BESPOKE LUXURY JOURNEY

France: Paris & Normandy

From city lights to château life

Imagine a land where centuries of artistic genius whisper through gilded palace halls, where café terraces buzz with philosophical discourse, and where each cobblestone tells a story of revolution and romance. France captivates with its masterful balance of historic grandeur and contemporary flair: modernist museums stand proudly alongside Gothic spires, whilst progressive values dance with timeless traditions. From Paris’s glittering boulevards, where fashion houses craft tomorrow’s trends, to Normandy’s dramatic coastline, where history has left its most profound marks, this is a nation that transforms every moment into an art form of sophistication and joie de vivre.

France at a Glance

Step into a society where liberté isn’t just a word carved into government buildings but a living philosophy that embraces all forms of love and expression. Paris’s Marais district epitomizes this spirit of inclusion, where rainbow flags flutter above Belle Époque architecture and avant-garde galleries showcase queer artists alongside Old Masters. The city’s LGBTQ+ scene flourishes in the street art of Canal Saint-Martin, where design-forward cafés and boutiques welcome visitors with characteristic French warmth.

The rhythm of French life pulses with the sensual pleasure of each season. Summer bathes café terraces in golden light, when Paris Pride brings rainbow-coloured vibrancy to the streets around République, and the Seine’s banks transform into an urban beach playground. Autumn paints Normandy’s countryside in rich amber and russet, beckoning visitors to ancient abbeys and oyster-rich coastlines. Winter brings intimate moments in cosy bistros, while spring heralds the return of maritime festivals and open-air markets bursting with seasonal delicacies.

8-day Travel Itinerary

Journey through a land where culinary artistry meets architectural magnificence in perfect harmony. This meticulously crafted eight-day exploration traverses France's most compelling landscapes, from Paris's inclusive urban spaces to Normandy's soul-stirring coastline. Begin in the capital, where Haussmann boulevards echo with centuries of artistic achievement, before venturing northwest to realms of Gothic wonder and wartime remembrance. Here, experience the profound connection between French tradition and innovation—from revolutionary gastronomy to timeless cultural heritage.

DAY 1

Paris | First Whispers of Urban Sophistication

Arrive in France's magnificent capital, where elegance flows as naturally as the Seine. After a private transfer to your boutique hotel—perhaps the intimate Pavillon de la Reine in the heart of Le Marais—unwind with a curated walking tour through this historic LGBTQ+ quarter, where medieval mansions house contemporary art galleries. As evening approaches, indulge in a Michelin-starred welcome dinner where traditional French cuisine meets modern innovation through locally sourced ingredients and artistic presentation.

DAY 2

Paris | Where Heritage Meets Avant-Garde

Begin your day with a private guided tour of Paris's iconic landmarks, where tales of royal opulence intertwine with revolutionary spirit. Ascend the Arc de Triomphe for sweeping views down the Champs-Élysées before discovering the Eiffel Tower's engineering marvel. In the afternoon, cruise past Notre Dame's recovering grandeur on a private Seine river tour, sipping champagne as the setting sun gilds centuries-old façades. As twilight descends, explore the buzzing Marais district, where contemporary galleries and designer boutiques occupy aristocratic hôtels particuliers.

DAY 3

Versailles | Echoes of Royal Splendour

Venture beyond Paris to the magnificent Palace of Versailles, where the Sun King's vision of absolute power materialised in gilt and marble. Your private guide reveals hidden stories behind the Hall of Mirrors' dazzling reflections and the intimate royal apartments. After lunch in the palace's elegant L'Orangerie restaurant, lose yourself in André Le Nôtre's masterpiece gardens, where geometric precision meets natural beauty. Return to Paris for an evening at leisure, perhaps dining at a trendy neo-bistro where young chefs reinterpret classic French cuisine.

DAY 4

Giverny | Where Art Blooms Eternal

Journey to Monet's enchanting Giverny, where the master impressionist's gardens remain a living canvas of colour and light. Explore the iconic Japanese bridge and lily ponds during a private morning visit before the crowds arrive. Continue to the charming port of Honfleur, where slate-clad houses cluster around a photogenic harbour that has inspired artists for centuries. Dinner tonight is a refined affair at a Michelin-starred restaurant, where Norman ingredients shine through contemporary culinary artistry.

DAY 5

Normandy | Remembrance and Reflection

Today brings profound moments of historical significance as you explore Normandy's D-Day beaches with an expert military historian. Visit Omaha Beach's windswept expanses and the sobering American Cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer, where over 9,300 white crosses stand in silent tribute. Your afternoon includes a private tour of Sainte-Mère-Église, where compelling stories of individual courage illuminate the broader narrative of liberation.

DAY 6

Mont Saint-Michel | Gothic Dreams Rising from the Sea

Witness the medieval miracle of Mont Saint-Michel, where monasticism and maritime elements merge in soaring Gothic spires. Your expert guide leads you through the abbey's secret passages and chambers, revealing how this UNESCO World Heritage site has captured imaginations for centuries. Experience the mount at high tide, when surging waters transform it back into an island, before enjoying an intimate dinner featuring Normandy's celebrated seafood and dairy products.

DAY 7

Paris | A Final Toast to French Sophistication

Return to Paris for a day of personal indulgence. Perhaps join a private perfume-making workshop at a historic maison de parfum, or explore the city's cutting-edge art scene with a curator as your guide. Your farewell dinner celebrates France's gastronomic heritage at a three-Michelin-starred restaurant, where each course tells a story of tradition, innovation, and exceptional savoir-faire.

DAY 8

Paris | Au Revoir to French Elegance

Bid farewell to France or continue your journey with our carefully curated extensions.

Additional Recommended Experiences

Enhance your French sojourn with carefully curated extensions that reveal the country's diverse character. Journey to the Loire Valley for four days of château exploration and wine tasting, where you'll discover Renaissance masterpieces and prestigious vintages in equal measure. Here, private tours of historic estates are followed by intimate wine tastings in centuries-old cellars, while evenings bring gastronomic excellence in Michelin-starred restaurants housed within ancient castle walls. For those seeking Mediterranean sophistication, venture south to Provence and the French Riviera. In Provence, base yourself at a luxurious mas near Saint-Rémy, where lavender-scented air mingles with the sound of cicadas. Explore the vibrant gay scenes of Marseille and Nice, where beachfront clubs and sophisticated bars welcome a diverse international crowd. The French Riviera adds a layer of glamour with its legendary coastal towns—spend sun-drenched days at exclusive beach clubs in Saint-Tropez, enjoy twilight aperitifs in Monte Carlo, or discover hidden coves accessible only by private yacht along the Côte d'Azur. Throughout the year, France offers exclusive experiences that match its cultural richness with sophisticated service: arrange private after-hours tours of premier art collections, join renowned chefs for market tours and cooking workshops in their Michelin-starred kitchens, or time your visit to coincide with Paris Pride, when the capital erupts in a spectacular celebration of love and diversity. Each experience is crafted to ensure your journey creates memories as timeless as France itself.

Transform Your France Dreams into Reality

Allow us to craft your bespoke France journey. Whether inspired by our curated itinerary or envisioning something entirely your own, we'll shape every moment to reflect your distinctive style and preferences.