Paris and the Loire

10 days/8 nights

LAND ONLY

From Euro 3,095 based on charming 3 star hotels

 For 2 persons

 

Package Includes:

·         4 nights in Paris in charming First Class boutique hotels:

o        3 star option:  GALILEO, ARCADE, LIDO, or similar

·         3 nights in the Loire Valley – in a luxury castle hotel:

o        3 star options: LE MÉDICIS, MERCURE BLOIS CENTRE or similar

·         1 last night in Paris to fly out

·         Half day mini bus excursion outside Paris (Versailles, Fontainebleau etc)RT airport transfers

·         1 half day excursion with mini-bus and guide in Paris, itinerary of choice  (Paris by Night, Paris monuments with Montmartre and more)

·         Private guide for a half day in Paris – walking itinerary or museum of choice.

·         Complete Custom Designed Itinerary to your specifications

·         Seine Dinner Cruise:  with music dancing and gourmet dinner included.

·         Bottle of champagne upon arrival

·         Not included are meals unless part of an excursion, airfare and anything not listed

·         Federal Express package to your home: containing all vouchers, hard copy itinerary, train tickets and any other bookings included in your package

 

 

OPTIONAL (EXTRA): 

1. Cooking demonstration (or wine tasting) at the Ritz Hotel school or Lenotre or Cordon Bleu for half a day;
2. Full day chauffeur-driven excursion through the Loire Valley Castles and wineries – ENGLISH speaking chauffeur.  Depart from Blois.
3. TGV tickets from Paris to Blois and back in first class
4. Balloon ride over the Loire Valley:  Bottle of champagne included.
5. Tickets to a musical performance, opera or other in  Paris
6. Horseback riding excursions possible in the Loire Valley.
7. Car rental for the Loire Valley:  TBD
8. Full day luxury bus and guide tours of Normandy, Loire Valley, Giverny, W W II landing beaches and more) .
9. Two treatments for her at the exclusive Lancôme institute in Paris

 

 

 

Day 1

 Fly to PARIS, arrive the following day.

A taxi to downtown Paris is around Euro 45 and takes from 30 to 40 minutes depending on traffic.  There is also the metro line, which runs you directly downtown, or we can arrange for a pick up..

 

Day 2

ARRIVAL - ORIENTATION - ILE DE LA CITE' - ST. LOUIS - NOTRE-DAME - CONCIERGERIE - MARCHE' AUX FLEURS

Leave the Paris airport for your hotel – take one of the official cabs, the ride to downtown is around 30 minutes. This afternoon visit the Cité and its surroundings, where 2000 years ago the Parisii founded the colony that in later centuries grew to be the city of Paris. This is an excellent way to get oriented.

Stop in Notre Dame Cathedral and the haunting Conciergerie where prisoners were kept during the Revolution before being taken to the guillotine.

 

Days 3

RUE MONTORGEUIL MARKET - PALAIS ROYALE - OPERA' - MADELEINE - FREE AFTERNOON - DINNER CRUISE (optional)

Head for the Rue Montorgeuil market where food is displayed as in a still art painting by Cezanne. The surroundings are dotted with cookware and gourmet shops for those wishing to add to their kitchen collection. The market sells everything from cheeses to bread and pastries and is an excellent way of observing local life. If the sight of all this food is too much for you to bear, and making you hungry, stop at Stohrer open since 1730 for a flaky cream-filled puff pastry creation called pithiviere.

 

Continue with the nearby Palais Royale gardens encircled by unusual boutiques and restaurants, plus the Place des Victoires. Always on gourmet themes, you can admire the windows of Fouchon the city's temple of gastronomy.

 

Tonight is your dinner cruise. At least once in a lifetime you should float down the Seine at night admiring the brightly lit monuments while dining on fine French cuisine and wine.

