Epicurean Journey: Paris to Bordeaux

Meet your A&K Guardian Angel on arrival for a private transfer to your city hotel.

Paris is renowned worldwide for its exceptional art galleries, museums, gastronomy, fashion, iconic landmarks and cosmopolitan chic. Some of the most famous attractions include the Louvre, the Musée d'Orsay, and the iconic Eiffel Tower. The Arc de Triomphe stands proudly at the Place de l’Etoile, honouring the Unknown Soldier, while the Champs Elysees, stretching elegantly before it, complete the city's cultural richness.

Madame Reve

Unearth the many treasures of the Louvre, the world’s most famous museum. Formerly the residence of French kings, this instantly recognisable building harbours some of the most canonical pieces of Western art including the enigmatic Mona Lisa, the exquisite ‘Venus de Milo’, as well as priceless antiquities from all over the globe. With their in-depth knowledge and passion for the arts, our expert guides will also unveil lesser-known yet equally remarkable artworks.

After lunch (payable locally), there’s an option (additional cost) to board a private boat for a breathtaking cruise along the Seine. Toast the city of light with a glass champagne or soft drink, and enjoy canapes as you cruise from the Eiffel Tower to the upstream point of Île Saint Louis.

Madame Reve | Meals: B

Embark on a gastronomic exploration of Paris today, led by an expert food enthusiast. Learn about the different families of French cheeses and the best way to navigate any patisserie in this thriving metropolis. Indulge in the spoils of your foodie adventure with a picnic-style lunch, where you can ruminate further about French cuisine and culture over a glass of wine.

In the afternoon, you have the choice of viewing the beautiful mansions, fashionable boutiques and formal gardens of the upscale Marais district with a guide.

Alternatively, roll your sleeves up and make pastry! Unlock the secrets to baking the perfect croissant, éclair or macaron at an exclusive workshop with a skilled chef.

Madame Reve | Meals: B

Discover the ancient city of Reims – founded by the Gauls and later, occupied by the Romans – commencing at its glorious Gothic cathedral. After lunch (payable locally), head out to an esteemed champagne cellar to see how this sparkling wine is produced.

At the extravagant palace built by Louis XIV in Versailles, wander the opulent Grand Apartments, each named after a Roman god, and walk the mesmerising Hall of Mirrors, a vast gallery with 17 bay windows running down one side and mirrors along the other.

A stroll beyond the manicured formal gardens reveals the enormous Grand Canal, whose banks once hosted legendary parties, and hectares of greenery untouched by modern development.

Les Sources de Cheverny | Meals: B

Recline in your first-class seat aboard the train to St. Pierre des Corps. You are met on arrival and transferred to your hotel in the idyllic Loire Valley. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Loire Valley is famed for its picturesque vineyards, magnificent chateaux, and captivating castles. The region boasts architectural wonders spanning from medieval to Renaissance and classical styles, whilst fertile soil yield abundant produce, including grapes for world-renowned red and white wines.

If you wish to enhance your journey with a visit to the magnificent Chartres Cathedral en route, a private road transfer can be arranged instead (at additional cost). The tour includes a visit to Loire Valley the beautiful Chartres, known for its stunning cathedral with remarkable stained-glass windows before continuing to Onzain, arriving in the mid-afternoon.

Les Sources de Cheverny | Meals: B

Discover the finest châteaux of the Loire Valley, starting with the Château de Chenonceau, an exceptional example of 16^th century construction that spans the Cher River.

Take in the imposing Château Royal d'Amboise – a favourite residence of French kings in the 15^th and 16^th centuries - perched high above the Loire River. A mere 500m away lies Clos Lucé, an attractive summer home where artist and inventor Leonardo da Vinci spent his final days. Admire his drawings and full-scale models of his inventions, displayed in the pretty surrounding gardens.

Should you prefer your châteaux with Cabernet, opt for a full day Loire Valley wine tour, which kicks off with a tasting at the Pierre et Bertrand Couly estate in Chinon, a region renowned for reds. Next stop: the Château de Minière, an organic vineyard with a long tradition of female owners and grapevines up to a century old. Sip fruity Bourgueil wines and savour a picnic lunch prepared with seasonal ingredients. Cap off the day with a glass of Vouvray in the atmospheric troglodyte cellars of Domaine Brédif, which produces top quality white wines from Chenin Blanc grapes.

Les Sources de Cheverny | Meals: B

It’s a full day’s drive to Bordeaux, stopping in the city of Poitiers en route, to admire the Church of Notre-Dame la Grande, a remarkable example of Romanesque architecture and the oldest of its kind in Europe.

There’s also the opportunity (additional cost) to drop into a distillery in Cognac – such as Hennessy or Otard – for a behind-the-scenes look at brandy production.

Hub of the famed wine-growing region, Bordeaux abounds with fine wines and prestigious appellations. With its exquisite architecture ranging from the medieval to 17^th century fortresses and numerous chateaux, sleepy villages and temperate climate, this UNESCO World Heritage-listed city offers a true taste of quintessential France at its full bodied best.

InterContinental Bordeaux - Le Grand Hotel | Meals: B

Explore the photogenic little town of St. Émilion, said to have been founded by a Breton monk who sought refuge in a cave here sometime in the 8^th century. His followers planted the first grapevines, and today, St. Émilion is one of the principal red wine producing areas of Bordeaux. Of course, there will be many chances to try the wide range of local drops as you hop from one vineyard to the next.

There’s the option to enhance your wine experience with private tour of Château Ambe Tour Pourret and its surrounding vineyard (additional cost). Gain insight into a traditional organic winery and enjoy a wine tasting before heading to the kitchen for a private three-hour cooking class. Your enthusiastic host will guide you in preparing sumptuous local dishes after which you will savour your creations accompanied by wine from the chateau's vineyard.

InterContinental Bordeaux - Le Grand Hotel | Meals: B

Discover the lovely city of Bordeaux on foot, beginning at Place Pey-Berland, the lively main square. This is where you’ll find the 13^th century St. Andrew's Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece, and the neoclassical Palais Rohan, a former archbishop’s residence that now serves as City Hall.

Other highlights on your walking tour might include the elegant Pont de Pierre bridge which straddles the broad Garonne River, the commanding Cailhau Gate built to commemorate a medieval battle, and the spectacular Water Mirror which reflects the gorgeous 18^th century buildings that line the Place de la Bourse.

If you arrive on a weekend, this walking tour can be tailored to take in the culinary delights of Bordeaux, starting in the Capucin, the city’s largest market. With everything from cheese to charcuterie, fresh seafood, olives and wine, this destination is a veritable feast for the senses.

InterContinental Bordeaux - Le Grand Hotel | Meals: B

Your gourmet getaway concludes with a transfer to Bordeaux airport to board your onward flight.

Meals: B