeing an unforgettable experience.

Hélène is currently on maternity leave

Hélène
Marie-Edwina

Travel designer
Paris native, Marie-Edwina draws on her travel experience, acquired in France and abroad, to create unforgettable escapades. She has an in-depth knowledge of the region’s beauty and hidden gems. At Loire Secrets, Marie-Edwina meticulously plans your luxury getaway in the Loire Valley, Normandy or Brittany, to ensure a perfect, unforgettable experience.

If I were – special Western France :

– A cultural site : Château de Serrant- A magnificent Renaissance castle nestled in the heart of the Loire Valley, especially as you will explore lavishly furnished rooms, elegant salons, and most of all a vast library containing over 12,000 volumes, making it one of the most extensive private libraries in France.

– A nature spot : The Pink Granite Coast, in Brittany, famous for its stunning rock formations sculpted by the sea and its picturesque beaches.

– An activity : Hot air balloon rides over the Loire Valley, providing breathtaking aerial views of the region’s castles, vineyards, and scenic countryside. To take things slow.

– A culinary specialty : Tarte Tatin, a delicious upside-down apple tart caramelized in butter and sugar, originating from the Normandy region.

– A drink : Poiré, a traditional pear cider. It is a delightful and refreshing beverage made from the fermented juice of pears, similar to cider but with a distinct pear flavor.

– A time in history : The Arthurian legends and the mythical stories of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, which have deep roots in Breton folklore and history.

– A season : Spring, when the countryside bursts into bloom, and the mild climate is perfect for exploring outdoor attractions like gardens, parks, and coastal paths.
Marine
Travel & business event designer
Originally from Anjou, Marine knows the Loire Valley well, especially the area around Angers and Nantes. After studying tourism and heritage, she worked in wineries and became an expert in wine tourism. She will guide you through famous and hidden vineyards, and share her love of Loire Valley wines with you. Marine designs personalized tours and events, using her knowledge of the region’s history, culture and wines to create unforgettable experiences.

If I were – special Western France :

– A cultural site : Claude Monet’s gardens & house in Giverny : a stunning house that makes you feel like you are back in the 19th century.

– A nature spot : Along Brittany coast, the local biodiversity is marvelous, landscapes are very different depending whether you are in the North or South.

– An activity : A wine tasting ! By tasting wine from the Loire Valley you discover more than just a wide range of taste, you dive into French history.

– A culinary specialty: A cheese, the “galet de la Loire”. It will drive you crazy. Of course you should add a baguette & a glass of wine.

– A drink : A glass of wine, a white one from Savennières AOC. Curnonsky classified it in the top 10 of best white wine in the world, and he was right.

– An historical period: the end of the 19c and the beginning of the 20th century : a peaceful period in France (1871-1913), the beginning of Impressionism paintings, “ la vie de bohême” of painters, “café”, “guinguette”…. But also, the development of railway leading to a new way of discovering France. The roots of tourism : Brittany became a vacation destination, such as Normandy and Loire Valley. A lot of pretty houses and châteaux, wineries etc are dates back this period.

– A season: The end of Summer

Marine
Virginie

Travel & business event designer
Originally from a charming village in the Loire Valley, Virginie brings her hotel expertise to Loire Secrets. With a background in hotels and events, including managing the accommodation side of a 4-star establishment, she designs unique travel and event experiences. Virginie creates itineraries that reveal both the iconic sites and hidden gems of Western France.

If I were – special, Western France :

– A cultural site: The Château de Chenonceau, an emblematic site.

– A natural site: The Brocéliande forest in Brittany, with its varied flora and fauna.

– An activity: Discover the Côte d’Albâtre and the Cliffs of Étretat.

– A culinary specialty: Fouées! An Angevine speciality in the Loire Valley. These bread rolls were once used to test the heat of ovens, by placing a bit of bread dough flattened in the palm of the hand close to the flame. If the oven was hot enough, this dough would swell to form a small hollow bread bubble (without crumb), called Fouée (from the Focus word meaning fire). As nothing was wasted, as soon as it was baked, the fouée was garnished with farm produce (butter, rillette, etc.).

– A drink: A refreshing summer cocktail 😉 (‘composition: Lillet Rose, passion fruit syrup, Ginger Beer & lemon juice) or the Coteau du Layon – emblematic wine of my native land!

