France by EuroPanache

FRANCE IM075100085
CST #2083450-50

©EuroPanache 2011

Illustration and Design by Marina Preston, www.marinapreston.com
For more information, contact your favorite travel agent or visit our website, www.europanache.com

EuroPanache Opens Doors to the Extraordinary
EXPERIENCE SOME OF THE WORLD'S MOST SPECTACULAR AND EXOTIC DESTINATIONS.
JOURNEY ALONE OR WITH A SMALL GROUP OF DISCERNING TRAVELLERS WHO SHARE YOUR INTERESTS.
Our themes include gourmet cooking, wine tasting, antiquing, art, fashion, spa and wellness, literature, culture and
history, fine dining, photography and wilderness/nature. For these, we have contracted with leading chefs, sommeliers,
fashion consultants, antiques experts, art historians and photographers. Featured destinations include Europe, Africa,
Central America and Australia. Please check our website or with your local travel agent for our latest offerings.
EuroPanache guests travel in true luxury by helicopter, limousine, executive jet, first-class rail and deluxe minivans,
dine in some of the world’s finest restaurants and stay in grand luxury at fabulous five-star boutique hotels, including
châteaux, abbeys and manor houses.

From Our President and Founder
Focusing on providing the highest service quality has been key to EuroPanache’s continued growth and success.
In our fifth year, business has more than doubled and our company has expanded its offering to include exciting new
luxury themes and destinations. In France we have added exciting packages to Brittany and Corsica to complement our
existing offering in Alsace, the Alpine region, Basque country, Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne, Dordogne and the
Périgord, Haute Provence, the Côte d’Azur, the Loire Valley, Normandy and Paris.
Both our Europe and America-based teams have expanded again this year. Let our global team of travel planners and
guides show you what we can do!

Bob Preston, President

2 Introduction

Contents
4 France On-Site Services
6 Testimonials
7 Luxury Mini Breaks
8 Alpine
10 Alsace Wine & Nature
12 Biarritz
14 Black Heritage
16 Bordeaux & Cognac
18 Bordeaux Wine & City
20 Bordeaux Wine & Spa
22 Burgundy Wine & Heritage
24 Culinary
25 Champagne
26 Côte d’Azur
28 Dordogne
30 Haute Provence
32 Loire Wine & Châteaux
34 Marie Antoinette
36 Normandy
38 Paris Fashion
40 Paris Literary Break
41 Paris and L’Art du Parfum
42 Paris and French Antiques
43 Versailles
44 Brittany
46 Northern Corsica
48 Southern Corsica
50 Booking Terms
• CHAMPAGNE

•• •
NORMANDY
PARIS

•
BRITTANY
VERSAILLES •
ALSACE
•
LOIRE

•
BURGUNDY

•
ALPINE
COGNAC
•
•
BORDEAUX

• •
•
DORDOGNE—PERIGORD
PROVENCE COTE D’AZUR

•
BASQUE COUNTRY

• CORSICA

•
Table of Contents 3

France Onsite Services
EuroPanache operates an inbound receptive agency, with offices in Paris and Provence, that provides VIP ground services, hotel,
apartment and villa reservations, privately guided day tours, helicopter trips, itineraries for children and families, shore excursions
and access to cultural and sporting events.
Our VIP events team can provide privileged, unequaled access to government and private institutions, privately owned town
residences and country châteaux of high-level individuals, private collectors and officials, internationally renowned champagne and
wine estates, luxury institutions and exclusive private clubs.

Innovation, quality, and taste are the hallmarks of our programs, which are designed for
individuals, couples and small groups of up to 50 participants. Examples include:
• Private visits and receptions with official hosts in renowned museums, embassies,
government institutions, art galleries and luxury product institutions;
• Visits and receptions in exclusive private residences and châteaux with their
distinguished proprietors—collectors of the Arts—and renowned architects and artists;
• Luncheons or dinners in exclusive, private clubs; such as the Cercle de l’Union
Interalliée, the Jockey Club, the Travellers Club and the Polo Club de Paris;
• Private fashion shows and cocktail receptions in world-renowned fashion houses;
• Private tours, champagne and wine-tasting ceremonies and luncheons at prestigious
estates with their hosts;
• Gala evenings in world-renowned châteaux, museums and private mansions;
• Hunting (small game, large game and chasse à courre) in private domains of
French nobility.

Our incentives department can organize events from one to seven days in casual or
highly sophisticated venues. Examples are:
• Cultural programs for up to 100 participants;
• Receptions for up to 800 participants;
• Corporate or institutional events for up to 1,500 participants.

4 Onsite Services

Helicopter Excursions
We offer a number of outstanding private helicopter
day trips for small private groups up to five passengers,
including:
From Paris
•Lunch at Chateau d’Esclimont and overflight of Chartres;
•Lunch at Les Crayeres and Champagne Tour;
•Lunch at the Abbey of Vaulx le Cernay;
•Normandy — Honfleur, Trouville and Deauville;
•Normandy beaches;
•Versailles and Vaux le Vicomte;
•Chateaux of the Loire Valley;
•Vineyards of Burgundy;
Helicopter Tours From Nice/Cannes Family Tours Adapted to Kids
•Gourmet escapades to Monaco, St Tropez, Camargue, We all know how boring tours can be for restless children and adolescents, which is why we have
Haute Provence, Corsica created this offering.
From Bordeaux Our educational and fun tours include games, treasure hunts and labyrinths! Examples include:
•Atlantic Coast — La Rochelle and Ile de Re; •Reliving Marie Antoinette’s happiest time in Versailles;
•Biarritz and St Jean de Luz; •Painting in the footsteps of Monet (Giverny) or Van Gogh (Auvers sur Oise) with an artist;
•Vineyards of St Emilion, Medoc, Pessac Leognan. •Discovering masterpieces of the Louvre with intrigue and clues;
•Underground Paris—including the sewers, catacombs, Roman and Gallic vestiges;
•Helicopter tour of Paris followed by the Air & Space Museum where the Concorde, Caravelle
Day Trips of Distinction and Shore Excursions and European rockets can be visited;
From Paris •Enacting Perrault’s tales (Puss in Boots, Tom Thumb, Sleeping Beauty) in a real château;
•Impressionists — (GIverny and Auvers-sur-Oise) •A half-day in the kid’s park, zoo or aquarium;
•Chateau de Chantilly •Cooking classes, chocolate creation or perfume making adapted for children.
•Giverny and La Roche Guyon
•Paris highlights
•Vaux le Vicomte, Barbizon and Fontainebleau
•Versailles
From Provence (including shore Excursions)
•Western Riviera Tour
•Eastern Riviera Tour
•Wine and Truffles Tour
•Villas & Corniches
•Corniche d’Or, St Tropez and wine tasting
•Panorama of the French Riviera
•Provence Cooking and Nice City Tour
•Antibes & St Paul de Vence
•Monaco & Eze
•Painters of the Riviera
From Bordeaux
•Bordeaux City Tour
•Arcachon and the Silver Coast
•Wine Tours of Medoc, Pessac Leognan, Saint Emilion
& Dordogne or Sauternes-Barzac

