Welcome to the France you’ve always dreamed of. This custom itinerary seamlessly connects the sophistication of Paris with the rich heritage and world-class gastronomy of the Southwest. Imagine yourself exploring Impressionist masterpieces one day, then sipping a prestigious Bordeaux Grand Cru the next, all with your private expert team ensuring every detail is a seamless delight. You are about to embark on an exceptional journey, blending urban elegance in Paris, the viticultural excellence of Bordeaux, the vibrant atmosphere of Toulouse, and the dramatic history of Carcassonne. Every step is curated by local experts who become your knowledgeable friends.
Your private driver meets you at Charles de Gaulle (CDG) airport and provides a seamless transfer to your charming boutique hotel in the heart of Paris. You settle in and enjoy time at leisure to relax and begin exploring your neighborhood.
Evening: Enjoy your first immersive Parisian moments: strolling the lively streets, soaking up the atmosphere from a café terrace, and letting the city unfold at your pace. We provide curated suggestions for your dinner at leisure.
Morning: Enjoy the morning at leisure to explore the village atmosphere of Montmartre. You wander its cobblestone streets, visit the artists’ square, and admire the sweeping views of the capital from the steps of the Sacré-Cœur Basilica.
Afternoon: Meet your private guide for an intimate visit to the Musée d’Orsay. Housed in a magnificent former train station, you discover the world’s most beautiful collection of Impressionist art. Your guide brings the works of Monet, Van Gogh, Renoir, and Degas to life, sharing the stories of the artists who revolutionized painting.
Evening: We offer handpicked dinner recommendations, from classic bistrots to high-end dining.
Morning: After breakfast, your private driver transfers you to the station. You settle into a spacious First-Class carriage for your journey through the French countryside toward Bordeaux.
Afternoon: Arrive in Bordeaux, the elegant UNESCO World Heritage “Wine Capital of the World.” Check in to your hotel in the historic heart of the city. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure exploring the Garonne riverfront, the iconic Place de la Bourse and its reflecting pool, and the narrow streets of the Saint-Pierre district.
Late Day: Take a moment to truly feel Bordeaux. Find a terrace café with a glass of local wine and watch the 18th-century façades shimmer in the late afternoon light.
Morning: Join your private gastronomy guide for a delightful food tour of Bordeaux. Head to the Marché des Capucins, the bustling “belly” of the city, where local producers and chefs gather. Savor local specialties, including traditional cannelés, cheeses from the Southwest, artisanal cured meats, and fresh oysters from the Arcachon Basin. Your guide shares the secrets of Bordeaux’s culinary traditions and introduces you to the city’s best artisans.
Afternoon: Explore Bordeaux at leisure. You might visit the dramatic Cité du Vin museum or lose yourself among the antique shops and wine merchants of the Chartrons district.
Today is dedicated to the world-renowned wine country with your private driver and a fluent English-speaking expert Oenology guide.
You drive through picturesque landscapes, passing endless rows of vines, and stop at prestigious wine estates like those in the legendary Saint-Émilion and Médoc regions. You have the opportunity to savor a varied selection of Grand Cru Bordeaux wines, learning about the region’s unique terroir and viticultural heritage.
Evening: Return to Bordeaux in the late afternoon.
Morning: Your private driver takes you to a beautiful château in the Médoc for an intimate cooking class with a passionate chef. After selecting your ingredients, you head into the château’s kitchens to prepare classic dishes from the Bordeaux region. The chef shares techniques and insider tips, making the experience accessible and fun.
Lunch: You savor your culinary creations during a gourmet lunch in the château’s elegant dining room.
Afternoon: Your private driver transports you to Toulouse, the vibrant capital of Occitania. Settle into your charming hotel and enjoy time at leisure to discover the “Pink City.”
Morning: Meet your private guide for a discovery of Toulouse and its unique architecture. The rose-colored brick buildings give the city its nickname and its characteristic warm light.
You visit the majestic Capitole de Toulouse, the neoclassical building housing the city hall and opera, and discover the Basilica of Saint-Sernin, a Romanesque masterpiece and UNESCO World Heritage site. You stroll through the narrow streets of the historic center and along the banks of the Garonne. Optional: Visit a lively local market with your guide to discover local products and specialties.
