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Bordeaux, Paris & The Seine
Embark on an unforgettable journey through France, where every moment blends history, culture, and the art of living…
Your adventure begins in Bordeaux, the world’s most renowned wine region, where sprawling vineyards, 18th-century boulevards, and exquisite local cuisine set the tone for an extraordinary journey. Sip fine wines at a family-owned château, savor gastronomic delights on a foodie walking tour, and uncover Bordeaux’s Roman roots and artistic treasures. Step into the medieval charm of Saint-Émilion, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where cobblestone streets lead to ancient vineyards, and a leisurely lunch at a local château offers a taste of regional traditions. As the journey unfolds, board a high-speed train to Paris, the “City of Light,” where elegance and enlightenment converge, and your riverboat awaits. A visit to the Palace of Versailles offers a glimpse into royal opulence, with its gilded halls and breathtaking gardens. The Seine River becomes your guide as you cruise to Rouen, Normandy, and beyond. At the beaches of Normandy, feel the weight of history as you visit Omaha Beach, Pointe du Hoc, and the American Cemetery, where poignant stories of courage and sacrifice come to life. Discover the picture-perfect village of Les Andelys, framed by the ruins of Château Gaillard, Richard the Lionheart’s medieval fortress. Delight in Normandy’s culinary treasures and experience the artistic spirit of France with a visit to Monet’s house and gardens in Giverny, exploring the tranquil landscapes that inspired the master of Impressionism.
| Day 1 |
Bordeaux is ready for its close-up! After years of improvements, modern public transportation is in place and the city is gleaming after a wave of restorations. When visiting this lovely destination, be sure to walk across the Garonne River-spanning Stone Bridge (17 arches in all!) and see Place des Quinconces, France's grandest public square. Gothic Cathédrale Saint-André, and famous art museums like Musée des Beaux-Arts de Bordeaux are must-sees as well. The city is the perfect launch point, too, for going tasting in this lovely wine-producing region. |
| Day 2 |
Bordeaux is ready for its close-up! After years of improvements, modern public transportation is in place and the city is gleaming after a wave of restorations. When visiting this lovely destination, be sure to walk across the Garonne River-spanning Stone Bridge (17 arches in all!) and see Place des Quinconces, France's grandest public square. Gothic Cathédrale Saint-André, and famous art museums like Musée des Beaux-Arts de Bordeaux are must-sees as well. The city is the perfect launch point, too, for going tasting in this lovely wine-producing region. |
| Day 3 |
Saint-Émilion, nestled in the heart of southwest France, is a living monument to centuries of craftsmanship, faith, and wine-making. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999, this medieval town sits on a limestone plateau surrounded by vineyards that date back to Roman times. Visitors can explore cobbled streets that wind past centuries-old stone houses, descend into underground catacombs carved by monks, and visit the astonishing Monolithic Church, a vast sanctuary carved entirely from rock beneath the town itself. The region is world-famous for its wine, and for good reason. Saint-Émilion is one of Bordeaux’s most prestigious appellations, producing reds that are rich, structured, and made to age. Dozens of family-run estates welcome visitors for tastings, some housed in grand châteaux, others in humble 18th-century farmhouses. Among the most notable are Château Ausone and Château Cheval Blanc, both Premier Grand Cru Classé A estates. Even those unfamiliar with wine will find joy in the scenic vineyard tours, often led by the winemakers themselves. Saint-Émilion also invites discovery through its underground world. The town sits atop a network of tunnels and quarries, much of it open to visitors through guided tours. One fascinating stop is the Trinity Chapel, where you’ll find ancient graffiti etched into the stone by pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago. Another is the hermitage cave of Saint Émilion himself, a Benedictine monk who lived as a recluse in the 8th century and gave the town its name. According to local legend, he performed miracles from that very spot. |
| Day 4 |
France's capital and most populated city, Paris is an alluring destination and an essential stop for any global traveler. A center of fashion, gastronomy, arts and finance, Paris is also a major transportation hub, and will host the 2024 Olympics.
Major tourist attractions in the City of Lights include the Eiffel Tower (such great heights!), the Louvre (home of the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo), the Arc de Triomphe, and Grand Palais. (The famous Notre Dame Cathedral is currently closed indefinitely for renovation due to a 2019 fire.) Marquee annual events in this world-renowned city include Bastille Day (July 14 each year, including flyovers, a military parade and fireworks) and Paris-Plages (mid-July to mid-August), where a temporary beach — complete with sand, chairs and palm trees — is created on the Right bank of the Seine River. Cobblestone walkways, beautiful bridges, breathtaking architecture, radiant streetlamps... Paris has ambiance to spare. Whether sitting at a cafe or actively exploring timeless landmarks and art, millions of visitors have discovered that Paris contains multitudes. |
| Day 5 |
France's capital and most populated city, Paris is an alluring destination and an essential stop for any global traveler. A center of fashion, gastronomy, arts and finance, Paris is also a major transportation hub, and will host the 2024 Olympics.
