The Champagne and Châteaux Tour

Day 1

Upon your arrival at our 4* Paris hotel, you’ll have time to freshen up and relax with an aperitif before meeting your fellow travelers. We’ll then make our way to the Eiffel Tower, where we’ll be dining upstairs at Restaurant Madame Brasserie. Enjoy the glittering, night-time views of Paris as you indulge in a four course Grande Dame dinner accompanied by wine and, of course, champagne.

Day 2

This morning, we’re off on a two-hour Tuk Tuk (golf cart) orientation tour of the highlights and monuments of this incredible City. Photo opportunities abound as we see such iconic sites as the Louvre, the Champs Elysee, Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame and many more. Afterwards, you’ll be free to explore on your one free day in Paris – visit one of the numerous Parisian museums, explore historic landmarks, do a bit of designer shopping or simply stroll along the Seine.

Day 3

Our chateaux visits begin today with the grandest of them all, the Palace of Versailles, one of the most famous sites in France.  This massive, fairytale Palace, seat of royalty from Louis XIV to Louis XVI, contains 2,300 rooms and our tour will include the breath-takingly decadent interiors, including the Hall of Mirrors, the King’s Grand Apartments, the Battles Gallery, Madame de Pompadour’s Apartment, the Coronation Room and more. Outside, you’ll explore the formal gardens and Marie Antoinette’s whimsical Petit Trianon, remodeled to her specifications in 1775. Listen to incredible stories about the Sun King and life at court as you explore the Palace grounds and outbuildings.  After lunch at the garden restaurant, we’ll head to the Grand Trianon and learn why Louis XIV built this private residence for himself and his mistress, Madame de Montespan. You’ll then have time to explore the majestic gardens at your leisure.

Day 4

This morning, we’ll be met by our guide for the drive to the Champagne region. Enjoy a fresh croissant while our guide explains the history and production of champagne. Our first stop will be at one of the prestigious champagne estates (Moët & Chandon, Mumm, Veuve Clicquot or Pommery). After touring the vineyards and exploring the cellars, we’ll taste several varieties of champagne and learn how to identify the characteristics of each wine. Afterwards, we’ll stop for an authentic, regional lunch accompanied by several glasses of champagne such as Blanc de Blancs, Blanc de Noirs, Champagne Rosé, and ratafias (sweet liqueur). After lunch, enjoy a digestive drive through the countryside vineyards of the Côte des Blancs and Vallée de la Marne while learning more about the production of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier. Last, but not least, we’ll visit a family-run winery to taste several delicious champagnes and master the art of sabrage (removing the cork with a sabre) as well as how to properly perform disgorgement “à la volée” (the more traditional way of uncorking a champagne bottle).

Day 5

The day begins with a drive to the Palace at Fontainebleau for a private tour of this Renaissance gem that sits in the town of the same name. A fortified castle was recorded on the site in 1137 and over the centuries Fontainebleau has been extended by Catherine di Medici and used as a hunting lodge by King Louis XIV, who further extended it and employed André Le Nȏtre to design the formal gardens.  Napoleon chose Fontainebleau as the site of his historic 1804 meeting with Pope Pius VII, who had travelled from Rome to crown Napoleon Emperor. Napoleon spent the last days of his reign at Fontainebleau, before abdicating there on 4 April 1814.

 There will be time for lunch or drink before we’re driven to Château Vaux-le-Vicomte for a private tour. Completed in 1661 and designed by Louis Le Vau for Nicolas Fouquet, finance minister to King Louis XIV, the Château is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture. The interiors were overseen by the painter Charles le Brun and the gardens, designed by André Le Nȏtre, were the prototype for those he later laid out at Versailles.

Day 6

Today we visit another estate that demands an entire day to itself, Domaine de Chantilly, created by Henri d’Orléans, Duke of Aumale, son of the last King of France, Louis-Philippe.  There are two châteaux at Chantilly, the Petit Château and the Grand Château, which was destroyed during the French Revolution and rebuilt in the 1870’s. The art at Chantilly comprises one of the largest and finest collections in France, second only to the Louvre in Paris. During our visit, we’ll view Chantilly’s breathtaking interiors, including the state reception rooms, private apartments and the extensive library with its priceless, world-famous manuscripts. 

Beyond the Château, we’ll visit the magnificent Stables, a veritable palace for horses, built from 1719 to 1735. The Great Stables are home to the Museum of the Horse, examining the relationship between man and horse since the beginning of civilization. The Stables are also show stables, home to a resident Equestrian Troop who mount displays of horsemanship daily. 

You may wish to get lunch at one of the three restaurants on-site, but do leave room for dessert – topped with Chantilly cream. During the 17^th century, the Château’s chef, François Vatel, created crème Chantilly, a sweet, vanilla-flavored whipped cream. During our visit, one of the estate’s chefs will demonstrate exactly how it’s made and serve it to us over dessert. Afterwards, you can explore the extensive gardens on your own or via the Little Train, offering a thirty-five minute drive through the gardens complete with commentary. 

All good things must come to an end, and this evening our tour ends with a gastronomic bang at a Farewell Dinner at the historic, 2 Michelin Star Le Train Bleu at the Gare de Lyon train station. The magnificent interiors whisk diners back to the opulence of the Belle Epoque, while the seven-course menu, each course accompanied by wine, will help us to celebrate a week very well spent, indeed.