Tour description
Sights & Wines From Paris to Bordeaux
This 14-day tour of France is brimming with history and culture, and the perfect combination of big-city allure and small-town charm. Starting in Paris, the City of Lights, then to the legendary vineyards and grand maisons of Champagne, the medieval villages and prehistoric treasures of the Dordogne, and the celebrated châteaux and vineyards of Saint-Émilion. You end in style in the elegant wine capital of Bordeaux. Relish in the abundant history, glorious architecture, grand culinary traditions, and luxurious accommodations of this bespoke private tour of France.
DAY 1 ARRIVAL PARIS
Welcome to the city of lights, your first stop on this Luxury Custom Tour of France! Your private chauffeur will meet you at the Paris Airport and transfer you to your 4* boutique hotel in the best area for visiting Paris, just off the Pont Neuf, within a few minutes walk from the Louvre and the Notre Dame and other important sights and just across the river from the lively Left Bank cafes area. The concierge service at your hotel is fantastic and they will gladly provide you with personalized recommendations of the best places to go, depending on your mood and on how tired you feel after your flight.
Tour in a Nutshell: Chauffeured airport transfer. Accommodation at a 4* boutique hotel, located in the heart of Paris.
DAY 2 PARIS
Your excellent Officially Licensed Guide and Driver will pick you up at your hotel in a luxurious, air-conditioned Mercedes and take you on a very special full day Private Paris Tour, stopping by all the most iconic and beautiful places. Your fun and very entertaining guide will give you tons of information on architecture and history, as well as about the daily life of the Parisians. We can customize this private tour to your interests, stopping at places like Notre Dame, Place Vendôme, Opera Garnier, the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, the Champs Elysées and more! You can also have a walking tour in the mythical neighborhoods of Marais and Montmartre and a stroll along the romantic Seine River. The day will include lunch in a typical French bistro with wine to further experience the Parisian Joie de Vivre!
Tour in a Nutshell: Full Day guided tour of Paris with luxury transportation. Typical French lunch with wine. Overnight in Paris.
DAY 3 VERSAILLES
Our charming local guide/driver will pick you up at your hotel this morning for a half-day, chauffeur-driven excursion to the magnificent Palace of Versailles.
Your Luxury Food & Wine France Tour continues in style as you travel in comfort to one of France’s most iconic royal estates. Begin your visit with a guided walk through the expansive Versailles Gardens, a masterpiece of symmetry, fountains, groves, and sculpted greenery created by Louis XIV’s celebrated landscape architect, André Le Nôtre. As you wander among the grand alleys and ornamental parterres, your guide will share the stories, symbolism, and courtly life that unfolded here during the height of the Sun King’s reign.
You will then enter the Palace itself, exploring its dazzling halls and royal apartments. Marvel at the opulence of the King’s and Queen’s Suites, the glittering Hall of Mirrors, and the richly decorated salons that once hosted royal ceremonies, diplomatic receptions, and legendary festivities. Your guide will bring the history of Versailles to life, recounting the personalities, politics, and passions that shaped this extraordinary court.
After your visit, enjoy some time at leisure for a relaxed stroll, a coffee on the palace grounds, or browsing the charming boutiques near the estate before meeting your driver. You will return to Paris early in the afternoon, with the rest of the day free to explore the city at your own pace—whether that means visiting a museum, sitting at a café, or simply soaking in the atmosphere of the City of Lights.
Tour in a Nutshell: Half-day chauffeured visit to Versailles in a Mercedes vehicle. Guided visit of the Gardens and Palace. Return to Paris with free afternoon at leisure. Overnight Paris.
DAY 4 CHAMPAGNE
Your charming local guide/driver will pick you up at your hotel for a small group full day tour of Champagne wineries.
Your Luxury Food & Wine France Tour starts in style today, with a guided tour through the maze of cellars of one of the biggest bubble producers, like Champagne Moët & Chandon, Veuve Clicquot or Pommery. Learn about their unique history and production, tasting their flagship cuvee with the house sommelier.
Then discover the village of Hautvillers and its abbey, where Dom Pérignon used to work as a cellar master over 300 years ago and made Champagne. Learn more about this legendary character and about his influence on the style and reputation of the drink.
