Paris Versailles Loire Valley Bordeaux Provence The Riviera A CLIENT-APPROVED Adventure This is an outline of a journey taken by a couple who explored France in May 2014. This journey was at a luxury level including stays in chateaux, manors and palace-hotels. A private guide was an important element for this couple who wanted to see and learn as much as possible while enjoying every comfort. Use this outline to learn about various regions, then speak with us to design your own trip to France. Thank you for creating memories that we will have for a lifetime. It was a fabulous experience and very very well organized!!! D&DB, May 2014 Questions? Please contact a Civilized Adventures Adventure Travel Specialist: info@civilizedadv.com Please note: to protect our hours of research, we do not include names for suggested hotels here. Tours listed are those chosen by past clients and they may not be your first choice. Please consider this to be a starting point: allow us to customize a proposal for you that will showcase your own interests. Day 1 Arrive Paris D On arrival at one of Paris airports, you ll be met by your English speaking driver and transferred to your hotel for your two night stay. For Dinner tonight enjoy a romantic Dinner Cruise on the Seine River, viewing various monuments (the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre, etc.) through the glass canopy. Dinner & drinks included. Private table. (This activity can be postponed if you had an international flight arrival; if you are arriving from another European city, this will fit well today). Overnight: 2 nights accommodation, 5 star hotel, Deluxe room; Breakfasts, taxes and services included. Our suggested hotel is an elegant 5 star property in the fashion and arts district, on the prestigious Faubourg Saint Honoré street. The restaurant and bars are under the watchful eye of a 3 star Michelin chef. Day 2 Paris B Meet your English speaking licensed driver guide in the lobby and depart on a Private shopping excursion that may include the Chanel store and the Marais District. This is a customizable tour. Later this afternoon, visit the Eiffel Tower (time will be confirmed to minimize crowd impact). Escorted by an English speaking guide, take the elevator to the top of the Eiffel tower and enjoy the most beautiful panoramic view over Paris which allows you to see the main monuments including the Arc de Triomphe, the Quai Branly museum, the Sacré Coeur and many others. You are returned back to your hotel for an evening at leisure. Ask for suggested restaurants. Background: The Marais. This is one of Paris oldest and most visually stunning quarters. First developed in the 12th century, the neighborhood, whose name means "swamp" in French and once was one, went from being a royal favorite under Henri IV and Louis XIII, to falling into ruin after the French Revolution of 1789. Since its revival in the 1960s, it has shone as a center of Parisian artistic and cultural life. It has evolved into one of the most affluent and prestigious areas in the city and is undoubtedly a stunning place to walk around, eat, drink, and lounge. It is one of the only areas that preserves the narrow streets and architectural styles of Medieval and Renaissance era Paris; it missed the mid 19th century overhaul that touched most of Paris under the direction
Paris Versailles Loire Valley Bordeaux Provence The Riviera of Napoleon III and architect Baron Georges Eugène Haussmann. In the Marais, the dramatic residences or (hôtels particuliers), artisan s boutiques, galleries, lavish squares, and fascinating history are worth reserving at least a half day of exploration for. Overnight: 2 nights accommodation, 5 star hotel, Deluxe room; Breakfasts, taxes and services included Day 3 Versailles B Meet your English speaking licensed guide driver in the lobby, then take the short drive (about 40 mins) to Versailles. You ll have a Private full day tour to discover Versailles and gardens entrance fees are included. After touring the extensive site you ll check in to your nearby 4 star hotel. With your guide, explore the Château de Versailles with its glittering Hall of Mirrors which was used by Louis XIV as a council room, and the gardens which were laid out by the great landscape artist, Le Nôtre, who managed to perfect the model of formal French gardens. The visit includes: the King s and Queen s State Apartments. Background: Versailles Home to hundreds when the King was in residence, this palace constitutes a veritable city of elegant private rooms and public reception halls, set in a splendid park with fountains, hidden gardens, and a lake for boating. Imagine life in the château the lives of kings and queens and courtiers as your guide opens doors and takes you through