Onsite Services 5

Press Quotations
"A Black Book of enviable connections" — Virtuoso Life
“Des exklusivsten Reisebüros der Welt” — Focus Deutschland
"Things to Try before You Die" — Channel 9 (Australia)
"Des voyages hors norme" — Madame Figaro (France)
"Une Agence très spéciale" — Le Point (France)

Testimonials
Congratulations — our VIP client, Expert and President of a US Wine Company — a HIGHLY discerning and informed
client — liked the Alsace wine tour you arranged this summer. Dan Dixon, Rudi Steele Travel — Dallas
Your connections in France are amazing and booking with EuroPanache makes me a hero to my clients. Thanks for a job
well done! Sandee Litwin, President, Litwin Travel— Los Angeles
What a wonderful fashion and culinary adventure! I still can’t believe all that EuroPanache was able to arrange during my
short visit to Paris! Anita C. — Seattle
I just want to pass on the positive feedback from our small group from Brisbane on their Paris trip in mid-April. In particular,
they found the cooking school (in the home of a French chef) and the trip to Versailles fabulous. Jenny Gill, Harvey World
Travel — Brisbane
Every detail was carefully arranged providing a first class experience at every stop. The Paris VIP Haute Couture tour —
behind the scenes at Chanel, Hermes and Baccarat — was a once in a lifetime experience. Sharmagne T — Houston
EuroPananche provided an incredible vacation experience for me with excursions that provided an inciteful window into
local culture of Dubai. I especially appreciated the VIP welcome at the airport. Glenn D. — New York
The Great Wall private gala dinner in Beijing was an ending to remember on our round-the-world trip. The private visit of
the Ming Tombs with champagne cocktail was a nice touch. EuroPanache are outstanding people! Keith V — Los Angeles
Thank you EuroPanache for the top notch service provided for my clients' South of France Honeymoon. Your assistance in
arranging VIP service at every turn made my job easier and my clients very happy. The Bentley rental, the private yacht
charter to St Tropez and the creative idea of arranging massages to provide a changing area for their special dinner in Monte
Carlo are a few of the things that helped create a unforgettable honeymoon. As a luxury travel specialist I would not
hesitate to use your services again. Diane Hoffman, Owner, Hoffman Travel — Denver
Thank you so much for the extraordinary trip you organized to Paris and Normandy for our VIP clients. They were so pleased
— loved the VIP airport treatment, Raphael Suite, private yacht cruise, dinner at the Cercle Interalliee and wine tastings.
Your guides are excellent. Jim Hughel, President, Town Place Travel — New Jersey
This is the second year in a row that I have traveled with EuroPanache. It will remain a highlight of all of my international
vacations. Laura R — San Diego
Kudos to you all. Peter Carideo, President, CRC Travel — Chicago

For the latest feedback, please see the Press and Testimonials sections on our website www.europanache.com

6 Testimonials

Luxury
Mini Breaks
These short breaks
feature outstanding
venues and themes. They
can be grouped together
or used to extend an
existing business trip
or leisure vacation.
Alpine Alsace Wine & Nature Biarritz Black Heritage

Bordeaux & Cognac Bordeaux Wine & City Bordeaux Wine & Spa Burgundy Wine & Heritage Culinary

Champagne Côte d’Azur Dordogne Haute Provence Loire Wine & Châteaux

Marie Antoinette Normandy Paris Fashion Paris Literary Break Paris & L’Art du Parfum

Paris & French Antiques Versailles Brittany Northern Corsica Southern Corsica

Alpine Break
The Alpine region of Haute
Savoie is one of the most sce-
nic in France. Stay in or near
the charming town of Annecy,
with its glorious mountain
scenery, pristine lake, flower-
laden bridges, old town and
canals. Enjoy a fabulous dinner
at an acclaimed Michelin star-
rated restaurant.
Nearby lies Europe’s tallest
alpine peak — the majestic
Mont Blanc. Visit the town of
Chamonix and take some time
for an alpine stroll and a lunch
of hearty fondue.
Wander the shores of Lake
Leman or lake Bourget with
their source spa towns of Evian
and Aix-les-Bains, have lunch
in the medieval village of
Yvoire and enjoy a city tour and
dinner in Geneva, famous for
the Calvinist Reformation and
its current standing as second
seat of the United Nations.

INCLUDES
• Private transfers from/to the Annecy TGV station
or Geneva Cointrin Airport
• Three nights in a four-star hotel in or near Annecy
• Gastronomic dinner with wine at a Michelin star-rated restaurant
• Two full days of touring in a luxury sedan as described (lunches and dinner out-of-pocket)
• Breakfast every day and all taxes and service fees


A L P I N E I T I N E R A R Y

Day One. Transfer by private sedan from the Annecy TGV Day Three. After breakfast, your driver-guide will take on a
station or Geneva airport to your hotel. Take the afternoon full-day tour to Lake Leman or Lake Bourget via the scenic
to enjoy the lovely town of Annecy, its pure lake, old city and route des Grandes Alpes. Visit the charming spa towns of
canals. Dine at one of the fine Michelin star-rated restau- Evian or Aix-les-Bains and have lunch (fresh lake perch rec-
rants along the lake. ommended) in the fascinating fortified town of Yvoire.
After lunch, enjoy a tour of Geneva, with its Reformation
Day Two. Your private driver-guide will meet you after break- Wall, Old Town, UN area and beautiful lakefront and flow-
fast for a full-day tour to Chamonix with the opportunity to ered clock. Enjoy dinner at one of the fine lake view
take the Aiguille du Midi cable car up near the top of the Mont restaurants.
Blanc. Enjoy a hearty lunch featuring some of specialties of the
Alpine region — Fondue, Raclette or Tartiflette. Take a stroll Day Four. After breakfast, your driver will transfer you to the
and enjoy the fresh mountain air. Annecy TGV station or Geneva airport for your journey onward.

