Immersive France
This trip was designed for a family of 3 adult Francophiles at heart. They wanted to experience as much off-the-beaten-path of France as possible, and couldn’t decide for themselves where to go - too many lovely places! They left the design to me, a former France resident and France expert.
PARIS
LOIRE VALLEY
BORDEAUX
CARCASSONNE
This 18-day journey was designed for a deep-dive into the vast regional diversity of western and southwestern France. They started in the iconic capital of Paris for a short visit, and then ventured onward to famous châteaux, wine country, a medieval fortress, and finally, a hidden Mediterranean fishing village, voted the #1 vacation destination by the French themselves. The trip balanced iconic landmarks with quiet, local immersion, and focused on seamless movement between the distinct regions.
Accommodations
Experiences
Logistics
I selected hotels that represented the region where they stayed: a centrally located boutique hotel in Paris, a converted chateau in the Loire Valley, and a quiet little waterfront refuge in Collioure. They were more than a place to stay; they were an experience of the local region themselves.
The best experience in these regions require a mix of private and self-guided exploration. Highlights included a private tour of the Loire chateaux, a wine tastings in the vineyards of Bordeaux, and sunset walks along the ramparts of Carcassonne. The itinerary ended in the vibrant, artistic atmosphere of waterfront Collioure for a slower pace at the journey’s end.
Managing the transitions between five distinct regions required a precise mix of first-class rail segments and private transfers. By structuring a route that flowed logically from the center to the southwest, I removed the friction of long travel days, ensuring that the transitions were as enjoyable as the destinations themselves.
COLLIOURE