Major tourist attractions in the City of Lights include the Eiffel Tower (such great heights!), the Louvre (home of the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo), the Arc de Triomphe, and Grand Palais. (The famous Notre Dame Cathedral is currently closed indefinitely for renovation due to a 2019 fire.) Marquee annual events in this world-renowned city include Bastille Day (July 14 each year, including flyovers, a military parade and fireworks) and Paris-Plages (mid-July to mid-August), where a temporary beach — complete with sand, chairs and palm trees — is created on the Right bank of the Seine River. Cobblestone walkways, beautiful bridges, breathtaking architecture, radiant streetlamps... Paris has ambiance to spare. Whether sitting at a cafe or actively exploring timeless landmarks and art, millions of visitors have discovered that Paris contains multitudes. |
| Day 6 |
Versailles, just a short journey from Paris, is a city where grandeur and history converge in a stunning display of French royalty. At the heart of this city lies the iconic Palace of Versailles, a UNESCO World Heritage site that was once the residence of Louis XIV, the Sun King. Visitors can wander through the opulent Hall of Mirrors, where the Treaty of Versailles was signed in 1919, marking the end of World War I. The palace’s extensive gardens, designed by André Le Nôtre, are equally captivating, with meticulously manicured lawns, grand fountains, and hidden groves waiting to be discovered. The city itself, beyond the palace walls, offers a charming glimpse into French life. Stroll through the historic market at Place du Marché Notre-Dame, where local vendors sell everything from fresh produce to artisanal cheeses. The Cathedral of Saint-Louis, with its neoclassical architecture, stands as a testament to the city’s rich religious heritage. For art lovers, the Musée Lambinet, housed in an elegant 18th-century mansion, showcases a collection of decorative arts, paintings, and historical artifacts that provide further insight into the lives of the French aristocracy. Versailles isn’t just about history; it’s also a city that celebrates culture and the arts. Throughout the year, the palace hosts musical performances and exhibitions that bring the past to life in new and exciting ways. The Fountains Night Show, where the garden fountains are illuminated and accompanied by classical music, is a particularly enchanting experience that draws visitors from around the world. A fun fact about Versailles is that the palace was originally a hunting lodge before Louis XIV transformed it into the extravagant symbol of absolute monarchy that it is known for today . |
| Day 7 |
Set on the River Seine, Rouen is Normandy's capital and a breathtaking city steeped in history, art, and romance. Marvel at the exquisite Gothic architecture of the Palais de Justice, l'Église Saint-Maclou, l'Abbatiale Saint-Ouen, and the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen. Visit the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Rouen to gaze at the masterpieces of Monet, Velázquez, or Renoir. Stroll the cobbled paths of Vieux Rouen (Old Town Rouen), where the Gros-Horlage, an ornate Renaissance clock tower, stands tall. |
| Day 8 |
Normandy is a province along the Northwestern coast of France. It was the site of the important World War II landings and battle and one of the most fascinating regions of France. This land is rich in legend and scenic splendor. Visit coastal villages, museums, fortresses and fragrant gardens. |
| Day 9 |
Les Andelys, a picturesque town on the banks of the Seine in Normandy, France, is best known for its dramatic setting beneath the ruins of Château Gaillard. This medieval fortress, built in the 12th century by Richard the Lionheart, stands high on a chalk cliff overlooking the river, a reminder of the region’s turbulent past during the wars between England and France. Its imposing presence, framed by rolling hills and the winding Seine, gives the town a striking historic character. Surrounded by verdant countryside and river landscapes, Les Andelys invites leisurely exploration. Travelers often come for its blend of history and scenery: walking along the Seine, climbing up to the castle ruins for panoramic views, or simply enjoying the quiet atmosphere of a town where the medieval past still lingers in every street. |
| Day 10 |
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| Day 11 |
France's capital and most populated city, Paris is an alluring destination and an essential stop for any global traveler. A center of fashion, gastronomy, arts and finance, Paris is also a major transportation hub, and will host the 2024 Olympics.
Major tourist attractions in the City of Lights include the Eiffel Tower (such great heights!), the Louvre (home of the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo), the Arc de Triomphe, and Grand Palais. (The famous Notre Dame Cathedral is currently closed indefinitely for renovation due to a 2019 fire.) Marquee annual events in this world-renowned city include Bastille Day (July 14 each year, including flyovers, a military parade and fireworks) and Paris-Plages (mid-July to mid-August), where a temporary beach — complete with sand, chairs and palm trees — is created on the Right bank of the Seine River. Cobblestone walkways, beautiful bridges, breathtaking architecture, radiant streetlamps... Paris has ambiance to spare. Whether sitting at a cafe or actively exploring timeless landmarks and art, millions of visitors have discovered that Paris contains multitudes. |
| Travel Dates | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
06/08/26 - 06/18/26 |
Starting At $8,490 |
Get A Quote | |
|
08/18/26 - 08/28/26 |
Starting At $6,990 |
Get A Quote |
Offer subject to availability and change without notice. Some restrictions may apply.