Focus: Castles & Grand Cru Wines
This elegant journey through Paris, the Loire Valley and Bordeaux combines iconic sights with exceptional culinary experiences. From private food tours in Le Marais and hands on cooking classes in Paris to château visits, wine tastings and a tranquil pinasse cruise on Arcachon Bay, each day offers a rich sense of place. The itinerary is elevated further by stays in hotels whose restaurants hold Michelin stars, adding a remarkable dining dimension throughout.
Journey highlights
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Le Marais Food Stroll
Discover one of Paris’s most stylish districts through a private tasting walk filled with culture, character and exceptional local flavours. -
Loire Valley Icons
Visit Chenonceau and Chambord, two of France’s most beautiful châteaux, paired with a river cruise and a wine tasting. -
Bordeaux Grand Cru Experience
Enjoy an exclusive château visit with a private lunch and wine pairings in one of the region’s most prestigious estates. -
Bordeaux Grand Cru Experience
Enjoy an exclusive château visit with a private lunch and wine pairings in one of the region’s most prestigious estates.
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Itinerary
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At a Glance
Day 1 - Arrive in Paris
Begin your journey with a private transfer from the airport or train station to your hotel, where a warm welcome awaits. Settle in and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure, perhaps taking a gentle stroll through the neighbourhood and soaking up the rhythm of the city.
Day 2 - Le Marais Flavours
Discover the charm of Le Marais on a private guided food walking tour, where history, culture and Parisian gastronomy come together in one of the capital’s most stylish districts. As you wander its elegant streets, enjoy tastings of sweet and savoury specialities and meet the artisans behind them, all while uncovering the character and stories of this wonderfully cosmopolitan quarter. This evening, you may wish to visit Île de la Cité and the iconic Notre Dame, an enduring symbol of Parisian heritage.
Day 3 - A Taste of Paris
Spend the morning exploring French cuisine in a private market led cooking class, selecting fresh seasonal produce before preparing a delicious meal with an expert chef. The experience ends with a leisurely lunch paired with fine wines and a sweet finish from one of Paris’s finest patisseries. Later, the Latin Quarter offers an atmospheric setting for an unhurried afternoon among historic streets, bookshops and café culture.
Day 4 - Chocolate Indulgence
Indulge in a private chocolate workshop in an elegant Parisian apartment, where you will explore the world of fine chocolate through tasting, discovery and expert guidance. From understanding the craft to sampling exceptional creations from celebrated chocolatiers, it is a deliciously immersive experience. You may then wish to wander through Montmartre, with its cobbled lanes, artist’s heritage and sweeping city views.
Where to stay
Hotel Bowmann Paris (4 nights)
Alternative Places to Stay Nearby
More Experiences in This Area
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At a Glance
Day 5 - Onward to Tours
Travel from Paris to Tours in first class comfort, with private transfers at either end to ensure a smooth and effortless journey. The pace slows as you arrive in the Loire Valley, ready to enjoy the elegance of the region at leisure.
Day 6 - Chenonceau and Amboise
Explore two of the Loire’s most captivating highlights on a private tour of Château de Chenonceau and the historic town of Amboise. Chenonceau enchants with its graceful architecture and beautiful Renaissance gardens, while Amboise offers a charming setting for a relaxed lunch and a stroll through its riverside streets. The day concludes with a tasting at a local wine estate, where you will discover the character and finesse of Loire Valley wines.
Day 7 - Chambord by Water
Visit the magnificent Château de Chambord, a masterpiece of French Renaissance architecture and one of the Loire’s most celebrated landmarks. Afterwards, take to the water on a private traditional boat ride, enjoying a refined aperitif as the landscape drifts by in serene style. It is a day that combines grandeur, heritage and the quiet pleasure of the river.
