15-Day Ultimate Luxury Escapes Route in France
France is the world's most visited country for a reason, and to see it through the lens of luxury is to experience a level of refinement found nowhere else. This itinerary is designed for the discerning traveler who values comfort, exclusivity, and the finer details of French 'art de vivre'.
You will traverse the country via high-speed TGV first-class trains and private transfers, staying in iconic palaces and boutique chateaus. From the private corridors of the Louvre to the yacht-filled harbors of Saint-Tropez, this is an epic journey through the heart of European sophistication.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Paris, France - Arrival & Golden Hour
VIP Airport Arrival
Enjoy a seamless transition from the plane with a private greeter at Charles de Gaulle Airport who will whisk you through customs to your waiting Mercedes S-Class transfer.
Check-in at Hotel Plaza Athénée
Settle into your suite at one of the world's most prestigious hotels, located on the fashion-forward Avenue Montaigne.
Private Seine River Cruise
Charter a mahogany Riva-style boat for a private tour of the Seine as the sun begins to set over the Notre Dame and Eiffel Tower.
Dinner at Le Jules Verne
Ascend the Eiffel Tower for a gastronomic experience 125 meters above the city, featuring contemporary French cuisine by Frédéric Anton.
Day 2: Paris, France - Artistic Mastery
Private Louvre After-Hours or Early Access
Experience the world's most famous museum without the crowds on a tailored private tour focusing on the Italian Masters and the Crown Jewels.
Lunch at L'Ambroisie
Dine at this legendary three-Michelin-star institution in the Place des Vosges, known for its classic French perfection.
The Marais Discovery
Walk through the historic Jewish Quarter and explore hidden courtyards with a local fashion historian.
Opéra Garnier Performance
Attend a ballet or opera performance in the architectural masterpiece of the Palais Garnier.
Day 3: Paris, France - The Sun King's Legacy
Versailles VIP Tour
Take a private transfer to the Palace of Versailles. Access the King's Private Apartments, areas closed to the general public.
Lunch at Ore
Enjoy a royal-inspired lunch at Alain Ducasse’s restaurant located inside the Palace of Versailles.
Gardens & Grand Trianon
Explore the sprawling gardens by private golf cart or bicycle before returning to Paris.
Michelin Dining at Septime
Experience the modern side of Paris gastronomy at this hard-to-book bistro in the 11th arrondissement.
Day 4: Paris, France - Fashion & Fragrance
La Galerie Dior
Visit the stunning museum dedicated to the history of the House of Dior on the site of its original atelier.
Lunch at Café de Flore
Indulge in people-watching at this iconic Saint-Germain-des-Prés haunt, a former favorite of Sartre and Hemingway.
Private Perfume Workshop
Create your own signature scent with a master perfumer in a private atelier in the heart of the city.
Moulin Rouge VIP Box
Experience the world's most famous cabaret with champagne and the best seats in the house.
Day 5: Reims, France - Champagne Dreams
First Class TGV to Reims
Board the high-speed train for a short 45-minute journey into the heart of the Champagne region.
Veuve Clicquot Cellar Tour
Explore the UNESCO-listed crayères (chalk cellars) followed by a private vintage tasting.
Lunch at Domaine Les Crayères
Dine at the two-Michelin-star Le Parc, set in a stunning turn-of-the-century chateau.
Reims Cathedral
Visit the coronation site of French kings, a masterpiece of High Gothic architecture.
Day 6: Lyon, France - Gastronomy Capital
TGV to Lyon
Travel south to Lyon, France’s culinary heart. The journey takes approximately 3 hours through scenic landscapes.
Lunch at a Bouchon
Experience an authentic Lyonnais bouchon like Café des Fédérations for hearty, traditional local fare.
Fourvière Hill
Take the funicular to the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière for panoramic views of the city and the Alps.
Dinner at Paul Bocuse
Make a pilgrimage to Collonges-au-Mont-d'Or to dine at the legendary restaurant of the late 'Pope of French Cuisine'.
Day 7: Lyon, France - Silk & Secret Passages
Vieux Lyon & Traboules
Guided tour through the Renaissance district, discovering the 'traboules' (hidden passageways) used by silk merchants.
Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse
Wander through the city's premier food market and enjoy fresh oysters and Saint-Marcellin cheese.
Silk Workshop Visit
Visit a traditional silk weaving workshop to see how Lyon's famous 'soierie' is still produced today.
Riverside Cocktails
Enjoy a refined evening at one of the luxury barge bars along the Rhône riverbank.
Day 8: Avignon, France - Popes & Provence
TGV to Avignon
A swift 1-hour train ride brings you into the gateway of Provence.
Palais des Papes
Skip the line for a private tour of the world’s largest Gothic palace, once the seat of Western Christianity.
Pont d'Avignon
Walk the remains of the famous 12th-century bridge and enjoy the view of the Rhône.
