Discover French Wines

discover french wines

Paris & Bordeaux

Experience two of France’s cultural and culinary cities while immersing yourself in history, art, cuisine and wine. Start in the City of Light, enjoying all the attractions of Paris, before traveling to the classic city of Bordeaux; the acclaimed wine capital of the world. Learn about the fascinating history of this UNESCO classified city, then enjoy a full day wine adventure to the region of your choice including; St Emilion, Medoc, Graves & Sauternes, or Margaux.

Day 1 - Arrive in Paris

After arriving at CDG Airport, meet your driver for a private transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to rest or explore your surroundings. Dinner is on your own this evening, and your options are unlimited, whether it’s a haute cuisine restaurant or a simple bistro. If you have a specific restaurant in mind that you’ve been wanting to try, we’ll make a reservation for you.

(Accommodations, Paris)

Day 2 - Paris

After breakfast, meet your English-speaking driver/guide in the lobby for your Private Half-Day Paris Sightseeing Tour. There’s a myriad of attractions that your guide will cover as you travel through two thousand years of history and architecture. You’ll learn about the ancient site of Lutetia to the famous Musée Cluny, which houses the largest collection of medieval art. We’ll spend time on Ile de la Cité, the oldest settlement in Paris and historic Notre Dame Cathedral. Marvel at one of the great works of architect Baron Haussmann as you stroll along the expansive Grands Boulevards, and nearby view the Opera Garnier, a 19th-century architectural masterpiece built in 1875.

Moving to modern Paris, the Pompidou Centre is immediately recognizable The Glass Pyramid serves as the main entrance to the Louvre Museum. Originally it was publicly mocked, however today the Pyramid rivals the Eiffel Tower in defining the Parisian landscape. You’ll tour both sides of the Seine passing all the major highlights including the Champs Elysees, Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre. Eiffel Tower, and of course, Notre Dame Cathedral. We’ll cross over on the Pont Neuf, the oldest bridge in Paris, and finish with a visit to the village of Montmartre on the right bank. A stop will be made to stroll around Sacre Coeur Basilica and the Place du Tertre, where the now famous Modernist artists like Toulouse-Lautrec used to display their works.

The Louvre was originally mocked...

Day 3 - Paris

After breakfast, the day is at your leisure for independent sightseeing. Perhaps you’ll want to revisit some of the sites from the previous day’s tour or take advantage for some last minute shopping. At 5pm, you’ll meet your guide for the Le Tour de France Wine Tasting.You will sample a wonderful variety of French wines including red and white along with a champagne. Wine selection will be from Alsace, Bordeaux, Burgundy and the Rhone Valley. With a unique and refreshing approach, a French sommelier will teach you how to read a French label and how to navigate a wine list. You will also learn about wine techniques for appreciation and strategies for pairing food and wine! We’ll go through the major French wine regions and the interesting details that make French wines unique. You’ll learn fun and useful tips, including how to slurp wine with class! This class is taught in English in a friendly and laid back atmosphere, and will certainly prepare you for dinner tonight.

Learn to slurp your wine with class....

Day 4 - Paris to Bordeaux

After breakfast, you’ll have a private transfer to Montparnasse station before boarding the high-speed TGV train for the little more than 2 hour ride to elegant and trendy Bordeaux. You’ll have a private transfer to your hotel, and after checking in, start exploring this pedestrian-friendly city. Bordeaux’s resurgence is obvious as you walk along the Garonne River. Formerly decrepit warehouses have been renovated along the Quai de Bacalan and now have become trendy shops and restaurants. Take the tram or walk across the Saint-Pierre bridge. It boasts 17 carved stone arches spanning the Garonne and remains one of the most beautiful elements of old Bordeaux. Dinner will be on your own this evening.

(Breakfast, Paris; Accommodations, Bordeaux)

Bordeaux has become quite trendy...

Day 5 - Bordeaux

After a leisurely breakfast, meet your guide for your Private 2 Hour Walking Tour. Your accredited tour guide can be flexible on this itinerary, but will definitely include the most famous landmarks including the Musée des Beaux Arts. This museum was created in 1801 on the order of Napoléon Bonaparte, who loaned paintings to several French cities, providing royal or private collections. The neoclassical Grand Theater was built in 1780. It’s a fine example of architectural design during the eighteenth century, and today remains dedicated to lyrical theater, ballet and comedy. A short distance away is Saint Andrews Cathedral. One of the most beautiful cathedrals in France. The Pey Berland Tower standing next to the cathedral, offers unobstructed views of the city and the river.

At the end of your tour, you can return to your hotel or explore on your own. On the banks of the Garonne, sits the much heralded Cité du Vin. It’s a high-tech immersion into the world wine cultures with plenty of interactive maps and tasting rooms. As you approach, note the unusual structure and the aptly used term used to describe it: “a swirl of wine”. It’s worth a visit for both the serious wine enthusiast or just a casual sipper.

(Breakfast & Accommodations, Bordeaux)

Cite du Vin has many tasting rooms...

Day 6 - Bordeaux

Bordeaux city and Saint-Emilion

Begin with a guided walking tour of Bordeaux to discover the most significant landmarks this beautiful city has to offer. Begin with a guided walking tour of Bordeaux to discover some more significant landmarks. As you walk past the Place de la Bourse, you can’t miss the Miroir d’eau de Bordeaux (Reflecting Pool) Its unique design reflects the ornate facades of the Palais de la Bourse and the Hótel des Douanes (Customs Museum). At the end of the walking tour, we’ll depart for Saint-Emilion; a picture perfect hilltop village that is also home to famous Merlot based wines. Our first stop will be a visit to an exclusive winery; part of the Grand Cru classification that rewards only the best wine makers. Afterwards we’ll take a guided walking tour of this quaint village. As you as wander along the city walls and cobblestone streets, you’ll hear about the secrets of the unique underground monuments like the stone quarries, the King’s Keep and more. Awarded UNESCO world heritage status in 1999, the medieval town is small but perfectly formed, offering visitors the ideal mix of history and excellent food and drink. And if you find a particular wine you would like to bring home, most vineyards and wine shops in the village will take care of the shipping for you.

*Tour includes transportation and 3 wine tastings. Lunch is not included, however there will be ample time allotted*

(Breakfast & Accommodations, Bordeaux)