17-Day Epic Luxury Escapes Route in France
France is not just a destination; it is a lifestyle. This 17-day journey is designed for those who seek the finer things in life, combining the historical grandeur of the nation's most iconic cities with the exclusive, modern luxury of high-end resorts and Michelin-starred gastronomy.
Travel in style across the country using first-class TGV rail services and private chauffeured transfers. From the legendary vineyards of Bordeaux to the glitter of the Mediterranean coast, this itinerary ensures you experience the absolute best of France with effortless sophistication.
Day 1: Arrival & Exploring Paris
Luxury Arrival at Charles de Gaulle
Arrive in the City of Light and meet your private chauffeur for a transfer to the Golden Triangle. Relax as you are whisked away in a premium sedan to your luxury accommodation near the Champs-Élysées.
Check-in at Hotel Plaza Athénée
Check into one of the world's most prestigious hotels, known for its iconic red awnings and impeccable service. Enjoy a light lunch at the hotel’s courtyard garden.
Seine River Sunset Cruise
Board a private yacht for a sunset cruise along the Seine. Sip vintage champagne as you glide past the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame Cathedral without the crowds.
Gastronomic Welcome Dinner
Indulge in a multi-course tasting menu at a 3-Michelin-starred restaurant, experiencing the height of French culinary artistry on your first night.
Day 2: Paris - Art and Haute Couture
Private Louvre Highlights Tour
Skip the lines with a private art historian for a curated tour of the Louvre. Focus on the masterpieces including the Mona Lisa and Winged Victory while hearing exclusive historical insights.
Michelin Lunch at Le Meurice
Dine in one of the most beautiful dining rooms in Paris, inspired by the Salon de la Paix at Versailles, featuring Alain Ducasse's world-class cuisine.
Personal Shopping in the Marais
Meet a professional personal stylist for a tour of the hidden ateliers and high-end boutiques in the historic Le Marais district.
Evening at Opera Garnier
Experience a performance at the Palais Garnier, an architectural masterpiece. Enjoy the opulence of the grand staircase and Marc Chagall’s painted ceiling.
Day 3: Versailles - Royal Grandeur
Chauffeur to Versailles
A private driver takes you to the outskirts of Paris for an exclusive visit to the most famous palace in the world.
King's Private Apartments Tour
Go beyond the standard public areas with a special access tour of the King’s private apartments, usually closed to the general public.
Gourmet Lunch at Ore
Enjoy a sophisticated lunch at Alain Ducasse’s restaurant located within the Pavilion d’Orléans inside the Palace grounds.
Garden Exploration by Golf Cart
Rent a private golf cart or bicycle to explore the vast gardens of Versailles, including the Grand Trianon and Marie Antoinette’s Hamlet.
Day 4: Paris - Montmartre and Panoramic Views
Montmartre Hidden Alleyways
Explore the bohemian heart of Paris with a guide who reveals the secret vineyards and artist studios that tourists often miss.
Bistro Lunch at La Maison Rose
Dine at this iconic pink bistro, a favorite of legendary artists, offering simple yet refined French classics.
Rooftop Cocktails at Galeries Lafayette
Head to the terrace of Galeries Lafayette Haussmann for a drink with a stunning 360-degree view of the Parisian skyline.
Farewell Paris Dinner at Jules Verne
Dine inside the Eiffel Tower itself at the Michelin-starred Le Jules Verne, offering unparalleled views of the city lit up at night.
Day 5: Reims - Champagne Heritage
TGV First Class to Reims
Depart Paris on a high-speed train, arriving in the capital of the Champagne region in just 45 minutes.
Reims Cathedral Visit
Visit the site where the Kings of France were crowned for centuries, a masterpiece of High Gothic architecture.
Veuve Clicquot Cellar Tour
Descend into the UNESCO-listed chalk quarries for a private tour of the Veuve Clicquot cellars, followed by a tasting of their prestige cuvées.