Dinner at La Vieille Fontaine
Dine in the elegant courtyard of Hôtel d'Europe, one of France’s oldest hotels.
Day 9: Châteauneuf-du-Pape, France - Red Wine Heritage
Private Wine Tour
Depart for the nearby vineyards of Châteauneuf-du-Pape for private tastings at prestigious estates like Château de Nalys.
Vineyard Lunch
Enjoy a picnic style high-end lunch overlooking the 'galets roulés' (rolled pebbles) of the vineyards.
Lavender Museum (Seasonal)
If visiting in summer, stop by the Coustellet Lavender Museum to learn about the 'blue gold' of Provence.
Avignon Night Walk
Explore the illuminated city walls of Avignon before a quiet evening at your hotel.
Day 10: Luberon, France - Hilltop Villages
Luxury Convertible Rental
Pick up a high-end convertible to drive through the rolling hills of the Luberon Valley.
Gordes Exploration
Visit Gordes, officially one of the most beautiful villages in France, perched dramatically on a cliff.
Lunch at La Bastide de Gordes
Dine on the terrace of Clover Gordes by Jean-François Piège, offering breathtaking valley views.
Roussillon Ochre Trail
Walk through the vibrant red and orange cliffs of the former ochre quarries.
Day 11: Nice, France - The French Riviera
Private Transfer to Nice
Enjoy a scenic 2.5-hour drive along the coast to the Promenade des Anglais.
Lunch at Le Plongeoir
Dine on a pillar of rock over the Mediterranean sea for a truly unique seaside experience.
Cours Saleya Flower Market
Stroll through the vibrant market in Old Nice and sample authentic Socca (chickpea pancake).
Cocktails at Bar Rivoli
Sip a signature cocktail surrounded by priceless art in the Negresco’s legendary bar.
Day 12: Monaco - Glamour of the Principality
Helicopter Transfer to Monaco
Take a 7-minute helicopter flight from Nice airport for the most spectacular entrance into Monte Carlo.
Prince’s Palace of Monaco
Witness the changing of the guard and tour the state apartments of the Grimaldi family.
Casino de Monte-Carlo
Try your luck or simply tour the Belle Époque architecture of the world's most famous casino.
Dinner at Le Louis XV
Indulge in the 3-Michelin-star cuisine of Alain Ducasse at the Hôtel de Paris.
Day 13: Èze & Antibes, France - Coastal Jewels
Èze Village Hike
Visit the medieval village of Èze, perched 427 meters above sea level. Tour the Exotic Garden for stunning views.
Lunch at Château de la Chèvre d'Or
A multi-sensory dining experience overlooking the sparkling Mediterranean.
Picasso Museum, Antibes
Visit the Grimaldi Castle where Picasso once worked, now housing a significant collection of his art.
Billionaire's Quay
Walk the docks of Port Vauban in Antibes to see the world's largest superyachts.
Day 14: Saint-Tropez, France - The Jet Set Life
Private Yacht Charter
Cruise from Nice to Saint-Tropez on a private yacht, stopping for a swim in the turquoise waters of the Esterel coast.
Pampelonne Beach Club
Lunch at the legendary Club 55, the place to see and be seen in Saint-Tropez.
Place des Lices
Watch locals play pétanque under the plane trees before shopping in the luxury boutiques of the village.
Sunset Dinner in the Port
Enjoy fresh seafood at a waterfront table as the yachts begin to light up the harbor.
Day 15: Nice, France - Farewell to the French Way
Promenade Walk
Take a final morning stroll along the Azure coast, breathing in the salty Mediterranean air.
Marc Chagall National Museum
Visit this serene museum dedicated to the biblical works of Marc Chagall before your departure.
Final French Bistro Lunch
Enjoy a classic Niçoise salad and a glass of rosé at a local favorite like Le Bistrot d'Antoine.
Private Departure Transfer
A final luxury car transfer to Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE) for your flight home.
Best Time to Visit France
For a luxury escape, the best time to visit France is during the shoulder seasons of late spring (May-June) and early autumn (September-October). During these periods, the weather is pleasant, the crowds are manageable, and the lavender in Provence or the harvest in Champagne adds a magical touch. July and August are peak seasons for the French Riviera, offering the most vibrant atmosphere but also the highest prices and largest crowds.
Currency & Money
France uses the Euro (€). Credit cards (Visa and Mastercard) are accepted almost everywhere, including taxis and small boutiques. However, carrying a small amount of cash is recommended for local markets or tipping. Tipping is not as mandatory as in the US; a service charge is included in restaurant bills, but leaving an extra 5-10% for exceptional service in high-end establishments is customary and appreciated.
Getting Around France
Intercity travel in France is best handled by the TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse). First-class tickets offer spacious seating, power outlets, and often meal service. For this itinerary, private transfers are recommended for movements within regions like Provence and the Riviera to ensure maximum comfort and flexibility. Domestic flights are available but often less convenient than the city-center to city-center speed of the TGV.
