Are you dreaming of a journey that marries the sophistication of Paris with the rustic charm of France’s Atlantic West? This fully custom 12-day itinerary sweeps you from the iconic landmarks of Paris to the storied vineyards of Bordeaux, the prehistoric wonders of the Dordogne Valley, and the sun-drenched coast of La Rochelle and Île de Ré.
With private guides and drivers managing every detail, you seamlessly step into the heart of French life. Picture the Louvre, reserved entry to the Eiffel Tower, a private picnic cruise on the Seine, the prestigious châteaux of Saint-Émilion and Médoc, medieval villages, the Lascaux IV cave, and the sea air of Île de Ré.
Your private, English-speaking driver greets you at the airport and accompanies you directly to your boutique hotel in the heart of Paris. You meet with your Paris Toujours travel designer to review the final details of your itinerary and receive your personalized travel documents. Settle in and enjoy time at leisure to discover your neighborhood. Why not find a café terrace, order a glass of wine, and simply watch Paris come alive?
Evening: Free time with our curated suggestions for dinner spots.
After breakfast, join your local, fluent in English private guide for a walking tour of the Latin Quarter. Immerse yourself in this historic area, animated by the student life of the Sorbonne since the Middle Ages. Stroll through local markets and cobblestone streets like a true Parisian.
Your guide then escorts you to Île de la Cité to marvel at the soaring stained-glass windows of Sainte-Chapelle, a 13th-century Gothic jewel commissioned by Saint Louis. The 6,500 square feet of glass create a breathtaking cathedral of light.
Lunch: Time at leisure with our handpicked local suggestions. Afternoon: Ascend to the top of the Eiffel Tower with your reserved tickets. From the summit, enjoy an exceptional panorama that stretches across all of Paris. Evening: Free time with our recommendations.
Following breakfast, enjoy a private guided tour of the Louvre Museum. Journey through time viewing the exceptional collections: the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, the Winged Victory of Samothrace. Your guide shares historical anecdotes and the secrets behind these masterpieces, ensuring a meaningful visit.
Experience an unforgettable lunch: board a private boat at the Pont des Arts for an intimate picnic cruise on the Seine. As the monuments glide by, savor a classic French picnic featuring fresh baguette, local cheese, and wine. Your skipper shares fascinating stories about Paris.
Afternoon: Time at leisure with our suggestions. Evening: Free time with our recommendations.
After a relaxing morning, your private driver escorts you to the Montparnasse station. Board the high-speed TGV train toward Bordeaux, the world capital of wine.
Upon arrival, settle into your charming hotel or guesthouse in the city center. Enjoy time at leisure to walk along the Garonne riverfront or wander the streets of the UNESCO-listed historic center. Explore Bordeaux at your own pace: the Cité du Vin, the Grand Théâtre, the Place de la Bourse and its reflective “Water Mirror.”
Evening: Free time with our curated Bordeaux dinner suggestions.
Enjoy a full day with your private, fluent in English oenologist-guide to explore the legendary vineyards of Saint-Émilion and Médoc. Begin in the medieval village of Saint-Émilion, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its monolithic church, carved into rock in the 12th century, is truly impressive. Visit prestigious châteaux and family estates to fully understand the winemaking process and the specifics of these exceptional red wines. Several tastings punctuate your day in centuries-old cellars.
Lunch: Time at leisure in the vineyard area with our local recommendations. Late Afternoon: Return to Bordeaux.
Spend your morning with a guide on a gourmet walking tour of Bordeaux. Discover local specialties like the famous cannelés and stop at artisanal shops: a traditional bakery, a chocolatier, and a cheese affineur.
The culinary tour concludes with a flavorful lunch featuring local dishes and regional wine pairings in a beautiful 18th-century building.
Afternoon: Your private driver transfers you to your charming guesthouse nestled by the Dordogne River, close to the stunning cliffside village of La Roque-Gageac. Evening: Free time with our dinner recommendations.
A full-day excursion with your private driver-guide through the Dordogne Valley. Discover the magnificent village of Beynac, handpicked as one of France’s most beautiful. Its medieval lanes, perched castle, and valley views create a perfect postcard setting.
Stop in Sarlat, a medieval city that has preserved its 16th and 17th-century architecture. Its cobblestone streets, golden stone private mansions, and renowned market make Sarlat a true jewel of the Périgord Noir region.
Afternoon: Enjoy an English-guided visit to the Lascaux IV cave in Montignac. This perfect reproduction of the original reveals 20,000-year-old prehistoric paintings—breathtaking masterpieces of ancient art. Late Afternoon: Return to your accommodation.
Another day of exploration with your private driver-guide in the Dordogne Valley. Discover Domme, a fortified medieval bastide perched on a cliff, offering an exceptional panorama of the valley below.
