In-Depth 8-Day France Tour: Paris, Loire Valley, Bordeaux, and Provence Highlights

Day 1: Paris Cultural Immersion

Paris, France on May 1, 2025

Breakfast at Café de Flore

Begin your day at one of Paris' most famous cafés, known for its classic French breakfast offerings such as croissants, fresh coffee, and omelets. This historic café attracts both locals and visitors due to its literary and artistic heritage.

Visit the Louvre Museum

Spend several hours exploring the Louvre, home to an extensive collection of artwork including the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and masterpieces that span thousands of years. The museum's vast galleries encompass art from ancient civilizations, decorative arts, and European paintings. Purchasing tickets in advance is recommended to avoid long queues.

Lunch at Le Fumoir

Enjoy a refined lunch just steps from the Louvre at Le Fumoir, where contemporary French cuisine is served in a stylish setting. Perfect for sampling dishes like duck breast or seafood risotto paired with fine French wine.

Stroll along the Seine and Notre-Dame Cathedral

Experience the beauty of the Seine River by walking along its banks while admiring the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral. Although restoration work may be ongoing, viewing the cathedral’s impressive facade and gardens remains a favorite activity. Don't miss the bookstalls lining the river offering vintage books and unique souvenirs.

Eiffel Tower Visit

Ascend the Eiffel Tower to enjoy breathtaking panoramic views over Paris. Consider visiting late afternoon to catch the sunset and the stunning city lights. Booking an advance ticket is highly recommended to save time.

Dinner at Le Jules Verne

Dine elegantly at this Michelin-starred restaurant located on the second floor of the Eiffel Tower. The gastronomic experience is enhanced by spectacular views of Paris at night, offering contemporary French cuisine with expertly paired wines.

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Day 2: Paris Art & Montmartre

Paris, France on May 2, 2025

Breakfast at Angelina Paris

Savor a luxurious breakfast at Angelina, renowned for its rich hot chocolate and delicate pastries such as pain au chocolat and éclairs, located near Place Vendôme.

Visit Musée d'Orsay

Explore the former beaux-arts railway station turned museum that houses world-class Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art. Works by Monet, Van Gogh, and Degas are highlights. The building’s architecture itself is a masterpiece.

Lunch at Le Procope

Dine in Paris’ oldest café dating back to 1686, where French luminaries have gathered for centuries. The menu includes classic dishes like coq au vin and onion soup in a historical and atmospheric setting.

Explore Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur Basilica

Roam the cobblestone streets and artist studios of Montmartre, a neighborhood famed for its bohemian past and lively ambiance. The Sacré-Cœur Basilica at the summit offers breathtaking views of Paris alongside its remarkable mosaics. Visit the Place du Tertre to see street artists at work.

Dinner at La Maison Rose

Enjoy a cozy meal at this charming, pastel-pink Montmartre bistro known for its traditional French cuisine and romantic ambiance.

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Day 3: Palace of Versailles Day

Versailles, France on May 3, 2025

Breakfast at a local bakery

Pick up freshly baked French pastries and coffee from a neighborhood boulangerie for a quick and delicious start.

Visit Palace of Versailles

Spend the day touring the opulent Palace of Versailles with its Hall of Mirrors, King’s Grand Apartments, and meticulously manicured gardens designed by André Le Nôtre. Enjoy the fountains and extensive parkland; consider renting a bike or golf cart to explore the vast grounds.

Lunch at La Petite Venise

Located inside the Versailles grounds, this Italian-inspired restaurant provides a lovely setting for lunch amidst the gardens, offering pastas, fresh seafood, and regional wines.

Return to Paris and dinner at Bouillon Pigalle

After returning to Paris, experience casual dining with traditional French comfort food at Bouillon Pigalle, a lively spot known for its affordable prices and authentic atmosphere.

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Day 4: Loire Valley Castles

Loire Valley, France on May 4, 2025

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast with fresh bread, cheeses, and fruit in your hotel before departure.

Travel to Tours and visit Château de Villandry

Arrive in Tours, the hub for exploring the Loire Valley châteaux. Explore Château de Villandry, famous for its intricately designed Renaissance gardens featuring vegetable and ornamental plots laid out in geometric patterns.

Lunch at Le Choiseul in Tours

Dine on refined French cuisine featuring local produce in a warm, elegant setting in the heart of Tours.

Visit Château de Chenonceau

Tour the picturesque Château de Chenonceau, known as the 'Ladies’ Castle' due to its influential female owners. The castle beautifully spans the River Cher with exquisite interior rooms and extensive gardens.

Check-in and dinner in Tours

Relax at your accommodation followed by dinner at L’Epicerie, a praised bistro offering high-quality regional dishes in a cozy environment.

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Day 5: Loire Valley Wine Experience

Loire Valley, France on May 5, 2025

Breakfast at hotel

Start your day with a hearty hotel breakfast to fuel your wine exploration.

Full-Day Loire Valley Wine Tour

Join a guided wine tour featuring visits to renowned vineyards in the Vouvray and Chinon appellations. Enjoy tastings of crisp whites and elegant reds, meet winemakers, and learn about the region’s rich winemaking history and terroir.

Dinner at L'Annexe

Return to Tours for dinner at L’Annexe, appreciated for its inventive dishes made from fresh, local ingredients and stylish ambiance.

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Day 6: Bordeaux Arrival & City Exploration

Bordeaux, France on May 6, 2025

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up with a light breakfast before traveling south.

Travel to Bordeaux by train

Enjoy a scenic high-speed train journey from Tours to Bordeaux in approximately three hours, passing through beautiful French countryside.

Lunch at La Tupina

Indulge in hearty southwestern French cuisine at La Tupina, famous for traditional dishes like confit de canard and cassoulet served in a rustic setting.

Explore Place de la Bourse & the Water Mirror

Stroll this iconic Bordeaux square distinguished by stunning 18th-century architecture. Witness the Water Mirror, the world’s largest reflecting pool which beautifully mirrors the surrounding buildings — perfect for photos.

Visit La Cité du Vin

Immerse yourself in the world of wine at this modern cultural center. Learn about global wine heritage and wine tasting through interactive exhibits and tastings.

Dinner at Le Chapon Fin

Experience fine dining at one of Bordeaux’s best-known Michelin-starred restaurants, boasting refined dishes that expertly showcase local ingredients.

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Day 7: Medoc Wine Region Tour

Bordeaux, France on May 7, 2025

Breakfast at hotel

Start your day with a light breakfast gathering energy for the upcoming wine explorations.

Full-day Medoc Wine Tour

Explore the prestigious Médoc wine region visiting premier châteaux such as Château Margaux and Château Lafite Rothschild. Gain insider knowledge of Bordeaux winemaking techniques, enjoy tastings of world-class reds, and soak in the beautiful vineyard landscapes.

Dinner at L'Entrecôte

Conclude your day with a classic Bordeaux meal focused on steak-frites paired with their signature house sauce in a relaxed and informal environment.

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Day 8: Provence Roman Ruins & Cuisine

Avignon, France on May 8, 2025