The Center of France on the Back Roads

Reims & the Champagne region

• This itinerary starts at Paris CDG airport where you will pick up your rental car and drive 1hr30 to the Champagne region, your first stop for 2 nights. 
• You will stay in a family-owned Champagne winery. From here, you are perfectly located to enjoy Champagne wines and tour the beautiful historic old town of Reims. 
• Enjoy a special visit to the Champagne winery where you are staying, followed of course by a nice Champagne tasting ! After this, champagne will never have the same taste when you have it at home. 
• We will also recommend Champagne wineries you can visit on your own, as well as some local attractions including fossils, belle epoque architecture, a lively food market and many restaurants from simple fare to 3 stars with the Michelin guide. 

Burgundy Wines & Gastronomy

• In Burgundy, you will reside for 3 nights in a beautiful B&B house owned by a wine maker family and located in one of Burgundy's most famous wine towns. Situated in the heart of Burgundy, near Beaune, this is the perfect place to learn about the local wines. Explore all the major vineyards of the region and have a chance to taste red and white wines among the best in the world, directly at the winery!
• Alex will take you on a private walking tour of Beaune starting by the famous Hospices...and the exploring the historical rampart town, enjoying local gourmet products : cheese & wine tasting, gougères, pain d'épices....the local gastronomy & history won't have any secret for you !
• Apart from the vineyards, we will show you how to exit the beaten track and discover the authentic and charming Burgundy. Winding roads leading to tiny timeless villages - some of them "Most Beautiful Villages of France" - will give you a real feel for this region.
• Discover Beaune, a beautiful medieval town that has been completely preserved from modern constructions, and you should definitly be there on market day, the local products are truly delicious. Taste some local cheese, the "Epoisse" at the cheese factory or uncover the mysteries of the Ducs de Bourgogne in Dijon. Burgundy has a lot to experience.

The Loire Valley

Then, enjoy the "sweet life" in Touraine, stopping over in little villages to savor goat cheese or taste amazing wines. Take the time to relax in rose gardens, or to enjoy the traditional cuisine in many small restaurants frequented by the locals.

• Your next stop will be in the heart of the medieval city of Loches. Spend 2 nights in a very comfortable house - built against the old walls - that used to be a coach inn. From here, explore Montrésor, one of the "most beautiful villages of France" and the must see castles of Chenonceaux or Chambord.
• As a second stop in the Loire Valley, you will stay for the following 3 nights in a restored 18th century stonehouse nestled in a lovely hamlet. Your charming host knows this region very well and will be happy to share some tips with you. One night, you will share a delicious home-cooked dinner, prepared by Monsieur. Do not miss the aperitif in the underground vaulted cellar - an out-of-time experience!
• Located on the south banks of the Vienne River, this charming B&B is within short driving distance of Chinon and Saumur, beautiful historic cities. 
• Touraine is also famous for its vineyards – Chinon, Bourgueil, Vouvray and many more – and we have planned a special wine tasting. You will have the opportunity to taste different wines - in a privately owned 16th century castle - accompanied by some local specialties.

The Mont Saint Michel area

• On your way to the Normandy landing beaches, stop over for 2 nights near the Mont Saint Michel, the ancient beautiful abbey sitting on top of a tidal island in the middle of Mont Saint Michel Bay. A true wonder!
• Stay in a former presbytery from the 18th century, located half-way between the famous village of Mont Saint Michel and the lovely port of Saint Malo.
• Discover the famous Mont Saint Michel with a local guide during a barefoot walk in the bay, around the site . . . great  and unique way to get a special feel for this very touristy site. 

Normandy from Bayeux : heritage & history

• For 3 nights, taste the Norman quietness in a manor from the 11th century. Jump into the Middle-Ages all while enjoying the modern amenities . . . and amazing breakfasts cooked by your lovely hostess.
• Jump into the local history: from William the Conqueror in the 11th century whose adventures are illustrated in the Bayeux tapestry, to the Battle of Normandy in 1944. 
• From here, you will discover the WWII landing sites as well as the Norman hinterland, its cheeses and half timbered villages. 

History, culture, gastronomy, "the sweet life": this is France!