 

PASTRIES, CROISSANTS AND CAKES

v      Voted the best millefuille in Paris, stop in FOUCHON's patisserie  on Place de la Madeleine.

v      LADUREE is our favorite tea room and their croissants and macarons the best in Paris.  Located off the Place de la Madeleine.  They serve Mariage Freres teas, while the café' au lait is possibly the finest in the city.

v      LENOTRE - the king of pastry chefs, you will find shops all over the city.  His chocolates are tops and we recommend his breads, cakes, ice creams…basically everything!

v      PATISSERIE MILLET - to taste Tradition: madeleines, the butter and almond financiers and almond croissants.  There is a small tea salon to sample whatever strikes your fancy.  The pain au chocolate is packed with bittersweet chocolate bars.

v      DOLLOYAU - all over the city.  Offering everything including light lunches. Feel free to indulge in their mogador a chocolate cake with chocolate mousse and a layer of raspberry jam.

 

OTHER OPTIONS

ORSAY MUSEUM - COOKING COURSE

The Orsay museum with its Impressionist collection is one of the highlights of your trip.  The structure itself re-designed by Italian architect Gae Aulenti merits a visit and displays objects d'art, furnishings and sculpture.  After you may choose to walk to the nearby Left bank boutiques selling fashion, home accessories and antiques. In the afternoon is a cooking course and tasting (optional). Your instructor will guide you through the steps of classical French cuisine (for those who prefer a wine course we provide that option.

 

 

DAY 4

THE MARAIS - CARNEVALET MUSEUM - PLACE des VOSGES - VICTOR HUGO'S HOME - BASTILLE

This fascinating Quartier used to be a marsh (Marais means marsh in French) which King Charles V had drained in the 14^th century. Later, Henry IV in the 17^th century turned it into prime real estate and the area soon became the city's most fashionable address. Today many of the mansions have been carefully restored and turned into museums.

The Musee Carnevalet dedicated to the history of Paris, is our first stop. This wonderfully intimate museum used to be Madame Sevigne's home and is filled with an amazing variety of items including a recreation of rooms such as Prousts' bedroom and the splendid gilt ballroom of the hotel Wendel. Your walking itinerary continues to the Place des Vosges, Paris' most perfect square built by Henry the IV, Victor Hugo's home and the eclectic Bastille neighbourhood. After lunch the rest of the afternoon is free to explore this fascinating area. For lunch try some of the restaurants under the arches of the Place des Vosges such as La Guirlande de Julie.

 

DAY 5

LOUVRE - PLACE de la CONCORDE - TUILERIES GARDENS

The Louvre is the world's undisputed greatest museum, even greater now after the renovations and embellishments that reorganised the various collections and made room for many more works of art that previously had been left in storage. Walk through the marvellous works of art housed under the new construction of I.M.Pei, a city within a city. In the afternoon is your beauty treatment (optional).

 

 

EXCURSION: FONTAINEBLEAU CASTLE and BARBIZON

The morning is at your own pace; you may wish to further explore the Left Bank, meander through the Luxembourg Gardens planted by Marie de Medici or visit the colorful Latin Quarter. The Boulevard St. Germain's side streets and café's are worth exploring.

Fontainebleau Chateau and the village of Barbizon are this afternoon's destination, please be in your hotel lobby by 1:15 p.m. to be picked up by mini-bus and guide. Francois I, during the Renaissance originally built it to be a hunting lodge. Successive additions and embellishments by King Henry II, Louis the XIV and lastly Napoleon, have resulted in one of the finest chateaux's in France. The gardens laid out by royal gardener Le Notre, the throne room and magnificent ballroom are some of the high points of the excursion.

 

 

RESTAURANTS

 Note that all restaurants have fixed price menus for lunch and sometimes even for dinner.

 

 

 

 

CAFÉ'S are another great way of getting a quick bite and being able to people watch - you will find them everywhere.

 

The above are just a start, we suggest you arm yourselves with a good guide and a spirit of culinary adventure.  New places open up all the time.  If you wish for additional information, our staff is at your disposal.