the hall of mirrors, illuminated with candelabras. Visit the Queen s Hamlet created by Marie Antoinette who, seeking to flee the Court of Versailles, ordered the construction of this hamlet in 1783. It became a veritable farm, directed by a farmer, whose products supplied the kitchens of the Palace. Under the First Empire, the Hamlet was refurnished with refinement for Empress Marie Louise. Also visit the Grand Trianon built in 1687 by Jules Hardouin Mansart these are probably the most refined group of buildings anywhere in the domain of Versailles, on the site of the Porcelain Trianon, which Louis XIV had had erected in 1670 to escape the pomp and rigid formality of court life with his mistress Madame de Montespan. Overnight: 1 night accommodation, 4 star hotel, Deluxe room **** Breakfasts, taxes and services included. Our suggested hotel is one of the closest to the palace and it is known for its Gordon Ramsey restaurant. Day 4 Loire Valley B Your English speaking driver will transfer you to the train station. Travel First class to Saint Pierre des Corps where you ll meet your new driver who will transfer you to your hotel. This afternoon, meet your English speaking guide driver in the lobby and begin your private half day tour ; entrance fees not included to keep today flexible. We suggest a visit to the Château of Amboise where Leonardo Da Vinci is buried. Amboise is the chateau to be visited if you want to have an overview of the historical Loire Valley.
Paris Versailles Loire Valley Bordeaux Provence The Riviera Background: Chateau d Amboise Amboise, loved by Catherine de Medici who raised her children there, was the first royal castle built in the Loire during the Renaissance period. It was in a strategic position overlooking one of the few bridges that allowed people to cross the Loire. The decoration was originally of French inspiration but later profited from the collaboration of Flemish and Italian artists. Overnight: 2 nights accommodation, 4 star chateau style hotel, Deluxe room. Breakfasts, taxes and services included. Our suggested chateau stands between Ambroise and Tours overlooking the wine making village of Noizay. Enjoy gourmet cuisine in one of two dining rooms. Day 5 Loire Valley B Meet your guide driver in the lobby for a Private full day tour to discover Loire Valley Castles. Entrance fees to the castle and wine tasting included. We plan visit to these sites today: Château de Chambord, the largest and most dramatic châteaux in the Loire valley. Take the twin spiralling staircases, which are intertwined, double helix style. Those people ascending do not encounter those descending. Château de Chenonceau. Built on a bridge over the Cher River, with the unique beauty of its Renaissance architecture reflected by the water, this is the masterpiece of the Val de Loire. This enchanting castle may be smaller in comparison to others, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in charm. It is certainly one of the most romantic chateaux in the Loire Valley Continue on to the vineyards of Vouvray, famous for their sparkling white wines, to visit a couple of cellars and taste the wines. Overnight: 2 nights accommodation, 4 star chateau style hotel, Deluxe room. Breakfasts, taxes and services included. Day 6 Bordeaux B This morning your English speaking driver will return you to the train station. Board the train to Bordeaux (First class ticket; 2.30h duration). On arrival in Bordeaux your English speaking, licensed driver guide will meet you. This guide is at your disposal for a Private half day tour of Bordeaux city this afternoon. (Entrance fees not included to keep the day and the sites you see flexible and customizable to your preferences for the day). Background Bordeaux: On the left bank of the Garonne river, this prosperous city, famous for its wines, prides itself on the preservation of its cultural heritage. The city offers a rich variety of hidden artistic treasures. Bordeaux is an outstanding urban and architectural ensemble, created in the Age of Enlightenment, whose values continued up to the first half of the 20th century. Bordeaux has more protected buildings than any other French city except Paris. Its urban form represents the success of philosophers who wanted to make towns into melting pots of humanism, universality and culture. The Port of the Moon, port city of Bordeaux, was inscribed on UNESCO s World heritage in 2007. Overnight: 2 nights, 5 star hotel, Junior Suite. Breakfasts, taxes and services included. Our clients stayed in a majestic hotel across from the Opera building. A recent restoration respected its colourful history while offering a high level of luxury and elegance. This hotel boasts a 1 star Michelin restaurant, a brasserie and a cocktail bar.