The Alpine region of Haute Savoie is one of the most scenic in France.

Luxury Mini Breaks 9

Alsace Wine & Nature
Alsace, which was formerly part of
Germany and has a distinctive flair,
is without any doubt one of the
most dynamic and prettiest regions
of France. It has become a symbol
of the transnational European econ-
omy and has developed privileged
partnerships with the bordering
nations of Germany and Switzerland.
Although modest in size, Alsace
offers an incredible variety of landscapes
and climates contributing to the diversity
of the region. It provides countless possi-
bilities thanks to its outstanding heritage,
famous wines and gastronomy which
attract gourmets from all over the world.
Its main city, Strasbourg, acts as a link
between countries at the heart of Europe,
and houses many institutions of the
European Union as well as an old town
nestled around the cathedral.
This luxury three-day tour will intro-
duce you to spectacular wine
roads dotted with vineyards,
pretty villages and hamlets,
many of which are reminis-
cent of tales from the
Brothers Grimm.

INCLUDES
• Transfers from and to the Strasbourg TGV station or airport
• Two nights in a luxury city hotel (Regent) or château property
(Château de l’Ile) with VIP welcome and amenities
• Breakfast daily
• Half-day walking and canal tour of old Strasbourg
• Two days of private car and driver to discover the wine route and natural forest and mountain parks in the Vosges
• Wine tastings at three estates


A L S A C E W I N E & N A T U R E I T I N E R A R Y

Day One. STRASBOURG CITY TOUR Riquewihr — all surrounded by vineyards — Kaysersberg, formerly
Upon arrival at the Strasbourg airport or TGV station, embark with an imperial city and Colmar, a charming town known for its Little
your personal chauffeur-guide to discover France’s most European Venice district. It is also the home town of the sculptor Frédéric
city. Transfer to your luxurious hotel and enjoy lunch at your conven- August Bartholdi who made the Statue of Liberty in New York. The
ience. After lunch, start the visit of Strasbourg’s pedestrian historical Unterlinden Museum in Colmar features the famous Isenheim Altar,
center listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. During your walk- a masterpiece in the field of religious art.
ing tour along the canals of this small city, be sure to stop at the tra- During this tour, several wine tastings will be organized for you
ditional pastry shop, “the Paradise of Gingerbreads”, dating from in renowned cellars and estates. Discover the various types of
1643. End your visit with a wine tasting in one of the numerous wine Alsatian wines, which are classified under three official designations:
bars that the city has to offer. That evening, enjoy a gourmet dinner the Alsace AOC, the Alsace Grand Cru AOC, and the Crémant
at the two-Michelin star Crocodile restaurant or one of the many d’Alsace. Whereas other French regions call their wines by the name
brasseries specializing in Alsatian choucroutes. of their terroirs, Alsatian wines bear the name of the grape varieties
used to produce them.
Day Two. ALSATIAN VINEYARDS AND HERITAGE
After breakfast, meet your driver-guide for a day-long tour along the Day Three. FOREST AND MOUNTAIN NATURE TOUR
route des vins that will take you to the heart of Alsace’s wine country. With your driver-guide, explore some of Alsace's natural treasures.
Admire the numerous flower-laden villages along the route with their Offering breathtaking views, the Grand Ballon d’Alsace is the high-
quaint churches and town halls. The road runs through rolling country est point of the Vosges mountain range. Here, you can discover
and affords views of many hilltop castles. Alsace boasts Europe's high- attractive forested slopes with fir and beech trees, lakes, natural pas-
est concentration of feudal properties — more than 400! tures and round-topped mountains called ballons. Enjoy a hike or
From Obernai, a small medieval town, you’ll reach the Mont stroll in the national park if you feel so inclined. Sample typical dish-
Sainte Odile, one of the most popular sights in Alsace, known for es in one of the many charming farmhouse inns lining the Crest Road
spectacular views and pink cliffs rising out of the forest. The route featuring rustic mountain food and famous Munster cheese. In the
then meanders through very famous villages and small towns, late afternoon, your driver-guide will take you to the Strasbourg
including Kintzeim, Haut Keonigsbourg, Ribeauvillé, Séléstat, TGV station or airport for your onward journey.


Biarritz —
Pays Basque
Enjoy some of the most extraordi-
nary beaches and high-mountain
passes that Southern Europe has to
offer. Nested in the Pyrenees
Mountains and along the Atlantic
Ocean, the Basque country —
Euskadi — covers seven provinces in
southwestern France and northeast-
ern Spain.
During your stay in one of the
regions top palaces, visit world-class
vineyards, cascading waterfalls,
emerald valleys, high-mountain
passes and the long stretches of fine
sand beaches. Stop in enchanting
villages rich in fine French architec-
ture, taste internationally renowned
Basque cuisine, visit the
Guggenheim museum and archeo-
logical treasures, enjoy traditional
Basque games like Pelote in quaint
villages, see historical monuments
and take part in the local festivities.

This region offers a varied, bucolic, and
breathtaking palette that will certainly
move you. The locals have their own lan-
guage, cuisine and culture that remain
distinct to this day.