 

SHOPPING                              

If shopping is on your mind the Right bank is the golden triangle. Starting from the Madeleine you can begin to explore the exclusive boutiques of the rue St. Honore' and Capucine and the department stores Galeries Lafayette and Printiemps. During your free time you may want to take a break at Laduree the most elegant tearoom in the area, their croissants and chocolate macaroons are the best in the city and a perfect match to a cup of Mariage Freres' famed teas.

 

LEFT BANK - SHOPPING

Start with the Blvd. St. Germain and then weave into the many side streets such as Rue de St. Peres, Rue St. Dominque, Rue Dragon, Rue du Seine (great market) and others.  The Left Bank's department store is Au Bon Marche' very large with an excellent supermarket to shop for every sort of French delicacy to bring home.

 

MARAIS, BASTILLE  and  the 16^th ARRONDISSMENT

The Marias and Bastille are the best places to head for cutting edge and unusual designers.  The eclectic and creative is to be found here.  Each boutique is different and the Bastille area is where some of the hottest evening action can be found.  The 16^th arrondissment is lined with exclusive shops, this is one of the wealthiest neighbourhoods in Paris so the shopping reflects its surroundings.

 

DAYS   6, 7, 8

LOIRE VALLEY

 

BLOIS (some possible suggestions on itinerary and what to see

Take the TGV to BLOIS - distance of about one hour (TGV Train). Your hotel will be near Blois or other central location in the Valley, there are some superb luxury castles to stay in.

 

(This area is serviced by local trains, buses, bicycle rentals and such but a car is strongly recommended.  Best to rent in advance for good rates.)

 

Begin exploring the area starting with Blois, its village, chateau and old quarter. Overlooking the Loire Valley, Blois was originally a feudal fortress. It is today an important commercial center. Its principal monuments not to be missed are the Chateau, its Quartier Vieux Blois (Old Quarter) and the Eglise St. Nicolas, a Gothic and elegant church. The Chateau was the court residence of Louis the XII and Francis Ist, and Henry the II. Admire the majestic Staircase of Francis the Ist, the private Study of Catherine de Medici and the State Reception Room. Opening hours of the chateau are 9 to 6 daily. There are guided tours in English but you can meander on your own if you wish.

 

LUNCH STOP Au Rendez-Vous des Pecheurs. 27 rue du Foix. Tel. 54 74 67 48. Cl. Monday and lunch Sunday. Under the chateau, this is a deluxe bistro with lovely interiors. Excellent desserts and a good wine selection.

 

After dinner head for one of the spectacular Son et Lumiere Shows. These sound and light spectacles accompanied by actors, music and fireworks are a wonderful way to enjoy the amazing setting of the castles and gardens.

 

SON et LUMIERE SCHEDULES: since times change for each month you need to check with your concierge - but usually the program starts around 10:00 p.m. Below are the best places for Son et Lumiere. They are all different, so I cannot recommend one in particular and programs are different each year. AZAY's is quite charming though.

·         BLOIS

·         AMBOISE

·         CHENONCEAUX

·         AZAY le RIDEAU

 

CHEVERNY and CHAMBORD

PM

CHEVERNY - the castle was finished in 1634 and made from grey-white Bourre' stone and perfectly symmetrical. The inside rooms and salons are splendidly furnished and the walls are lined with incredible tapestries. There are paintings by Tiziano. Since this Chateau is lived in it has a unique, welcoming atmosphere. There is the possibility of visiting the vast park by electric vehicle or boats. Gliding along the water in magical surroundings you can admire the flora and fauna.

HOURS - from 9:15 - 19:45 every day. The visit to the castle takes about 40 minutes while the park is about 20 minutes max.

 

Next, continue towards Chambord…

 

CHAMBORD (12 miles east of Blois) is the largest and most imposing chateau of France - it is remarkable both in its frontal view as in its profile which presents a series of mixed forms and shapes that looks more like a crowded chess board. It was most probably designed by the genius - LEONARDO DA VINCI. It took 1800 men to complete the towers and terraces. The highlights are the Grand Staircase (designed by Leonardo da Vinci), the Bedchamber of Louis the XIV (the Sun Kind), the chapel, and the study of Francis the Ist.

