18-Day Ultimate Luxury Escapes Route in France
France is not just a destination; it is a lifestyle. This 18-day itinerary is meticulously designed for the discerning traveler who seeks the perfect blend of historic grandeur and modern luxury. From the high-fashion boutiques of Paris to the sun-drenched beach clubs of Saint-Tropez, every detail is curated to provide an effortless, first-class experience.
Traveling via high-speed TGV in first class and staying at some of the world's most prestigious 'Palace' hotels, you will witness the diverse beauty of France. Whether you are sipping vintage Krug in a private cellar in Reims or navigating the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean on a private yacht, this is the ultimate French escape.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Paris, France - Arrival & High-Fashion Entry
VIP Airport Meet & Greet
Avoid the queues at Charles de Gaulle with a private escort through immigration and customs directly to your luxury sedan.
Check-in at The Ritz Paris
Settle into one of the world's most iconic hotels on Place Vendôme. Enjoy a welcome glass of champagne in the garden.
Private Fashion Tour
A personal shopper leads you through the exclusive ateliers of Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré for a private viewing.
Dinner at L'Ambroisie
Indulge in a three-Michelin-starred culinary masterpiece in the historic Place des Vosges.
Day 2: Paris, France - Art & History Reimagined
The Louvre After Hours Access
Experience the world's largest museum with a private art historian, focusing on the Italian masters without the crowds.
Lunch at Café Marly
Enjoy a sophisticated lunch overlooking the Louvre Pyramid, offering the best views in the city.
Tuileries Garden Stroll
Walk through the perfectly manicured gardens toward the Place de la Concorde.
Seine River Dinner Cruise
Board a private yacht for a gourmet dinner as the Eiffel Tower begins its hourly sparkle.
Day 3: Paris, France - The Splendor of Versailles
Private Transfer to Versailles
A chauffeur takes you to the Sun King's estate, just 40 minutes from central Paris.
The King's Private Apartments
Gain exclusive access to rooms of the Palace of Versailles typically closed to the general public.
Lunch at Ore by Alain Ducasse
Dine within the palace grounds on contemporary French cuisine in a stunning 18th-century setting.
The Queen's Hamlet
Explore Marie Antoinette's rustic retreat and the Petit Trianon before returning to Paris.
Day 4: Reims, France - The Spirit of Champagne
TGV First Class to Reims
A swift 45-minute journey takes you from Gare de l'Est to the heart of the Champagne region.
Veuve Clicquot Cellar Tour
Descend into the UNESCO-listed 'crayères' (chalk pits) for a private tasting of La Grande Dame.
Reims Cathedral
Visit the site of the coronation of French kings, a masterpiece of High Gothic architecture.
Dinner at Le Parc
A double-Michelin-starred gastronomic experience set in a stunning parkland estate.
Day 5: Lyon, France - The Gastronomic Capital
Cross-Country TGV
Travel south to Lyon in First Class, watching the French countryside transform from rolling hills to river valleys.
Check-in at Villa Maïa
Enjoy panoramic views of Lyon from this boutique luxury hotel on Fourvière Hill.
Vieux Lyon Exploration
Walk through the Renaissance courtyards and 'traboules' (hidden passageways) of the old city.
Dinner at a Bouchon Lyonnais
Experience the high-end side of traditional Lyonnaise cuisine at the celebrated Daniel et Denise.
Day 6: Lyon, France - Silk & Rivers
Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse
A private food tour of Lyon’s famous indoor market, tasting the finest cheeses, oysters, and pralines.
Silk Workshop Visit
Discover Lyon’s silk-weaving heritage at the Atelier de Soierie with a private demonstration.
Musée des Confluences
Visit this architectural marvel at the junction of the Rhône and Saône rivers.
Paul Bocuse Restaurant (L'Auberge)
A pilgrimage to Collonges-au-Mont-d'Or for a legendary meal at the late master’s flagship restaurant.
Day 7: Bordeaux, France - Wine Country Majesty
Flight to Bordeaux
A short domestic flight saves time, bringing you to the world's wine capital by midday.
Lunch at Le Quatrième Mur
Dine at Philippe Etchebest’s chic brasserie located within the Grand Théâtre.
Cité du Vin
Enjoy a private guided tour of this immersive wine museum followed by a tasting at the Belvedere.
Place de la Bourse
Photograph the 'Miroir d'eau', the world's largest reflecting pool, at sunset.
Day 8: Bordeaux, France - Saint-Émilion Private Tour
Luxury Chauffeur to Saint-Émilion
Drive through the Right Bank's prestigious vineyards in a luxury SUV.
Château Tour & Tasting
A private visit to a Premier Grand Cru Classé estate, such as Château Cheval Blanc.
Lunch in the Medieval Village
Dine on the terrace of Logis de la Cadène, tucked away in the steep streets of the village.
Monolithic Church Visit
Explore the subterranean church carved entirely out of the limestone cliffs.
Day 9: Avignon, France - Gateway to Provence
TGV to Avignon
Experience the high-speed transit to the heart of Provence, arriving in time for a late lunch.
Check-in at La Mirande
A 14th-century cardinal's residence turned into a five-star hotel next to the Pope's Palace.
Palais des Papes
Use a Histopad for an augmented reality tour of the world’s largest Gothic palace.
Pont d'Avignon
A sunset walk on the famous bridge that stops halfway across the Rhône.
