Discover Intimate, Family-Guided Boutique European Vacations with Le Bon Chaperon

For over 25 years, our family has been traveling across Europe—falling deeper in love with its rich culture, relaxed pace of life, warm people, and incredible food.

Kelly and Chelsea both majored in French in college, living abroad and immersing themselves in the language and lifestyle. That passion gave John and Wendy the perfect excuse to join countless trips—turning Europe into our second home.

Our love for France inspired Le Bon Macaron, Michigan’s premier spot for authentic French macarons since 2010 (with locations in Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor, and Holland). Now, we’re excited to share the next chapter: carefully curated small group European tours designed to help you navigate and truly experience life across the continent—like a local, with your own “bon chaperon” guiding the way.

Imagine joining our close-knit family on an intimate boutique tour of Europe—small groups only, personalized attention, insider tips on hidden gems, authentic cuisine, wine, and culture. We want you to fall in love just as we have… and keep returning year after year.

Our Upcoming Tours

• Umbria, Italy – “The Green Heart of Italy”
  • Second annual culinary & wine-focused small group tour
  • October 4–10, 2026 (following our sold-out inaugural trip in 2025)
  • For the week you’ll call Spello home, a magical hilltop village in Umbria
  • Explore countryside villages, local vineyards, hidden gem cooking school, and breathtaking landscapes
  • Perfect for food lovers, wine enthusiasts, and those seeking authentic, off-the-beaten-path Italy

Whether you’re dreaming of the City of Light, Italy’s rolling hills, or beyond—travel with people who treat Europe like home.

Ready to create lifelong memories? View full itineraries, dates, and book your spot on our site today. Spots fill quickly for these exclusive, family-hosted European adventures!

View Umbria 2026 Itinerary

Meet Your Le Bon Chaperon Family: Your Personal Guides

We’re the Grand Rapids, Michigan family behind Le Bon Macaron and now Le Bon Chaperon—your “bon chaperon” for intimate, curated small group tours of Europe.

Our second annual boutique European vacation heads to Umbria, Italy – the Green Heart of Italy—in October 2026. By happy accident, we discovered the enchanting hilltop village of Spello back in 2016. We’ve returned countless times since, falling in love with its charm, flower-lined streets, panoramic views, and warm local life.

In October 2025, we hosted our inaugural Le Bon Chaperon small group tour right here in Spello—and it was magical. The surrounding countryside is just as special: rolling hills, family-run vineyards, and incredible Umbrian cuisine and wines.

What makes our tour truly unique? A treasured friendship with Stefania, a lifelong Spello resident and dear local friend. She opens doors to authentic experiences most visitors never see—living Umbrian life alongside locals, from countryside villages to insider spots for truffles, olive oil, wine tastings, and home-cooked meals.

This isn’t a cookie-cutter tour. It’s highly curated, deeply personal, and small-group only—so you get personalized guidance from our family, who treat Umbria like a second home. Join us to wander flower-filled alleys, explore ancient Churches, savor regional specialties, and create memories that inspire you to return again and again.

Why Choose Our Umbria Small Group Tour?

• Intimate & family-hosted: Travel with John, Wendy, Kelly, or Chelsea—your personal “bon chaperon” sharing insider tips from 25+ years of European adventures
• Authentic local connections: Experience Umbria through our friend Stefania’s eyes—off-the-beaten-path villages, family trattorias, and genuine cultural immersion
• Food & wine focus: Culinary highlights including local producers, wine tastings, and Umbrian specialties (perfect for food lovers!)
• Relaxed pace: Small groups, no tour buses, no rushed itineraries—just time to savor the slower, authentic Italian lifestyle

Interested in a different date, a private/custom group, or future destinations? Discounts offered when filling a complete tour. Email us at bonjour@lebonmacaron.com—we’d love to chat and tailor something special for you!

Book Umbria 2026 Today!