Bonjour Paris!
On and Off the Beaten Path en France!
Food, Wine, Christmas Markets, History and Chateaux
Nov 30 - Dec 08, 2026
Depart: Washington Dulles and arrive Paris the following day.
Dec 01: Private transfer will take us from the airport to our Hotel. Luggage will be stored and we are off! We will stroll through beautiful Montparnasse Cemetery before grabbing lunch on beautiful Boulevard Montparnasse. We will trek onwards toward Luxembourg Gardens – even lovely in the winter! A short walk from there will take us to Notre Dame Cathedral! A quick subway trip will take us back to our hotel to clean up and rest before dinner. Les Crepes! We will enjoy delicious crepes and galettes at a quaint restaurant just a short walk away.
Dec 02:
After breakfast, we will venture up to Montmartre to soak up the artistic vibes of this area to include Sacre Coeur Cathedral. We will then metro down to the center of the city for a wonderful lunch of the best Croque Monsieurs, salad and fries before enjoying a tour of the beautiful Opera House. Lastly, take some time to walk into the renowned Department Store, Galeries Lafayette, with its stunning domed roof and spectacular Christmas Decorations. Rooftop ice skating is available should you want to partake!
Dinner will be in a lovely bistro right in our neighborhood!
Dec 03:
Following breakfast, we will hop on the train to Bayeux in the Normandy Region. After touring the beautiful cathedral, we will indulge in a sumptuous lunch then take off on our private tour to the D-Day Beaches and American Cemetery. This is a very moving tour where we step back into World War II and experience the bravery of our troops at that historic point in time. Return to Paris by train in time to enjoy a dinner of regional French Cuisine.
Dec 04:
There is lots of fun in store today! We start off with a baking experience in a French Bakery. Enjoy all the goodies during and after the class! You’ll make your own baguette!
Dec 04:
We will then meet our guide for a walking tour of the famous Pere Lachaise Cemetery. Père Lachaise is the final resting place for countless iconic figures across arts, literature, and music, including Jim Morrison, Oscar Wilde, Édith Piaf, Frédéric Chopin, Marcel Proust, and Molière. Opened in 1804, it is one of the world's most famous cemeteries, holding over 60,000 graves.
From there, we take quick walk to enjoy a fabulous French wine tasting! Enjoy a bit of free time before heading out for the best steak frites in Paris.
December 05:
Full Day ahead! We will get an early start for our private tour to the Loire Valley. A scenic drive will take us to one of the most famous chateaux which we will tour. Afterwards, we switch gears and visit a winery with tastings followed by a vineyard lunch.
Back in Paris for our last hurrah. Delight yourself in a Fondue/Raclette Alpine dining experience to ready yourself for our next stop: the Region of Alsace.
Dec 06:
All aboard the fast train to Strasbourg in the region of Alsace, the Capital of Christmas! It hosts one of Europe's oldest and largest Christmas markets, featuring over 300 chalets, a 30-meter high Christmas tree, and magical decorations. In addition to enjoying this spectacular Christmas Market, we will savor many Alsatian Specialties and wines. We will feast on mountains of choucroute, Cordon Bleu and Flamkuchen . And soft Pretzels! The Alsace region borders Germany, and the influence is evident.
The Strasbourg Cathedral is a sight to behold, and if you want to get your steps in, climb to the top for specular views of the region.
Dec 07:
After breakfast, a short hop by train (1/2 hour) will take us to the fairy tale town of Colmar, Stroll through their wonderful Christmas market before enjoying a regional lunch of Tarte Flambee.
Once back in Strasbourg late afternoon, we will get ready for our final dinner in France!
Au Revoir and a bientot!
Dec 08:
An early train will take us directly to Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris for our voyage home.
