Intoxicating France 10 Nights / 11 Days

France

Customized Tour

on REQUEST

TOUR PLAN

Paris – Bordeaux 

Welcome to France today and upon arrival into Paris you connect to the Wine capital of the world – to Bordeaux!! Check into your hotel and spend the rest of the day soaking in the sun and the wonderful ambience the city has to offer. The largest wine growing area in the world, this region invites you to try some of its most famous red wines originating from Saint Emilion, Médoc and Margaux. Famous celebrity reds include Pétrus, Mouton Rothschild, Cheval Blanc that perfectly complement delciacies such as salmon and red meat. A chilled glass of sweet white Sauternes wines with foie gras leaves you with irresistible memories! Overnight in Bordeaux.

Bordeaux

Wake up to a lazy morning and relax and soak in the beauty of the region of Bordeaux.

Later in the afternoon around 1.30pm discover the prestigious wines of the Medoc Region! Drive along the "Chateau Route" of the Medoc Region, pass by mythical appellations such as Margaux, Saint-Julien, Pauillac... which made the reputation of the Bordeaux wines. This specific terroir produces powerful red wines. During the afternoon, enjoy the visit of two chateaux: a family run estate and a classified Growth chateau of 1855! Drive through the "Chateau Route" of the Medoc. The guide will provide you with all the information about the Bordeaux & Medoc wine regions. Visit a charming and authentic family-run estate (Chateau Lamarque, Chateau Chasse-Spleen, Chateau Siran...). Feel the intimacy and authenticity of a private chateau run by a passionate family for generations. Visit the vineyards, and walk around the traditional vat room and the cellar. Tasting class: Become a wine expert in 20min! "Intense color, woody aromas, tannic taste..." Ouch!! What does it mean? You will learn the steps of a proper tasting and will train your nose in order to identify the wines aromas. We will give you our tips and tricks to taste like a pro! At the end of the visit, you will enjoy some tasting of the chateau's wines. Later in the afternoon, visit a Great Classified Growth estate (Chateau Gruaud-Larose, Chateau Lagrange...). Discover the vineyards, the vat room and cellars of the one of the most prestigious chateaux of Bordeaux. Enjoy some explanations about their wine making process, from A to Z. Finish the visit by a tasting of the estate's wines while enjoying an aperitif with French delicacies (cheese, fresh bread...). You will then be back to Bordeaux by 7.30pm.

Overnight in Bordeaux.

Bordeaux

Today develop your knowledge and appreciation of French wine with a 2-hour small-group wine tasting and workshop in Bordeaux! Create your very own cuvee! Start your Bordeaux wine tasting and workshop with an excellent introduction to French wine from your expert sommelier. As you taste four different wines, learn about the unique characteristics of France's main wine regions such as Bordeaux, Burgundy, Cotes du Rhone and the Loire Valley. Gain insight into the terms terroir and appellation and learn how to read a French wine label. Next, enjoy a tasting session of two more wines to discover how to analyze various aspects of wine including its color, smell and taste, and develop your own personal preferences of aroma and flavor. Finish the session with a wine-blending workshop using two leading varieties of Bordeaux, Merlot and cabernet sauvignon. Learn how to recognize and describe the wines and create your own vintage wine according to your personal tastes by blending different varieties. Taste two more French wines as you enjoy a typical French appetizer platter of cheese, saucisson (sausage) and fresh bread. Your sommelier will be available to answer any questions you may have during the session. At the end, you will receive a diploma as a reminder of your Bordeaux wine experience.

In the afternoon discover the prestigious wines of the right bank & Saint-Emilion! Discover the famous village of Saint-Emilion and two right bank chateaux: a beautiful family-run estate & a Great Classified Growth estate. Enjoy the amazing hilly vineyard landscapes of the region. In this region, Merlot is the king of the grape varieties! You will visit an authentic and charming family-run estate of the right bank (Chateau de Reignac, Chateau de Sales, Chateau de Pressac, Chateau Siaurac...) Feel the intimacy and authenticity of a private chateau ran by a passionate family for generations. Visit the vineyards, the traditional vat room and cellar of this intimate estate! Tasting class: Become a wine expert in 20min! "Intense color, woody aromas, tannic taste..." Ouch !! What does it mean? You will learn the steps of a proper tasting and will train your nose in order to identify the wines aromas. We will give you our tips and tricks to taste like a pro! At the end of the visit, you will enjoy some tasting of the chateau's wines. Visit a Great Classified Growth estate overlooking the Saint-Emilion vineyards (Chateau Soutard, Chateau de Ferrand...) There, you will enjoy explanations about the winemaking process from the vine to the bottle. To finish, enjoy an aperitif in a tasting room with French delicacies (fresh bread, cheese...) You also will enjoy a guided tour of the village of Saint-Emilion, classified on UNESCO's World Heritage list. Saint-Emilion is a typical charming French village dating back to medieval times surrounded by vineyards that took its name. At the end of the day, you will be back in Bordeaux. Overnight in Bordeaux.

