Day 1: Paris
Your private tour begins at Notre Dame. Now fully reopened after years of meticulous restoration, Notre Dame is once again at the top of every visitor’s list in Paris. The cathedral stands as one of the most outstanding achievements of French Gothic architecture, renowned for its flying buttresses, monumental façade, and detailed stone carvings that tell the stories of medieval Paris.
Next is Sainte-Chapelle, the stunning Gothic building built only 7 years ago, but which cost almost a tenth of the cost of the relics housed there.
The chapel is made up of 2 parts – the Upper Chapel, for the king and his family, and the Lower Chapel for the servants of the king. The Upper Chapel features extravagant decorations, which include exquisitely carved statues of the 12 apostles and beautifully painted ceilings. The main feature of this stunning building is the stained glass windows – the world’s largest display of Medieval glass, covering over 600 m 2.
Situated close to the Chappelle is the Conciergerie, a stunning Medieval building with a dark history. The building was used as a prison during the revolution, and many famous prisoners were held here until their fates, including Marie Antoinette.
The building has 4 main towers, one of which is the 47 M Tour d’Horloge, home to the oldest working public clock in Paris. This heavily decorated gilt clock, commissioned by Charles V in 1371, was created by Henry de Vic, one of France’s most renowned clock designers.
In the afternoon, we head to the Pompidou Center, which is universally recognized as Europe’s most important center for Modern Art. The building itself is steeped in controversy due to its very modern, polarizing design and its huge price tag. It cost almost £60 million, and that was in 1977 when it was completed! Inside the building, there is also a library housing over half a million books, as well as the main gallery, which houses 200,000 modern art exhibits. Your guide will plan your visit to ensure your tour includes all the works you want to see.
Day 2: Paris to Lyon
Today, your chauffeur will collect you and take you directly to the Gare de Lyon so that you can get the TGV (high-speed train) to Lyon for the Alpine leg of your tour. Lyon is France’s 3rd city and has been an important city across the ages from Roman times through to today. During World War II Lyon was the command center for the South of France as well as home to the Gestapo. Ironically, Lyon was also a stronghold for the Resistance during this period, with many of the freedom fighters using the city’s secret underground tunnels to move about.
Spend the afternoon in the Vieux Ville and explore the magnificent cathedral that has both Romanesque and Gothic architecture. The cathedral of Saint Jean took almost 300 years to complete and is famous for its amazing lamb rose stained glass windows created in the 12th Century. Enter through the huge oak doors and marvel at the incredible 16th-century astronomical clock, which features the automation of animals and people. Your guide will take you on a private tour of this wonderful building before visiting the archaeological gardens adjacent that contain remnants of a 4th-century church that was originally built on this site.
Finish the day in one of the bustling bars in the piazza and watch the world go round.
Day 3: Lyon
Today we spend exploring Lyon and its gastronomic heritage. Since 1935, Lyon has been recognized as the gastronomic capital of the world, and today it has over 4000 restaurants, of which 20 have one or more Michelin stars. Your tour starts with a private tour of Les Halles de Lyon, a covered market with over 50 artisan farmers and producers.
Learn why Lyon is a culinary capital and sample local delicacies paired with wines from the region.
In the afternoon visit, one of the local award-winning wine farms and have a private tour of the estate. Learn from your specialist guide about the wines from the region and what makes this area so perfect for wine growing. Learn about pairing wine and taste exquisite vintage wine paired with local cheeses and charcuterie.
In the evening, have dinner at one of the many Michelin-starred restaurants and taste the finest Lyon has to offer.
Day 4: Lyon to Aix-Les-Bains
Aix Les Bains is a thermal spa town situated on the Eastern shores of France’s largest lake, Lac du Bourget. This spa town was hugely popular in the 19th Century – royalty and noblemen were frequent visitors to the town in order to bathe in the restorative waters, and it is often called the Riviera of the Alps. Famous visitors include Queen Victoria, who, legend has it, saw a donkey being mistreated and was so shocked she bought the donkey and sent it to live in Buckingham Palace.
Today we start our tour at this beautiful lake, with its clear turquoise waters, and where the mountains literally seem to fall into the lake. Your guide will point out all the local flowers and fauna. For those more adventurous, have a kitesurfing lesson with an expert coach or hire a kayak to explore remote coves and beaches. Or simply have a ‘creme’ (this is what the locals call a white coffee) at one of the beach-fronted cafes and people watch.
