Olympic Adventure in Paris, Brittany & Bordeaux - 10 Days

Highlights

• Visit Paris' most famous sporting complexes and learn about Olympic history
• Tour the most iconic sights in Paris, from the Eiffel Tower to colorful Montmartre
• Hit the wine trail and visit historic châteaux (castles) in the Loire Valley 
• Explore the towns of Brittany, ride a canoe on the Cher River, and cycle in Bordeaux

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Paris, Optional Activities

Welcome to Paris! In 2017, the capital of France won the bid to host the 2024 Olympics, and the "City of Light" has been dutifully preparing for the event ever since. They've constructed an Olympic and Paralympic village a couple of miles outside the city, and for the Games themselves, Paris is making use of iconic landmarks, like the Eiffel Tower and the Seine River. Also, Paris has the distinction of being the only city in the world to host the event three times—in 1900, 1924, and 2024.

Upon arrival at the airport, your private driver will pick you up for the transfer to your hotel. There will be plenty of time for Olympic-themed tours and activities, but for now, you can venture out and discover Paris on your own. Perhaps stretch your legs with a stroll on the romantic Seine between the Musée d'Orsay and the Pont d'Alma. For something a little different, visit the Grande Mosque de Paris and sip mint tea on a patio amid wisteria bushes and intricate tile mosaics. If it's drizzling outside, head underground to the Catacombs and explore Paris' ancient underbelly.

Day 2: Latin Quarter Food Tour, Parc des Princes, Eiffel Tower Visit

Hopefully you brought your appetite, because this morning, an expert local guide will lead you on a three-hour, small-group tour around the bohemian Latin Quarter. Located in Paris' 5th arrondissement (district), its name derives from the fact that, during the Middle Ages, the area was populated by students who spoke Latin, the language of scholars at the time. The Latin Quarter boasts an array of fresh produce, and to this end, your guide will lead you to bustling food markets, cheese shops, and several pâtisseries (bakeries) to sample everything from wine and cheese to croissants and foie gras.

With your appetite sated, it's now time to get primed for all things athletic on a tour of Parc des Princes. Located in Paris' 16th arrondissement, this historic stadium (it was founded in 1897) is primarily used for football (soccer) matches. It's the home stadium of the Paris Saint-Germain Football Club (PSG), which has claimed many international stars over the years, from David Beckham to Lionel Messi. During the visit, you can access the pitch (field), trophy case, and locker room.

You'll have some free time in the afternoon, followed by the day's pièce de résistance: an evening visit to the Eiffel Tower. Conceived by Gustave Eiffel as a temporary exhibit for the 1889 World's Fair, this 1050-foot (320 m) Art Nouveau masterpiece has stood the test of time and remains one of the world's most iconic landmarks. Meet up with another local guide for a 1.5-hour tour, during which you can head to the very top of the "Iron Lady." And because you'll have skip-the-line tickets, you'll maximize the time you can spend enjoying spectacular views from the observation deck.

Day 3: Montmartre & Sacré-Coeur Sport Tour, Evening Cabaret

It's time for a bit of Olympic history. This fun and enlightening tour begins when you meet your guide in the morning and travel around the city by local transport. Over two hours, you'll stop at various historical sites with a connection to the Olympic Games, including the Stade Pierre de Coubertin indoor arena and the Roland Garros tennis courts. 

The pace slows a little later in the afternoon on a leisurely tour of Paris' renowned Montmartre neighborhood. Along with a guide, you'll spend around three hours exploring this fascinating hilltop village in Paris' 18th arrondissement. As you wander its cobbled streets, you'll pass the former home of Vincent Van Gogh, Pablo Picasso's art studio, and the old haunts of Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. Near the end of the tour, you'll step inside Sacré-Coeur, the stunning white basilica perched atop Montmartre, which features some of the best panoramic views over the city.

When the sun goes down, you'll enjoy a bit of the Belle Époque as you visit one of Montmartre's notorious cabarets. A welcome drink is included as you sit down (possibly at the famous Moulin Rouge) for a raucous can-can performance, where dancers in extravagant costumes kick and twirl to live music. Afterward, you'll return to your hotel.

Day 4: Train to Amboise, Loire Valley Wine Tour

In the morning, you'll transfer to the station and board a train for the two-hour ride south to Amboise, a village in the famous Loire Valley. Known as the "Garden of France," this UNESCO World Heritage wine region is renowned for its natural beauty and historic castles dotting the countryside. 

The village of Amboise has plenty of its own charms, as you'll see when you transfer to your hotel. There's an attractive main square near the Loire River, which offers great views from its banks. The town also hosts two vital historical monuments: the Château d'Amboise, an awe-inspiring 13th-century castle, and the Maison du Clos Lucé, the house where Leonardo da Vinci spent his final years. 

