Enchanting France: Paris + The Loire Valley + Bordeaux

Upon arrival at the airport or train station, you’ll be warmly greeted and chauffeured to your chosen hotel, carefully selected for its inviting ambiance and warm hospitality. The balance of this day is yours to enjoy as you wish. Perhaps take advantage of your hotel’s prime location to begin your exploration in the City of Light.
 

From grand boulevards and iconic landmarks to charming quartiers brimming with character, the French capital promises an unforgettable blend of elegance, history, culture, and joie de vivre. Whether it’s your first visit or a long-awaited return, Paris offers something for every traveler. Today, you have the freedom to personalize your exploration of this World Heritage city with your choice of included sightseeing in the engaging and knowledgeable company of your own private guide. 
 
Historic Paris by Private Car: This half-day panoramic tour is the perfect introduction to the architectural beauty and vibrant street life of Paris. With your expert private guide, you’ll marvel at the city’s most iconic districts and landmarks—from the grandeur of the Champs-Élysées and the Eiffel Tower to the bohemian charm of the Left Bank. Drive along the Seine, cross the Île de la Cité, marvel at the obelisk at the heart of Place de la Concorde and take in the vibrancy of Saint-Germain-des-Prés and the Latin Quarter. Highlighting this tour is an inside visit to the magnificent Notre Dame Cathedral (except during masses, Friday and Saturday afternoon, and all day Sunday) where you’ll see first-hand the remarkable restoration efforts that followed the devastating 2019 fire, an inspiring testament to the city’s resilient spirit and enduring traditions of craftsmanship. Tour Duration: 4 Hours
 
Half-Day Montmartre with Roundtrip Transfers: With captivating views over Paris, Montmartre feels a world away from the bustle of modern Paris. This morning, your private guide will lead you through its winding cobbled streets, where the charm of La Belle Époque still lingers. Once home to Benedictine nuns and later a magnet for artists and intellectuals, Montmartre became the heart of Parisian bohemia—its spirit immortalized by Renoir, Toulouse-Lautrec, and the lively cabarets of the 19th century. Behold the gleaming white domes of the Sacré-Coeur Basilica, a stunning Neo-Byzantine landmark, and stroll through the lively Place du Tertre, where artists still set up easels in the square, capturing the romance and allure of Montmartre much as they did a century ago. Tour Duration 3 Hours
 
Evening Dinner Cruise on the Seine with Roundtrip Transfers: Experience the enchantment of Paris from a unique perspective aboard our beautifully appointed river cruiser. Traveling along the Seine with magical views of illuminated landmarks like Notre Dame, the Louvre, and Eiffel Tower, this 2.5-hour dinner cruise features a gourmet multi-course menu—from starter and entrée to a cheese course and petit fours to finish the meal on a sweet note. Champagne will be served with appetizer and dessert and musical entertainment will set the mood. It’s an unforgettable evening of fine dining and classic Parisian ambiance, perfect for a romantic night or special celebration. Tour Duration 4 Hours. Elegant attire required.
 
Wine + Cheese Tasting in a Parisian Cellar: If the world of French wines and cheeses feels a bit intimidating, this relaxed and friendly tasting is the perfect introduction. Gathered around a table with a knowledgeable host, you'll enjoy six carefully selected tastings showcasing the diversity of French wine: one Champagne, two white wines, and three red wines from renowned wine-producing regions across the country. Each tasting is thoughtfully paired with an artisan cheese, creating a delicious introduction to the traditions and flavors that make French wine and cheese so celebrated. It's not a formal masterclass, but rather a relaxed and engaging experience designed to spark your curiosity, answer your questions, and leave you feeling more confident and inspired to explore French wine and cheese throughout your travels—and back home! Tour Duration 2.5 Hours
 
Meals B

This day is yours to experience the allure of Paris at your own pace. Few cities in the world reward unhurried exploration quite like Paris—a place where world-class museums and gilded palaces sit alongside lively neighborhood markets, cobblestoned medieval lanes, and inviting café terraces. Stroll the banks of the Seine past centuries of living history, lose yourself in the bohemian streets of Montmartre, or simply linger over a café crème in Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Beyond the city itself, the Île-de-France countryside unfolds with royal châteaux, Impressionist gardens, and ancient forests that inspired generations of artists and writers. With your hotel’s central location, it's easy to step outside and find yourself immersed in the city's timeless charm.
 
If you prefer exploring with a professional on hand to share their knowledge, expertise, and insights, we offer a selection of privately guided excursions to enhance your stay.

Meals B
CLICK HERE to view the full list of our available tours in and around the City of Light.

After breakfast, your private car and driver will take you to the rail station to board the train for Tours. Sit back in First Class comfort and enjoy the passing scenery as you journey from the capital into the heart of the Loire Valley. On arrival in Tours, you’ll be met and chauffeured to your hotel in the heart of this historic city.
 
The rest of this day is yours to enjoy as you wish. One of France's most elegant provincial cities, Tours traces its roots to Roman times and flourished as a major center of medieval Christianity. Indeed, pilgrims once flocked here en route to Santiago de Compostela. The charming Old Town quarter of Vieux-Tours is graced with beautifully restored half-timbered houses, and lively Place Plumereau is ideal for an afternoon stroll. Nearby, the magnificent Gothic Cathedral of Saint-Gatien has been drawing visitors for centuries.
With a wealth of cafés, wine bars, and local restaurants to discover, Tours is a wonderful place to ease into the Loire Valley at your own pace. Meals B
 

Stretching along one of France's most beautiful rivers, the Loire Valley is a landscape of extraordinary richness, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where Renaissance châteaux punctuate the region’s vineyards, medieval villages, and gently rolling farmland. Long the playground of French kings and aristocrats, this storied valley offers some of the most spectacular royal architecture anywhere in Europe.
 