Stop by the wonderful vineyards of Champagne and enjoy a “wild tasting” conducted by your wine expert guide (weather permitting). Through this very unique experience and the tasting of a special cuvee, you will learn all the secrets of this famous bubbly drink. For lunch, settle at the table of a family-run winery or a traditional restaurant, where you will enjoy a delicious Gourmet French lunch, paired with 3 different Champagnes.
The last stop will be at a cooperative winery where you will see all the tools used to produce Champagne and of course enjoy more tastings. By the end of the day, you are guaranteed to be a bubble expert! Your tour will end back in Paris in the evening.
Tour in a Nutshell: Small group full day Champagne tour with chauffeur driven Mercedes minibus. Guided visits to 2 prestigious wineries with tasting. Excellent lunch with wine. Overnight Paris.
DAY 5 PARIS
Your morning in Paris is free to explore at your own pace, with countless possibilities right at your doorstep. Whether you choose to stroll along the Seine, browse a lively neighborhood market, wander through an iconic museum, or simply relax at a charming café, we will provide a curated list of personalized suggestions to help you make the most of your time in the City of Lights.
In the afternoon, meet your delightful local guide for a highlight of your France journey: a visit to the Eiffel Tower with summit tickets. As you make your way through the Champ de Mars and approach the Iron Lady, your guide will share its history, engineering marvels, and the stories that transformed this once-controversial structure into one of the world’s most beloved landmarks. Enjoy priority access as you ascend to the upper levels, taking in panoramic views of Paris that stretch from the golden dome of Les Invalides to the distant hills of Montmartre.
At the summit, savor the breathtaking 360-degree vistas while your guide points out the city’s most iconic monuments and neighborhoods, bringing the landscape of Paris to life. After your visit, you may choose to linger in the area, explore nearby cafés and boutiques, or return to your hotel at leisure.
Tour in a Nutshell: Free morning in Paris with personalized recommendations. Afternoon guided visit of the Eiffel Tower with summit access. Overnight Paris.
DAY 6 DORDOGNE
This morning you will ride the high speed train (first class tickets) from the bustling city of Paris to the fairytale Dordogne Valley on your Best of France and Spain Private Tour. Your private chauffeur will take you from the station to Sarlat la-Caneda where you will staying in a 4* luxury B&B with a great location in the town center, perfect for exploring this charming town. This historic hotel was built towards the end of the 15th century and renovated and re-inaugurated as an exquisite boutique hotel. Afternoon free to discover one of the most beautiful towns of the Dordogne. Sarlat has the highest density of listed historical buildings per square foot in France! It comes as no surprise that famous film-makers have been making use of the medieval backdrop of Sarlat since 1928, and a number of cult films have been shot on location here. Beyond its architectural beauty, Sarlat is also known for its grand gourmet markets and many specialty food shops where you can find foie gras, wild mushrooms, preserved duck, truffles, walnuts, honey, wine, cheeses and more!
Tour in a Nutshell: First Class high speed train from Paris to Dordogne. Private transfer from station to hotel. Accommodation in a 4* boutique hotel in the heart of Sarlat la-Caneda.
DAY 7 DORDOGNE
Your charming chauffeur/guide will take you to explore the famous French Valley of the 5 castles (or 1000, as many rightfully point out!). See the impressive 12th century medieval fortress of Chateau de Beynac, perched above the river and carved out of the rock of the cliff! The heavy defensive walls were once guarded by some of France’s most illustrious figures, such as King Richard I “the Lion-Heart” and Simon de Montfort (leader of one of the crusades).
Off to another castle, Castelnaud or Milandes, depending on your preference.
Castelnaud, another 12th century castle, stands undaunted on the limestone cliffs with magnificent panoramic views of the Dordogne Valley. Abandoned after the Revolution, the castle is rather appropriately once again full of catapults, swords and crossbows.
The XVth century fairytale castle, Château des Milandes, was bought by the 1920s dancer, Josephine Baker, after she fell in love with the chateau and the Dordogne region. The castle now celebrates her life and showcases what a truly remarkable woman she was.
Your Food, Wine and Culture Tour of France & Spain will of course include a delicious gourmet Dordogne lunch at a charming local restaurant (including a foie gras tasting!) and a stop in picturesque La Roque-Gageac, on the Dordogne river, listed as one of the ‘most beautiful villages of France’.