Stay at Domaine des Crayères
Check into this legendary chateau-hotel, set within a lush parkland, and enjoy an evening of quiet luxury.
Day 6: Épernay - The Avenue of Champagne
Avenue de Champagne Stroll
Walk the most expensive street in the world, lined with the grandest mansions belonging to the world's top champagne producers.
Moët & Chandon Exclusive Tasting
Explore the largest network of champagne cellars and conclude your tour with a private tasting in their imperial salon.
Lunch in the Vineyards
Enjoy a gourmet picnic prepared by a local chef, set amongst the vines of the Montagne de Reims.
Hautvillers Visit
Visit the charming village where Dom Pérignon lived and discovered the secrets of the champagne making process.
Day 7: Bordeaux - Journey to Wine Capital
Cross-Country TGV Transfer
Travel from Reims to Bordeaux via Paris. Enjoy the changing landscapes of central France from the comfort of your first-class seat.
Bordeaux Old Town Walking Tour
Meet your guide for a walk through the UNESCO-listed city center, focusing on the 18th-century architecture of Place de la Bourse.
Cité du Vin
Visit the world’s leading wine museum, a stunning modern architectural feat, for an interactive journey through global wine culture.
Dinner at Le Pressoir d'Argent
Dine at Gordon Ramsay’s 2-Michelin-starred restaurant located within the InterContinental Bordeaux Le Grand Hôtel.
Day 8: Saint-Émilion - Medieval Charm
Private Drive to Saint-Émilion
A short drive through rolling hills brings you to this stunning medieval village surrounded by world-famous vineyards.
Château Cheval Blanc Visit
Experience an exclusive tour of this Premier Grand Cru Classé A estate, known for its cutting-edge modern winery and exceptional wines.
Al Fresco Lunch in the Village
Dine on the terrace of a local bistro overlooking the monolithic church and the limestone cobblestones.
Monolithic Church Underground Tour
Discover the secrets of the largest underground church in Europe, carved entirely out of a single limestone block.
Day 9: Arcachon - Atlantic Freshness
Dune du Pilat
Climb the highest sand dune in Europe for breathtaking views of the Atlantic Forest and the ocean.
Oyster Tasting at Cap Ferret
Take a private boat across the basin to Cap Ferret to taste fresh oysters directly from a local fisherman's hut.
Ville d'Hiver Architecture Tour
Wander through the 'Winter Town' of Arcachon to admire the whimsical 19th-century villas built by French aristocrats.
Seafood Dinner by the Bay
Enjoy a refined seafood dinner as you watch the sunset over the Atlantic before returning to Bordeaux.
Day 10: Avignon - Gateway to Provence
TGV to Provence
Relax on a comfortable train ride heading southeast toward the sun-drenched landscapes of Provence.
Palais des Papes Tour
Explore the massive Gothic fortress that served as the papal seat in the 14th century with a private historian.
Pont d'Avignon Stroll
Walk the remains of the famous bridge and enjoy views of the Rhone River and the city's ancient walls.
Dinner at La Mirande
Dine at this historic 1-Michelin-star restaurant located in an 18th-century mansion directly across from the Palace.
Day 11: Luberon Valley - Hilltop Villages
Gordes - The Stone Village
Visit one of the most beautiful villages in France, perched high on a cliff, known for its dry-stone architecture.
Sénanque Abbey
Visit the famous Cistercian abbey, particularly stunning when the lavender fields are in bloom (June/July).
Lunch in Roussillon
Eat lunch in the vibrant village known for its dramatic red and ochre cliffs.
Olive Oil Tasting
Visit a local estate for a private tasting of award-winning Provencal olive oils and a tour of the groves.
Day 12: Aix-en-Provence - Art and Fountains
Cours Mirabeau Morning
Stroll the leafy main boulevard of Aix, stopping at the famous Les Deux Garçons café once frequented by Cézanne.
Cézanne's Studio
Visit the atelier of Paul Cézanne, preserved exactly as it was when the master painter worked here.
