France: Grand Cru Travel Agent Specialist
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Melinda Bachand
Middlebury, VT Travel Agent· 8 Years of Experience
Davisville Travel, an independent agent with Travel Leaders Davis, CA
5.0
(4)
100% Recommended
Melinda knowledge of Italy and Italian culture help us to customize a vacation that was precisely what we were looking for—hidden gems and authentic Italian culture.... Read More >
Areas of expertise
Destinations:
France, Paris, Bordeaux, Burgundy, Loire ValleyInterests:
Food & Wine, Wine Country Vacations, Couples & Romance, Adult Only, European CultureAbout Me
Summer 2022, Château Pichon Baron, Bordeaux
In France, wine is more than a drink—it’s a centuries-old story of heritage, artistry, and passion, where every vineyard tells a tale and every glass offers an experience.
From the grand Champagne houses of Épernay to the sun-drenched vineyards of Provence, France’s wine regions embody romance and sophistication like nowhere else.
Imagine wandering through the famed cellars of Reims, tasting rare vintages from the hands of the winemakers themselves, or strolling along Bordeaux’s lush vineyards, where some of the world’s most celebrated wines begin their journey. Explore the hidden gems of Burgundy, meeting small family producers who pour generations of love into every bottle, and delight in the rolling landscapes of Provence, where rosé flows as freely as the sunlit skies. Each region has its own character, and I’m here to ensure you experience it all in a way that’s rich, personal, and entirely unforgettable.
As your guide and architect of this one-of-a-kind journey, I’ll create a path through France’s iconic wine regions that’s perfectly tailored to your tastes, connecting you with celebrated estates, boutique vineyards, and intimate tastings known only to locals. Together, we’ll craft a journey that’s as immersive and timeless as France itself—an experience that invites you to fall in love with French wine, land, and culture in ways that will linger long after the last sip.
Areas of expertise
Destinations:
France, Paris, Bordeaux, Burgundy, Loire ValleyInterests:
Food & Wine, Wine Country Vacations, Couples & Romance, Adult Only, European CultureREVIEWS
Rating: 5.0
4 reviews
100% Recommended
Your trust is our priority. Every review is submitted by verified travelers after they have booked and completed their trips. Learn more about our review guidelines.
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Showing 4 reviews
An Insider's Italy
Reviewed By cutiemercer - Longs, South Carolina | Traveled to Florence | Italy | Europe
Melinda knowledge of Italy and Italian culture help us to customize a vacation that was precisely what we were looking for—hidden gems and authentic Italian culture. She recommended local restaurants and shops we’d never have found on our own and even organized a cooking class with a chef in Florence. New to international travel, we were nervous but, true to her word, any questions that popped up while we were traveling, she answered, which took a lot of stress off our shoulders so that we could relax and enjoy our time. I can't wait to go back and explore a different part of the country!
Melinda Bachand responded
"Thank you so much for the kind review—it was a pleasure working with you, and I look forward to helping plan your next vacation."
✓ I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
What a wonderful experience. Great job.
Reviewed By Bucketlistongoing - Daniels WV | Traveled to Scotland | Europe
She took care of everything and left nothing to chance. I would recommend her to anyone.
Melinda Bachand responded
"Thank you for the review! I can't wait to help you plan your next adventure—I already have some ideas."
✓ I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
A Bibliophile's Dream
Reviewed By DanteParadiso - Burlington, VT | Traveled to England | Europe
We had worked with Melinda before on a trip to the Amalfi Coast, so when we decided to tour England with a classic literature focus, she was our go-to. We knew she could customize vacation packages, but we had no idea just how deeply tailored and thoughtfully curated this trip would be.
From London to Oxford, Bath, and Haworth, every stop was meticulously planned—not just the literary landmarks, but even the swanky restaurants and boutique hotels she knew we’d love. She balanced structure with flexibility, making it feel like our own perfect journey through English literature.
If you're thinking about booking a trip with her, ask about Dante's Lit Tour—my tour, not the Dante ??. You won't regret it!
Melinda Bachand responded
"You are a pleasure to work with, and that trip was beyond fun to plan. Can't wait to design the next one!"
✓ I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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Stress-Free Luxury Travel? Yes please!
Reviewed By Mr.T - Positano, Campania | Traveled to Amalfi | Italy | Europe
I usually dread the stress of planning a big trip, which is why, when someone told me I should call Melinda to help I thought, why not. I'm glad I did because she made it so easy. She listened to what we wanted, suggested unique experiences, and took care of all the logistics. it was hands-down the best, most relaxing vacation we've had in a long time.
Melinda Bachand responded
"I had so much fun planning that trip—I can't wait to work with you again.
Thank you for the kind review!"
✓ I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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Client Testimonials
Stress-Free & Amazing!
Melinda made planning our trip to the Quebec Winter Carnival an absolute breeze! She booked our hotel, created a day-by-day itinerary, and was very knowledgeable about the city, giving us tips on what to pack and where to find the best local food. Everything was perfect and Quebec during the Winter Carnival is a must!
We had such an incredible time that we just booked with her again for this year! If you’re looking for someone who’s professional, detail-oriented, and genuinely passionate about creating amazing travel experiences, Melinda is the one to call. We can’t wait for our next adventure!
Dawn M., Columbus, OH
England Vacation
A lovely way to see England! The countryside villages were charming, and exploring London with a guide helped us uncover hidden spots. If only we’d had just a bit more time for shopping in Bath, but overall, a great experience!
Camden was fantastic for anyone who loves music and art.
Elin J, Cambridge, MA
New England Foliage Tour
This was truly the best way to experience New England's charm and history. We were told by everyone that the leaves were especially vibrate, but the hospitality, food, and cozy mountain inns were exactly what you think of when you picture New England. The music scene was a surprising bonus. We took a couple of curated craft beer and cider tours and highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys that kind of thing. The history was cool too. We spent two days in Boston and, as a photographer, the juxtaposition between the historic, sixteenth and seventeenth-century buildings against a backdrop of modern skyscrapers was wild.
Do yourself a favor and TRY the clam chowder.
Chris C., Longs, SC
New England Foliage Tour
This was truly the best way to experience New England's charm and history. We were told by everyone that the leaves were especially vibrate, but the hospitality, food, and cozy mountain inns were exactly what you think of when you picture New England. The music scene was a surprising bonus. We took a couple of curated craft beer and cider tours and highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys that kind of thing. The history was cool too. We spent two days in Boston and, as a photographer, the juxtaposition between the historic, sixteenth and seventeenth-century buildings against a backdrop of modern skyscrapers was wild.
Do yourself a favor and TRY the clam chowder.
Chris C., Longs, SC
Incredible!
The trip was a perfect mix of history, art, and relaxation. Exploring Florence’s hidden alleyways and vineyards near Verona felt like stepping into a storybook. Everything flowed seamlessly, and we felt like royalty the whole time. Worth every penny!
Danny B. Manchester, NH
Romantic Italian Anniversary Experience
Ten years ago when my husband and I got married we couldn't afford a honeymoon, so we made a private vow: on our 10th anniversary we would do something amazing. I didn't even know where to start! Melinda at took the time to get to know us and brought us a few options in our budget and went to and we decided on the Amalfi coast and it was spectacular. We started in Naples, then Mount Vesuvius, and we went on a boat to Capri, and somewhere in there, my husband and I fell in love all over again.
We chose Melinda at Carlisle Travel because she came referred, and we're very glad we listened.
Michelle L., Tulsa, OK