Once back in Sarlat-la-Caneda, enjoy the gentle hum of this charming authentic French town as you relax in your accommodations or find a great place for dinner thanks to our many recommendations.
Tour in a Nutshell: Private chauffeured tour of the Dordogne region and its castles including entrances. Fantastic local lunch with wine. Overnight in Sarlat.
DAY 8 ROCAMADOUR
This morning, your charming local guide and licensed driver will take you to explore two of the Dordogne’s most awe-inspiring sites. Begin in the extraordinary cliffside village of Rocamadour, a dramatic medieval pilgrimage site rising high above a canyon. Stroll through its winding lanes and ascend to the revered sanctuaries and chapels, including the famed Notre Dame Chapel, long celebrated for its history and miraculous legends. Enjoy a leisurely lunch of Dordogne specialties with wine at a charming local restaurant before continuing to the Padirac Caves, one of Europe’s most remarkable natural wonders. Descend deep into the earth to discover vast underground galleries, hidden lakes, and breathtaking rock formations during a guided visit and subterranean boat ride. After this extraordinary journey through history and nature, return to your boutique hotel for an evening at leisure.
Tour in a Nutshell: Full Day Chauffeured tour of Rocamadour and visits to Padirac Caves (or other prehistoric caves if you prefer). Local Cuisine Lunch. Overnight Sarlat.
DAY 9 MONTBAZILLAC & BERGERAC
This morning, you will bid farewell to Sarlat as your charming and knowledgeable local Dordogne guide, who is also a licensed driver, escorts you through the beautiful landscapes of the Périgord region. Your first stop will be the picturesque Château de Monbazillac, a striking 16th-century castle overlooking vineyards renowned for their luscious sweet white wines. Enjoy a self-guided visit of the château and its grounds, followed by a tasting of the celebrated Monbazillac wine.
You will then continue to the historic town of Bergerac, where you’ll enjoy a leisurely lunch featuring regional specialities and have time to stroll through its delightful old town, adorned with half-timbered houses, charming boutiques, and lively squares.
In the late afternoon, your driver will continue the journey into the rolling vineyards of Bordeaux, leaving you comfortably settled at your boutique 4* hotel in the heart of Saint-Émilion. The evening is yours to soak in the village’s medieval charm, perhaps with a glass of local grand cru in hand.
Tour in a Nutshell: Chauffeured transfer from the Dordogne to Saint-Émilion with stops in Monbazillac & Bergerac. Entrance tickets to Château de Monbazillac with tastings. Local cuisine lunch. Accommodation at a boutique hotel in the heart of Saint-Émilion.
DAY 10 SAINT EMILION
Your morning in Saint-Émilion is free to explore this enchanting medieval village at your own pace. Wander its steep cobbled lanes, browse charming boutiques, visit artisan chocolate and macaron shops, or simply enjoy the serene atmosphere of this UNESCO-listed gem. We will provide you with plenty of personalized suggestions – whether you wish to visit historic monuments, enjoy a scenic walk among the vineyards, or relax at a terrace café with a panoramic view of the surrounding countryside.
In the afternoon, your private chauffeur – who is also a local wine expert – will meet you for a bespoke winery experience. You will enjoy a private visit at an exceptional estate, beautifully set among the rolling hills of Saint-Émilion’s famed vineyards. Learn about the unique terroir of the Right Bank, the château’s winemaking philosophy, and the history behind its acclaimed cuvées. Your visit concludes with a premium tasting of their wines, giving you a deeper appreciation of the elegance and complexity that define the appellation.
After your visit, your driver will return you to your boutique 4* hotel in the heart of Saint-Émilion. The evening is yours to relax, unwind, or continue exploring the village’s hidden corners. Perhaps enjoy a wine bar, a cozy dinner in one of the village’s excellent restaurants, or a sunset stroll through the surrounding vineyards.
Tour in a Nutshell: Free morning in Saint-Émilion with personalized recommendations. Afternoon private winery visit with premium tasting. Accommodation in a boutique 4* hotel in the center of Saint-Émilion.
DAY 11 BORDEAUX
This morning, your private chauffeur will collect you from your hotel in Saint-Émilion for a comfortable transfer to Bordeaux. Upon arrival, our excellent local guide will meet you for a private guided tour of the city, where you will uncover the charm, elegance, and rich heritage that make Bordeaux one of France’s most beautiful urban centers.
