19-Day Ultimate Luxury Escapes Route in France

Editorial Team By Editorial Team • Published Jun 07, 2026 7:02 PM
19-Day France Luxury Itinerary: Paris, Riviera & Bordeaux

France is not just a destination; it is a lifestyle. This 19-day epic journey is designed for the discerning traveler who seeks the perfect blend of historical grandeur, artistic depth, and modern luxury. From the iconic iron lattice of the Eiffel Tower to the lavender-scented hills of Provence, every moment is curated to provide an exclusive glimpse into the 'Art de Vivre'.

Traveling via first-class TGV trains and staying in some of the world's most prestigious hotels, you will traverse the country with ease. This itinerary balances high-octane glamour in Monaco with the slow, refined pace of the Loire Valley châteaux, ensuring a comprehensive and deeply indulgent French experience.

The Itinerary

Day 1: Paris, France - Arrival & Golden Hour

10:00 AM

VIP Airport Arrival

Enjoy a private chauffeur transfer from Charles de Gaulle Airport directly to your luxury hotel in the 1st Arrondissement.

💡 Flight Hack: Book your business class seats early for the best rates on long-haul routes to Europe. Air France.
01:30 PM

Lunch at Place Vendôme

Dine at a historic bistro overlooking the world's most famous jewelry boutiques.

04:00 PM

Seine River Private Cruise

Charter a vintage Venetian-style mahogany boat for a private tour of the Seine as the sun begins to set.

08:00 PM

Welcome Dinner

Indulge in a multi-course tasting menu at a Michelin-starred restaurant near the Champs-Élysées.

Day 2: Paris, France - Artistic Masterpieces

09:00 AM

Louvre Private After-Hours Tour

Skip the crowds with a private art historian to view the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo in peace.

💡 Ticket Hack: Secure skip-the-line museum passes in advance to avoid hours of waiting. Tiqets.
01:00 PM

Jardin des Tuileries Stroll

Walk through the manicured gardens toward the Place de la Concorde.

03:30 PM

Musée de l'Orangerie

Admire Monet’s massive Water Lilies in the specialized oval rooms.

07:00 PM

Le Marais Exploration

Wander the historic streets of the Marais district followed by a cocktail at a high-end speakeasy.

Day 3: Versailles, France - The Sun King's Legacy

09:30 AM

Palace of Versailles Guided Tour

Take a private car to Versailles for an exclusive tour of the King’s Private Apartments.

💡 Attraction Hack: Book the earliest time slot for Versailles to enjoy the Hall of Mirrors before the tour buses arrive. GetYourGuide.
12:30 PM

Lunch at Ore

Enjoy a contemporary French lunch by Alain Ducasse located within the palace grounds.

02:30 PM

Gardens & Grand Trianon

Explore the vast gardens and the private retreat of Marie Antoinette via electric golf cart.

06:00 PM

Return to Paris

Relax at your hotel spa before an evening at the Opéra Garnier.

Day 4: Paris, France - Haute Couture & Gastronomy

10:00 AM

Avenue Montaigne Shopping

Private shopping experience at the flagship stores of Dior, Chanel, and Louis Vuitton.

01:00 PM

Tea Time at Ritz Paris

Experience the legendary afternoon tea in the Salon Proust.

💡 Dining Tip: Reservations for afternoon tea at the Ritz should be made at least 2 months in advance. Ritz Paris.
03:00 PM

Arc de Triomphe Rooftop

Take in the 360-degree views of the 12 radiating avenues of Paris.

08:00 PM

Eiffel Tower Dinner

Dine at Le Jules Verne for unparalleled views and world-class cuisine.

Day 5: Reims, France - The Heart of Champagne

09:00 AM

TGV First Class to Reims

A short, 45-minute high-speed train ride brings you to the capital of the Champagne region.

💡 Train Hack: First-class TGV tickets offer extra legroom and quiet carriages for a premium experience. SNCF Connect.
11:00 AM

Reims Cathedral

Visit the site where the Kings of France were once crowned.

02:00 PM

Veuve Clicquot Cellar Tour

Descend into the UNESCO-listed chalk caves (crayères) for a private tasting.

07:30 PM

Gastronomic Dinner

Stay at Domaine des Crayères for a legendary dining experience in a chateau setting.

Day 6: Épernay, France - Avenue de Champagne

10:00 AM

Private Transfer to Épernay

Drive through the scenic vineyards of the Montagne de Reims.

11:30 AM

Moët & Chandon Experience

An exclusive tour of the world's largest champagne cellars including Dom Pérignon tastings.

💡 Tour Hack: Book the 'Grand Vintage' tour for access to rarer bottles not available to the general public. Moët & Chandon.
01:30 PM

Lunch in the Vineyards

A gourmet picnic served amidst the vines of a boutique producer.

