France
Discover Paris & Bordeaux: Culture, Cuisine & Cabernet
Sample Itinerary - 9 Days & 8 Nights
This Customizable Journey is Available Year-Round
Best Travel Seasons: April - May & August - October
Tour is led by a Licensed English Speaking Local Guide
Tour Introduction & Journey Map
From the timeless elegance of Paris to the sun-drenched vineyards of Bordeaux, indulge in France’s rich heritage, exquisite flavors, and legendary wines. Begin your journey in Paris, where history lives along the cobbled streets of the Île de la Cité, home to the iconic Notre Dame de Paris. Discover the bohemian spirit of Montmartre, the charm of the Latin Quarter, and the grandeur of the Louvre. Then it’s off to Bordeaux, where over 7,000 wine producers and 60 appellations make this region a wine lover’s dream. Beyond the vineyards, explore UNESCO World Heritage sites, dine on freshly shucked oysters at Arcachon Bay, and relax on the sun-kissed coastlines near the dunes of the Atlantic. Join us for a journey where culture, cuisine, and Cabernet come together in perfect harmony. Santé!
Tour Itinerary
-
Welcome to France! Arrive in Paris and proceed to Passport Control for immigration followed by baggage collection and clearing customs formalities. After baggage collection, walk towards the arrival lounge where you shall be met by your driver who will assist you while transferring to a comfortable 4-star hotel for check-in. Free afternoon at leisure and explore charming neighborhood of Paris.
Note: The hotel is available for check-in on day 01 at 2:00 pm.
-
Delightful French breakfast at the hotel. Meet your guide in the lobby and begin your walking tour, starting with the Île de la Cité. Discover the city's early history with visits to the Cathedral of Notre Dame de Paris and the breathtaking Sainte-Chapelle, two of the world’s most important medieval Gothic landmarks. We’ll commute between sites using public transportation, as recommended by our local guide. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the bohemian Latin Quarter, rich in character and charm. The afternoon is free for you to explore at your own pace, wander through the heart of Paris, take in the atmosphere, and capture memories with a photo session in front of the Eiffel Tower (please note: this tour does not include tickets to the Eiffel Tower deck). Relax and unwind with an overnight stay at a comfortable 4-star hotel.
-
We’ll start early today with a delicious French breakfast at the hotel, followed by a morning visit to the world-renowned Louvre Museum, the largest in Europe. Discover masterpieces by Raphael, Delacroix, and Leonardo da Vinci, and marvel at timeless treasures including the Mona Lisa, Winged Victory, and Venus de Milo, among countless others. In the afternoon, enjoy time on your own to explore the Marais district, a neighborhood full of history, culture, and Parisian charm. Stroll through the elegant Place des Vosges, the oldest square in Paris, and soak in the atmosphere of the Jewish Quarter, rich with heritage and tradition. As you wander, take in the sights, sounds, and scents of a classic Parisian outdoor market, and pause for a coffee break at a cozy café near the Palais Royal. Enjoy an overnight stay at a comfortable 4-star hotel.
-
Begin your day with a visit to the magnificent Orsay Museum, home to the world’s largest collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art. Housed in a former Beaux-Arts railway station, the museum features masterpieces by Monet, Degas, Cézanne, Gauguin, and many others. It’s the perfect setting to start your morning immersed in artistic beauty. In the afternoon, enjoy free time to continue exploring Paris at your own pace. For those interested in history and architecture, consider visiting Les Invalides, a grand complex founded by Louis XIV in 1674 as a residence for wounded soldiers. Its iconic golden dome is one of Paris’s most recognizable landmarks. Here you can also visit Napoleon’s tomb and the Musée de l’Armée, which honors France’s military legacy. Enjoy an overnight stay at a comfortable 4 -star hotel.