INCLUDES
• Transfers from/to Biarritz train station or airport
• 3 and a half days of tour with private car and driver/guide
• 3 nights at the award-winning Hotel du Palais in Biarritz
• Breakfast and taxes


B I A R R I T Z — P A Y S B A S Q U E I T I N E R A R Y

Day One. BIARRITZ AND THE COAST the more avant-garde wineries, commissioned by Spain’s greatest architect,
Transfer from the Biarritz airport or train station to the Hotel du Palais, an impe- Calatrava, to design the country’s first cutting-edge bodega. It sits across the
rial resort and spa Palace. It was Empress Eugenie’s favourite and has won many hill from Marques de Riscal, whose owners decided to go one better and build
awards for its Guérlain spa, which spans over five floors. the region’s first five-star hotel and spa and throw open their vaults to visitors for
After lunch, your driver/guide will help you discover this trendy-chic town the first time in their 150-year history. Continue on to the picturesque towns
and the beauty of the Atlantic Coast. Stop at typical Basque villages such as of Laguardia and then Elciego, where a hotel by Frank Gehry — a jumble of red,
Guethary and Saint Jean de Luz and discover the scenic road called the gold and silver titanium — is hoisted on stilts.
“Corniche Basque” that leads to the border of Spain.
Day 4. BAYONNE TOUR OR FREE TIME TO ENJOY LOCAL SPORTS,
Day Two. BASQUE REGION BACK COUNTRY THE BEACHES AND SPA
After breakfast, enjoy a short drive from the coast to reach hillside villages such Today, we’d suggest a more leisurely pace. You can enjoy the fabulous spa at
as Sare and Ascain. Ainhoa is the best of all though and is voted one of France's the hotel, play a round of golf or swim and surf along the find sand beaches of
Top 50 prettiest villages. A stroll down its ancient high street will tell you why. Biarritz. Or, if you prefer:
La Rhune — the mythical Pyrenean peak overlooks the Basque Country and •Embark on a half-day tour of Bayonne — where you’ll enjoy culture, ramparts,
something of a legend in these parts. museums — plus tastings of the local salty ham & chocolate! This vastly under-
Stop for a gourmet lunch in an authentic 17th century auberge. After rated city is the capital of the French Basque Country. It’s a great place for a
lunch, visit the very richly decorated Villa Arnaga and its beautiful gardens. day of culture and shopping!
Pass through the vineyards of Irroulegy to reach the charming medieval village •Attend a Course Landaise, an ancient popular game of the Aquitaine Region,
of Saint Jean-Pied de Port. Renowned for its market and fast and furious Pelote which has now become an official sport in France. All there is between Man
matches, played bare-handed, with what looks like band-aids being the only and Beast in the race is skill, acrobatics, gymnastics and a rope. There are no
protection against injury. weapons or red cloaks used on the animals and the cow does not die.
•Attend a Pelote match. This game has been played since ancient times
Day Three. GUGGENHEIM MUSEUM AT BILBAO AND THE RIOJA (Greeks, Romans, Aztecs...) in which players competed against one another.
Head to Northern Spain for the day first to visit the Guggenheim Museum, There are in fact 22 variants, depending on the bat (bare hand, the pala board,
designed by North American architect Frank O. Gehry. It is a magnificent the chistera basket...), the type of ball, and the location of the game (open
example of the most groundbreaking architecture to have come out of the space, covered fronton...). There are 60,000 players in France alone!
20th century and its collections offer a comprehensive overview of the visual
arts of the 20th century. Enjoy lunch at the Museum before heading on a tour In the late afternoon, transfer to the Biarritz airport or train station for your
of the most spectacular cellars of the Rioja. Stop for a tasting at Ysios, one of onward journey.


Black Heritage Break
Paris is known as the City of Lights and is the perfect
setting for romantic rendezvous, high
fashion, and gourmet cooking. However,
few people know that as early as the end of
the 18th century, during the tumultuous
period following the French Revolution up
to today, many African-Americans came to
France for more than fine cuisine and haute
couture dresses. They came seeking the one
thing denied to them in the United States:
liberty, equality and brotherhood.
While many famous Black Americans such
as Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong and Toni
Morrison, among others, visited Paris, some of
them took up exile during the 20th century.
Josephine Baker, Sidney Bechet, Richard
Wright, James Baldwin, and Chester Himes, to
name a few, have graced the city and the world
with their talents and have left an indelible
mark that attracts lovers and freedom-seekers
alike. Over the course of our journey, we will
talk to African-American writers and artists still
living in Paris. We will dine and delight in
enlightening discussions with people who knew
some of these famous people in order to get an
authentic taste of the African-American
experience in Paris. Following that, we will visit
charming cities and quaint villages in Provence
where the likes of James Baldwin and Nina
Simone lived and died, and Monaco, where
Josephine Baker lived for many years during times of
hardship thanks to her friend and admirer, Grace Kelly.
After visiting the areas where these men and women
lived and frequenting the cafes where they congregated,
you will be changed forever. You will never forget your
visit as France has not forgotten those who chose her as
a home and safe haven.

INCLUDES
• Two nights in a lovely château-hotel in central Paris (deluxe room or • Gourmet multi-course dinners with wine (2 nights)
junior suite accommodation) • Walking tours of Paris' rich black heritage with English-speaking guide
• One night in a luxury Relais & Châteaux hotel in Provence (deluxe room (two half-days)
or junior suite accommodation) • Chauffeur-guided tour of Nice, Provence back-country and Monaco with
• One night in a fabulous palace hotel in Nice (deluxe room or junior suite English-speaking guide (two days)
accommodation) • Monoclass flight from Paris to Nice
• Breakfast (4 mornings) • Limousine transfers to/from Paris airport, railway station or hotel


B L A C K H E R I T A G E I T I N E R A R Y

Day One. In the afternoon, we will start the Paris walking Day Three. We will travel to the south of France to visit the
tour in the areas where James Baldwin, Josephine Baker, scenic back-country mountain villages of Provence,
Richard Wright, and Chester Himes once lived. We will including where James Baldwin held residence until his
also visit several cafes. In the evening, you will have a time death. That evening you'll enjoy a gastronomic meal in your
to rest before going to dine in one of the famous fine château-hotel.
restaurants favored by many Black Americans. Day Four. After a sumptuous breakfast, you will continue
Day Two. You will have the morning to rest up. In the your tour of the back-country to Monaco, where Josephine
afternoon, we will resume our walking tour by visiting areas Baker lived. The last evening will be in a fabulous palace
where many jazz musicians, Josephine Baker, and others hotel near the famous Promenade des Anglais in Nice,
have visited. Hear about NAACP co-founder W.E.B. where Nina Simone lived.
Dubois' early visit to the 1900 Paris Exhibition and later Day Five. After breakfast, you'll make your way to the Nice
meetings with Black African leaders fighting colonial rule. airport for your flight home.
Hear about the many former black American activists who
Optional night(s) in Nice after the break can be arranged, or you may
sought refuge in Paris during the McCarthy era and combine this with another Paris-region luxury break. We can also extend
inspiration during the civil rights struggles. In the evening, this by one day to include the Châteaux Milandes (Dordogne), where
you will be free to discover Paris nightlife on your own. Josephine Baker lived with her “Rainbow Tribe.”