Paris Versailles Loire Valley Bordeaux Provence The Riviera Day 7 Bordeaux B Your guide driver is a specialist in the Bordeaux Region with a knowledge of Bordeaux wines that is recognized by the very best Sommeliers and wine makers of the region. Embark on your private full day tour to the Medoc Region with two visits and wine tastings included. Your guide will assist with lunch suggestions. Suggested visits: Pontet Canet (a legendary Médoc) in the morning and Chateau Leoville Poyferre (produces Mont Moytié, among the first Médoc ever produced) in the afternoon. Along the scenic drive Route des Châteaux you can make various photo stops to discover the Château Lafite Rothschild in Pauillac Appellation, Cos d Estournel in Saint Estephe Appellation and other wine estates. Overnight: second night in Bordeaux region Day 8 Carcassonne B Today your guide will drive you to Carcassone. Along the way you can stop at the centre of Toulouse City. The afternoon is at leisure and our suggested hotel is well located in the heart of the medieval citadel of Carcassone perfect for wandering on your own. Background: Carcassonne Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, La Cite at Carcassonne is a painstakingly restored mediaeval walled city on a hill by the Aude River. Inhabited since the 6th century BC, Carcassonne was once a Roman town, fortified in the 3rd century AD. Restored by Viollet le Duc in the 19th century, the citadel is a witness to a thousand years of military architecture and over 2500 years of history. The citadel is one of the best existing examples of a fortified medieval town with its towers and ramparts, its castle and its Basilica of St. Nazaire and St. Celse. Cross the river to La Bastide neighbourhood for all the charms of a French country town. Some places to visit in Carcassonne and the citadel include: The Cathedral Saint Michel in Carcassonne: built in the XIV century in a Languedocien Gothic style. The Old Bridge (Pont Vieux): constructed in the XIV century, this was the only link between the La Cité (the citadel) and the Bastide St. Louis (the town of Carcassonne) until the XIX century. The Count's Castle (Château Comtal) in the medieval citadel: built in the XII century by the Trencavels, Vicomtes of Carcassonne. The Fine Arts Museum (Musée de Beaux Arts) in Carcassonne The Joë Bousquet Centre in Carcassonne has preserved surrealist poet Joë Bousquet's room as well as displays of his manuscripts, letters and photos (La Maison des Mémoires / Centre Joë Bousquet) The Medieval Citadel, its Castle and its Basilica. Overnight: 1 night accommodation, 4 star hotel, Junior Suite. Breakfasts, taxes and services included. Our suggested hotel was built in 1909 within the ramparts of the citadel. It boasts a Michelin starred restaurant. On a warm summer day, relax by the outdoor pool. Day 9 Provence B Today you will depart with your guide for the drive to Les Baux de Provence. Along the way you will discover Arles, the widest city in France. Arles monuments are listed as UNESCO World heritage and include the Roman amphitheatre (the
Paris Versailles Loire Valley Bordeaux Provence The Riviera arena), the Roman theatre, the Cryptoportico (foundations of the Roman Forum), the Roman baths of Constantine, the remains of the Roman circus, the cloister and portal of St. Trophime and the Alyscamp cemetery. Arles has also preserved many lovely buildings dating from the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries. Arles is where Vincent Van Gogh discovered the light of the Midi (the South of France), and found the inspiration for many of his finest works. Overnight: 3 nights. There are several options in the region, including a 5 star Relais & Chateau property with a manor house ambiance in the Provence countryside (hike, eat, explore, ride bicycles or horses). Or, continue to the village of Gordes with a setting in one of France s most beautiful villages in the Lubéron region. Breakfasts, taxes and services included Day 10 Provence B Today you ll enjoy a full day tour around Provence. Entrance fees are not included to keep your day flexible. Sites may include: Les Baux de Provence: a spectacular hilltop village. This is one of the most photogenic hill towns in Provence. Once the brilliant center of the 14th century courts of love, it retains only its city walls Saint Rémy de Provence, particularly interesting because of its typical architecture: an old center with quaint 17th and 18th century houses and narrow cobblestone streets, surrounded with ramparts, around which is a circular boulevard planted with plane trees (sycamores of Provence), immortalized by Van