-
Enjoy breakfast and a relaxing morning at your leisure. Later, a private transfer will take you to the train station in Paris, where you’ll board a first-class train to Bordeaux. Sit back and take in the scenic French countryside during the comfortable 2.5-hour journey. Upon arrival in Bordeaux, meet your driver at the train station for a private transfer to your hotel for check-in and some well-deserved rest. In the afternoon, you may choose to enjoy an optional one-hour cruise on the Garonne River, gliding past UNESCO-listed facades, illuminated bridges, and under the striking La Cité du Vin. After the river cruise, you’ll return to the pontoon and have the evening free to explore Bordeaux at your own pace. Enjoy an overnight stay at a comfortable 4-star hotel.
-
After breakfast, enjoy a guided walking tour through the historic center of Bordeaux, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Learn about the city's rich past and its pivotal role in trade and architecture. In 2007, Bordeaux was recognized as the largest urban area in the world to be granted UNESCO World Heritage status—spanning from the inner boulevards to the banks of the Garonne River and covering nearly half the city. Your guide will highlight some of the city's most remarkable 18th-century architecture and landmarks, offering insight into Bordeaux’s elegant urban planning and historical significance. Please note: all visits during the walking tour are exterior only; no entrance fees are included. In the afternoon, you may choose to visit the Museum of Aquitaine to explore exhibits on the region’s fascinating history—from its ancient roots to its rise as a major trading hub. This optional visit provides deeper context into the city’s development and cultural heritage. Enjoy your evening at leisure, soaking in the vibrant ambiance of Bordeaux. Enjoy an overnight stay at a comfortable 4-star hotel.
-
Enjoy breakfast in the morning before beginning your adventure through some of the finest vineyards in Europe. Meet your guide and driver and set off on a scenic journey to Pauillac, in the heart of the prestigious Médoc wine region. Along the way, your guide will share insights into the history of the region and its world-renowned vineyards. Upon arrival, visit the legendary Château Mouton Rothschild, where you'll tour the estate and explore the Mouton Rothschild Museum. Discover the story of the Rothschild family and admire priceless works of art from their private collection. The visit concludes with a wine tasting of the estate’s acclaimed vintages. Continue your journey to Saint-Émilion, a charming medieval village and UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrated as an exceptional example of a historic vineyard landscape that has remained remarkably well preserved. Upon arrival, enjoy a two-hour walking tour through the village’s winding streets and significant landmarks, including the Romanesque cloister and the extraordinary Monolithic Church, carved directly into the limestone rock below ground level. Wrap up your day with a leisurely wine tasting in the village, then return to Bordeaux for an overnight stay at a comfortable 4-star hotel.
-
After breakfast, meet your guide and driver and begin your journey to Arcachon Bay. Today’s adventure includes a climb up the Dune du Pilat, Europe’s highest sand dune, which offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Banc d’Arguin, the Basin’s entrance, and Cap Ferret. Continue on to Arcachon, where you’ll board on a short boat ride with an introduction from the captain. Learn about the unique ecosystem of Arcachon Bay as you sail past Bird Island, traditional fishing huts, and expansive oyster parks—a true glimpse into the maritime culture of the region. Arrive in Arcachon village, where you’ll enjoy a guided walking tour along the charming shoreline and through the heart of the village. After some leisure time, you’ll be transferred to the train station to catch your train back to Paris. Meet your driver at the train station and enjoy an overnight stay at 4-star hotel.
-
After breakfast in the morning, transfer to the airport for your international flight returning home. End of the service.
Photo Gallery
We offer Tailor-Made Itineraries & Custom Quotes for Your Journey to France
All itineraries can be tailored to match your interests and budget for a truly personalized experience. Pricing is based on solo or double occupancy. The pricing listed below is for 2025 travel dates and may vary depending on your preferred itinerary and seasonality. Contact our travel consultant today to receive a personalized quote and begin designing your ideal France journey!
Land Tour Price Only (International airfare, taxes & fuel surcharges are not included)
Solo Traveler: From $4,950 (Single Room Occupancy)
Two Travelers: From $2,850 per person (Double Room Occupancy)
Single Room Supplement: $850 per person (Applies to all nights of the tour for those opting for a single room.)
Tour Includes:
One-on-one virtual tour briefing prior the tour.
