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From
city chic to pastoral serenity, this trip will
take you through some of the most intriguing
areas of France. Romance, excellent dining,
history, and cultural and artistic diversions
will be part of your experience here.
 In
Paris, you will be whisked away by private transfer
to Hotel D'Aubusson, an upscale and luxurious
property in the Bohemian Left Bank district
of St. Germain. Its spacious rooms, historic
courtyard and access to charming restaurants
and cafes will make your immersion to the Parisian
lifestyle all the more enjoyable.
 As
you wander through Paris, you'll discover that
there is more to this romantic "City of Light"
than its most celebrated landmark, the Eiffel
Tower. Surrounding Hotel D'Aubusson is the Latin
Quarter, the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame, and
not to mention local bistros, galleries and
nightclubs. In the cosmopolitan Right Bank (north
bank of the Seine River), you can find the Champs
Elysees, the Louvre and excellent city views
from the top of the Arc de Triomphe. Take a
walk through the cobblestone streets of Montmarte
or stroll through the trendy area near the Bastille,
where you will find numerous cafes, clubs and
restaurants. The surrounding environs are also
worth a visit - the lavish Palace at Versailles
and its gardens; Monet's home in Giverny; or
the castle at Fountainebleau.
 It
will be difficult to leave such a captivating
and romantic city, but there is more in store
for you as you make your way south through France.
The high-speed TGV train from Paris will take
you to the lush Loire River valley. This architecturally
intriguing region was once the playground of
the French nobility. There are rolling hills,
vineyards and extravagant chateaux, which were
built as palaces and regional residences for
royalty.
 Your
private transfer from the town of Tours will
lead you to Chateau de Marcay, a lovely 15th-century
castle-hotel in medieval Chinon. Its fine selection
of wines and refined cuisine can be enjoyed
in the lovely garden terrace or restaurant.
The vineyard-embraced grounds are a perfect
setting for country walks and its attentive
staff will make you feel like royalty.
Touring
the valley on bike, drifting above the countryside
in a hot air balloon, or taking a leisurely
cruise down the river are just some of the activities
that you can partake of in this scenic region.
In addition, the largest and most lavish Chateau
in Chambord is a sight not to be missed.
 Further
south of the Loire is the Provence region, where
its slow pace of life inspired the impressionists
in the late 1800s. The charming towns and pastoral
scenery still endure today. Your base for exploration
will be Hotel de la Mirande in Avignon, which
occupies a former 18th-century cardinal's palace
that faces the Palace of the Popes. You'll enjoy
spending time in your lavishly appointed room,
complete with hand-printed upholstery and wall
coverings, antique accents, and luxurious marble
baths. Enjoy a romantic dinner at the restaurant
or learn the art of French cooking at their
cooking school.
There
is much to see and do in town - visit a local
market, take a boat ride along the Rhone, or
meander through the narrow streets and medieval
alleys and observe the protective ring of towers.
Along
with Avignon, the towns of Arles and Aix should
not be missed. Arles, the former capital of
Roman Gaul, is home to wonderful churches, museums
and Roman ruins. Its olive groves and limestone
hills inspired the artist Van Gogh. Aix offers
thriving markets, a vibrant café culture and
a world-class music festival.
As
you leave on your return flight home from Marseille,
you will leave with a deeper understanding of
France and all that its diverse regions have
to offer.
Who
will enjoy this trip:
Those with an interest in French culture and
history. If you are lovers of food and wine,
you won't be disappointed here. Those interested
in a metropolitan and rural experience.
Who
should avoid this trip:
Those who wish to relax without covering a lot
of ground Travelers without willingness to brush
up their basic French skills in some friendly
but more provincial areas of the country.
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