Gogh. Saint Paul de Mausole, the clinic into which Van Gogh was taken on May 8, 1889. He found the quality of light and the ardent beauty of the landscapes around Saint Rémy quite fascinating. In the space of a year, he had completed more than 150 paintings and numerous sketches. Crillon Le Brave a charming village and possible lunch stop (on your own account). Avignon. Located at the confluence of the Rhône and Durance rivers and well known for its ramparts, its famous Pont Saint Bénezet and the Pope s Palace. Home to the Sovereign Pontiffs in the 14th century, the Palace of the Popes is the biggest Gothic palace in the world. You can visit 25 of the Palace s rooms. The historic core of Avignon is considered to be one of the most beautiful sites in the world. Overnight: Return to your chosen hotel for your second night. Day 11 Provence B Today s touring with your guide driver begins with a visit to Ménerbes. This superb little village in the Luberon is considered to be one of the finest in France. Built on a hill, it is surrounded by magnificent countryside. Nicolas de Staël and Picasso both owned houses in Ménerbes and they have since been joined by other famous artists, musicians, comedians and writers. Here you may wish to visit the truffle and wine house in the Luberon, a residence and knowledge center dedicated to wine and truffle production. Other stops today may include: Gordes: Due to its privileged position, its exceptional charm and its typical architecture, Gordes has been listed as one of the most beautiful villages in France. Here you may want to visit the Abbaye of Senanque which remains
Paris Versailles Loire Valley Bordeaux Provence The Riviera one of the purest examples of Romanesque Cistercian architecture. Cistercian monks still live here producing honey, lavender essence and liqueurs. \ Bories Village, where the beautiful dry stone huts present architecture directly connected to the nature of the ground. The village gives evidence of a collective, organized and permanent rural group settlement. Roussillon is famous for its magnificent red cliffs and ochre quarries. The red, yellow and brown shades of the earth form a striking contrast with the lush green pine trees. Note: Lavenders fields generally begin to bloom in early June however this is completely dependent upon the weather and we cannot guarantee it. Overnight: Return to your chosen hotel for your third night. Day 12 French Riviera B Today you are transferred to the train station for your first class TGV train ride to Nice (around 2 h duration). Upon arrival you are transferred to your hotel and have the afternoon at your leisure. Suggested overnight: 3 nights accommodation in a Deluxe Seaview room at a 4 star chateaux in Vence. It boasts a 2 star Michelin restaurant. Breakfasts, taxes and services included Day 13 French Riviera B Meet your guide driver and enjoy a panoramic tour of Nice. Everything is emphasized in Nice; the bright sunlight makes the colors flash. The green pines, the blue of the Mediterranean Sea and the sky, the yellow shades of flowers and the ochre colored houses; it is easy to see why the Côte d Azur fascinates so many people. Sites today may include: view luxurious Belle Époque style residences, including the fabulous Négresco palace that is built on the sea front. the Russian Church (not available on Sunday mornings) Walking tour of the old town where narrow streets and alleys curve, in an irregular fashion, among old buildings and red tiled roofs. The streets, with names that evoke ancient guilds, such as goldsmith or bankers, are full of boutiques and shoppers. In the morning, the Cours Saleya has daily flower and food markets. Give your taste buds a new experience and enjoy some socca with a glass of wine. Socca is a local specialty made from chickpea flour, and a trip to Nice would not be complete without having tasted it! Enjoy lunch at leisure in a typical restaurant. We suggest the restaurant Le Safari. It is in a prime location on the Cours Saleya with a lovely view of the market stalls. The menu is diversified, with local specialties, pasta, seafood, meat and pizza. Afternoon touring may include: Discover the regal town of St Paul de Vence, that Marc Chagall loved so much. This charming and picturesque village from the Middle Ages has always succeeded in seducing lovers of art and enlightenment and it is considered the cradle of Provence. You might like to visit Maeght Foundation, the best of all modern art museums in the area. Great sculptures, especially those by Miro, can be admired in a very pleasant environment. Overnight: Return to your hotel for your second night.
