Paris, Chateaux & Wine

(9 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Paris & Versailles, Loire Valley, Bordeaux with Saint-Emilion & Dordogne

On this private luxury tour of France, experience sophisticated Paris, the outstanding chateaus and gardens of the romantic Loire Valley, and the wine and history of Bordeaux.

Begin in Paris. With your own private guide and driver—sophisticated experts who will share the very best of Paris with you—explore Paris according to your interests. Tour the city's most interesting neighborhoods, markets, boutiques, specialty food shops, gardens, museums and other cultural attractions. A few of our favorites: Walk among centuries-old mansions on exclusive Ile Saint-Louis. See the stained glass windows of exquisite Sainte-Chapelle, and see iconic Notre Dame. Visit the backstreets of Montmartre. Climb the steps to the Sacre Coeur Basilica for panoramic views. Explore Le Marais, whose private homes once belonged to kings, noblemen and courtesans. Wander the old Jewish quarter to the Place des Vosges, the city's oldest and one of its most beautiful squares. See the art treasures of museums such as the Louvre, Musee d'Orsay, l'Orangerie, Centre Pompidou, Fondation Louis Vuitton and other major museums. Or visit smaller specialty museums off the beaten track. If desired, enjoy reservations at one of the restaurants atop the Eiffel Tower. Stroll the Latin Quarter, and relax in the Luxembourg Gardens. Shop exclusive boutiques along Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honore and Rue Royale. Take a break at Left Bank cafes made famous by poets and philosophers, and stop in the church of Saint-Germain-des-Pres. Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can arrange personalized shopping (antiques, flea markets, haute couture, tea, copperware and cooking utensils, chocolate, fashion and more). Perhaps spend hours enjoying a degustation gastronomique at a leading restaurant.

Continue to Versailles to tour Louis XIV’s opulent palace, extensive gardens, the town's historic covered market, and Hameau de la Reine, the mock hamlet created for Marie-Antoinette, en route to the Loire Valley. During private touring, 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. During private wine touring, sample wines at vineyards, wineries and chateaus in Saint-Emilion and the Medoc regions of Bordeaux. Also enjoy a private walking tour of the city of Bordeaux, a historic port and UNESCO World Heritage Site of well-preserved 18th-century architecture, ancient churches, markets and museums. Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can also arrange meetings with local winemakers, vertical flight wine tastings, meals in Michelin-star restaurants with wine pairings and more.

One day, if desired, enjoy a private excursion 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 medieval village 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 and Font de Gaume.

This tour can be extended to include time in Biarritz, the Basque Region in France or Northern Spain, or elsewhere in France.

Itinerary Overview

Day 1 Arrive Paris Private transfer to hotel for 3 nights Day 2 Paris Full-day private city tour Day 3 Paris Half-day private city tour Day 4 Paris – Versailles – Loire Valley Private tour of Versailles en route to hotel for 2 nights Day 5 Loire Valley Full-day private tour of chateaux, gardens and vineyards Day 6 Loire Valley – Bordeaux Private transfer to station for express train to Bordeaux. Private tour on arrival. Private transfer to hotel for 1 night Day 7 Bordeaux – St. Emilion Private vineyard touring en route to hotel for 2 nights Day 8 Saint-Emilion & Dordogne Private wine touring or private excursion to Sarlat or the Lascaux caves Day 9 Depart Bordeaux Private transfer to airport or train station in Bordeaux

Hotels

Paris: Ritz Paris or Four Seasons Hotel George V Loire Valley: Les Hauts de Loire Bordeaux: InterContinental Bordeaux – Le Grand Hotel St. Emilion: Hotel de Pavie (St. Emilion)

Cost

Upon request