Together with your knowledgeable guide, you’ll stroll through the city’s graceful 18th-century streets and lively squares, discovering architectural treasures, historic landmarks, and the refined atmosphere that has earned Bordeaux its UNESCO World Heritage status. Along the way, you will enjoy tastings of local specialties and sample some of Bordeaux’s celebrated wines, gaining insight into the broader wine region, its traditions, and its exceptional gastronomy.
At the end of your tour, your guide will leave you with personalized recommendations to help you make the most of your free afternoon—whether you choose to explore museums, shop in the chic Golden Triangle, relax along the Garonne, or enjoy a terrace café in the historic center.
Tour in a Nutshell: Private chauffeured transfer from Saint-Émilion to Bordeaux. Half-day private guided tour of Bordeaux with local food & wine tastings. Overnight Bordeaux.
DAY 12 BORDEAUX
Your driver and wine expert will take you up the famed Left Bank of the Garonne River on the legendary “Route des Châteaux” along the Margaux, Medoc, Pauliac, Saint-Julien and Saint-Estèphe wine appellations.
Morning private tour and premium tasting at a beautiful historic estate producing excellent red and rose wines of the Margaux appellation. The history of this winery dates back to 1330 as per the written records of the property. It was rated as a third growth in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification and, since the 1990s, it has moved from being a Merlot-dominant wine to a more long-lived blend, typically of 75 percent Cabernet Sauvignon and 25 percent Merlot.
Afterwards, you are booked at one of our favorite local haunts, where a delicious lunch of local specialties, accompanied of course by some great Bordeaux wines awaits on your Custom Food & Wine Tour of France & Spain.
Your second wine tour today will be a visit & tasting at a fantastic winemaker, Grand Crú Classé, located in the beautiful little village of Bages in Pauillac, and boosting a gleaming new Chien Chung (Didi) Pei-designed winery, which despite its soaring contemporary spaces and modern engineering utilizes wine-making principles the château relied on from the late 1800s to 1975.
Once back in Bordeaux, you might wish to visit La Cité du Vin, a must see for any wine lover, with amazing state of the art technology that allows you to sit down and “interact” with some of the biggest figures in the French wine world.
Tour in a Nutshell: Private chauffeured tour of Bordeaux Left Bank Grand Cru Wine route. Guided tours with tasting at two prestigious wineries. Excellent local lunch with wines. Overnight Bordeaux.
DAY 13 BORDEAUX
Today is yours to enjoy Bordeaux entirely at your own pace. With its harmonious 18th-century architecture, lively riverfront, elegant squares, and vibrant café culture, the city offers endless possibilities for discovery. You may wish to wander through the historic center, exploring its graceful boulevards, charming boutiques, and inviting terraces.
Perhaps visit one of Bordeaux’s renowned museums, such as the Musée des Beaux-Arts or the Cité du Vin, a must-see for wine lovers with its immersive, state-of-the-art exhibits. Or simply take a leisurely stroll along the Garonne River, pausing to admire the iconic Place de la Bourse reflected in the Water Mirror. Food enthusiasts may prefer to explore the city’s gourmet markets, sample local pastries, or enjoy a relaxed lunch in a neighborhood brasserie.
We will provide you with a curated list of suggestions to help you make the most of your day, whether you seek culture, cuisine, shopping, or quiet moments soaking in the atmosphere of one of France’s most elegant cities.
Tour in a Nutshell: Free day in Bordeaux to explore at your leisure. Overnight Bordeaux.
DAY 14 DEPATURE BORDEAUX
This morning, your private chauffeur will meet you at your hotel for a comfortable and timely transfer to the Bordeaux Airport. Sit back and relax as you enjoy the final views of Bordeaux’s elegant avenues and riverside quays on your journey. Your driver will assist you with your luggage and ensure a smooth arrival at the terminal for your departing flight.
We hope you leave France with wonderful memories of your journey – its wines, landscapes, cuisine, and the warm welcome of its people.
Tour in a Nutshell: Private chauffeured transfer from your Bordeaux hotel to Bordeaux Airport. Departure from France.
Tour quotation
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