Hôtel de Caumont Art Centre
View world-class exhibitions in a restored 18th-century private mansion, complete with ornate gardens.
Evening Wine Tasting
Enjoy a flight of local Rosé wines from the Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence region at a boutique wine bar.
Day 13: Nice - The Azure Coast
Arrival in Nice
Take the scenic rail route or a private transfer to the French Riviera, checking into a grand hotel on the Promenade des Anglais.
Nice Old Town Food Tour
Taste the flavors of Nice, including Socca and Salade Niçoise, on a private tour through the colorful Cours Saleya market.
Castle Hill Panorama
Take the elevator to the top of Castle Hill for the most iconic view of the Baie des Anges and the red-tiled roofs.
Dinner at Le Chantecler
Dine at the legendary restaurant inside the Hotel Negresco, surrounded by 18th-century woodwork and modern art.
Day 14: Monaco - Princely Glitz
The Prince's Palace
Visit the Rock of Monaco to see the changing of the guard and tour the state apartments of the Grimaldi family.
Lunch at Café de Paris
People-watch at this iconic spot on the Place du Casino while enjoying classic brasserie fare.
Monte Carlo Casino Visit
Step inside the world's most famous casino to admire the Belle Époque architecture (even if you don't gamble).
Oceanographic Museum
Explore this stunning museum built into the cliffside, commissioned by Prince Albert I, a pioneer of marine science.
Day 15: Cannes - Red Carpet Elegance
La Croisette Stroll
Walk the famous waterfront promenade of Cannes, home to luxury boutiques and the Palais des Festivals.
Private Yacht Charter
Board a private yacht for an afternoon cruising the Îles de Lérins, where you can swim in crystal clear waters away from the crowds.
Le Suquet Exploration
Wander the old quarter of Cannes for a quieter atmosphere and great views of the harbor.
Final Riviera Dinner
Enjoy fresh Mediterranean fish at a beachfront restaurant as the stars come out over the sea.
Day 16: Paris - The Grand Finale
TGV First Class to Paris
Zip back to the capital in under 6 hours, enjoying the views of the Rhone Valley and the French countryside.
Final Shopping at Le Bon Marché
Visit the world's first department store on the Left Bank for some last-minute high-end French souvenirs.
Pastry Workshop at Ritz Paris
Participate in a private pastry masterclass at the Ritz-Escoffier school to learn the secrets of the perfect macaron.
Farewell Cocktails
Celebrate your journey with craft cocktails at Bar Hemingway, reflecting on 17 days of French magic.
Day 17: Paris - Au Revoir
Leisurely French Breakfast
Enjoy your last Parisian croissants and café au lait at a traditional sidewalk café in Saint-Germain-des-Prés.
Luxembourg Gardens Stroll
Take a final peaceful walk through the most beautiful park in Paris, watching the locals play chess and sail boats.
Chauffeur to Airport
Your private driver arrives to transport you back to Charles de Gaulle for your departure flight.
Departure
Board your flight home, carrying memories of an epic journey across the heart of France.
Best Time to Visit France
The best time for this luxury itinerary is between late May and early October. Late spring (May-June) offers mild weather and blooming gardens, while September provides the golden light of the harvest season in wine regions like Bordeaux and Champagne. July and August are peak months for the French Riviera, offering the best beach weather, though these months are also the busiest and most expensive.
Currency & Money
France uses the Euro (€). Credit cards (Visa and Mastercard) are accepted almost everywhere, from high-end boutiques to small cafes. However, carrying a small amount of cash is recommended for local markets. Tipping is not mandatory as service is included, but rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% in high-end restaurants for exceptional service is customary and appreciated.
Getting Around France
For intercity travel, the TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse) is the gold standard, offering first-class cabins with wide seats and meal service. For regional exploration in Provence or the Atlantic coast, a private car or luxury rental is recommended for flexibility. Within cities like Paris, private chauffeurs or high-end ride-sharing services are the most efficient and comfortable way to move between attractions.