Setting out in a chauffeured vehicle with your engaging personal guide, the day begins at the monumental Château de Chambord, the grandest of all Loire châteaux—a masterpiece commissioned by François I and believed to have been inspired by Leonardo da Vinci. Its dramatic double-helix staircase, soaring towers, and vast symmetrical estate surrounded by ancient forest make it one of the most awe-inspiring sights in all of France.
 
From there, continue to the enchanting Château de Chenonceau, gracefully arching across the River Cher and creating one of the most iconic images in French architecture. Famously shaped by the tastes and ambitions of powerful women, among them Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de' Medici, its richly furnished salons, refined floral arrangements, and fascinating royal history make for a deeply memorable visit.
 
Between châteaux visits, you’ll have a chance to take in the serene beauty of the Loire countryside. Including lunch in one of our favorite regional restaurants, this full-day excursion is enhanced by the deep historical knowledge and keen cultural insights of your personal guide.  Meals B+L
 

After breakfast, you'll be chauffeured to the rail station to board your train for Bordeaux. Enjoy comfortable First Class seating as you watch the landscapes of western France unfold en route to one of the country's most celebrated cities. On arrival, your car and driver will be waiting to take you to your hotel, ideally situated in the heart of town with the best of Bordeaux at your doorstep.
 
The remainder of the day is yours to explore at your own pace. Bordeaux is a city that rewards the curious traveler, a UNESCO World Heritage Site c whose elegant 18th-century architecture earned it the nickname Little Paris. The pedestrian-friendly historic core is ideal for an afternoon stroll, and the grand Place de la Bourse, reflected in the shimmering Miroir d'Eau, is among the most photographed squares in France. With a thriving food and wine culture, world-class museums, and a lively riverfront promenade along the Garonne, there is no shortage of ways to spend your free time in this remarkable city.  Meals B
 

Today you’ll have the opportunity to personalize your exploration based upon your interests and style. Just choose one of these included half-day tours and let your private guide immerse you in the city they love and know so well.

Walking Tour of Bordeaux: Elegance, History + Riverfront Charm: Discover the refined atmosphere of Bordeaux on a guided walking tour through one of France’s most elegant UNESCO-listed cities. Stroll through the historic old town with its limestone façades, lively squares, and hidden courtyards while learning about Bordeaux’s evolution from Roman settlement to global wine capital. Highlights may include Place de la Bourse and its reflecting water mirror, the Grand Théâtre, and the Saint-Pierre district. Your guide will also share insights into Bordeaux’s maritime past, architectural transformation, and cultural renaissance. With the deep knowledge of your private guide, this tour promises a leisurely immersion into a city where history and modern sophistication blend. Tour Duration 2.5 to 3 hours.
Half-Day Walking Tour + Cité du Vin Visit: Bordeaux Through Culture + Wine: Combine heritage exploration with an immersive wine experience in Bordeaux. Begin with a guided walking tour through the historic center, uncovering architectural highlights as your engaging private guide shares stories and insights that bring the city’s history to life. Continue to the striking Cité du Vin, an interactive cultural museum dedicated to the universal history of wine. Through sensory installations, multimedia exhibits, and panoramic tastings, you’ll discover how wine connects civilizations across centuries and continents. The experience concludes with a tasting session overlooking the Garonne River. Tour Duration 5 to 6 Hours

Meals B

After breakfast, join your private guide for a full-day chauffeured excursion to one of the most enchanting wine destinations in the world. Perched on limestone hills just 30 miles east of Bordeaux, Saint-Émilion is a UNESCO World Heritage village whose winding cobblestone streets, monolithic churches, ancient cloisters, and honey-colored stone houses have changed little since the Middle Ages, when pilgrims passed through on their way to Santiago de Compostela.
 
The heart of the day is an immersive exploration of Saint-Émilion's legendary wine culture. You'll visit two prestigious private estates, including a Grand Cru property, where knowledgeable hosts will introduce you to the region's renowned classification system and guide you through tastings of the elegant Merlot-based blends that have made Saint-Émilion famous the world over.
 
Between estate visits, settle in at a charming family-owned wine estate for a leisurely alfresco lunch featuring a generous spread of charcuterie, artisanal cheeses, and local specialties—paired of course with regional wines and enjoyed amid the tranquil beauty of the surrounding countryside.
 
A walking tour of the village rounds out this perfectly balanced day. With your engaging private guide leading the way, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for Saint-Émilion's layered history, from its Roman origins and medieval religious significance to its evolution into one of the world's most prestigious wine appellations. The insider perspective and local expertise that your guide brings will transform what might otherwise be a pleasant sightseeing day into a genuinely enriching experience, connecting you to the land, the people, and the traditions that make this corner of France so utterly captivating. Returning to Bordeaux, the evening is yours to dine and enjoy as you wish.  Meals B+L

After breakfast and check-out, your private car and driver will take you to the airport or rail station for your onward journey.  Meals B