Bordeaux – Cognac – Bordeaux

Today day is free and we recommend you to visit the town of Cognac (2.5hrs from Bordeaux)

The town is famous all over the world thanks to cognac, the grape-based spirit that has been made here for the past 300 years - French writer Victor Hugo called it the ‘liquor of the gods’. Cognac is a town full of history. A must do tour here is the Remy Martin tour. Rémy Martin is a brand of cognac originally produced by Rémy Martin, a French winemaker, who founded the company in 1724 and here in summers you can visit by train of the production site of our cognacs at Merpins just 4kms away from Cognac. In a unique & authentic site, you are invited to see & take part in all stages of the crafting of cognac, from its creation to its full development Les Rendez-Vous by Rémy Martin. Back to Bordeaux.

Bordeaux – Paris  

Post breakfast it’s time to make your way to the airport or the train station and get to Paris. Check into your hotel and relax a while. Later in the evening it’s time to visit the most avant-garde cabaret in Paris reveals its charms. Allow a talented troupe of dancers to seduce you at the legendary Crazy Horse cabaret in Paris that engages the mind as much as the eye! Overnight in Paris.

Paris – Champagne – Paris

Today set off from the center of Paris for a memorable day in the Champagne Region to the east of Paris. Begin your excursion with a guided visit of the cellars of the famous Mumm Champagne house, where you will learn about their expertise and the secrets behind the creation of their many Champagnes. At the end of your tour, taste the famous "Red Ribbon" Champagne, one of the most popular Champagnes in the world. Your excursion continues with a guided tour of Reims's imposing Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site. A Gothic masterpiece and site of the coronations of the Kings of France, it is also well-known for its many statues and extraordinary 13th-Century stained glass windows. Spend your free time exploring Reims city center and enjoy lunch in one of the many restaurants in beautiful Erlon Square, for example. Sample the many specialties of the region, such as "white pudding," a type of sausage from Rethel, Chaource and Langres cheeses, and the famous Reims pink biscuits. The afternoon brings the chance to discover the surrounding countryside and its pretty villages, forests and prestigious Champagne vineyards that stretch as far as the eye can see. On arrival in Epernay, visit with an audioguide your second Champagne house of the day, Mercier, founded in 1858. You will travel by automated train to a depth of 100 feet to visit the huge cellars, before finishing your tour with a Champagne tasting. Depart from Epernay in the evening around 04.00pm arriving back in Paris at around 06:30pm. Overnight in Paris.

Paris – Loire Valley – Paris

Start your day early today as you experience a really pleasant full day trip to the Loire Valley: Discover two of the famous Loire Valley Châteaux with our driver-guide and enjoy tasting great wines from Chenonceaux village. First stop at the Château de Chenonceau for a guided visit. Discover this exceptional site built on the Cher river and house of outstandings women who dedicated their life to this residence among them Diane de Poitiers, Catherine de Médicis Louise de Lorraine, Madame Dupin Jean-Jacques Rousseau's good friend and Madame Pelouze who restored the castle at the end of the 19th century. After your visit, take part in the pleasure of a wine-tasting of 3 wines from Chenonceaux (1 rosé, 1 white and 1 red) in the "Cave des Dômes" of the castle. After lunch, you will head to the Château de Chambord. Built in the heart of the biggest closed forest park of Europe, the castle is also the biggest of the Loire Valley. Your guide will tell you the story of the Renaissance masterpiece and of its magnificent double-helix staircaise, classified World Heritage Site by the UNESCO. Return to Paris will be at around 09.00pm. Overnight in Paris.

Suggestion: Stay for 1 night in Tours in Loire Valley & we recommend you to take a Hot air balloon flight next morning - An unforgettable experience to discover the Loire Valley and its Chateaux getting a bird’s eye view at sunrise.

Paris – BUSTRONOME + Guided French Wine Experience + Moulin Rouge with Champagne - Paris

Wake up to a lazy breakfast and the morning is free to relax and enjoy the mornings of Paris.