They came seeking the one thing denied to them in the United States:

liberty, equality and brotherhood.


Bordeaux
Wine & Cognac
This 3-day break offers two treasures of the South West
region: wine and Cognac. Sojourn in a renaissance style
castle conveniently situated between Cognac and
Bordeaux that is totally devoted
to relaxation and well-being. -
From there you can enjoy the
charm of prestigious Saint Emilion
or Medoc Bordeaux vineyards as
well as the Cognac region, and the
secrets of distillation of the finest
“French brandy”.

INCLUDES
• Three days vehicle with English-speaking driver-guide
• Two night’s accommodation at the Chateau de Mirambeau in a
Deluxe room or Junior suite
• Buffet breakfast every day
• Chateaux visits and tastings.
• VIP arrival amenities and welcome at your hotel


B O R D E A U X W I N E & C O G N A C I T I N E R A R Y

Day One. BORDEAUX—CHATEAU DE MIRAMBEAU After luncheon, the afternoon will be devoted to the discovery
Upon arrival in Bordeaux (late morning), you will be greeted by of Saint Emilion region’vineyards. During this wine tour, through
your expert driver/guide for a 3 hour-tour of Bordeaux. From the the visit of Chateaux and tasting you’ll discover wines of excep-
vestiges of the Middle-Ages to the elegance of 18th century tion and the art of tasting.
you’ll discover the different golden ages of Bordeaux's history,
Day Three. COGNAC REGION AND DISTILLERIES
dominated by the wine trade and various colonial influences.
Your driver-guide will take you on a discovery of this superb
Lunch at your convenience in the old town of the city.
region whose reputation belongs both to its rich architectural
Next, you’ll head North to your fabulous Chateau-hotel
heritage and its famous brandy. In the historical towns of
where you can relax for the rest of the day. The chateau offers
Cognac and Jarnac you’ll discover the cellars of such prestigious
various activities on the spot: jogging and cycling tracks : a large
distillers as Hennessy, Otard, and Martell, Hine, or Courvoisier
park, two swimming pools, a spa center, 2 tennis courts, tasting
and “les Paradis”, the secret of Cognac collections. You’ll
sessions and cooking classes.
meet the producers of the Grande Champagne vineyards and
Day Two. SAINT EMILION TOWN AND VINEYARDS the 1st growth of Cognac. The slopes of the “Champagne” (the
Discover Saint-Emilion, an enchanting, medieval town that stands word comes from the Latin for “chalk”) districts—Cognac,
proudly at the top of a hill overlooking the Dordogne valley, and Segonzac—yield the highest quality brandy. The outlying “Bois”
built in the shape of an amphitheatre. Saint Emilion is an incredi- or wooded areas still bear the scars of huge swathes of forest
ble open-air museum. The most surprising remains are without felled in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, to provide
doubt its underground monuments: galleries covering more than firewood for Cognac's stills and timber for the shipyards at La
150 acres and the breathtaking monolithic church, dug out of solid Rochelle. Transfer in the late afternoon to the Bordeaux airport
limestone. You will end your visit of the town with a wine tasting in or the Angoulême TGV station.
one of its numerous cellars.

In Cognac and Jarnac you’ll discover the cellars of prestigious distillers

and “les Paradis”, the secret of Cognac collections.


Bordeaux
Wine & City
Bordeaux is famous for its architecture and prestigious wines.
This luxury three-day break will take you into this magnificent city,
its universe of luxury and the pleasure of strolling through its
renowned vineyards.
Discover the various golden ages
of Bordeaux’s history, dominated by
the wine trade and colonial influ-
ences. The city’s architecture met
with nearly no stylistic changes for over
two centuries. The urban project
launched in 1996 by the Mayor Alain
Juppé was made concrete by the cleaning
of façades, the development of the quays
along the Garonne River, the commission-
ing of the brand-new tram and the creation
of pedestrian zones. Bordeaux is a now a
UNESCO-listed architectural gem. It is also
France’s capital of élégance.
Vineyards span 120,000 hectares
around Bordeaux — the world’s oldest
winegrowing area. Your tour will take you
through the most prominent wine districts
located on the left and right banks of the
Gironde estuary. From Saint Emilion and its
medieval town to the Medoc area with
Margaux and Saint-Estéphe appellations,
and finally to the Sauternes’ fabulously
sweet wines, you will understand why
Bordeaux wines are so celebrated.

INCLUDES
• Three days of touring in vehicle with English-speaking driver-guide
• Two nights of accommodations at the luxurious Regent Grand Hotel Bordeaux
• Admission to châteaux and other sites


B O R D E A U X W I N E & C I T Y I T I N E R A R Y

Day One. BORDEAUX CITY TOUR & SAINT EMILION. and Lafitte-Rothschild, which reflect the prosperity and pres-
Upon arrival at the Bordeaux train station or Bordeaux Merignac tige of Bordeaux. Enjoy a visit of the astounding Mouton-
airport late morning, you will be met by your expert driver-guide Rothschild museum and tastings of great Bordeaux wines, and a
and transferred to the Regent Grand Hotel Bordeaux located in primer on the nomenclature of appellations and classifications.
the heart of the city. After lunch, your driver-guide will meet you Savor lunch at a typical Medoc restaurant.
for a one and half hour city tour followed by the visit of the After lunch, discover the Citadel of Blaye and the hillside
medieval town of Saint Emilion and its underground monu- region facing the Medoc, which you will reach by crossing the
ments. End your visit with a wine tasting in one of the numerous river on a ferry from the little harbour of Lamarque. Dine at your
cellars that the city offers. That evening, you may enjoy a gour- convenience in Bordeaux.
met dinner at the Hostellerie de Plaisance in Saint Emilion,
which is rated with two Michelin stars (reservation required), or Day Three. WINES OF THE GRAVES REGION
return to Bordeaux for a relaxing evening. After breakfast, your chauffeur will take to the Graves region,
which includes the well-known Château Smith Haut Laffite. The
Day Two. VISIT OF THE MEDOC CHÂTEAUX AND HILLSIDES day will be devoted to wines of the region characterised by their
Your driver-guide will meet you after breakfast for a trip to the diversity and their prestige. The reds are both powerful and full
Medoc wine region. The region, located between the Atlantic bodied. The dry whites are elegant and delicate and the sweet
to the west and Europe’s widest estuary to the east, stretches white wines are luscious. Enjoy lunch at the restaurant la Table
over 80 km north of Bordeaux to the Pointe de Grave. This du Lavoir. You will stop at well known châteaux and enjoy an his-
exceptional region is home to Bordeaux’s most prestigious torical discovery as well as a fascinating tasting.
Great Classified and many Bourgeois vines. You will pass many At the end of the day, your driver will transfer you to the
famous châteaux such as Margaux, Latour, Mouton-Rothschild Bordeaux train station or Bordeaux Merignac Airport.