In the afternoon, we head into town, and our first stop is the Temple of Diana – the historic Roman ruins located right in the town center, within the town hall.
Your guide will share with you the secrets and mysteries surrounding this 1st Century temple. The next stop is the Musee Faure, a wonderful museum filled with artworks by artists such as Cézanne, Sisley, Degas, and Pissarro. This museum also has the second-largest collection of Rodin sculptures in France.
In the evening, enjoy a tasting menu at one of the stunning restaurants situated on the shores of this magical lake.
Day 5: Aix-les-Bains to Annecy
Today, we head towards Annecy, known as the Venice of the Alps. This is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful towns in the whole of France, nestled on the shores of Lake Annecy, surrounded by snow-capped mountains. The old town is picture perfect, with cobbled, narrow streets and brightly colored houses lining the canals of this pretty town.
Your private tour starts at the Palais de l’isle, which is located on the Thiou canal and was built in the 12th Century. The building was originally built as a grand private house, then converted into a courthouse and prison. Today it is a museum that charts the history of Annecy throughout the last centuries. Your guide will then lead you through the old town, lined with art galleries, artisanal craft shops, as well as lively bars and restaurants. Stop for lunch and have one of the local delicacies – tartiflette, fondue, or raclette, whatever you choose, they are all delicious!
In the afternoon, we head to Les Jardins de l’Europe, a beautiful park located in the town center – look out for the statue of the famous French chemist Claude – Louis Berthollet, which has an English garden designed around plants planted in the 19th Century with over 600 deciduous trees.
Your day continues with a visit to the Pont d’Amour – let your guide tell you about the mysterious legend that surrounds this bridge. Our chauffeur will be waiting for us, and he will drive us on the short trip to see the magnificent Gorges de Fier. Your guide will explain how the gorge was created and point out the various misshapen rock formations that overhang the path. Walk along the walkways through the narrow and deep gorge that leads to a freshwater pool, and maybe have a swim in the crystal clear lake.
In the evening, dine at one of the sophisticated restaurants overlooking the lake.
Day 6: Annecy to Chambery
Chambery is the capital of Savoie, a department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, and this city is nestled in the heart of the Alps. The city has a very checkered past, switching hands between Italy and France, and was even occupied by Spain. It was not until 1861 that Chambery was permanently ceded to France.
We start our tour of this beautiful city at the Cathédrale Saint Francois de Sales, famed for having one of the largest collections of trompe l’oeil paintings in France, and your guide will explain the significance of each painting.
Your private tour continues to the Elephant Fountain, a strange site indeed in the middle of the French Alps. The Fontaines des Éléphants is a 17.6-meter-high fountain featuring the front of four elephants, known affectionately by the locals as “quatre sans cul”.
The fountains were made in honor of Général de Boigne, who donated some of the wealth that he accrued in the East Indies to Chambery.
Lunch in one of the many charming restaurants on the piazza and watch the locals play petanque.
In the afternoon, your guide will take you on a tour of the old town with its narrow cobbled streets lined with bars and cafes, as well as art galleries and artisanal bakeries and fromageries.
Day 7: Chambery to Lyon
Begin your day with a scenic 45-minute drive from Chambéry to Grenoble, nestled at the foot of the Alps.
Known as the “Capital of the Alps,” Grenoble offers a unique mix of vibrant city life and breathtaking natural landscapes.
Bastille Hill: Cable Car Ride
Begin your Grenoble adventure with a journey to Bastille Hill via the iconic “Les Bulles” cable car, which offers a seamless ascent to the historic 19th-century fortress.
As you glide upwards in the transparent bubble-shaped cabins, take in the expansive views of Grenoble’s cityscape set against the backdrop of the French Alps.
Exploring Bastille Hill
Upon reaching the summit, explore the fortress that has stood guard over Grenoble since the Middle Ages.
The site now serves as a fascinating blend of historical fortifications and modern leisure facilities. Wander through the alpine botanical garden, discovering a variety of mountain flora and fauna.
The panoramic terraces provide breathtaking vistas of the surrounding peaks, offering perfect photo opportunities and a moment to appreciate the region’s natural beauty.