Where to stay
Les Hauts de Loire (3 nights)
Alternative Places to Stay Nearby
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At a Glance
Day 8 - Bordeaux Bound
Leave the Loire Valley behind and travel to Bordeaux in first class comfort, again with private transfers to make the journey seamless. Arrive in one of France’s most elegant cities and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Day 9 - Bordeaux Elegance
Discover the refined Golden Triangle of Bordeaux on a private gourmet food tour, where grand architecture and culinary pleasures go hand in hand. As you stroll past elegant boulevards and historic landmarks, enjoy a series of tastings and gain a deeper appreciation of the city’s vineyards, terroir and grands crus. It is a delicious introduction to Bordeaux’s sophisticated spirit.
Day 10 - Médoc Grand Crus
Set out on a full day journey into the Médoc, where elegant châteaux and world famous vineyards define the landscape. Visit three estates, including one Grand Cru Classé 1855 and two Cru Bourgeois, and enjoy tastings that reveal the finesse, depth and character of this iconic left bank region. It is a day that perfectly captures the heritage and prestige of Bordeaux’s finest red wines.
Day 11 - Arcachon at Sea
Set out for Arcachon Bay aboard a traditional pinasse boat, drifting past Bird Island and the charming fishing villages of Cap Ferret. Along the way, enjoy a tasting of fresh local oysters paired with white wine, a classic experience that reflects the maritime character of the bay. With time for a relaxed lunch ashore, the day brings together sea air, regional flavour and understated coastal charm.
Day 12 - Depart Bordeaux
Enjoy a final private transfer from your accommodation to the train station or airport, bringing your journey to a smooth and elegant close. After a trip filled with exceptional food, beautiful landscapes and memorable experiences, it is a fittingly seamless departure.
Where to stay
Les Sources de Caudalie (3 nights)
Alternative Places to Stay Nearby
More Experiences in This Area
Our tailor made journeys include:
- Your dedicated Travel Consultant who will take care of arrangements
- Private international airport transfers in destination and your own private, English-speaking local guides
- Unique experiences, hand-picked by our Journeys team
- Entrance to must-see local sites
- Dedicated 24/7 team providing in-country support and guidance
When to visit
- J
- F
- M
- A
- M
- J
- J
- A
- S
- O
- N
- D
With moderate winters and summers, this is a perfect place to visit in the Spring, Summer and Autumn. A spring in France provides the right climate for the picturesque green hills with pretty flowers and calm weather. April showers occur on occasion, but it is nothing an umbrella cannot handle. Spring and summer are especially lovely because of the beauty that these seasons bestow upon the French countryside, however, the Autumn months make travel and site seeing very doable - even with the occasional drizzle and chillier conditions in the evenings as the end of the Autumn draws in.
Price Guide: ( based on double occupancy and excludes international flights)
| Departing |
Price from*
|
Deposit from * | Enquire |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 2026 | £12,500 | £1,900 | plan your trip |
| May 2026 | £13,000 | £2,000 | plan your trip |
| June 2026 | £13,000 | £2,000 | plan your trip |
| July 2026 | £13,000 | £2,000 | plan your trip |
| August 2026 | £12,500 | £1,900 | plan your trip |
| September 2026 | £13,000 | £2,000 | plan your trip |
| October 2026 | £12,500 | £1,900 | plan your trip |
| November 2026 | £11,900 | £1,800 | plan your trip |
| March 2027 | £11,900 | £1,800 | plan your trip |
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April 2026
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
£12,500
Deposit from*£1,900
-
May 2026
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
£13,000
Deposit from*£2,000
-
June 2026
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
£13,000
Deposit from*£2,000
-
July 2026
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
£13,000
Deposit from*£2,000
-
August 2026
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
£12,500
Deposit from*£1,900
-
September 2026
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
£13,000
Deposit from*£2,000
-
October 2026
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
£12,500
Deposit from*£1,900
-
November 2026
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
£11,900
Deposit from*£1,800
-
March 2027
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
£11,900
Deposit from*£1,800
We design each itinerary around you, so this suggested itineraryis a starting point that we can tweak or transform into something completely bespoke to you. Call us on 020 8682 5040 to start planning your holiday.
