Are you dreaming of experiencing two of France’s most iconic cities in a single, effortless journey? This tailor-made 6-day itinerary whisks you from the historic avenues of Paris to the legendary food scene of Lyon, immersing your senses in the very best of French culture, history, and gastronomy.
Uncover the capital’s crown jewels with a private guide, savor an exclusive Michelin-starred dinner cruise along the Seine, and step inside the world’s largest museum. Then, journey via high-speed rail to Lyon to unravel the architectural mysteries of the Renaissance old town and its hidden secret passages. Top it off with a full-day escape into the rolling Beaujolais wine country, enjoying curated tastings with passionate local winemakers.
It is the definitive pairing of Parisian refinement and Lyonnais art de vivre, crafted with exceptional epicurean experiences and seamless service from start to finish.
Your private driver greets you at the airport arrivals gate, handling your luggage and escorting you to a beautifully appointed boutique hotel in the heart of Paris. After checking in, enjoy the afternoon at leisure to settle into the Parisian rhythm. Stroll past bustling café terraces, admire the window displays along the grand boulevards, and soak in your first moments in the capital. In the evening, explore the neighborhood with our handpicked dining suggestions tailored to your district.
Morning: Meet your fluent English-speaking private guide for an intimate walking tour of the Île de la Cité and Île Saint-Louis, the medieval cradle of Paris. Enter the breathtaking Sainte-Chapelle, where fifteen monumental stained-glass windows stretch 50 feet high, flooding the sanctuary with a supernatural, colored glow. Afterward, enjoy a peaceful stroll past the aristocratic 17th-century mansions and legendary artisan ice cream shops of Île Saint-Louis.
Afternoon: Head to the ultimate Parisian icon. With reserved tickets in hand, you will bypass the main ticket lines and enjoy easy access to the very summit of the Eiffel Tower. Ascend 276 meters (905 feet) above the city to explore Gustave Eiffel’s historic office and drink in a 360° view of the sprawling zinc rooftops.
Evening: Board a luxury yacht for a magnificent gastronomy dinner cruise. As the city transitions into the evening illumination, savor a multi-course menu crafted by a celebrated chef. Watch the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, and a shimmering Eiffel Tower float past your window—a breathtaking introduction to Paris by night.
Morning: Meet your private guide at the Louvre for an exclusive morning among the world’s most significant art collections. Your guide masterfully navigates the former royal palace, leading you directly to icons like Leonardo da Vinci’s enigmatic Mona Lisa, the ancient Venus de Milo, and the majestic Winged Victory of Samothrace, sharing the fascinating human stories behind the stone and canvas.
Afternoon: After a relaxed lunch at leisure, spend your afternoon wandering through Paris’s historic covered passages. These 19th-century glass-roofed shopping arcades are architectural time capsules. Discover the neoclassical elegance and geometric mosaics of Galerie Vivienne, explore the vintage print shops of Passage des Panoramas (the city’s oldest covered walkway, dating back to 1800), and soak in the romantic wood-paneled charm of Galerie Véro-Dodat.
Evening: Your night is free to enjoy at your own pace, supported by our curated local recommendations.
Morning: After a fresh breakfast, your private driver transfers you to the station. Board the sleek, high-speed TGV train for a smooth 2-hour ride south to Lyon. Watch the beautiful French countryside sweep past your window in total comfort. Upon arrival, a private transfer takes you to your central, handpicked boutique hotel.
Afternoon: Meet your local private guide to uncover the historic soul of Old Lyon (Vieux Lyon), a beautifully preserved Renaissance district recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Your guide will slide open unassuming doors to lead you through the secret traboules—hidden indoor passageways and vaulted corridors once used by historic silk weavers (canuts) to protect their precious textiles from the elements.
Along the way, indulge in a curated tasting of authentic local delicacies: delicate Rosette de Lyon charcuterie, creamy Saint-Marcellin cheese, and bright pink, sweet praline pastries.
Evening: We suggest dining at an authentic Bouchon Lyonnais—the city’s traditional, cozy taverns renowned for their convivial atmosphere and generous, centuries-old recipes.
Full Day: Embark on a full-day excursion with your private guide into the rolling vineyards of the Beaujolais region, located just north of the city.
Morning: Arrive in the charming village of Blacé. Take a peaceful walk through the vines before meeting a passionate, family-run winemaker. Tour the estate and enjoy a curated tasting of celebrated local growths (Crus) like Morgon, Fleurie, and Moulin-à-Vent, learning how the unique granitic soil shapes their character. Next, step inside a spectacular 12th-century medieval cellar to discover the ancestral secrets of Beaujolais vinification beneath historic stone vaults.
Afternoon: After a relaxed lunch among the vines, travel through the breathtaking Pierres Dorées (Golden Stones) region. This area is famous for its hilltop medieval villages—such as Oingt and Ternand—built entirely from a warm, ocher-yellow limestone that glows beautifully in the afternoon sun. Conclude your day with a special tasting of a vibrant, fruit-forward Beaujolais wine, discovering the traditional method of carbonic maceration from your expert guide before returning to Lyon.
Enjoy a leisurely morning in Lyon. Take a final walk along the banks of the Rhône River, browse the vibrant local food stalls, or explore the elegant Presqu’île district for some last-minute shopping. Your private driver will escort you to the station for your return train ride to Paris, followed by a seamless transfer directly to Charles de Gaulle Airport for your flight home.
Customizable itinerary
This sample itinerary is designed to inspire you. It is fully customizable with your travel advisor.
Thank you so much for all of your help with planning this trip. We had the most wonderful time. We are already recommending your services to our friends and family for their trips to France.
Thank you again and take care.
Kathleen and Andrew
Spring (April–June) and Autumn (September–October) offer gorgeous weather and spectacular colors, whether you are walking the Parisian avenues or touring the vineyards. July and August bring vibrant summer energy and long terrace nights, while traveling in November allows you to experience the global celebration of the Beaujolais Nouveau arrival right at the source.
A traboule (derived from the Latin for “to cross over”) is a hidden, covered architectural passageway unique to Lyon. They wrap through private residential courtyards and beneath historic buildings to connect parallel streets. Originally built during the Renaissance, they allowed silk workers to transport delicate fabrics through the city without exposing them to the rain. Vieux Lyon hides over 200 of them, and your private guide knows exactly which doors to open.
Not at all. Our oenological journeys are designed to be accessible, warm, and highly engaging. Whether you are a seasoned collector or a curious novice, your private guide and the local winemakers adapt the conversation seamlessly, focusing on the pleasure of discovery, traditional craftsmanship, and storytelling.
Absolutely. Every itinerary we design is fully customizable. We can easily add a day trip to the Palace of Versailles, extend your stay in Lyon to explore the bohemian Croix-Rousse hillside, or pivot your wine tastings toward the northern Côtes du Rhône appellations. Simply share your travel goals with your consultant.