– A moment in history : The present – to write history 😉

– A season: Spring – because I love the energy of this period (flowers, sunshine, birdsong, the garden…)
Coline
In charge of de communication
Business event and travel assistant designer
Coline comes from the Loire Valley, from a charming village on the banks of the river. She is passionate about the beauty of the region, from majestic châteaux to cultural gems. As a communications specialist, she shares her love of Western France through our social networks, website and newsletter.

If I were – special Western France :

– A cultural site : Château de Chenonceau, for its unique architecture, like a bridge across the river Cher, and its magnificent gardens.

– A nature spot : The Breton coast, and more specifically the Côte de Granit Rose and the Presqu’île de Crozon: landscapes that make you travel!

– An activity : Canoeing under the magnificent Château de Chenonceau! This experience offers an unusual view of the château and is a relaxing activity on the Cher.

– A culinary specialty : Rillauds, a speciality of Anjou in the Loire Valley. Rillauds are pieces of pork belly, comprising both the rind and the tender part of the piece.

– A drink : Cider, made in Normandy. This apple-based beverage is even better served with crêpes!

– A time in history : The Renaissance, with the construction of the majestic Châteaux de la Loire and their gardens.

– A season : Spring, when flowers adorn the landscapes of Western France, and especially at the end of the season, when we can see many hydrangeas in Brittany, is magnificent!

Coline
Lucie

Business event designer
Originally from the Loire Valley, Lucie has a passion for events (especially for associations) and a flair for people. She is currently preparing a Master’s degree in marketing and event communications, and is on a work-study program at Loire Secrets, where she coordinates tailor-made professional events and contributes to marketing and communications.

If I were – special Western France :

– A cultural site : Villandry for its famous French gardens

– A nature spot : A field of wild flowers – nature is so beautiful amidst the local flora and fauna

– An activity : A food tour – because I’m a gourmet and a lover of new discoveries

– A culinary specialty : A brittany crepe with salted butter caramel – as a brittany girl I can’t answer anything else.

– A drink : The « Blonde amour » beer – a very local drink with tangy notes

– A time in history : I would say the middle of the 19th century, because this is when art becomes liberated and breaks away from academic rules.

– A season : Spring – beacause I like to hear the birds sing in the morning

Book a trip!!

News of « France Trip Secrets »

Exclusive and private experiences in Western France

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Taste of Western France: Wines, Ciders & French Delights

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23 mai 2024/par france-trip-secrets.com

Testimonials

A superb collaboration during an event with Loire Secrets. The team is really friendly and available. A top organization. We recommend with your eyes closed!
The Calliope Travel team

Calliope Travel

Very good experience.. A wonderful stay. Very well organized..I recommend..It was perfect..To do again without hesitation…Thank you France Trip Secrets…

Isabelle Normand

Great attention paid to the customer’s wishes. Good humor and unfailing professionalism. It’s a real pleasure to work with France Trip Secrets!

Olbee

Whether for our professional event or for our reunion event with friends, the Loire Secret team did double duty.
A successful evening and weekend

Bravo for these 2 exceptional organizations.

We will do it again for sure!!!

Pillet Family

image sources:

France Trip Secrets – Luxury castle accommodation Loire Valley – Candes Saint Martin: Hadrien BRUNNER www.hadrienbrunn
France Trip Secrets – Chenonceau castle family in the Loire Valley – ©ADT Touraine – Leonard de Serres: ©ADT Touraine - Leonard de Serres
France Trip Secrets – Gourmet tour in Normandy – © Mathilde Boclet – Normandie Tourisme: © Mathilde Boclet - Normandie Tourisme
France Trip Secrets – Angers city tour in the Loire Valley – ©Sebastien GAUDARD – Anjou Tourisme: ©Sebastien GAUDARD - Anjou Tourisme

Meet our team

A Dream team in a receptive agency in the Loire Valley, Normandy, and Brittany.

Karine

Founder and CEO of Loire Secrets

Hélène

Travel designer

Hélène

Marie-Edwina

Travel designer

Marine

Travel & business event designer

Marine

Virginie

Travel & business event designer

Coline

In charge of de communication
Business event and travel assistant designer

Coline

Lucie

Business event designer