FRANCE: Paris to Champagne & Burgundy Indulgence Tour - 5 days
Tour Summary
Indulge in this 5 day gourmet and wine bespoke private tour and discover Champagne in Epernay, Troyes and Burgundy, Cote de Beaune, Cote de Nuits and Dijon with fine wines and delicious food of Champagne and Burgundy presented by the local experts. Visit prestigious vineyards and discover why the art of living finds its home in Burgundy. This is a luxury gastronomy and wine indulgence tour of France
Destinations: Epernay | Champagne | Puligny-Montrachet | Burgundy | Côte de Beaune | Côte de Nuits | Dijon
Tour Commences In: Paris
Tour Concludes In: Paris
Number of Days: 5 days / 4 nights
Tour Style: Luxury Journey
Accommodation: Luxury & Boutique Hotels
Meals: Breakfasts; 4: Lunches; 5: Dinners; 3:
Leaders: Professional guide & specialist guides at Restaurants and Wineries
Transportation: Luxury private chauffeur driven air-conditioned vehicles
Tour Grading EASY: Suitable for travellers with an average level of fitness and mobility
Tour Highlights
Visit of the cellars of the famous champagne houses in Epernay with a degustation of champagne
Explore the beautiful 13th century UNESCO world heritage site – the Reims Notre Dame Cathedral
Tasting bubbles at “Dom Perignon” & “Möet et Chandon” cellars
Explore the medieval town of Troyes
Discover Burgundy, the temple of wine and gastronomy • Walk the vineyards and cellars of ‘Olivier Leflaive’ and meet the owner himself
Tour and understand the workings of a vineyard; the grape quality, the harvesting and the wine making
Stroll the capital of Burgundy Wine the medieval art town of Beaune
Visit famous vineyards ‘Clos de Vougeot’ at Côte de Nuits
Visit a vineyard for degustation – Château de Mersault or Pommard known for its white wines
Stop for a degustation of wine in another famous vineyard of the Côte de Nuit or Côte de Beaune appellation known for its red wines in particular
Enjoy the gastronomic lunch in Dijon with its exceptional setting in a vaulted crypt
Shop at Boutique Maille the home of mustard
Tour Itinerary & Hotels:
Day 1: Tuesday: Paris - Champagne: (L/D)
After breakfast, check out of your hotel in Paris and met your driver and guide and transfer to Reims. On arrival, there will be a guided visit of the cellars of the famous champagne house “Tattinger” with a degustation of their champagne. Then visit the beautiful 13th century UNESCO world heritage site – the Reims Notre Dame Cathedral where the French kings were coroneted (30 Coronations) in the past. Lunch will be at an exclusive restaurant in Reims. Continue on your scenic drive along the picturesque champagne route between Reims and Epernay to where the famous statue of the monk ‘Dom Perignon’ is at the entrance of the renowned champagne house – “Moët & Chandon” Stop for a visit of their cellars with a tasting of their bubbles. Later transfer to your hotel with time to relax before dinner this evening.
Day 2: Wednesday: Champagne - Troyes - Burgundy: (B/L/D)
Following breakfast, check out of your hotel and drive to Troyes. On arrival there you will be a guided through the medieval town of Troyes, well known for its half-timbered tilted houses. Lunch today will be in the centre of Troyes. After lunch you will enjoy the visit of a picturesque village, Flavigny-sur-Ozerain which is classed as one of the loveliest villages in France. It is also famous for making sweets. You can visit the factory of Les Anis de Flavigny which is a good sweet born in that village. Later this afternoon we continue on to Burgundy, the temple of wine and gastronomy. On arrival, check in to your hotel, a 17th century building nestled in the pretty village of Puligny-Montrachet on the Côte de Beaune. Meet the owner who is also a producer of burgundy wine. Dinner is at the hotel this evening with a food and wine pairing commented by the sommelier of the hotel.
Day 3: Thursday: Puligny-Montrachet - Côte de Beaune: (B/L/D)
This morning after breakfast, visit the vineyards and cellars of ‘Olivier Leflaive’ and meet the owner himself. (if Available) The morning is dedicated to understanding the processes in the vineyards in order to have the grape quality required and the method of wine making once the grapes have been harvested until it has been bottled. We will then leave for Beaune where you will have lunch in a traditional restaurant in an exceptional setting – a magnificent vaulted cellar from the 17th century. After lunch, visit the capital of Burgundy Wine, the medieval art town - Beaune. Enjoy an hour or so meandering through the narrow typical streets with grand mansions, half-timbered houses and squares of flower and gardens. This will be followed by a guided visit of Beaune’s most famous monument - the ‘Hospice de Beaune’. The ‘Hospice de Beaune’ also known as the Hôtel Dieu de Beaune and today is a museum that was founded in 1443 by Nicolas Rolin (chancellor of Burgundy) as a hospital for the poor and needy. The Hôtel Dieu is one of the finest examples of 15th century Burgundy architecture. A famous wine auction organised by Christie’s is held at the Hospice de Beaune each year in November during the three-day festival (Les Trois Glorieuses) dedicated to the wine and gastronomy of Burgundy. We return to your hotel to relax before dinner. Dinner this evening is at a 1-star Michelin restaurant.
Day 4: Friday: Puligny-Montrachet - