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
Embark on a captivating journey through France’s timeless elegance and exquisite flavors, from the romantic streets of Paris to the sun-drenched vineyards of Bordeaux. Begin in Paris, where history thrives on the Île de la Cité, home to the iconic Notre Dame de Paris, alongside the bohemian charm of Montmartre and the artistic grandeur of the Louvre Museum, perfect for a luxury Paris vacation. Then, venture to Bordeaux, a wine lover’s paradise with over 7,000 producers and 60 appellations, offering unforgettable Bordeaux wine tours. Explore UNESCO World Heritage sites, savor fresh oysters at Arcachon Bay, and unwind on the Atlantic coast’s sun-kissed beaches near towering dunes. Join us for a France travel itinerary 2025 blending culture, cuisine, and Cabernet in perfect harmony. Santé!
Tour Itinerary
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Welcome to France! Arrive at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport and proceed to Passport Control for immigration, followed by baggage collection and customs clearance. After collecting your luggage, head to the arrival lounge, where your private driver will greet you and assist with a seamless private airport transfer to a luxurious 4-star hotel in central Paris. Check-in is available from 2:00 PM. Spend your free afternoon exploring the charming neighborhoods of Paris, perfect for a relaxing start to your Paris cultural vacation. Discover hidden gems in the city’s vibrant streets or unwind at a cozy Parisian café.
Overnight in a 4-star hotel in Paris.
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Start your day with a delightful French breakfast at your hotel, featuring fresh croissants and café au lait. Meet your expert local guide in the lobby for a guided walking tour of Paris, beginning at the historic Île de la Cité. Explore the iconic Cathedral of Notre Dame de Paris and the stunning Sainte-Chapelle, two of the world’s most significant medieval Gothic landmarks. Use Paris’s efficient public transportation, as recommended by your guide, to move between sites. Stroll through the bohemian Latin Quarter, known for its vibrant atmosphere and historic charm. In the afternoon, enjoy free time to wander the heart of Paris, capturing unforgettable moments with a photo session in front of the iconic Eiffel Tower (note: Eiffel Tower observation deck tickets are not included). This Paris guided walking tour is perfect for history enthusiasts and first-time visitors.
Overnight in a 4-star hotel in Paris.
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Enjoy a delicious French breakfast before heading to the world-famous Louvre Museum, the largest art museum in Europe. Discover masterpieces like the Mona Lisa, Winged Victory, and Venus de Milo, alongside works by Raphael, Delacroix, and Leonardo da Vinci. This Louvre Museum guided tour is a must for art lovers. In the afternoon, explore the historic Marais District, a trendy neighborhood brimming with Parisian culture. Visit the elegant Place des Vosges, Paris’s oldest square, and immerse yourself in the Jewish Quarter’s rich heritage. Wander through a classic Parisian outdoor market, savoring the sights and scents, and take a coffee break at a cozy café near the Palais Royal. This day offers the perfect blend of art and culture for your Paris vacation itinerary.
Overnight in a 4-star hotel in Paris.
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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 stunning Beaux-Arts railway station, the museum showcases masterpieces by Monet, Degas, Cézanne, and Gauguin. This Orsay Museum tour is ideal for art and history enthusiasts. In the afternoon, explore at your own pace. Consider visiting Les Invalides, a historic complex founded by Louis XIV in 1674, featuring the iconic golden dome and Napoleon’s Tomb. The Musée de l’Armée offers insights into France’s military history, making it a great addition to your Paris sightseeing itinerary. Enjoy free time to soak in the city’s charm.
Overnight in a 4-star hotel in Paris.
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After a leisurely French breakfast, enjoy a relaxing morning before a private transfer to the Paris train station. Board a first-class train to Bordeaux, a comfortable 2.5-hour journey through the scenic French countryside. Upon arrival, your driver will provide a private transfer to a luxurious 4-star hotel in Bordeaux for check-in. In the afternoon, opt for a one-hour Garonne River cruise, gliding past UNESCO-listed facades, illuminated bridges, and the striking La Cité du Vin. This Bordeaux river cruise is a highlight for those exploring Bordeaux’s wine culture. Spend the evening at your leisure, discovering the city’s vibrant ambiance.
Overnight in a 4-star hotel in Bordeaux.
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Savor a delicious breakfast before embarking on a guided walking tour of Bordeaux’s historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Learn about Bordeaux’s pivotal role in trade and its stunning 18th-century architecture, recognized in 2007 as the largest urban UNESCO site. Your expert guide will showcase the city’s elegant urban planning and iconic landmarks (note: all visits are exterior only; no entrance fees included). In the afternoon, consider an optional visit to the Museum of Aquitaine to explore Bordeaux’s history, from its ancient roots to its rise as a trading hub. This Bordeaux UNESCO walking tour is perfect for history buffs and cultural travelers.
Overnight in a 4-star hotel in Bordeaux.
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After breakfast, embark on a scenic Bordeaux wine tour to Pauillac in the prestigious Médoc wine region. Visit the legendary Château Mouton Rothschild, where you’ll tour the estate, explore the Mouton Rothschild Museum, and enjoy a wine tasting of their acclaimed vintages. Continue to Saint-Émilion, a picturesque medieval village and UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its historic vineyard landscape. Enjoy a two-hour guided walking tour of Saint-Émilion’s cobblestone streets, visiting the Romanesque Cloister and the unique Monolithic Church, carved into limestone. Conclude with a leisurely wine tasting in the village. This Bordeaux wine tasting tour is a must for wine enthusiasts. Return to Bordeaux for the evening.
Overnight in a 4-star hotel in Bordeaux.
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After breakfast, travel to Arcachon Bay with your guide and driver. Climb the Dune du Pilat, Europe’s highest sand dune, for breathtaking views of the Banc d’Arguin and Cap Ferret. Continue to Arcachon for a short boat ride, learning about the bay’s unique ecosystem, including Bird Island, traditional fishing huts, and oyster parks. Enjoy a guided walking tour of Arcachon’s charming shoreline and village center. This Arcachon Bay and Dune du Pilat tour is perfect for nature lovers and those seeking unique Bordeaux day trips. Later, take a train back to Paris and enjoy a private transfer to your 4-star hotel.
Overnight in a 4-star hotel in Paris.
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After a final French breakfast, enjoy a private airport transfer to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport for your international flight home. This marks the end of your unforgettable 9-day Paris and Bordeaux cultural and wine itinerary.
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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)
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.
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