Paris Versailles Loire Valley Bordeaux Provence The Riviera Day 14 French Rivieria B Meet your guide driver in the lobby and drive to the medieval village of Eze that overlooks the Mediterranean Sea. The fortified castle s ruins, sitting on a narrow, rocky peak, still crown this ancient village. Perched on the top of an imposing, superb cliff, the village, with its light ochre church, can be seen from afar. The beach in the "baie d'eze" is easily accessible and is shaded by pine trees that grow down almost to the water's edge. You will be seduced by the marvels of Eze: Small, narrow roads, archways and superbly restored stone houses, shady squares and refreshing ancient fountains. The numerous artisans boutiques are hard to resist. Some of them resemble tiny caves dug into the rocky hillside. At the end of the day, return to your hotel. Overnight: Return to your hotel for your third & last night. Day 15, 16 & 17 Departure to Monaco; days at leisure B Private transfer with an English speaking driver in a minivan to your hotel in Monaco. You are free at leisure to relax on arrival and the rest of your stay is unplanned so you can explore as you wish. Monaco is one of those magical, glamorous places of worldwide renown. There are sumptuous boutiques with the latest fashions, palatial luxury hotels, and very chic restaurants. The cultural and sport centers are fitted out to perfection, and everywhere you look, stretch limousines and Porsches travel along Monte Carlo s famous twisting streets. Sites include: the Prince's Palace, which was built on the site of a 13 th century Genovese fortress. Admire the splendor of the 16 th century Italian Gallery, the Louis XV lounge, and the 17 th century Palatine Chapel. The Oceanographic Museum that was inaugurated by Prince Albert I in 1910. Dedicated to the study of sea sciences, it took 11 years to build the impressive museum that sits on top of an 85 meter cliff. Inside you will discover an amazing collection of marine life, and you will be seduced by the numerous aquariums filled with colorful fish. Optional: Enjoy a walking tour of Monaco to view the Prince s palace, the cathedral, Princess Grace's tomb, and to learn more about the history of this mythical city. Afterwards, visit the heart of Monte Carlo with its Casino and the Hôtel de Paris. Overnight: 3 nights accommodation, 4 star hotel, Premium sea view room. Breakfasts, taxes and services included Day 18 Depart B This morning you are transferred to the Nice airport (about 30 minutes away) in time for your flight home. End of Services Trip cost included: all transfers first class train tickets as listed accommodation as listed in luxury 4 or 5 star properties meals as listed excursions as listed with private guide comprehensive welcome/final document package accommodation taxes, the applicable Tourism Levies and all relevant Value Added Tax (VAT) or Government Sales Tax (GST).
Paris Versailles Loire Valley Bordeaux Provence The Riviera Trip cost excluded: international flights meals not specified airport departure taxes travel insurance items of a personal nature any new Government taxes, levies, fuel or industry increases which are beyond our control gratuities to local staff Notes: a 2% discount will apply on the land services if payments are made by cheque. No space is currently being held on this itinerary. Full payment will be required to confirm hotels and services listed in the itinerary. Quoted prices are subject to increases in cost due to circumstances beyond our control such as fluctuations in currency, park fees, taxes, permits etc. All payments, unless otherwise noted, are 100% non refundable once received. Unless otherwise outlined on your Suggested Flight Itinerary, after airline tickets are issued, tickets are 100% non refundable if cancelled and change fees will apply. We urge you to consider purchasing trip cancellation insurance. ADVISORY: We strive to deliver a quality Civilized Adventure. Travellers must understand that they are visiting developing countries and must be prepared to deal with unusual occurrences, local inadequacies, and unpredictable events. If you are flexible, curious about new people, places and environments, and have a positive attitude, we welcome your participation. This type of travel is rewarding if you can embrace the inherent challenges. Please call us if you have any questions or concerns. Our ultimate goal is to ensure that you get the most out of your travel experience.