Luxury Highlights of Paris, Champagne & Alsace - 10 Days

Highlights

• Relax and revive in your perfectly appointed room at Paris' legendary Ritz hotel
• Imbibe delicious local gastronomy and wine in Paris' artsy Marais district
• Soar across the lush vineyards of Champagne via hot-air balloon
• Step back into medieval times at Alsace's Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Paris, Eiffel Tower Sunset Tour 

Welcome to France! Your flight lands in Paris, otherwise known as the "City of Lights." This thriving metropolis blends far-reaching history with modern vibes, featuring ancient architecture alongside chic cafés, world-class museums, and high-end shopping. Your private driver will be waiting to transfer you to your accommodations at the legendary Ritz Paris. This 5-star retreat features rooms that exude Parisian chic, with marble fireplaces, ornate mirrors, and private terraces. Get checked in and regroup, enjoying a meal at the Michelin-starred restaurant, tea at the salon, or a dip in the spa's tranquil, heated pool.

Later this evening, start your exploration of the city with a private tour of one of Paris' most iconic landmarks, the Eiffel Tower. Built by Gustave Eiffel as a temporary exhibit for the 1889 World's Fair, this 1,049-foot (320 m) spire has stood the test of time, and now, no one could imagine Paris without it. Meet your guide, who will provide "skip the line" access tickets, and ascend to the second floor via elevator, where you'll enjoy panoramic views of the city. Continue to the summit for even better views, then walk down to the first floor while your guide shares more about the history of the tower.

Day 2: Treasures of Musée du Louvre, Cruise Along the Seine

Today starts with a deep dive into the home of some of the most historic artistic works of the Western world—Le Musée du Louvre. Originally built as a fortress and then used as a royal residence, the Louvre Museum was inaugurated as a museum in the late 1700s. Today, its collections are valued at more than 45 billion, with works that include the revered "Mona Lisa" and the "Venus de Milo."

Team up with a private local art historian, who will help you discover these masterpieces and others, sharing insight into the different works and their history. The 2.5-hour VIP tour bypasses the general admission lines, and you can specify which artists you'd prefer to see. Walk the quiet halls of this former royal palace and marvel at masters such as da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Delacroix as your guide helps to demystify and decode each piece.

Afterward, experience the best of the city of lights as you embark on a private river cruise along the Seine. Board your luxury vessel and meet your captain, then sip a glass of Champagne as you watch the cityscape pass by, taking in sights such as the Louvre, Notre-Dame, and the Grand Palais Garnier. Your guide will explain the history behind each site as you glide along the peaceful waters. Tonight, have dinner at a local café and see more of the city sights on your own. 

Day 3: Food & Wine of the Marais, Explore Medieval Sainte-Chapelle & Notre-Dame 

Venture into the chic Marais district today on a privately guided tour that's sure to please any foodies in your group. Stroll the streets of the bohemian Canal Saint-Martin area, imbibing in a wide array of local food and wine. Sample flaky, sweet pastries at one of Paris' top boulangeries, visit a historic covered market to try fresh fruit, meats, and cheeses, and stop at offbeat locales that many visitors don't get to see. The tour includes stops for wine tastings, with various local wines on offer, all accompanied by delicious snacks. 

Once you've sated your appetite, learn more about the city's medieval roots with a private tour of Notre-Dame and Sainte-Chapelle (Holy Chapel). Start at Notre-Dame, where you'll learn about the birth of Gothic art and the incredible history of this revered site. While restoration work after the fire of 2019 prevents interior visits until its reopening, you can still view the exterior architecture and grounds. Then, visit Sainte-Chapelle, a 13th-century chapel with golden arches and over 1,000 stained glass windows. Watch the light play across the glass as your guide explains the importance of these monuments.