Enjoy a visit of the astounding Mouton-Rothschild museum and tastings of great

Bordeaux wines, and a primer on the nomenclature of appellations and classifications.


Bordeaux Wine & Spa

During this relaxing break where beau-
ty, luxury and pleasure prevail, discover
and enjoy the French art de vivre.
Sojourn at the luxury hotel-spa Les
Sources de Caudalie, the first
vinothérapie spa based on grape cures.
The hotel, which feels like a country
home with wood paneling and pastoral
views, is nestled in the vineyards of the
Château Smith Haut Lafitte in the
Graves region, 20 minutes from the
center of Bordeaux.
You will be pampered delightfully in
an environment of rare beauty. From
there, you’ll explore the region’s pres-
tigious vineyards and wine estates. The
vineyards span 120,000 hectares
around Bordeaux and comprise the
world’s oldest winegrowing area. Your
tour will take you through the most
prominent wine districts, from Saint
Emilion and its medieval town to the
Medoc area with Margaux, Saint-
Estèphe and Sauternes wines.
The city, a UNESCO-listed site, is
exemplary thanks to the unity of its
urban and architectural expression.
You will discover the different golden
ages of Bordeaux’s history, dominat-
ed by the wine trade and various colo-
nial influences. The architecture met
with nearly no stylistic changes for
over two centuries.

INCLUDES
• Three days of touring in luxury sedan or minivan with English-speaking driver-guide
• Two nights of accommodations at the country spa and inn Les Sources de Caudalie
• Entry fees to châteaux, tastings, Mouton-Rothschild Museum and sites.


B O R D E A U X W I N E & S P A I T I N E R A R Y

Day One. Your expert driver-guide will meet you upon your Visit the beautiful Mouton-Rothschild museum. Enjoy a tasting
arrival in Bordeaux by the end of the morning. Your first visit will and introduction to Great Bordeaux wines appellations and
be the city of Bordeaux. From the vestiges of the Middle Ages classifications. Stop for lunch at a typical Medoc restaurant.
to the elegance of 18th century, discover the different golden Return in time to relax or enjoy a second spa treatment, before
ages of Bordeaux's history, dominated by the wine trade and having dinner in the gastronomic restaurant.
various colonial influences. Enjoy lunch at your convenience in Day Three. SAINT EMILION & GRAVES REGION
the city. The old town abounds with little restaurants and Your driver will take you 45 minutes northeast to Saint Emilion.
bistros where you can enjoy local gastronomy such as Entrecote This medieval town stands proudly at the top of a hill overlook-
Bordelaise (Bordeaux-fashion steak), fish, shellfish and ing the Dordogne valley. Saint Emilion is an enchantment and an
cheese, all served with a carefully chosen wine. After lunch, incredible open-air museum. The most surprising remains are
you’ll be transferred to your hotel and experience an unforget- without doubt its underground monuments: galleries covering
table moment at the acclaimed wine-therapy spa. Dine at your more than 150 acres and the breathtaking, monolithic church
convenience. dug out of solid limestone. You will end your visit with a wine
tasting in one of the numerous cellars that the city offers. Enjoy
Day Two. VISIT OF THE MEDOC CHATEAUX ROAD lunch in one of the city’s great restaurants.
Morning departure in the company of your driver-guide to the The afternoon will be devoted to discovering the Graves
Médoc region, which stretches over 80 km north of Bordeaux to region and some of the better known châteaux. Graves wines
the Pointe de Grave. This exceptional region is home to are characterized by their diversity and their prestige. The reds
Bordeaux’s most prestigious Crus Grand Classés and many are both powerful and full bodied, the dry whites elegant and
Bourgeois Crus. You will pass by many famous châteaux such as delicate and the sweet white wines opulent and luscious.
Margaux, Latour, Mouton-Rothschild and Lafitte-Rothschild, At the end of the day, your driver will transfer you to the
which reflect the prosperity and prestige of Bordeaux wines. Bordeaux train station or airport for your onward journey.

This exceptional region is home to Bordeaux’s most prestigious

Crus Grand Classés and many Bourgeois Crus.


Burgundy Wine
& Heritage
Wine is what Burgundy is known for, but
there is much more to
experience. This luxury
three-day break will
treat you to gastronomic
delights and teach you
how a single grape vari-
ety can offer infinite
range of harmonious
wines, which are among
the most well-known
and expensive in the
world. Discover the
region’s Grands Crus
and visit family estates
and carefully selected
producers.
The region also
enjoys a rich and var-
ied heritage to explore.
While strolling on the
wine routes lined with
world famous estates,
discover incomparable
sites from Roman civiliza-
tion, trace the footsteps
of Cistercian monks and
the Dukes of Burgundy.
Relish the fine cuisine of
the region, rooted in tra-
dition yet full of subtle
flavours: freshwater trout, carp or pike-
perch, Bresse poultry, Charolais beef and
escargots.

