French Elegance: Paris, Loire & BordeauxA Journey Through Culture, Castles, and Fine Wines
Family Holiday | Active Vacation | Small Group Journey
Step into a carefully crafted journey through France's most celebrated regions, where each day brings new discoveries of culture, cuisine, and centuries-old traditions. Begin in magnificent Paris, where the historic Le Marais district reveals its culinary secrets and cultural treasures. Here, traditional boulangeries, award-winning chocolatiers, and family-run bistros paint a vivid picture of French gastronomy at its finest.
Continue to the Loire Valley, the Garden of France, where fairy-tale castles tell stories of royal intrigue and Renaissance grandeur. In Amboise, follow in the footsteps of Leonardo da Vinci while exploring magnificent châteaux that have earned this region its UNESCO World Heritage status.
Complete your journey in Bordeaux, where rolling vineyards produce some of the world's most celebrated wines. From the medieval charm of Saint-Émilion to the prestigious cognac houses, immerse yourself in France's legendary wine heritage. Throughout your adventure, expert guides and local artisans share their passion and knowledge, ensuring an authentic experience of French joie de vivre.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Paris: Gateway to French Elegance
Arrive independently in the City of Light, where centuries of art, culture, and romance await. Settle into your carefully selected accommodation and perhaps take your first evening stroll through Paris's enchanting streets, where every corner tells a story. Overnight in Paris
Day 2 - Paris: A Culinary Journey Through Le Marais & Cultural Discovery
Begin your morning with an extraordinary food adventure through the historic Le Marais district. Sample eleven distinctive French delicacies across eight carefully chosen eateries, from flaky croissants at an award-winning bakery to artisanal chocolates crafted by a master chocolatier. Explore Paris's oldest covered market and discover the neighborhood's rich Jewish heritage through its unique cuisine. Savor authentic French onion soup and Syrian-French fusion pastries, meeting passionate local artisans along the way. In the afternoon, join an intimate walking tour through Paris's storied streets, uncovering the city's fascinating blend of literature, history, and culture. Your expert guide reveals how Paris evolved into the cultural capital we know today. Optional: Add a romantic Seine River cruise to your experience. Overnight in Paris
Meals : Breakfast
Day 3 - Loire Valley: Gateway to Castle Country
Speed through the French countryside aboard a high-speed train to the Loire Valley. Arrive in the charming town of Amboise, where Leonardo da Vinci spent his final years. Take time to explore this medieval gem, perhaps visiting Château d'Amboise perched majestically above the Loire River, or simply wandering the historic streets lined with half-timbered houses. Overnight in Amboise
Meals : Breakfast
Day 4 - Loire Valley: Royal Castles and Renaissance Splendor
Embark on a private tour of the Loire Valley's most magnificent châteaux. Marvel at Chambord's spectacular Renaissance architecture and double-helix staircase, then discover the romantic Chenonceau Castle, gracefully spanning the River Cher. Your expert local guide brings to life tales of royal intrigue and architectural innovation. For those seeking an extraordinary perspective, an optional hot air balloon ride offers breathtaking views over this UNESCO World Heritage landscape. Overnight in Amboise
Meals : Breakfast
Day 5 - Journey to Bordeaux: Wine Capital of the World
Board your high-speed train to Bordeaux, France's wine capital. After settling into your hotel, take time to explore this elegant city's golden-stone architecture and riverside promenades. Perhaps visit La Cité du Vin, Bordeaux's innovative wine museum, or simply stroll the historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Overnight in Bordeaux
Meals : Breakfast
Day 6 - Saint-Émilion: Medieval Wine Paradise
Journey into the prestigious Saint-Émilion wine region for a half-day of discovery. Explore historic châteaux and underground cellars while learning the secrets of Grand Cru wine production. Sample exceptional wines as your expert guide explains the unique terroir that makes this region's wines so celebrated. Wander the medieval streets of Saint-Émilion village, where centuries of wine-making history come alive around every corner. Overnight in Bordeaux
Meals : Breakfast
Day 7 - Cognac: Liquid Gold Heritage
Delve into the world of France's most prestigious spirit on a private tour to Cognac. Visit legendary houses like Rémy Martin or Martell, where centuries-old traditions create extraordinary brandies. For connoisseurs, experience the legendary Louis XIII Cognac, a blend of up to 1,200 eaux-de-vie aged up to 100 years. Enjoy lunch in historic Cognac town, where every stone seems steeped in the history of this noble spirit. Return to Bordeaux for your final evening in wine country. Overnight in Bordeaux
Meals : Breakfast
Day 8 - Sweet Farewells
Bid farewell to France's wine country, taking with you memories of grand châteaux, historic cellars, and the warm hospitality of this enchanting region. Au revoir!
Meals : Breakfast
Photo Gallery
Other Information
- Tour Code : SMF001.25
- Duration : 7 Nights/8 Days
- Departure City : Paris, France
- Ending City : Bordeaux, France
- Type : Private Tour
- Departure : Guaranteed Departure
- Grade/Difficulity : Moderate
- Transport Mode : Car/Minivan
- Children Allowed : Yes
- Max Group Size : 15
- Language Offered : English
- Starting/Meeting Point : Your Hotel
Departure Dates
April 2025 - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23
May 2025 - 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31
June 2025 - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30
July 2025 - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31
August 2025 - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31
September 2025 - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30
October 2025 - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31
Blackout Dates
24,25,26,27,28,29,30 April 2025, 1,2,3 May 2025, 8,9,10,11,12,13,14 July 2025
Tour Includes
- 2 nights in Paris
- 2 nights in Amboise
- 3 nights in Bordeaux
- First-class train tickets: Paris to St. Pierre de Corps (Loire Valley)
- First-class train tickets: St. Pierre de Corps to Bordeaux
- Small group Le Marais food tour with 8 tastings and 2 drinks / Meeting Point
- Small group cultural walking tour in Paris / Meeting Point
- Private full-day Loire Valley castles tour with expert driver-guide / Pick up and drop off at hotel
- Entrance tickets to Château de Chambord and Château de Chenonceau
- Small group - Half-day Saint-Émilion wine tour with tastings
- Private full-day Cognac distillery tour with tastings and lunch
Tour Excludes
- Flights
- Daily Breakfast
- Arrival and Departure Transfers
- Transfer from and to St. Pierre de Corps Station
- Meals and drinks, unless specified in inclusions
- Optional activities not listed in inclusions
- Additional wine tastings or château visits
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Travel Insurance
- City tourist taxes (to be paid locally)
Notes
- Paris - Hotel Des Academies Et Des Arts, Tourville, Le Littre, Trianon Rive Gauche or similar
- Amboise - Le Manoir Saint Thomas, Le Clos d'Amboise or similar
- Bordeaux - Hotel Konti Bordeaux, L'Hôtel Particulier, Seeko'o Hotel Bordeaux or similar
- While we strive to provide the specific hotels listed, we reserve the right to substitute properties of equivalent or superior quality to ensure the best possible experience for our guests.