 

The castle has 400 rooms, 365 chimneys and 84 staircases and a wall 20 miles long. There is a Son et Lumiere show in the summer evenings you should try to attend. It brings to life the chateau's history. There are many rooms to wander in with exhibits, furnishings and the stupendous roof terrace. HOURS - 9:30 to 6:30 every day.

 

TIP: If horseback riding is your thing you can rent a horse at Chambord and ride in the huge national park surrounding the chateau.

 

OR

AMBOISE - CHENONCEAUX - AZAY le RIDEAU - VILLANDRY (or you can start with Villandry and do Amboise last).

 

THE REGION - TOURAINE - rich in history, great wines and castles it is referred to as the "garden of France". Forests, orchards, green valleys and vineyards abound due to the fertile lands.

 

AZAY le RIDEAU - is one of the most famous castles of the Loire Valley. Richly decorated and elegant, its outline is reflected in the tranquil waters of its lake. The Village of AZAY is among the most visited due to its castle. Confiscated by Francis the 1^st in 1527 it is partially furnished. The highlights are the Red Room, the kitchen, the Ball Room with Flemish Tapestries and the Central Staircase. The Son et Lumiere show runs from March to October near the castle of AZAY. HOURS - 9:30 - 6 daily.

 

BIKE RENTAL - If renting a bicycle sounds like fun stop at LEPROVOST - 13 rue Carnot) and take a bike ride along the Indre River. Tel. 47 45 40 94 in AZAY.

VILLANDRY is probably the most beautiful garden of France. The property was purchased by the Spanish Carvallo Family and they re-created the original gardens based on designs from the XVI century. The combination of marvelous flowers and plants with geometric patterns results in a typical Renaissance garden. There are 3 levels and the bottom level contains the largest ornamental garden or aromatic plants in the world. There are 8 gardeners that maintain the grounds. Don't miss the "Garden of Love" and the "Aromatic Garden" A lovely moat surrounds the castle. This is a feast for the eyes. HOURS - 9 – 6.

 

PM

CHENONCEAU

A more romantic location could not have been dreamed up - right on the Loire River, this is my favorite castle of the Valley. The gardens and surrounding forests are enchanting and you are able to walk freely through the elegant residence - a former water mill. A small train takes you around through the trees and there are local wines on sale you can buy. The Great Gallery is spectacular and the chapel with its stained glass windows so refined. Paintings, tapestries and rich furnishings complete the visit. The castle was used by Catherine de Medici who confiscated it from her hated rival, Diane de Poiters, mistress to her husband. The paintings on the walls tell stories of intrigues, loves and hatreds. Hours from 9 - 7 daily.

 

WINES - the Chateau produces top wines from its own vineyards under the label CHATEAU de CHENONCEAU. There is a sparkling aromatic white and a lovely rose' to try.

 

AMBOISE the VILLAGE - before heading for the Chateau, visit the charming town built high above the Loire River. There is a forest, where you can walk to see the curious pagoda - over 44 meters high. Seven roads lead from the forest to the pagoda and a large lake. In the village you can Renaissance villa that was the last home of Leonardo da Vinci - the Chateau du Clos-Luce'. It was here that the man probably laid out the plans for Chambord. There are models for a helicopter and a tank designed by Da Vinci in the cellar. HOURS for CLOS LUCE - 9-6 daily.

 

AMBOISE THE CHATEAU - It still belongs to the Count of Paris, direct descendant of the last royal lineage. A great deal has been destroyed, but it is still worth stopping and seeing the late gothic St-Hubert Chapel and some of the apartments. HOURS - 9 - 6:30 daily

 

DINNER RESTAURANT - in AMBOISE - LE CHOISEUL - 36 Quai Charles-Guinot. Tel. 47 30 45 45. This chateau offers a great kitchen. The location is on the banks of the Loire just below the castle. Please reserve!!

 

DAY 9

BACK TO PARIS morning or afternoon – as you prefer.

 

DAY 10 – FLY BACK TO THE US from PARIS