INCLUDES
• Transfers from/to Dijon or Macon TGV station
• Transportation in a luxurious sedan with an English-speaking driver-guide for three days
• Two nights of accommodations at the Château de Gilly in a junior suite
• Two wine tasting lunches and wine tastings at winegrowers carefully selected by your guide


B U R G U N D Y W I N E I T I N E R A R Y

Day One. LEGENDARY CÔTES DE NUIT Day Two. PRESTIGIOUS CÔTES DE BEAUNE
Your English-speaking driver-guide will meet you at the Dijon After breakfast, embark on full day in the Côtes de Beaune with
train station upon arrival. Transfer to the Chateau de Gilly in your private driver-guide. Discover and experience the region
Vougeot (a half-hour drive), formerly the residence of Cistercian of some of the most prestigious white wines in the world.
monks between the 13th and 17th centuries. Located in the heart Experience the vineyards of Corton-Charlemagne, Meursault,
of Burgundy’s vineyards between Dijon and Beaune, it stands in Puligny-Montrachet, Chassagne-Montrachet, Santenay. Taste
grandeur in the heart of Burgundy wine country. The château’s some of the best crus during stops in the vineyards and at a
14th-century Cistercian origins contrast with the ornamental style wine estate.
of the 17th century, creating a palatial, moated residence stand- Savour a tasting lunch followed by a relaxing stroll through
ing in formal gardens. The estate comprises several historic build- the ancient city of Beaune, which boasts a splendid architectur-
ings, including the stone-vaulted cellar, now a fine restaurant. al heritage and the unique Hotel-Dieu, a marvel of Burgundy-
Guest rooms are decorative with detailed woodwork, fireplaces Flemish art dating from 1443. Its medieval decor has survived
and French ceilings. The cuisine and wines (from a 15,000 bottle intact and was used as a general hospital until 1971.
cellar) are a worthy tribute to Burgundy gastronomy.
Enjoy an afternoon private tour of the Côtes de Nuit. Savour Day Three. We offer three distinct customizable options for
some of the best wines during stops in the vineyards and at wine your third day. Choose between a full day in the Côte
estates. Discover and experience the prestigious vineyards of Chalonnaise and Maconnais regions; a full day in Beaujolais; or
Vosne-Romanée, Vougeot, Chambolle-Musigny, Morey Saint a Dijon City Tour.
Denis, Gevrey-Chambertin. Upon your return to the hotel, you
may dine at your convenience.

Discover and experience the prestigious vineyards of Vosne-Romanée, Vougeot,

Chambolle-Musigny, Morey Saint Denis, Gevrey-Chambertin.


Culinary Break
This luxury break is for the aspiring or
accomplished chef. Treat yourself to
a cooking course or demonstration
(in English or with a translator) at
one of the world’s finest cooking
schools or in the private home of a
French chef.
Depending on the dates you
select, the half or full-day programs
will vary from pastry cooking,
food/wine pairing, chef secrets,
cooking with wine and spirits, a Paris
market tour (followed by a cooking
demonstration and fabulous meal),
French regional cuisines (Southwest,
Provence, Alsace, Alpine, Lyon region,
Normandy, Brittany, Reunion,
French Caribbean, South
Pacific…), and bread baking.
Enjoy either a deluxe room
or junior suite in one of the
fabulous luxury boutique hotels in
the center of Paris that we have
selected. These are located in the
city’s most coveted neighborhoods
(Marais, Left Bank or Champs
Elysées) and offer a degree of
intimacy and charm that surpass all of
the large palaces and cookie-cutter
chain properties.
There will also be time for museum
visits, shopping, a makeover or
pampering, Paris walks and fine dining.
Optional night(s) in Paris after the
break can be arranged, or you may
combine this with another Paris-region
luxury break.

FrancePanache can also arrange culinary breaks in other French cities,
including Bordeaux, Lyon and Nice. Please contact us for more information.

INCLUDES
• Limousine transfers to/from one of the Paris airports or railway stations to your hotel
• Two nights in a fabulous boutique hotel in the center of Paris
• Breakfast (two mornings)
• A full or half-day cooking course at a leading cooking school or in the private home of a French chef


Champagne Break
For the lover of true, vintage Champagne, this luxury
break is a veritable indulgence. EuroPanache will
meet you at the airport, train station or
your Paris hotel and whisk you to
the heart of Champagne country in
true luxury.
You’ll sojourn two nights in a
magnificent Relais & Châteaux
property, surrounded by pastoral
vineyards—a favorite stopover of
Napoleon I and, more recently, the
Queen Mother. Enjoy the best the
region has to offer, including a drive
through the scenic “Route
Touristique du Champagne”
or a cruise on the Marne
River with a Champagne
tasting (weather permitting)
and visits to renowned
champagne houses featuring
the finest millésime rose
and white vintages.
Your private guide/driver
can orient the tour as you wish
—to enjoy pastoral settings,
several of the UNESCO world
heritage monuments in the area
(including the magnificent cathedral in
Reims) or tiny villages and abbeys where
champagne greats like Dom Perignon and Dom
Ruinart once worked and lived.
Enjoy a gastronomic multi-course meal with
reserve champagne and wines in a Michelin star-
rated property (one of the finest in France).
Optional night(s) in Paris after the break
can be arranged, or you may combine this with
another Paris-region luxury break.

INCLUDES
• Two nights in a Relais & Châteaux property
(deluxe room or junior suite accommodation)
• Breakfast (two mornings)
• One gastronomic dinner with champagne
and wine
• Driving tour (private car) featuring some of the
finest champagne houses and the natural beauty of the region
• Transfers to/from Paris to the Champagne region (first class rail or private car)
• Private transfers to/from your hotel to the railway stations


Côte d’Azur
Enjoy the fabulous French Riviera coast
from St Tropez to Monaco. The province
of film-star legends and royalty, this region is
renowned for its romantic villages, seaside
villas, Mediterranean views, lush gardens,
deep grottos and winding cornices.
From the azure blue coast and its lovely
beaches, the Croisette of Cannes and the chic
town of St Tropez, you’ll revel in star-studded
elegance and opulence. You’ll understand why
this region has been the favorite of glitterati and
old money alike since la Belle Époque.
Take time to venture into the backcountry to visit
mountain gorges and walk the cobbled streets in
perched villages from the middle ages. See
fields of lavender and experience essences
of perfumes for yourself. Dabble in the
healthy olive oil and herb-based cui-
sine of the region and sample the
wines of the Var.