04:00 PM

Hautvillers Village

Visit the final resting place of Dom Pérignon in this charming hillside village.

Day 7: Nice, France - Arrival on the Côte d'Azur

09:00 AM

Flight to Nice

Direct flight from Paris Orly or CDG to the stunning Mediterranean coast.

💡 Flight Hack: Choose a window seat on the right side for the best views of the Alps and the coast upon landing. Air France.
12:30 PM

Promenade des Anglais

Check into your sea-view suite at the iconic Hotel Negresco.

03:00 PM

Old Town (Vieux Nice)

Explore the vibrant flower market and narrow streets of the Italianate old quarter.

07:30 PM

Seafood Dinner

Enjoy fresh Mediterranean catch at a high-end restaurant overlooking the Baie des Anges.

Day 8: Monaco & Monte Carlo - High-Stakes Glamour

10:00 AM

Scenic Drive to Monaco

Drive along the Grande Corniche for breathtaking views of the Mediterranean.

12:00 PM

Prince's Palace of Monaco

Witness the changing of the guard at the royal residence of the Grimaldi family.

💡 Rental Hack: Rent a luxury convertible for the day to experience the French Riviera roads in style. Sixt Luxury.
03:00 PM

Casino de Monte-Carlo

Admire the Belle Époque architecture and try your luck in the world's most famous casino.

08:00 PM

Dinner in Monaco

Dine at Louis XV - Alain Ducasse for a 3-Michelin-star experience.

Day 9: Antibes & Cannes - Art and Cinema

09:30 AM

Picasso Museum, Antibes

Visit the Château Grimaldi where Picasso once lived and worked.

12:30 PM

Lunch in Cannes

Dine at a beach club on the famous La Croisette boulevard.

03:00 PM

Private Yacht Charter

Spend the afternoon cruising around the Îles de Lérins with a private skipper.

💡 Tour Hack: Chartering a yacht is the only way to access the secluded crystalline waters between the islands. Click&Boat.
07:00 PM

Cannes Sunset

Watch the sunset from the Suquet hill before returning to Nice.

Day 10: Avignon, France - Papal Grandeur

10:00 AM

TGV to Avignon

Travel through the heart of Provence in the comfort of a first-class carriage.

💡 Train Hack: Use a rail pass for flexible travel across multiple French regions while saving on individual fares. Eurail.
01:30 PM

Palais des Papes

Tour the world's largest Gothic palace, once the seat of the Catholic Popes.

04:00 PM

Pont d'Avignon

Walk the remains of the famous medieval bridge over the Rhône River.

08:00 PM

Provencal Dining

Dine in a converted cardinal's palace in the historic center.

Day 11: Luberon Valley - Hilltop Villages

09:30 AM

Gordes Exploration

Visit one of the most beautiful villages in France, perched high on a cliff.

💡 Where to Stay: For ultimate luxury, book a room at La Bastide de Gordes for incredible valley views. Airelles.
12:00 PM

Sénanque Abbey

See the iconic Cistercian abbey surrounded by lavender fields (seasonal).

02:30 PM

Roussillon Ochre Trails

Walk the vibrant orange and red ochre canyons of this unique village.

05:00 PM

Wine Tasting in Ménerbes

Visit a local estate for a private tasting of Luberon Rosé.

Day 12: Aix-en-Provence - Fountains & Markets

09:00 AM

Aix Morning Market

Experience the colors and scents of a traditional Provencal market at Place des Prêcheurs.

💡 Market Hack: Hire a local guide to help you find the best truffles and artisanal cheeses. Context Travel.
12:00 PM

Cours Mirabeau Lunch

Relax at a sidewalk café on the city's most elegant boulevard.

02:30 PM

Atelier de Cézanne

Visit the preserved studio of the father of modern art, Paul Cézanne.

07:00 PM

Luxury Spa Evening

Indulge in a thermal spa treatment at the historic Thermes Sextius.

Day 13: Bordeaux, France - The Wine Capital

09:00 AM

TGV to Bordeaux

A cross-country journey through the changing landscapes of Southern France.

💡 Train Hack: Pre-book your TGV Inoui seats to ensure a window view of the French countryside. SNCF Connect.
02:00 PM

Cité du Vin

Visit the world's premier wine museum with its futuristic architecture.

04:30 PM

Place de la Bourse

Marvel at the 'Miroir d'eau' (water mirror), the world's largest reflecting pool.

08:00 PM

Bordeaux Gastronomy

Dinner at a sleek modern bistro focusing on local Aquitaine produce.

Day 14: Saint-Émilion - Medieval Wine Heritage

10:00 AM

Private Tour of Saint-Émilion

Explore this UNESCO-listed village and its unique monolithic church carved from limestone.

