Journey Through France

(19 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Paris, Normandy, Loire Valley, Bordeaux, Carcassonne, Provence, Cote d’Azur

This extraordinary private luxury tour is ideal for travelers wanting to experience the best of France, including incredible cultural sites, outstanding culinary traditions, romantic landscapes, beautiful chateaux, traditional villages, luxurious hotels, and much more. All daily touring in this private tour can be customized to your interests.

Begin with three nights in Paris. With your sophisticated expert guide, enjoy Paris according to your interests. First-time visitors may wish to tour major attractions such as Notre Dame Cathedral, Sainte-Chapelle, the Eiffel Tower, the Luxembourg and Tuileries Gardens, and major museums such as the Louvre and the Musee d'Orsay. Other possibilities include an epicurean tour of specialty chocolate shops, fromagerie (cheese shops), copperware stores and tea sellers; walking tours through the exclusive residential streets on Ile St-Louis, the old Jewish quarter in the Marais, the former art colony of Montmartre, the medieval streets of the Latin Quarter, or to Left Bank cafes made famous by poets and philosophers; and shopping for antiques in flea markets or haute couture in fashionable boutiques.

One day, enjoy a private excursion to Versailles to tour Louis XIV’s opulent palace and extensive gardens. One evening, enjoy a gourmet dinner while cruising on the Seine River through the heart of Paris.

Continue to Normandy for several nights at a luxury chateau hotel. With your private Normandy expert, tour the D-Day landing beaches and other significant World War II-related sites such as the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial, the Mulberry Artificial Harbors, and the Caen Museum of Peace. Also, visit the historic town of Bayeux to see the famous tapestry illustrating the Norman invasion of England in 1066. One day, enjoy a private excursion to Mont Saint-Michel, a remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site. This enormous abbey and town on a tidal island has been a pilgrimage site since ancient times, and it remains one of Europe's most popular attractions.

During private touring in the Loire Valley, visit the most beautiful and interesting chateaux and gardens. If desired, also visit local vineyards and wineries to sample the wide range of the Loire Valley’s best varietals. Touring is flexible according to your interests, but some of our favorite options are chateaux such as Chambord, the largest royal chateau in the Loire; romantic Chateau de Chenonceau, built on arches across the Cher River; Chateau Villandry and its stunning Renaissance gardens; and Chateau du Clos-Luce, the mansion in which Leonardo da Vinci lived out his final days. Other highlights include visiting the outstanding Chartres Cathedral, as well as lesser-known chateaux with unique gardens.

Next, transfer to Bordeaux, one of the most famous wine regions in the world. Enjoy a private walking tour of the city of Bordeaux, a historic port on the banks of the Garonne River. Tour highlights of this UNESCO World Heritage Site such as well-preserved 18th-century architecture, ancient churches, shopping streets, excellent museums and surprising contemporary additions to the cityscape. One day, sample local wines during a private tour of Bordeaux vineyards, wineries and chateaux (Artisans of Leisure can also arrange meetings with local winemakers, vertical flight wine tastings, meals in Michelin-star restaurants with wine pairings and more, upon request). Continue to the beautiful and history-rich Dordogne (Perigord) region. During private touring customized to your interests, explore highlights such as tiny medieval villages in the Dordogne Valley, local markets offering regional specialties such as foie gras and walnut oil, the charming town of Sarlat, elaborate gardens, rustic hilltop castles, and important pre-history sites in the Vezere Valley, such as troglodyte dwellings, the National Museum of Prehistory and the cave paintings of Lascaux II and Font de Gaume.

Continue to Carcassonne, a medieval fortified town that looks straight out of a fairytale. With your expert local guide, wander the narrow cobblestone streets, and explore the ancient crenellated walls, castle and churches of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Next, transfer to Provence and stay at a world-renowned gourmet retreat. Take a private excursion to see cultural highlights in nearby Avignon or Arles, such as Roman ruins, specialty markets, antiques stores, colorful town squares, churches and museums.

Finally, transfer to the Cote d’Azur for three nights overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. With a private driver at your disposal, visit the endlessly fascinating attractions in the surrounding region, as well as local towns such as Nice, Cannes, Saint-Paul de Vence, Eze, Antibes or Monaco.