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active 10 hours ago

Mélanie Frank

Originally from Washington, D.C., my love for adventure led me to spend over a decade in Switzerland before settling in France as a travel advisor. During my time in Switzerland, I fell in love with the alpine way of life. I'm passionate about lakes, mountains, and blending thrilling outdoor activities with relaxing, scenic getaways. I curate personalized trips to both France and Switzerland, ensuring each journey is tailored to your preferences, whether you seek adventure, relaxation, or a little bit of both!

What places and activities do you specialize in?

"I primarily plan trips in France and Switzerland. Whether you're looking for luxurious ski vacations in the Alps, indulgent culinary experiences, serene vineyard tours, wellness retreats, scenic train journeys, or exciting outdoor adventures, I have you covered. "

How did you get involved in travel?

"After university, I moved to Switzerland and embraced the alpine lifestyle as a ski instructor, working with everyone from beginners to seasoned pros, and tailoring each lesson to ensure an unforgettable experience on the slopes. I eventually transitioned to teaching in the international school system, which gave me a deeper understanding of the importance of creating inclusive and enjoyable experiences for all ages. By combining my love for outdoor adventures with my knack for crafting personalized trips, I am able to take my clients on a journey through the stunning landscapes and rich cultures of both France and Switzerland. Whether it's a picturesque hike to a waterfall or a historical walking tour of the old town, I ensure every experience is as memorable as it is delightful."

Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.

"One of my favorite holidays was my trip to Alsace, France, where I explored the enchanting Route des Vins. I visited fairy tale-like villages with charming half-timbered houses and cobblestone streets, and enjoyed exquisite wines at local vineyards. The highlight was the start of the Christmas market season, with villages transforming into magical winter wonderlands filled with twinkling lights, festive decorations, and the delightful aroma of mulled wine and gingerbread. It was an unforgettable blend of beautiful scenery and holiday cheer."

Mélanie is part of the following groups: France Travel Agents, Switzerland Travel Agents
Top itineraries and travel advice

Favorite experiences

Explore the Lakeside Town of Annecy

Nestled by the northwestern shore of its namesake lake, Annecy is the jewel of the Haute-Savoie. From its crowning Château d'Annecy down to its gurgling canals, Annecy's Vieille Ville (Old Town) is infused with antique charm. Made great by the medieval Counts of Geneva and augmented by the Dukes...

Culture and Tasting Tour of Lyon

Set in eastern France on the Rhône and Saône rivers, Lyon is a grand foodie city in a famously food-centric nation. However, there is much more to this metropolis than a rich culinary heritage. Lyon enjoys about 2,000 years of history, dating back to when it was a provincial capital in the...

Explore the Marais Neighborhood

Be a Parisian for the day and explore the hip neighborhood of Le Marais. This neighborhood had played an important part in French history since the 13th century when the Order of the Temple constructed a fortified church, which inspired several beautiful religious buildings and became the...

Visit the Cité du Vin & Cruise Down the Gironde in Bordeaux

When in Bordeaux, designate an entire day to wine! Start with a visit to Bordeaux's famed Cité du Vin museum set in the city center. This modern building is where you'll follow immersive exhibits detailing the world's wine culture through the ages, including that of France. Once you've finished...

Recent trip reviews for Mélanie

Excellent Loire Valley Tour
France | Jun 11 - Jun 14, 2025

J
Julie W.
Neenah, WI | Reviewed on Jul 15, 2025
I had not used a tour service before, but traveling with my parents and teenage children it was a great way to get 6 people around the Loire Valley without having to drive ourselves or arrange all the English language tours. Mélanie was wonderful to work with and we were able to select a variety of chateau visits, a wine tasting and a private lunch that were all outstanding experiences. The food and wines were wonderful and everyone we met along the way was so welcoming and helpful. The... Read more

I had not used a tour service before, but traveling with my parents and teenage children it was a great way to get 6 people around the Loire Valley without having to drive ourselves or arrange all the English language tours. Mélanie was wonderful to work with and we were able to select a variety of chateau visits, a wine tasting and a private lunch that were all outstanding experiences. The food and wines were wonderful and everyone we met along the way was so welcoming and helpful. The tour guides arranged through À la française, Chloë and Camille, were so knowledgeable about the region and the chateaus and flexible in pacing the tour for us. They were wonderful traveling companions for the drives as well, and we learned a lot about life in France from them. Our driver Tony was wonderful at navigating the roads in Paris, giving us time in Orleans to visit the cathedral and explore the city center and have lunch on the way to Amboise and getting us back to Paris to both Gare de lest and CDG airport. There was a lot of travel to arrange and Melanie managed it all for us, with options we could choose from to make it the best fit for us. It was a wonderful experience and I would not hesitate to use KimKim again.

Hotel Review
La Maison Rabelais
Amboise

The hotel was a good location with a manageable walk to shopping and restaurants, but the area that was open longer in the evenings in Amboise was further from the hotel. The rooms were well appointed and very spacious. On a cooler week, the large windows would be great, but the central air conditioning was challenged by the very high temperatures and could not be regulated in each room, so even closing the curtains during the days it was quite warm in the rooms. The staff was very helpful and friendly and the breakfast was a nice variety. It was wonderful to have a swimming pool for the hot days, but it closed at 8:00 pm which made it difficult to use after a day of tours and dinner in town - seems like it could be kept open until 9 pm in the summer when the sun does not set before 9:30.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very clean and comfortable furnishings and bathrooms, but less comfortable in the heat of summer.
Activity Reviews
Self-guided visit of Le Chateau Clos Lucé (tickets only)
Self-guided visit of Le Chateau Clos Lucé (tickets only)
France

A fascinating small chateau where Leonardo da Vinci spent his last years. The gardens were huge and the life size interactive inventions are fun for all ages to see brought to life. We could have spent even more time there.

Chambord, Chenonceau & Lunch at the Château - Full Day
Chambord, Chenonceau & Lunch at the Château - Full Day
France
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Wine & Chateaux tour : Villandry and Château d'Ussé - Full Day Tour
Wine & Chateaux tour : Villandry and Château d'Ussé - Full Day Tour
France
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Mélanie Frank