A new experience & an innovative concept to combine an exclusive sightseeing tour and fine French cuisine. Experience an original gourmet way to discover Paris. THE BUSTRONOME is a Parisian invitation to rediscover some of the City of Light's most beautiful locations while enjoying fine French cuisine. This singular journey combines a visual experience with a treat for the taste buds; Paris residents and tourists alike can indulge their love of culture while savouring good food. Aboard a double-decker bus converted into a restaurant, guests will enjoy a friendly welcome and a wide variety of dishes in a fashionable setting. Enjoy a contemporary menu that changes with the seasons featuring aspects of world cuisine, but still decidedly French. Its gourmet chef demonstrates that technique, local products, aesthetics and tradition can all blend together harmoniously to create the perfect meal. A 6 course meal with drinks waits you at 12 in the noon.

Later in the afternoon, you will learn the basics of wine during a breathtaking visit in hidden Paris Cellar: Les Caves du Louvre. In just one hour, you will learn a lot and will get to taste good wines. At the end of the visit our sommelier will ask all your question and will serve you three different wines to taste. Depending on your choice, you will be able to taste Classical or Premium wines. After the tasting, you can buy some bottles and/or souvenirs and keep tasting delicious wines at the O chateau Wine bar next door (voted Best Wine Bar in Paris)

Later in the evening you will be picked up for your Moulin Rouge Show. Le Moulin Rouge is world famous thanks to its French Cancan, and immortalized by the painter Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. The shows at the Moulin Rouge feature feathers, rhinestones and sequins, fabulous settings, original music and of course... the most beautiful girls in the world. Enjoy this with ½ bottle of Champagne / person. Overnight in Paris.

Paris – Strasbourg

Make your way to the train station and board the train to the wine region of Alsace. A two hour train journey takes you to Strasbourg in Alsace, a region famous for its white wine, the most famous being Reisling, Pinot Blanc and the Sylvaner. Upon arrival into Strasbourg make your way to your hotel. The city is a unique one especially known for its typically built houses with artistic and colourful roofs and is the starting point for the wine route. It also has loads of sightseeing options for you. Check into your hotel and relax.

The Strasbourg Pass is your key to the city for 3 days. The free services and numerous discounts let you discover all the monuments and main attractions at your own pace and in total freedom. This will allow you to visit Strasbourg at a very low cost. This pass is a cheque book offering free admission to one of the museums, an ascent to the Cathedral platform, a boat tour through Strasbourg, entry to the astronomical clock of the Cathedral; disposal of a bicycle for half a day, 50% reduction when visiting a second museum, a tour with the mini-tram (April to October), a visit of the Vaisseau, a visit to the Naviscope Alsace and old Rhine boat and 30% reduction off the audio guide visit of the old town, a visit to the Planetarium as well as a reduction on some goods in their shop. Overnight in Strasbourg.

Strasbourg

Spend a morning seeing and visiting villages along the Wine Route and enjoy the splendid views on offer! The Obernai Morning Tour will drive through Rosheim, Boersch and Ottrott, all picturesque villages along the Wine Route. A visit and Grands Crus wine tasting in a picturesque cellar. Stroll around Obernai renowned for its splended architectural heritage.

Later in the afternoon you are free to explore the city with your 3 day Strasbourg Pass.

Late evening enjoy a three course meal with a glass of wine at the Kammerzell restaurant, a symbol of Strasbourg that reflects the best of Alsacian culture and tradition. It dates back to 1427, and see how the prestige of the past is married with a continued, yet reinvented, tradition of gastronomy. Explore the different floors and let yourself be charmed by the Maison Kammerzell: its magnificent rooms decorated by Leo Schnug, its warm and spacious lounges, and its unique views of the Cathedral. Overnight in Strasbourg.

Strasbourg - Paris

Today it’s time to say au revoir to this marvelous country, as you head to the train station / airport to take your flight home or continue your journey further. Hope you have had a great holiday!!

  • 4 nights in Bordeaux
  • 4 nights in Paris
  • 2 nights in Strasbourg
  • Afternoon Medoc Wine Tour - Bordeaux
  • Morning Wine Tasting Class - Make Your Own Wine - Bordeaux
  • Afternoon St Emilion Wine Tour - Bordeaux
  • Crazy Horse with 1/2 Bottle of Champagne - Paris
  • Guided Tour of the Reims Champagne Region from Paris
  • Guided Tour of the Loire Valley Châteaux from Paris
  • BUSTRONOME lunch with drinks in Paris
  • Guided French Wine Experience in Paris
  • Moulin Rouge Show - 9pm - Hotel pick up/drop off
  • City Pass - Valid for 3 days - Strasbourg
  • Morning Obernai Tour - Strasbourg
  • 3 Course meal with Drink at Kammerzell Restaurant - Strasbourg
  • Paris - Bordeaux (Train)
  • Bordeaux - Paris (Train)
  • Paris - Strasbourg (Train)
  • Strasbourg - Paris (Train)