After settling in, you'll head out with a local guide on a wine tour of the stunning Loire Valley. During this half-day excursion, you'll visit two superb estates in the Vouvray appellation (area). Vouvray's elegant white wines are made from chenin blanc grapes that grow in the unique limestone soil of the area's terroir. During a tasting, you'll learn to differentiate the various flavor profiles, which include honey, apple, pear, and citrus, along with a distinctive minerality.

Day 5: Cher River Canoe Ride, Château de Chambord & Gardens

Enjoy some fun exercise as you head to the river in the morning for a scenic canoe ride on the Cher River. During this leisurely two-hour trip, you'll paddle along the gently running water, passing under landmarks like the Château de Chenonceau. This 16th-century palace boasts attractive Renaissance architecture but is even more renowned for its unusual location over the water. There's no experience in the entire Loire Valley quite like passing under its gaping stone arches.

Later, you'll visit another historical landmark and architectural gem: the Château de Chambord. Dating to 1519, this castle is a French Renaissance masterpiece, made all the more evocative due to its medieval design elements. These include a central keep, towers, and a double helix staircase. You'll see all this on a two-hour private tour, plus stroll its elegant gardens, which run seamlessly out to the adjacent forest. Afterward, you'll return to your hotel.

Day 6: Transfer to Nantes, Insider City Tour

Get an early start, because this morning you'll transfer a couple of hours east to the city of Nantes. Located in the Brittany region of France, this area enjoys a long and storied history dating back some 2,000 years. The Dukes of Brittany ruled these lands until the Duchy was united with France in the 16th century, and in Nantes, you'll find their former seat of power, the Château des ducs de Bretagne castle. Upon arrival in the city, you'll check into your hotel and can then head out on a city tour.

Though best known for its medieval castle, there are many other highlights to discover. Nantes is full of art and cultural sites that many travelers don't get to see. Good thing for you that this walking tour is led by a Nantes local who will show you the hidden corners of their city, taking you to the neighborhoods, museums, shops, and restaurants they know and love. After the tour, you'll leave your guide and will have the rest of the day to explore on your own.

Day 7: Discover the Machines de l'île, Vintage Car Tour of Nantes

Get ready for an experience you won't find anywhere else in the world. In the morning, meet your guide and head over to the île de Nantes, the city's urban island on the Loire River. Here, you'll find Les Machines de l'île, a unique  and imaginative attraction that combines elements of science fiction, art, engineering, and natural inspiration to create a fascinating steampunk theme park.

During a tour, you'll marvel at themed exhibits featuring mechanical wonders like giant elephants, which you can actually ride. Another highlight is the Carousel of the Sea Worlds, which features a menagerie of mechanical marine creatures. 

Later on, you'll take a spin around Nantes and its surrounding wine country by vintage car, winding through the vineyards in an iconic Citroën 2CV. Put the top down and feel the wind in your hair as you follow a historic towpath along the Loire, stop in at family-owned château for a tasting of the local muscadet, and make your way back to Nantes through some of the region's most scenic countryside.

Day 8: Train to Bordeaux, Wine & Cheese Tour, Dinner at the Cité du Vin

Transfer early in the morning to the train station and embark on a four-hour ride south to Bordeaux. This pedestrian-friendly city is among France's most exciting and dynamic places. At least half of Bordeaux is recognized by UNESCO, making it the largest urban world heritage site on the planet. This is largely due to its various historical landmarks built in an array of architectural styles, from Gothic and Art Deco to neoclassical and rococo. Upon arrival, a driver will pick you up and transfer you to your hotel.

After getting settled, you'll embark on a tasty wine and cheese tour that mixes equal parts wine, cheese, and culture. The Bordeaux region is particularly famous for its wines, and during this 1.5-hour experience, you'll taste some delicious reds, dry whites, and sweet dessert wines paired with a variety of artisanal cheeses from every corner of France. 

Now that you're appetite has been piqued, you'll enjoy a special dinner experience. Cité du Vin, located on the banks of the Garonne River, is an innovative cultural institution dedicated to the world of wine (it's even housed in an avant-garde building shaped like a decanter). Besides hosting workshops and seminars focused on wine appreciation, it's home to several restaurants and cafés serving gourmet French cuisine paired with fine wines. So pull up a seat, enjoy an aperitif, and let the noshing commence.

Day 9: Saint-Émilion Guided Wine & Bike Tour

Leave Bordeaux this morning on a full-day tour to Saint-Émilion. This historic countryside village was founded in the eighth century CE and is the beating heart of the eponymous wine region, which is responsible for some of Bordeaux's finest varietals. On this excursion, you won't be driving around the vineyards in a car—instead, you'll ride alongside them on a 9-mile (15 km) guided bike ride. During the tour, you'll visit two historic châteaux which have been run by the same families for generations. After enjoying the scenery and sampling some regional varietals, you'll return to Bordeaux.

Day 10: Depart Bordeaux

Hopefully, this sporting, culture, and wine tour of France was everything you hoped it would be and more. Now, it's time to bid the country farewell. In the morning, you'll transfer to the airport in Bordeaux, where you'll catch your flight home. Safe travels!

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, or discover the best time of year to visit France.