Day 4: Discover Versailles Palace, Montmartre & Sacré-Coeur Walking Tour

Step back to the times of kings and queens today on a visit to the Palace and Park of Versailles. In the morning, meet your private guide and take a quick train ride to Versailles, where you'll exit the station and walk to the palace. This former royal residence, once the hunting pavilion of Louis XIII, was transformed into an opulent and decadent testament to France's "Le Grand Siècle" (the Great Century) by Louis XIV. You'll have the opportunity to see some of the 2,300 rooms that make up the palace, as well as the surrounding gardens. 

Your guide will whisk you past the waiting visitor queues and take you on an exclusive private tour that showcases the grandeur of the king and queen's apartments, the Hall of Mirrors, and the incredible Gardens à la Française. View the Gallery of Great Battles, the many art collections, and the garden's endless fountains and groves.

Stop for lunch, then head back to Paris in time for a private walking tour of the Montmartre neighborhood. This artists' haven is home to the former residences of greats such as Picasso, Modigliani, and Toulouse-Lautrec. Together with your guide, you'll see the district's most well-known sites, including the Moulin Rouge, known for being the birthplace of the cancan dance, the Rue Lepic, the Moulin de la Galette, and the Montmartre Vineyard. End at Sacré-Coeur, a Roman Catholic basilica sitting at the top of Montmartre's hill, taking in the panoramic views of the city. 

Day 5: Transfer to Reims, Champagne House & Winery Tour 

Your next destination is the city of Reims, located in the Grand Est and Champagne wine-growing regions of northeastern France. Known for its cathedral, which was the traditional location for the coronation of the kings of France, Reims is also the headquarters of some of the region's largest Champagne houses. You'll meet your private driver in the morning and make the 1.5-hour scenic transfer, then check in at Domaine Les Crayères Relais.

This 5-star château-style hotel sits nestled inside a large park and was once the home of the De Polignac family. Today, rooms exude French classicism and include deep soaking tubs, luxury linens, and incredible city views. The hotel's on-site restaurant, Le Parc, holds 2 Michelin stars and features cuisine by Chef Christophe Moret (it's also renowned as having the best Champagne and sparkling wine list in the world). Take some time to settle in, but don't spend too much time in your room just yet—this afternoon, you're off to visit Reim's top Champagne houses.

Your private tour starts with a drive through Épernay's Champagne Avenue and its various estates. Then, visit the Boizel Champagne House. This family-owned business has been making wines since 1834, with long aging periods that allow each Champagne to reach its full potential. Tour the cellars and taste their varietals, after which you'll continue to the town of Hautvillers, birthplace of Champagne and where the famous monk, Dom Pérignon, is buried. Finish at Le Clos Corbier House, where you'll test your knowledge with a Champagne quiz and have lunch—accompanied by the finest bubbly, of course.

Day 6: Reims City Tour, Sunset Balloon Flight Across Champagne

After breakfast, see more of Reims with a privately guided city tour. Start at Reims Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Europe's most renowned Gothic structures. See the stained glass windows and the 15th-century Gothic Organ Case, and walk among the more than 2,000 statues that adorn the cathedral. Then, step next door to the Palais du Tau, once the residence of the Archbishops of Reims and now showcasing an exhibit of the cathedral's treasury. You'll find many of the objects used in coronations, including the Holy Ampulla, the Chalice of Saint-Remi, and the Talisman of Charlemagne. 

The tour ends at the Porte de Mars (Gate of Mars), once part of a set of four monumental arches representing the gates of Durocortorum, the ancient name of Reims, and the only one that is still fully intact. Towering nearly 50 feet high (15 m), it's the largest known triumphal arch in the Roman world.

Later, see the countryside from a different view as you embark on a hot-air balloon flight across the breathtaking landscapes of Champagne. At the launch site, your pilot will take you through a safety briefing, and then you're off, soaring across the rolling vineyards and picturesque villages as the sun casts a golden glow over the tapestry of colors and textures below. Your guide will point out different sights and share the region's history as you go, offering you a new perspective and a greater appreciation of its natural beauty.

