Castles, Wines and Kings: Paris, Champagne & Loire
3 nights in Paris, 4 nights in Tours
Begin your exquisite 7-day French escapade with a mesmerizing private boat cruise on the River Seine. As you float through Paris, the City of Light, iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and historic riverbanks unfold in a majestic panorama, offering a breathtaking introduction to your journey.
In Paris, you’ll not only delve into the city’s rich history with a guided tour dedicated to Napoleon Bonaparte but also indulge in an extraordinary dining experience. Enjoy a sumptuous dinner at a rooftop restaurant, renowned for its stunning views of the Parisian skyline. This culinary delight will be dedicated to the fine wines of Champagne and the Loire, allowing you to savor the distinct flavors of these renowned wine regions in an unforgettable setting.
Before venturing to the Loire Valley, your tour includes a visit to the Champagne region. Here, immerse yourself in the world of sparkling wines, exploring the vineyards and cellars where the prestigious Champagne is produced. This part of the journey offers a unique insight into the art of winemaking and the region’s rich heritage.
Next, the tour takes you to the picturesque Loire Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site famed for its majestic châteaux and lush vineyards. The highlight here is a serene hot air balloon ride, offering a spectacular aerial view of the valley’s breathtaking landscapes and historic castles.
This journey through France is more than a mere vacation; it’s an exploration of culture, history, and natural beauty, leaving you with cherished memories and a deeper appreciation for the French way of life.
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival & Private Seine Cruise
Independent arrival in Paris.
This afternoon, reach on your own the landing stage near the Tour Eiffel and board your private boat to enjoy a memorable cruise on the River Seine, surrounded by iconic Parisian landmarks. Relax in luxury, savoring breathtaking views, and immerse yourself in the city’s romantic ambiance. A truly unforgettable experience. Overnight in Paris.
Day 2 – Parisian Elegance: Enchanting Heart of Paris, Napoleon’s Legacy, and Rooftop Dining Delights
This tour centers around Ile de la Cité, the tiny island on the Seine River that’s considered the birthplace of modern-day Paris. It’s here that a small Celtic settlement created over 2000 years ago grew to become one of the most beautiful cities in the world. You’ll start the tour with a delightful stroll along the Seine, seeing lovely sights and learning about Paris’ history. Along the way, you’ll see the Pont Neuf, the oldest bridge in Paris, and the enchanting Place Dauphine. You’ll also explore the atmospheric streets of the Latin Quarter before reaching the majestic Notre Dame Cathedral. It’s still being restored after the fire that hit it but can be admired from close enough to appreciate its beauty. Among the highlights of this tour is Sainte Chappelle, the sacred building erected by Louis IX to house his relic collection and widely regarded as Paris’ most stunning church. Your skip-the-line ticket will quickly get you inside, where grand vaulted ceilings and mesmerising stained glass windows depicting biblical stories await you.
After free time for lunch, you expert local guide will take you on a fascinating 3-hour stroll through the streets of Paris in the footsteps of Napoleon Bonaparte, one of the greatest figures in the history of France. You will learn, for example, that some of the city’s iconic sights had been commissioned by Napoleon to commemorate his victories, such as the Arc de Triomphe and you will be shown some little-known places like the church where he shot insurgents in 1795 and the Royal Palace where he spent his youth. You will visit also Napoleon’s final resting place at Les Invalides, a large complex that used to be a veterans’ hospital under Louis XIV and today hosts an interesting army museum with lots of Napoleon memorabilia.
Overnight in Paris.
Day 3 – A day in Champagne
Embark on a guided tour with an expert driver guide from your hotel.
After a 1.5-hour drive, explore the underground chalk cellars of famous champagne houses in Reims like Taittinger, Moet & Chandon, and Veuve Clicquot. Discover the intricate technicalities of wine-making, from pressing and fermentation to blending and bottling. Gain insight into the meticulous champagne production process, ending with a visit to Notre Dame Cathedral of Reims and the historic Palais de Thau.
Optionally, reserve a table at renowned dining establishments like Jardins de Crayeres or l’Assiette Champenoise. Later, venture to Epernay to stroll along the iconic Champagne Avenue and engage with local small house owners.
Overnight in Paris.
Day 4 – Versailles & Train to Tours
Meet your driver and reach Versailles for a guided visit.
We will take you back to the Golden Age of France with an afternoon at the Palace of Versailles. The chateau and gardens count among the most prestigious monuments of the world’s artistic heritage, and are certainly the finest and most complete achievement of 17th century French art. Former residence of the ‘Sun King’ Louis XIV, this sumptuous royal palace was home to three of France’s most illustrious Kings for over 100 years.
The guided tour of the palace includes the State Apartments of the King and Queen, Royal Chapel and Hall of Mirrors, a richly decorated gallery which boasts 357 mirrors, french bay windows and crystal chandeliers.
After free time for lunch, transfer to Paris Station to board your high-speed train to St-Pierre-des-Corps, where you will arrive in about 1 hour and 15 min. Upon arrival, meet your driver and continue to your hotel. Overnight in Tours.
Day 5 – Château de Chenonceau and Château de Chambord
The Loire Valley is home to glorious castles, each with unique architectural features and captivating stories. On this tour, you’ll visit two of the most important estates in the region. You’ll start at Chateau Chenonceau, which intrigues with its marvellous Renaissance style and a history marked by the rivalry between the king’s wife Catherine de Medici and his mistress Diane de Poitiers. It’s nicknamed “ladies’ castle” because it’s the only chateau in the region that was designed and inhabited solely by women. Its architecture is visually stunning, with an arched bridge spanning the Cher River, topped with a beautiful covered gallery. After a scenic drive through the French countryside, the tour continues to the Chateau of Chambord, your final stop for the day. This is the region’s largest castle and one of the most beautiful, conceived by King Francois I as a work of art blending French tradition and Italian Renaissance. Overnight in Tours.
Day 6 – Loire Valley wine tour to Vouvray
Meet your driver at your hotel and discover this beautiful wine area full of passion-driven winegrowers! Meet a genuine French winemaker in a charming family-run estate! Visit the traditional vat room where hundreds of barrels are lined up. During this visit, you will improve your knowledge regarding wine-making and of course wine-tasting! The terroir of this wine area and its main grape variety of Chenin blanc, allows the production of elegant white wines, dry, sweet or sparkling! After this, your guide will drive you to a grand wine house situated just along the Loire River. Stroll inside it’s impressive troglodyte galleries. Dug in the hills, these underground tunnels are part of Loire Valley’s historical heritage. Needless to say that these long galleries are ideal to store wine today… Discover all the secrets of elaboration of the wines from this ancient historical house, still using the “méthode traditionnelle”. All along the afternoon, your will get to know and understand better the diversity of Loire Valley wines. Your guide will help you to learn the different steps of wine-tasting and train your nose to identify many wine aromas.
Overnight in Tours.
Day 7 – Hot Air Balloon Tour Over The Chateau
Embark on an enchanting voyage above the Loire Valley’s captivating landscapes with our Hot Air Balloon Tour Over The Chateau. Drift serenely over the lush vineyards, rolling hills, and the majestic Chateau that stands as a testament to France’s rich history. As dawn illuminates the horizon, you’ll ascend into the skies, capturing panoramic views of the valley’s splendor. Marvel at the intricate architecture and sprawling gardens from an awe-inspiring vantage point, as your skilled pilot guides you on an unforgettable journey. Immerse yourself in the romance of the Loire Valley, where every moment aloft becomes a memory to treasure.
Overnight in Tours.
Day 8 – Departure
Independent departure transfer.
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