Romantic France

(11 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Paris & Versailles, Provence, Cote d'Azur

This private luxury France tour combines the culture, lifestyle and romance of sophisticated Paris with the beautiful landscapes and traditional villages of Provence and the Cote d'Azur.

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. One evening, enjoy a romantic gourmet dinner while cruising on the Seine River through the heart of Paris.

One day, if desired, enjoy a private excursion to Versailles to tour Louis XIV's opulent palace, including the Hall of Mirrors, the gardens, and the Hameau de la Reine, the mock hamlet created for Marie-Antoinette.

Next, take a high-speed train to Provence, and stay at a luxury hotel in the heart of the Luberon Valley. Enjoy private touring of local villages such as Gordes, Roussillon, Menerbes and L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue. Also visit other highlights in the region according to your interests, such as the best of Provencal markets, Roman ruins, nearby national parks, historic attractions in towns such as Avignon, art and architectural touring in Arles and St. Remy, antiques stores, colorful town squares and more.

Conclude on the beautiful Cote d'Azur and stay at a luxurious resort overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Visit local towns along the waterfront and in the hills of the French Riviera and Monaco, such as Nice, Cannes, Eze, Saint-Paul de Vence, Antibes and Monte-Carlo. Touring options include exploring gardens and villas in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat such as Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, visiting atmospheric villages, seeing the Prince's Palace in Monte-Carlo, strolling through botanic gardens, browsing local markets such as the flower and antiques markets in Nice, visiting art museums and the Chapelle du Rosaire (Matisse chapel), strolling along waterside promenades, sampling local culinary specialties, and much more, depending on your interests. We can also arrange special interest activities such as learning to make your own perfume at a workshop in Grasse, chartered boat excursions, wine tasting, biking and more. During leisure time, enjoy your luxury resort and its beach club.