Paris – Bordeaux – Dordogne – La Rochelle

Arrival in Paris

Bienvenue à Paris, the City of Lights! Upon arrival, you’ll be picked up from the airport by your private chauffeur and transferred to your boutique hotel. You’ll be welcomed by a member of Paris-Toujours agency to receive all vouchers and schedule to make your trip go smoothly. Once settled-in, take time to discover your hotels neighborhood and why not enjoy a glass of wine at a typical Parisian terrace.

Paris introduction and great views

After a French breakfast meet your local guide for an introduction walking tour of the Latin Quarter followed by the visit of the beautiful Sainte-Chapelle. This district is famous for its charming old streets and traditional French bistrots and markets. It is named after the Sorbonne University where the teaching language used to be Latin. It is well known for its student life as it has been the university district since the Middle Ages with a lively atmosphere. Like a Parisian, walk through the local markets and busy cobbled streets in the heart of Paris. Your guide will then take you to the Sainte Chapelle and its flamboyant stained glasses. The Sainte-Chapelle chapel is a jewel of Gothic art. It was built in the 12th century, upon the order of King Saint-Louis. The upper chapel of the monument is covered in 600 m² of stained-glass windows, of which two thirds are authentic.

Enjoy some down time with many suggestions before reaching the feet of the Eiffel Tower for a self-guided visit with skip-the-line access. Take the lift to the summit to discover the city of lights from a different angle with a breathtaking view.

Art, Masterpieces and a French picnic

After breakfast, your guide will pick you up at your hotel for a private visit of Le Louvre museum. Explore the rooms and travel back in time with your guide who will give you many historical and fun facts along the way.

For lunch, your guide will drop you off by Le Pont des Arts to embark on your private small boat to have a picnic. Your skipper will be able to give you some info on the different monuments while you enjoy fresh baguette, cheese and wine! A great way to discover the city from a different angle.

Journey to Bordeaux

After a relaxing morning, you will be picked-up at your hotel and transferred to Montparnasse train station by your private chauffeur. You will take the high-speed train to Bordeaux where a driver will transfer you to your hotel or B&B located in the city center. Once settled in, take time to walk along Le Quai des Chartrons by the Garonne or through the cities charming streets.

Wine tasting and wine estate visit in Saint-Emilion and the Medoc

After breakfast you will be picked up by your professional wine guide for a private wine tour in Saint-Emilion and Medoc area. During the day you will discover this charming medieval village famous for its impressive collection of historical sites and monuments such as the monolithic church. You will then visit famous Chateaux or family-owned wine estates to understand how they make wines and to learn the specificities of these red wines. Several wine tastings will be included.

Gourmet experience in Bordeaux

Meet your guide in Bordeaux for a gourmet city tour. Discover many local delicacies like cannelés and stop in different artisan shops like a bakery, a chocolate maker and in a cheese shop. You will finish your gourmet tour by a lunch with wine from the region in a nice building from the 18 century.

A taste of Dordogne from Bordeaux

After breakfast, your chauffeur will take you from Bordeaux to the area of Dordogne. By Bergerac, arrive in the small village of Beynac to discover its medieval streets, castle and the magnificent vue over the Dordogne valley. Then reach Sarlat, a town that has kept its 16th and 17th century architecture making it one of the most well-preserved towns of France of that period. Finally, reach Montignac where the world-famous cave of Lascaux IV is located. Here, follow an English guided tour of the cave – a perfect reproduction of the original – and awe at some of the most magical paintings, masterpieces of Paleolithic Art.

Dordogne villages and river

Today, from Bordeaux, your driver-guide will take you to the beautiful village of Domme. Domme is a bastide, a fortified medieval town. The village is classified as one of the The Most Beautiful Villages of France. Then drive to La Roque Gageac and enjoy a peaceful cruise on the the Dordogne River on board an authentic Gabarre to admire castles that line the river. Finally, reach Beynac to admire the village and the Castle.

Journey to La Rochelle

After breakfast, your chauffeur will pick-you up at your hotel and drive you to La Rochelle. Enjoy the scenery along the way and discover the Atlantic coast. Once settled in your charming luxury guest house, make the most of the historic centre and old port. You may like to have some oysters with a glass of white Pineau wine.

Day trip to L’Ile de Ré

Depart from La Rochelle with your private driver-guide and transfer to L’Ile de Ré. Once there, enter the rich history of private castles rarely open to the public. Savour local specialties (from Ré Islands bakery, vineyards and farms, farci Charentais a local pâté, and seafood) in a private setting. On the way back, taste fantastic bottles of classic Pineau and Cognac or visit authentic French villages and small churches off the beaten paths.

Relaxing day in La Rochelle and journey back to Paris

Enjoy some free time in La Rochelle with suggestions before taking the train back to Paris. Once in Paris you will be transferred to your hotel by CDG airport ready for your flight back home the next day.

Flight back home