Head to La Roque-Gageac, where you board a traditional gabarre boat for a peaceful cruise on the Dordogne River. The châteaux that line the riverbanks unfold before you in a scenic, bucolic landscape. Late Afternoon: Return to your accommodation.
Following breakfast, your private driver transports you to La Rochelle on the Atlantic coast. The landscape shifts—vineyards and countryside give way to the shimmer of the ocean on the horizon.
Settle into your charming guesthouse. Enjoy time at leisure to explore the historic center with its medieval arcades, the Old Port, and its fortified towers. This is the perfect opportunity to taste fresh oysters paired with a crisp white wine. Evening: Free time with our restaurant suggestions overlooking the port.
A private day trip to Île de Ré with your driver-guide. Cross the bridge connecting the island to the mainland, then explore this preserved territory of white villages with colorful shutters.
Visit a private estate rarely open to the public to discover the island’s history. Savor a tasting of local specialties: artisanal bread, Île de Ré wines, the regional Farci Charentais, and freshly caught seafood—all in a privileged setting.
Afternoon: Enjoy a tasting of Pineau des Charentes and Cognac at a family-run distillery, or discover off-the-beaten-path villages and small churches, entirely according to your preference. Late Afternoon: Return to La Rochelle.
Enjoy a morning at leisure in La Rochelle with our suggestions: visit the 19th-century central market, stroll along the Old Port and Rue St. Nicolas, explore the medieval towers, or visit the Aquarium. Afternoon: Your private driver accompanies you to the train station. Enjoy a comfortable train journey back to Paris. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel near Charles de Gaulle Airport for your convenience.
Paris-Toujous is the best travek agency we ahve worked with. Laurence is totally dedicated to making the trip memorable for all participants. She is incredibly organized – handled every detail of the trip for 62 family members with alacrity.
She found such uniques things for us to do. Just yesterday, 1 1/2 years later, someone remarked to me how they treasure the special experiences Laurence organized – such as the lunch in the mushroom farm.
WT Williams
Hard to pinpoint one particular day or experience. We had 12 wonderful days to take in as much as possible in Paris and then in Provence. We scheduled four free days, where we as a family of nine spanning 3 generations, could focus on what we felt like doing. The other days were scheduled with tours and we were assigned guides whose friendliness, knowledge and professionalism made each experience a pleasure: half-day visit to the Louvre, full day bicycle tour of the town of Versailles and palace, a private picnic lunchtime cruise on the Seine, a full day visit to Avignon and the Pont du Gard, full day hike and kayak tour of the Calanques near Cassis, as well as visits to two vineyards and the town market in Roussillon. All in all, a beautiful, memorable trip, arranged by Manon at Paris-Toujours.
Spring (April–June) and Autumn (September–October) offer ideal weather for exploring the vineyards and the Dordogne Valley. Summer reveals the Atlantic Coast at its best. The September harvest season brings a truly unique atmosphere to the Bordeaux region.
You typically visit 3 to 4 estates during your full day in the Saint-Émilion and Médoc vineyards, with guided tastings of approximately 10–12 wines. This program is fully customizable: we can arrange visits to prestigious Grand Cru classified châteaux, family-run organic wineries, or specific estates upon request.
Not at all. Our private oenologist-guides adjust to all levels, from novice enthusiasts to seasoned connoisseurs. They are passionate experts who share their knowledge with warmth and enthusiasm, making the experience welcoming for everyone.
Absolutely. This itinerary is an excellent fit for families. Children typically love the Lascaux IV cave, the gabarre river cruise, exploring the medieval villages, and the Atlantic beach atmosphere of Île de Ré. We are happy to tailor the activities to be more engaging for children, adjust the pace, and ensure a comfortable journey for all ages.
The private picnic on the Seine (Day 3) and the gourmet lunch during the Bordeaux food tour (Day 6) are included, as are all breakfasts at your accommodations. For all other meals, we provide our handpicked list of the best local addresses: authentic Bordeaux bistros, traditional Périgord restaurants, and fresh seafood tables in La Rochelle. We are happy to accommodate any specific dietary restrictions or preferences.
This program is fully customizable. We can easily adjust the pace, extend your stay on Île de Ré, add a day to explore the Arcachon Bay (home of the famous Dune du Pilat), include more villages in the Dordogne (like Rocamadour or Collonges-la-Rouge), or adjust your activities in Paris. Your trip is designed around your preferences.
All inter-regional travel is handled seamlessly by high-speed TGV or comfortable train. The Paris-Bordeaux route is about 2 hours, and La Rochelle-Paris is about 3 hours. All excursions, including those in the Dordogne and Île de Ré, utilize a comfortable, private vehicle with your driver-guide. All your train tickets are reserved in advance and included.
