If you are looking for a trip that combines the best of everything France has to offer, world-renowned wines, unparalleled gastronomy, castles worthy of the greatest hero movies, this trip is for you! Your French journey begins in Paris, a city where every street corner promises a new architectural marvel, and where every restaurant and bakery promises authentic French cuisine. Take a trip back in time to the Palace of Versailles before immersing yourself in the Loire Valley, where you’ll explore the most majestic castles and taste exceptional wines. Continue your French adventure, and discover Bordeaux and its charming coast, a region that revolves around the production of wine. It's a royal experience that perfectly combines all the authentic French gems.
Highlights
Wine tasting, Bordeaux region
Louvre Castle, home to the Museum of the same name
Chambord Castle, Loire Valley
Day By day
Welcome to France for your journey through the best that this fascinating country has to offer, where its rich history and fine wines will be given pride of place. Today is a great way to start your Parisian adventure! Make the most of your day by gliding through the Parisian streets. Embark on a unique journey aboard a vintage 2CV, expertly guided by Marc, your driver-guide, as he unveils Paris's highlights. What better way to kickstart your trip to France and immerse yourself in the Belle Vie than cruising past iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, the elegant Louvre Pyramid, the renowned Champs Élysées, and the picturesque Montmartre? As night falls, venture to a fine restaurant to savour your first taste of authentic French cuisine and fine wines. This is just the beginning of your French experience, and the flavours of France await your discovery. Overnight: Paris
Your stay in the French capital continues as you embark on a cultural odyssey at the renowned Louvre Museum, where you'll be captivated by the world's finest art collections, including the enigmatic Mona Lisa and the exquisite Venus de Milo. Next, proceed to the Tuileries Garden and reach the Champs-Élysées. Meander along the Champs-Élysées, taking in the high-end boutiques—an opportunity for a shopping session in Paris! Conclude this excursion at the Arc de Triomphe. As day turns into evening, enjoy a serene Seine River cruise, watching the bustling city of Paris gradually calm. To conclude this enchanting day, relish a delightful aperitif, raising your glass to the city's timeless beauty and the indelible memories forged along the way. Overnight: Paris
Today on your journey you'll discover France's royal past. Meet your guide Manuela, at the Palace of Versailles, where you’ll explore the opulent halls and the famous Hall of Mirrors. Afterward, stroll in the well-manicured Gardens of Versailles with its fountains and green spaces. Don't miss the Trianon Palaces and Marie Antoinette's Hamlet, which provide insight into the more private lives of the royals. Finish your day with a leisurely walk along the Grand Canal, offering a scenic view of the palace. Versailles, with its rich history and grand architecture, provides a unique glimpse into France's royal past. Once you have returned to Paris, prepare for your last evening in the city and make your way to Les Ombres restaurant for a gourmet dinner with a view overlooking the Eiffel Tower. Overnight: Paris
On your French royal journey, it's time to discover the Loire Valley. Sit back and relax as you board a short train journey (1 hour and 45-minutes) to the historic city of Amboise, a great place to discover and base from which to explore the Loire Valley region. Upon arrival in Amboise, begin your exploration of the city, starting with a visit to the imposing chateau located in the heart of the city. This marks the first step in your royal journey through the Loire Valley. Overnight: Amboise
Put on your best attire as your royal exploration continues as you venture to the chateaux of Chambord and Chenonceau, two crown jewels of the Loire Valley. Begin by meeting your expert guide, who'll accompany you to the exquisite Château de Chenonceau, gracefully spanning the Cher River. Here, you will be transported back in time amidst its elegant galleries and lush gardens. Following an enchanting morning, savour a sumptuous lunch prepared by the owner at an intimate family-owned Chateau. Continue your French royal adventure at Château de Chambord. Marvel at its majestic turrets and spiral staircases, immersing yourself in Renaissance splendour as you explore its ornate chambers and ascend its panoramic terraces. Return to Amboise and enjoy typical French cuisine and fine wines from the Loire Valley. Overnight: Amboise
Your French historic journey continues as you meet your guide, Agathe, with whom you'll discover the château of Azay-le-Rideau, a Renaissance marvel renowned for its straight staircase, a pioneering feature in the 16th century. Your next château is Château de Villandry where you'll explore its exquisite formal gardens, a masterful landscape of beauty and precision. Agathe will share insights into this garden à la française, unveiling hidden corners that provide the best views of this remarkable site. In the afternoon, meet a French winemaker at a charming family-run estate. Explore their traditional vat room, where you'll gain a deeper understanding of the art of winemaking and, of course, taste some of the local Loire Valley wines. Overnight: Amboise
