The Many Facets of France

This itinerary is for independent travelers who already know the South coast of France and who are looking for discovering the “inside” of the country.

Welcome to Burgundy

• As you will probably land in Paris airport, we plan for you to pick up the car right at the airport and drive 3 hours to Burgundy. We will plan for a nice lunch stop on the way.
• You will reside for 4 nights in a beautiful mansion, surrounded by a vast park in Côtes de Nuits vineyards. Situated in the heart of Burgundy, between Dijon and Beaune, you will be perfectly located to tour the region and taste its wines.
• Authentic Burgundy is much more than the vineyards: winding roads leading to tiny timeless villages - some of them "Most Beautiful Villages of France" - will give you a real feel for this region. Dijon has kept a lot of ancient monuments and houses, yet it is a modern city very lively and full of charm.Taste some local cheeses, the "Epoisse" at the cheese factory or stroll around Beaune from cellars to ramparts.
• Spend a day biking with a guide who will take you wine tasting in a worldwide famous winery as well as a small independent wine maker.

Prehistoric & Medieval Dordogne

• On the 5th day, you will drive across the Massif Central to reach the Dordogne region.
• In the Dordogne, history is around every corner. In the Vézère prehistoric valley, spend the following 5 nights in a beautifully restored family house.
• Your Hostess Dominique will cook a delicious dinner inspired by local traditions. We'll tell you where to find the most typical goat cheeses - and if you like outdoor activities, you'll be in paradise.
• Dordogne is famous for the prehistoric caves such as Lascaux and we will recommend you much more intimate visits, in 20,000 year old caves. If you are interested in history or if you are a JM Auel reader, these are a must!

Bordeaux Wine Region

• Get acquainted with Bordeaux region staying first for 3 nights in the Médoc - in a house surrounded by the vineyards. Your lovely hosts will be happy to share with you all the wine places that they keep selecting all year long.
• Very near Saint Emilion, we have planned a private tour to a wine estate: after visiting the estate from the cellars, to the vats, passing by the vineyards to understand the different grape variety, you will enjoy a lunch together with a tasting of 3 different wines.
• Spend then 2 nights downtown Bordeaux and enjoy discovering this lively city walking from the historical district.
• Built along the banks of the Garonne river, the opulent merchants' homes are very specific to Bordeaux. The rise of colonial trade together with the growth of the wine industry contributed to the amazing expansion of the Gironde region during the 18th century.

The loire valley castles & gardens

• On the 15th day, you will move to the Northern Loire and treat yourself with 2 nights in a luxury privatly owned castle, 5 miles to Chambord Unesco Renaissance castle. Enjoy a comfortable room which may have original frescos dating back to 1620 on the walls (for the early birds) and also enjoy a vast park, tennis court and a huge swimming pool. In the evening, enjoy a drink in one of the many "salons" where you will always feel welcome.
• From Amboise you will explore the Loire most famous sites: Chambord or Chenonceau, Chaumont gardens and if you want to do some shopping, you may enjoy Tours.
• Your trip continues to the wilder part of the Loire Valley. Stay for 5 nights in a lively town between Saumur and Tours, along the Loire River, across the street from a gorgeous Middle Ages castle. At night, you can walk to one of the best restaurants of the whole region, relax in the courtyard or at a bistro terrace.
• One day, let the owner of a 12th century abbey, guide you in this amazing and totally off the beaten tracks historical site. 
• You will also wander off the beaten path into tiny villages stretched along the Vienne and Loire rivers and get a taste of French gastronomy in restaurants and local markets we have tested for you.

Normandy – World War & Middle Ages

• For 3 nights, taste the Norman quietness in a manor from the 11th century. Jump into the Middle-Ages enjoying all the modern amenities...and amazing breakfasts cooked by your lovely hostess.
• Perfectly located between Bayeux and the WWII beaches, you will get a real feel for the Norman history there from William the Conqueror to the Second World War.
• To help you better understand the events of the Battle of Normandy and bring them to life, we have planned a guided tour with a specialist in WWII history. You will be shown all the main landing sites and learn in detail about what happened here on D-Day.

Last night in Giverny

• Spend your last night in Giverny, which is only a 1hr drive to Paris and to CDG Airport, so very convenient. Get a last feel for Normandy and if you are interested in painting, you will enjoy Monet’s house and gardens very much.
• We can plan for you to return the car where this is the most convenient to you.