Day 7: Transfer to Colmar via Strasbourg, Free Afternoon

You're off to Colmar this morning, a historic city in France's Alsace region. Alsace, which borders Germany and Switzerland, has a storied past that includes both French and German control over the centuries, resulting in an unusual mix of the two cultures. Your private driver will collect you from your hotel, and you'll set out, stopping in Strasbourg, Alsace's capital, along the way.

Considered the epitome of Alsatian style, Strasbourg sits on the Ill River, which flows through the city via a series of 17th-century locks and channels. Upon arrival, you'll take a private tour of the city, with options to visit sites such as the cathedral of Notre-Dame-de-Strasbourg, known for its Gothic architecture and animated clock that dates back to the 1800s, or the Old Town district, where you'll see quaint, half-timbered houses and lively markets. If you prefer, you can also tour the city's Petite France district or take a "secret" tour of the Krutenau district. 

Continue to Colmar and your accommodations at the Hotel Le Maréchal, a beautifully appointed property and monument that dates back to 1565. Rooms here pay homage to classic French style, with touches of gold, luxury linens, warm colors, and options for views of the canals of Colmar's Little Venice district. After check-in, you can head out for a stroll around town, which looks to have been plucked straight from the pages of a medieval folk tale. Walk the twisting alleys, take Instagram-worthy pics of the colorful houses, or grab a snack at a café as you immerse yourself in the city. 

Day 8: Alsace Wine Route: Vineyards, Castles & Medieval Villages 

Explore the wonders of the Alsace Wine Route today. Depart with your private guide in the morning and visit the quaint villages and monuments of the region. Start at the medieval towns of Hunawihr, Riquewihr, and Ribeauvillé, where you'll enjoy a walking tour as your guide shares the history of each village alongside architectural facts and anecdotes. See Hunawihr's 15th-century church of Saint-Jacques-le-Majeur, visit Riquewihr's winemaker shops, and stroll along the ancient walls of Ribeauvillé, stopping for lunch at the location of your choice.

Then, continue to the Vosges Mountains, located near the German border and home to the medieval Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle. Originally built in the 12th century, this imposing fortress sits high above the Alsace plain at nearly 2,500 feet (757 m), offering incredible views of the plain and Vosges Mountain chain—on a clear day, you may even catch a far-distant glimpse of the Alps! See this impressive fortress's living quarters, courtyard, and armory collection, and walk around the ancient grounds. 

Spend the rest of the afternoon in a local Alsace vineyard, learning about Alsatian wines and visiting a family-owned winery. Meet the winemaker, who will share his passion for wines and offer a tasting of some of the region's best-known varietals. Try riesling, pinot gris, gewurtztraminer, and more, as your guide and host explain more about the winemaking process. Return to Colmar in time for a sunset stroll, then sit down to dinner at your hotel.

Day 9: Visit the Farms of the Munster Valley 

Make the most of your last day in France with a private tour through the lovely Munster Valley. Your guide will pick you up from your hotel after breakfast, starting with a visit to the village of Turckheim, an off-the-beaten-path destination with charming cobbled streets, half-timbered houses, and, if you happen to be there in winter, a lively holiday market. 

Continue along the wine route, stopping at a local winemaker for a tasting along the way and driving along the beautiful landscapes of the Route des Crêtes. Visit a local farm for lunch, where you'll enjoy a marcaire (farm-produced) meal and meet some of the farm animals, then end at a goat farm to learn the art of processing goat cheese. Afterward, you'll drive back to Colmar, where you can catch up on any of the city sights you may have missed earlier or do some last-minute souvenir shopping. 

Day 10: Transfer to Zürich, Depart 

The time has come to say goodbye to northeastern France. At the designated time, your driver will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to Switzerland to reach Zürich Airport, where your departing flight awaits. Au revoir! 

More Great France Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to France? Check out these other France itineraries, explore different ways to spend 10 days in France in luxury, or discover the best time to visit France.