Day 10: Provence, France - The Luberon Villages
Vintage Car Rental
Pick up a classic convertible for a scenic drive through the Luberon valley.
Gordes & Sénanque Abbey
Visit one of France's 'Most Beautiful Villages' and the iconic lavender-surrounded abbey.
Lunch in Ménerbes
Enjoy a truffle-focused lunch in the village made famous by Peter Mayle.
Roussillon Ochre Trail
Walk the vibrant red and orange cliffs of the 'French Colorado'.
Day 11: Provence, France - Art & Roman Ruins
Saint-Rémy-de-Provence
Visit the Saint-Paul de Mausole monastery where Van Gogh painted 'The Starry Night'.
Les Baux-de-Provence
Explore the medieval fortress perched on a rocky outcrop with stunning views of the Alpilles.
Carrières des Lumières
Experience an immersive digital art show inside a massive limestone quarry.
Arles Roman Theatre
End the day exploring the Roman heritage of Arles, including the impressive Amphitheatre.
Day 12: Cannes, France - Mediterranean Glamor
Drive to the French Riviera
A 2.5-hour drive brings you from the olive groves of Provence to the palm trees of Cannes.
Check-in at Hotel Martinez
The legendary Art Deco hotel on the Croisette, home to the stars during the Film Festival.
La Croisette Stroll
Walk the world-famous promenade, browsing the flagship luxury boutiques.
Dinner at La Palme d’Or
Cannes' only two-Michelin-starred restaurant offers creative dishes with sea views.
Day 13: Cannes, France - Private Island Escape
Private Yacht Charter
Board a luxury motor yacht for a day on the Mediterranean Sea.
Îles de Lérins
Anchor between Sainte-Marguerite and Saint-Honorat for a swim in crystal clear waters.
Island Lunch
Dine at La Guérite, an exclusive restaurant accessible only by boat, known for its party atmosphere.
Return to Port
Relax on the deck as the sun begins to set over the Esterel Mountains.
Day 14: Saint-Tropez, France - The Jet Set Life
Helicopter Transfer
Skip the traffic with a 15-minute flight from Cannes directly into the Saint-Tropez heliport.
Pampelonne Beach
Reserve a front-row daybed at Club 55, the most famous beach club in the world.
Place des Lices
Watch the locals play pétanque while sipping a pastis at a nearby cafe.
Dinner at Vague d’Or
A three-Michelin-starred sensory journey at the Cheval Blanc Saint-Tropez.
Day 15: Nice, France - The Belle Époque
Drive to Nice via the Corniches
Take the 'Moyenne Corniche' for breathtaking views of the coastline and Èze Village.
Check-in at Le Negresco
Stay at this historic landmark, which functions as both a hotel and a museum of French art.
Cours Saleya Market
Explore the vibrant flower and food market in the heart of Old Nice (Vieux Nice).
Dinner at Le Chantecler
Dine under 18th-century woodwork in the Negresco’s premier gastronomic restaurant.
Day 16: Monaco - The Principality of Wealth
Monaco Grand Prix Track
Drive the famous street circuit (when not in race mode) in a rented supercar.
Lunch at Café de Paris
People-watch at the most famous corner in Monte Carlo, right next to the Casino.
Prince’s Palace
Witness the changing of the guard and visit the State Apartments of the Grimaldi family.
Oceanographic Museum
Visit the 'Temple of the Sea' built into the side of the cliff on the Rock of Monaco.
Day 17: Paris, France - The Grand Finale
Flight Nice to Paris
A quick hop back to the capital for your final night of indulgence.
Check-in at Hotel Plaza Athénée
Experience the ultimate in Parisian luxury on Avenue Montaigne.
Galeries Lafayette VIP Shopping
Enjoy a private lounge and personal shopper at the world’s most beautiful department store.
Farewell Dinner at Jules Verne
Dine inside the Eiffel Tower itself for a final, unforgettable view of the City of Light.
Day 18: Paris, France - Departure
Breakfast at Angelina
One last decadent hot chocolate and croissant at this historic tea room on Rue de Rivoli.
Final Souvenir Shopping
Pick up gourmet chocolates from Alain Ducasse or perfumes from Serge Lutens.
Private Transfer to CDG
A chauffeur ensures you arrive at the airport with ample time for tax-free shopping and lounge relaxation.
Lounge Access & Departure
Relax in the Air France La Première lounge before your flight home.
Best Time to Visit France
For this luxury itinerary, the best time to visit is during the late spring (May and June) or early autumn (September and early October). During these periods, the weather is pleasantly warm, the crowds are manageable, and the lavender fields of Provence are in bloom (late June). July and August offer the peak Riviera experience but come with extreme heat and significant crowds. Winter is ideal for Paris-centric trips but many resorts in the South close for the season.
Currency & Money
France uses the Euro (€). While credit cards (Visa and Mastercard) are accepted almost everywhere, including for very small amounts, it is advisable to carry some cash for small tips or local markets. High-end establishments expect tipping for exceptional service, though a service charge is usually included in the bill. A 5-10% additional tip is customary in fine dining for great service.
Getting Around France
The most efficient way to travel between French cities is the TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse). First-class seats offer wide reclining chairs and meal service on certain routes. For longer distances, such as Bordeaux to Nice, domestic flights can save valuable hours. Within cities, private chauffeurs or high-end ride-sharing services like Uber Lux are recommended over public transport to maintain the luxury pace of this itinerary.