INCLUDES
• Transfers to and from Nice airport or train station
• Two days of private tours in a luxury sedan or minivan with driver-guide
• Two nights in a historic hotel in St Paul de Vence or in a luxury resort between Nice and Monaco with breakfast and VIP welcome and amenities
• One wine tasting and one gourmet lunch


C Ô T E D ’ A Z U R I T I N E R A R Y

Day One. Your driver will pick you up at the Nice airport or train Day Three. After breakfast, your driver will take you to explore
station and bring you to your hotel — either a luxury seaside the Eastern Riviera. Visit the city of Nice, with its beautiful
resort between Nice and Monaco or historic property in the flower market, English Promenade, charming Vieux Port and
perched village of Saint Paul de Vence. Matisse and Chagall Museums. On the way to Monaco, stop
in St Jean de Cap Ferrat to visit the Ephrussi De Rothschild
Day Two. After breakfast, your driver-guide will pick you up Mansion and Gardens – one of the prettiest on the coast, and
to explore the Western Riviera. Enjoy a visit to St Paul de the Villa Kerylos — a reconstituted fifth century BC Greek
Vence, one of the prettiest perched villages above Nice, Villa with incredible mosaics, design, lighting and furnishings in
with a fine art museum and galleries galore. Stop in Grasse, the très chic village of Beaulieu-sur-Mer. Have lunch in one of
which is famous for perfumes and where you'll be treated the seaside resort’s many restaurants. Once in Monaco, you’ll
to a VIP tour of a renowned perfume museum. After that, visit the Casino square, palace and cathedral where Grace
proceed to Cannes to stroll down the famous seafront Kelly was married. Finally, you’ll visit Eze; a scenic village
Croisette — where stars come from the world over during perched high in the cliffs above Monaco. The medieval town
the Cannes Film Festival. Next, head to the Var region, with its meandering cobblestone streets offers many interest-
where you will enjoy lunch at Chez Bruno, a restaurant ing boutiques. You can admire the amazing coastal views for
famous for truffles, and then onto a wine tasting. The the cactus garden at the top before heading to your hotel or
Phoenicians planted the region’s first vineyards 2,600 the Nice airport or train station for your onward journey.
years ago and the rosés, whites and light reds are quite
good. Finally, visit St Tropez, a charming seaside town Day Four (optional). Enjoy extra days in the region, where we
where the jet set from the world over converges — it has can arrange cooking classes, art tours (Riviera painters), a hik-
shopping, beautiful people, beaches and a yacht harbor ing tour in the Gorges de Verdon — our French Grand
that is unrivalled. Canyon, or just relax in your lovely hotel.

For a full experience of Provence, this package

should be combined with our Haute Provence Break.


Dordogne—Périgord

Situated at the heart of south-
western France, this land-locked
region is home to spectacular
sites and monuments, which
provide endless opportunities to
discover culture, the local way
of life, pre-historic remains,
charming villages, delightful
scenery and famous medieval
castles.
You can visit medieval
castles, prehistoric caves and
beautiful villages, cruise down
the Dordogne river, and taste
wines, foie gras, confit de
canard and other specialties
from the Périgord. This region
really is a feast for the senses!
Stay at an authentic chateau
dating from 1597 set in 450
acres of stunning countryside, in
the heart of the wine districts of
the Dordogne. Whether you
prefer touring, playing a few
rounds of golf, spa treatments,
swimming, cycling, kayaking or
just being pampered and eating
the rich local fare to your heart’s
delight, your stay will be made
as enjoyable as possible.

INCLUDES
• Return transfers from Bergerac airport or Libourne TGV station
• Three and a half days of private touring in a sedan or minibus
• Three nights in an authentic and renowned Chateau des Vigiers
• Breakfast and Taxes


D O R D O G N E — P É R I G O R D I T I N E R A R Y

Day One. BERGERAC, THE PURPLE PERIGORD prehistoric sites and caves dating from the Palaeolithic era. The
Upon arrival at Bergerac airport or Libourne TGV station late Grotto of Font-de-Gaume, has dozens of polychrome paintings by
morning, you will be met by your driver /guide. Embark on a tour Stone Age men from 25,000 BC. The most stunning painting is a
of the Purple Périgord, which takes its name from the vine leaves frieze of five bison discovered in 1966 during cleaning operations.
that turn purple in the autumn. Enjoy a city tour of Bergerac, a visit The Proumeyssac Caves, also known as the Crystal Cathedral,
to one of the castles in the area, the Château of Monbazillac, and are a dense and varied underground vault of stalactites and
finally a wine tasting of a rich palette of red, rosé and white wines stalagmites and are the largest developed cave in the Périgord.
from the region. Evening free at your chateau-hotel. Although the famous Lascaux Caves are closed to the public, a
replica ‘cave' has been created at Montignac, 200 metres from the
Day Two. DORDOGNE VALLEY original cave, where two of the galleries have been reproduced:
Your driver-guide will meet you after breakfast to visit the Black the Great Hall of the Bulls and the Painted Gallery. After lunch,
Périgord, where several of the most beautiful villages in France are visit the recently renovated National Prehistoric Museum to learn
found. First stop is a visit to a magnificent village that has managed about the amazing discoveries that were made in this region.
to retain all its medieval charm. Navigate up paved and steep little
lanes and take timeworn stone stairways to be able to admire the
Day Four. SARLAT AND THE ERYGNAC GARDENS
unhindered views of the Dordogne. Visit several medieval castles
The last day will be a little less hectic with plenty of free time to
from the 12th and 13th Centuries. These feature dungeons, spooky
explore Sarlat. From the 8th century – it is the jewel in the crown
passages and period rooms from medieval times.
of the Périgord Noir – famous for medieval art, and has the highest
After lunch, enjoy a boat cruise down the Dordogne River in a
number of listed buildings per square metre in Europe.
traditional flat-bottomed boat past the Pendoïlles cliffs. Stop in the
Every Wednesday and Saturday there are markets on in Sarlat
charming village of Dome on your return transfer to your Chateaux-
featuring specialties of the region.
hotel, where you can enjoy the evening off.
After lunch, visit of the Gardens of Eyrignac Manor. The
Day Three. LE PÉRIGORDPRÉHISTORIQUE/ gardens, among the most stunning in France were laid out in the
PREHISTORICAL PERIGORD 18th century and transformed in the 19th century into an English
Today you’ll visit some of UNESCO World Heritage listed garden. Time permitting, stop at a truffle farm.


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