The final documents packet will be mailed before the trip.
Transfers between airports, train stations, and hotels at the destination for tour participants as per itinerary.
Eight (8) nights of accommodation at 4* hotels as per itinerary.
Paris – Bordeaux – Paris first-class train ticket.
Public transportation pass for sightseeing days in Paris as per itinerary.
Air-conditioned transportation for sightseeing days as per itinerary.
Service of a licensed local English-speaking guide throughout the itinerary.
Entrance fees to all sites mentioned in the itinerary.
All meals as mentioned in the itinerary (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
Local taxes for hotels, meals, and tour services overseas.
Mineral Water during the tour.
Tour Does Not Include:
International Air.
Expenses due to excess baggage charges, flight delays or schedule changes, strikes, bad weather, or other reasons.
Personnel expenses such as laundry, alcoholic beverages, mineral waters, photo/video camera fees, telephone, laundry bills, &, etc.
Any expense for a ’la carte meal items not included in preplanned menus.
Travel Insurance (highly recommended).
Refunds for hotel accommodations, meals, or any other tour services not used.
Baggage handling at airports in the USA and overseas.
Increase in tariffs or dollar exchange rate after publication.
Porterage at the hotels.
Tips to the local guides, drivers, chambermaids, and waiters.
Tour Fitness Level:
Moderate: Suitable for travelers of all ages in good health, with a moderate level of fitness and a spirit of adventure. The tour will include some long walking days and periods of standing while exploring various sites. Some attractions may involve walking on uneven terrain or navigating steep staircases. Expect a few elevation changes, a well-paced but busy schedule, and several long overland drives. If you have any questions or would like more details about the trip, we’re happy to discuss it with you.
Lodging Level:
Comfortable (3/4-stars): Stay in cozy lodges and hotels with comfortable rooms and en-suite bathrooms. While the services may be more straightforward, you’ll still enjoy a welcoming atmosphere, with essential amenities and on-site facilities that provide a comfortable, hassle-free experience, all meeting international standards.
Visa & Passport:
U.S. citizens don’t require a Schengen visa to enter France. Further details related to the visa will be sent out sixty (60) days prior to the trip. Ensuring that correct & valid visas are obtained remains the sole responsibility of the client. Your passport must be valid for at least six (6) months from the last day of the trip & include empty pages for the visas.
What to Expect on This Journey:
This enriching journey through France’s cultural heartlands combines urban discovery with scenic countryside and vineyard exploration. The itinerary includes first-class train travel and comfortable private transportation, allowing you to enjoy the country’s diverse landscapes and historic cities in ease and style.
Travelers should be prepared for moderate walking on sightseeing days, averaging two to three miles per day. Walking tours may include cobblestone streets, narrow alleyways, and gentle inclines, particularly in heritage districts like Saint-Émilion, and the historic center of Bordeaux. While most visits are exterior only, some optional museum and château entries may involve stairs or uneven floors. Comfortable, supportive walking shoes are highly recommended.
Transportation includes a mix of first-class high-speed trains and air-conditioned private vehicles. Some days may involve longer drives through the countryside, especially during wine region excursions, where rest stops and scenic views are part of the experience. Optional river cruises and museum visits are also available for those who wish to enhance their cultural immersion.
Please note that weather in France can vary, especially between coastal regions and inland cities, so layering and weather-appropriate attire is advised. Additionally, participants should be comfortable managing their own luggage at train stations and during hotel check-ins.
By registering for this tour, participants confirm that they are in good physical and emotional health to fully participate in the program. A spirit of curiosity, flexibility, and cultural appreciation will greatly enrich your experience as we explore France’s timeless elegance, vibrant cuisine, and legendary wines. Undiscovered Frontiers aims to deliver a seamless travel experience, but minor adjustments to the itinerary or activity order may be necessary to accommodate local conditions or unforeseen events. In rare cases of Force Majeure, changes or cancellations may be made to ensure the safety and comfort of all travelers.
Explore all Tailor-Made Private Journeys