Museum of Grenoble Private Tour
Continue your cultural exploration at the Museum of Grenoble, renowned for its extensive fine arts and antiquities collection.
This prestigious institution takes you on a journey through art history, from medieval masterpieces to modern and contemporary works.
Highlights of the museum include significant works by Matisse, Picasso, and Rubens, among others. Each room is meticulously curated, providing insight into different artistic movements and periods.
Historic Center: The Heart of Grenoble
Conclude your day with a stroll through Grenoble’s historic center. This area is alive with the hustle and bustle of daily life, set amidst a backdrop of medieval and baroque architecture.
Cultural and Culinary Delights
Discover the ancient cathedral, a testament to Grenoble’s rich history, and meander through the lively Place Saint-André. Here, the café terraces buzz with activity, offering a perfect setting to enjoy a coffee or sample local delicacies.
The pedestrian streets and quaint shops invite exploration, each turn revealing another aspect of Grenoble’s vibrant city life and its blend of history and modernity.
Day 8: Grenoble to Chamonix – Mont Blanc Adventure
Travel from Grenoble to Chamonix, a world-renowned alpine town offering spectacular views of Mont Blanc, Western Europe’s highest peak.
Aiguille du Midi: A Gateway to the High Alps
Your Chamonix adventure reaches new heights with a cable car journey to the Aiguille du Midi, a pinnacle that stands as a sentinel over the valley.
As you ascend, the panoramic vistas unfold, revealing the Mont Blanc massif in all its glory, along with a 360-degree view of the French, Swiss, and Italian Alps.
At the summit, step into the “Step into the Void” glass box, suspended over a precipitous 1000-meter drop. This unique attraction offers an adrenaline-pumping experience, allowing you to stand over the void with the Alps stretching beneath your feet.
Mer de Glace: Journey to the Heart of Ice
Board the Montenvers Railway, a timeless train that winds up the mountainside to France’s largest glacier, the Mer de Glace. The journey itself is a spectacle, offering glimpses of verdant forests and rugged terrain, culminating in the stunning expanse of the glacier.
At Mer de Glace, delve into the heart of the glacier by visiting the ice cave, carved anew each year to reveal the glacier’s deep blue interior.
The Glaciorium, a museum dedicated to glacial science, provides fascinating insights into the formation of glaciers, their role in the alpine ecosystem, and the impacts of climate change.
Chamonix Town
Spend a leisurely afternoon in the town of Chamonix, where the spirit of the Alps is palpable in every cobblestone and chalet. The town’s alpine architecture, with its wooden facades and blooming balconies, offers a picturesque backdrop for exploration.
Visit the Alpine Museum to deepen your understanding of Chamonix’s mountaineering heritage and the evolution of alpinism. Later, unwind in one of the town’s many restaurants, where the local cuisine and views of the towering peaks can be savored. Chamonix’s blend of cultural richness and natural beauty makes it the perfect place to reflect on your Alpine journey.
Day 9: Chamonix – Alpine Leisure and Adventure
Spend an additional day in Chamonix to fully immerse yourself in the alpine lifestyle and explore more of what this stunning region offers.
This day is dedicated to outdoor activities and relaxation, allowing you to appreciate the natural beauty and adventurous spirit of Chamonix.
Les Grands Montets: Adventure Awaits
Embrace the thrill at Les Grands Montets, where the slopes cater to the daring with challenging ski runs in winter. Come summer, these slopes morph into serene hiking trails, offering mesmerizing views of alpine peaks and icy glaciers, perfect for adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike.
Spa Indulgence: Mountain Serenity
After a morning of exhilaration, unwind in Chamonix’s opulent spas.
Treat yourself to holistic therapies that blend alpine herbs with traditional wellness practices. Immerse in the warmth of thermal pools or the tranquility of steam rooms, enveloped by the grandeur of the surrounding Alps.
Chamonix Valley
Elevate your perspective with a paragliding adventure over Chamonix Valley.
Glide alongside the majestic Mont Blanc, experiencing the landscape’s vastness and the serene beauty of the alpine world from above.
As dusk falls, meander through the valley’s picturesque villages like Argentière and Les Houches. These hamlets offer a glimpse into alpine life, with cozy eateries serving local fare and shops showcasing regional crafts set against the peaceful backdrop of the French Alps.