Afternoon: Explore Toulouse at leisure, perhaps finding a quiet spot in one of the city’s gardens or exploring a local gallery.
Morning: Visit the Musée des Abattoirs, a center for modern and contemporary art housed in former slaughterhouses, exploring collections that celebrate art from the 20th century to the present day.
Lunch: Enjoy lunch at leisure with our curated recommendations for local spots.
Afternoon: Your private driver transports you to Carcassonne, the stunning fortified medieval city nestled in the landscapes of the Languedoc. Check in to your charming, medieval-style 5-star hotel, complete with an outdoor pool where you can relax with a dramatic view of the ramparts.
Evening: Enjoy the magical moment when the Citadel is illuminated, the ancient stone walls bathed in a warm, golden light—a truly breathtaking sight.
Morning: Meet your private guide for a walking visit of the Cité de Carcassonne, a UNESCO World Heritage site. You wander the cobblestone streets, admire the perfectly preserved medieval ramparts, and visit the Basilica of Saint-Nazaire with its stunning Gothic stained glass. You enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside from the fortifications.
Lunch: Lunch at leisure inside the Cité with our suggestions.
Afternoon: An excursion with your private driver-guide to the legendary Cathar Castles. You visit the Château de Quéribus, a fortress perched dramatically on a 2,388-foot-high rocky peak. The panoramic view encompasses the Pyrenees, the Mediterranean, and the Corbières mountains. You then visit the medieval village of Cucugnan, nestled at the foot of the Cathar castles, whose narrow streets and ancient houses transport you back in time.
Evening: Return to Carcassonne for dinner at leisure.
Enjoy a final morning in Carcassonne, perhaps a final walk along the ramparts or simply enjoying the amenities of your boutique hotel.
Your private driver transfers you to Toulouse airport for your flight or to the train station for a connection back to Paris.
Customizable itinerary
This sample itinerary is designed to inspire you. It is fully customizable with your travel advisor.
Laurence planned the perfect honeymoon for my wife and I. She worked closely with us to create a unique and very enjoyable itinerary for our 10 day trip to Paris, Amboise, and Bordeaux. Laurence’s recommendations for accommodations, cafes, tours, dinners, and more proved to be the best and we felt like we got to experience these cities in the most genuine and best way possible. We HIGHLY recommend reaching out to Laurence to help plan your trip – you will be in great hands!
Spring (April–June) and Fall (September–October) offer a pleasant climate for exploring the Bordeaux vineyards and the heritage sites of the Southwest. Summer features beautiful landscapes but can be hot in the South. Winter brings a special, peaceful atmosphere to Carcassonne with fewer visitors.
Yes, all tastings during the Bordeaux food tour and the full-day vineyard experience are included. Reserved tickets for the Musée d’Orsay are also included, ensuring easy entry.
Not at all. Our Oenology guides are fluent in English and adapt their approach to all levels, from novice to connoisseur. They share their passion with enthusiasm, making the world of wine accessible and engaging.
No. The chef tailors the class to accommodate all skill levels. They provide step-by-step guidance for creating classic Southwest dishes in a supportive and enjoyable environment.
Please inform us of any dietary restrictions or allergies in advance. We liaise directly with the chefs, restaurants, and guides to ensure your culinary experiences are safe and delightful, tailor-made to your needs.
You travel by First-Class train from Paris to Bordeaux, providing optimal comfort and a short, two-hour journey. For travel between Bordeaux, Toulouse, and Carcassonne, you enjoy the comfort and flexibility of a private vehicle with a driver, allowing you to relax and enjoy the scenery.
Absolutely. This program is fully modular and can be tailor-made to your preferences. You might add a day at the seaside near Arcachon, visit other vineyards (Pomerol, Graves), extend your stay in Toulouse, or explore more Cathar sites. We design the rhythm and content around you.
Your seamless experience is our priority. You are met by your private driver upon arrival and travel safely in licensed, premium vehicles. We provide you with a 24/7 emergency contact for any unexpected issues, giving you complete peace of mind throughout your journey.