💡 Tour Hack: Book a private driver-guide to visit exclusive Right Bank châteaux that are not open to the public. Viator.
01:00 PM

Grand Cru Tasting

Indulge in a private tasting at a Premier Grand Cru Classé estate.

03:30 PM

Village Wanderings

Shop for world-famous macarons (the original recipe) and local crafts.

07:00 PM

Sunset in the Vines

Enjoy a glass of Merlot as the sun sets over the rolling vineyards.

Day 15: Médoc - The Left Bank Legends

09:30 AM

Route des Châteaux

Drive through the famous wine road, passing estates like Margaux and Latour.

11:30 AM

Château Lynch-Bages

Visit the village of Bages and enjoy a sophisticated tasting and lunch.

💡 Rental Hack: A high-end GPS-equipped rental car is essential for navigating the Médoc wine route. Hertz.
03:00 PM

Pauillac Exploration

Stroll along the docks of this historic wine port on the Gironde estuary.

07:30 PM

Farewell Bordeaux Dinner

A final feast at a 2-Michelin-starred establishment in Bordeaux city center.

Day 16: Loire Valley, France - Châteaux of the Renaissance

09:00 AM

TGV to Saint-Pierre-des-Corps

High-speed rail connection to the gateway of the Loire Valley.

11:30 AM

Clos Lucé, Amboise

Visit the final home of Leonardo da Vinci and see his inventions in the park.

💡 Where to Stay: Stay in a converted 18th-century manor for an authentic royal experience. Relais & Châteaux.
02:30 PM

Château d'Amboise

Tour the royal residence overlooking the Loire River.

07:00 PM

Gourmet Troglodyte Dining

Dine in a unique restaurant carved directly into the limestone cliffs.

Day 17: Chenonceau & Chambord - Architectural Marvels

09:30 AM

Château de Chenonceau

Explore the 'Ladies' Château' which elegantly arches over the River Cher.

💡 Ticket Hack: Buy an integrated pass for multiple châteaux to save time at entrance gates. Tiqets.
01:00 PM

Wine & Cheese Pairing

Visit a local cellar in Vouvray for a tasting of sparkling white wines.

03:30 PM

Château de Chambord

Marvel at the largest and most majestic château in the valley, inspired by Da Vinci.

06:30 PM

Loire River Walk

Enjoy a quiet evening walk along the banks of France’s longest river.

Day 18: Paris, France - The Grand Finale

10:00 AM

Return TGV to Paris

Back to the City of Light for one final, glorious stay.

01:00 PM

Lunch at L'Avenue

See and be seen at this trendy spot on Avenue Montaigne.

03:30 PM

Fondation Louis Vuitton

Explore the Frank Gehry-designed museum in the Bois de Boulogne.

💡 Stay Hack: Book your final night at the Plaza Athénée for the ultimate 'room with a view' of the Eiffel Tower. Hôtel Plaza Athénée.
08:30 PM

Celebratory Farewell Dinner

A private chef experience or a table at a legendary brasserie like La Coupole.

Day 19: Paris, France - Departure

09:00 AM

Leisurely Breakfast

Enjoy fresh croissants and café au lait at a local boulangerie.

11:00 AM

Final Souvenir Shopping

Visit the gourmet food hall at Galeries Lafayette for edible gifts.

01:30 PM

Private Transfer to CDG

Your chauffeur will escort you to the airport for your journey home.

💡 Connectivity Tip: Ensure your roaming is active or use a local digital SIM to coordinate your final transfers seamlessly. Airalo.
04:00 PM

Depart Paris

Board your flight with memories of an epic French journey.

Best Time to Visit France

For a luxury escape, the best time to visit is during the shoulder seasons: late spring (May to June) and early autumn (September to October). During these periods, the weather is pleasantly warm, the gardens are in full bloom or harvest, and the summer crowds have diminished. If you are heading to the French Riviera, June and September offer the perfect balance of sunshine and exclusivity. Avoid August if possible, as many local businesses close for holidays and tourist areas become heavily congested.

Currency & Money

France uses the Euro (€). Credit and debit cards (Visa and Mastercard) are universally accepted in hotels, high-end restaurants, and boutiques. However, it is always wise to carry a small amount of cash for local markets or small cafés. Tipping is not mandatory as a service charge is included in your bill (service compris), but it is customary in luxury settings to leave an additional 5-10% for exceptional service. ATMs (distributeurs) are widely available across all cities and regions.

Getting Around France

The most efficient and luxurious way to travel between French regions is the TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse). First-class carriages offer spacious seating, power outlets, and often meal service. For the French Riviera and Provence, a private rental car or chauffeur is recommended to reach the more secluded hilltop villages and coastal hidden gems. Domestic flights are also available from Paris to the South (Nice/Marseille) for those looking to save time, though the train often provides a more scenic and stress-free experience.