After three nights at Amboise in the Loire Valley it's time to head south. Enjoy a 3-hour train journey that takes you from the vines of the Loire Valley to the vines of Bordeaux. Located on the banks of the River Garonne, Bordeaux is a beautiful, pedestrian-friendly city, where you can take a leisurely stroll on the cobbled streets and immerse yourself in its serene ambiance with restaurant terraces. The city offers the perfect opportunity to embrace la Belle Vie in France! Outside of Paris, Bordeaux has the most historic monuments in the whole of France! In the afternoon, proceed to the Cité du Vin, a wine museum where you will gain insights into the winemaking process and explore wines from around the world. And why not dine at the Cité du Vin before returning to your hotel? Overnight: Bordeaux
It's time to head out from Bordeaux to the Atlantic French coast. Meet your friendly guide, Rémi, before heading to the Bay of Arcachon. Don't miss the opportunity to ascend to the summit of the Dune du Pilat, Europe's largest sand dune. From this amazing vantage point, you'll be treated to unparalleled vistas of the ocean and the beautiful Landes Forest. Then, head to an oyster tasting at a local producer (paired with white wine), serving as an 'apéro' before heading back to Bordeaux! In the afternoon, stroll along the quais de la Garonne, crossing to the Darwin area where you’ll find a former military barracks now turned into a place with a mix of culture, urban art, and ecological and social uses. This is a full day of experiencing the best of Bordeaux’s surroundings! Overnight: Bordeaux
It's not a cliché; the French have a deep love for wine! You’ll discover as your French journey continues in Saint-Emilion, one of the most renowned wine regions in the world. Begin with a guided tour of the medieval village, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1999. Indulge in the finest lunch break at a Saint-Emilion Grand Cru chateau. In the afternoon, enjoy a stroll through the chateau's vineyard, partake in wine tastings at another Grand Cru chateau, and delve into the winemaking techniques of one of these esteemed estates. For your last night in Bordeaux, soak up the city's vibrant ambiance and enjoy dinner at one of the gastronomic restaurants in the city centre. Overnight: Bordeaux
Sadly your French Royal Journey has come to an end. Enjoy the last rays of sunshine in Bordeaux, before being taken by taxi to the airport. You are sure to leave with a heavy heart and a suitcase filled with wine bottles! If you wish to prolong your stay in the South check out "French West Coast Adventure"
EXCLUSIVE
accommodation
Boutique hotels, unique lodgings, and authentic houses... our team will carefully handpick your accommodations while traveling with us
Our Expertinsight
“For me, the best time of year for this trip is September. Right after the summer school holidays, you’ll still get nice summer weather everywhere and be able to enjoy each destination without the summer crowds. Amboise and Bordeaux are extremely easy to reach by train and perfect cozy locations to stay at night! Bordeaux is the perfect place to experience what we call “La Belle Vie” as there are so many restaurants in the city centre. To get you in the mood, why not plug your earphones in while strolling around and listen to “La Belle Vie” from Sacha Distel.”
Fanny, Local Expert
Testimonials
We were very happy overall with the trip and all the help Sarah gave us with our planning. She took the information we had given her on things we'd like to see and do and she outlined for us a perfect trip! We picked up a rental car just outside of Paris and with navigation on our phone, had very little trouble driving all through France. We really liked the flexibility driving gave us as we made several side trips to cities and things we wanted to see along the way and we could stay as long as we like, or as little, when we were at our destination. We were in the regions of Normandy, the Loire Valley and the Dordogne region around Sarlat. All the tickets we needed for various sites were included with good information to go with them. Sarah had also included restaurant suggestions and other various helpful hints to make it easy for us to travel on our own in a foreign country.
Kris H.
My trip was absolutely incredible. I just showed up, and everything was planned, including my train transportation.
Anne C.
We are
a full-service Tour Operator and our trips generally include:
accommodation, transportation, visits, immersive experiences, personal crafting, unique roadbook creation and assistance on the ground (meals & flights excluded). Please note that this trip price will vary based on factors such as your hotel preferences, your favourite transportation mode, whether you want to take part in shared group activities or private experiences, travel dates, and more. To receive a customized quote for your tailor-made trip, please reach out to us directly.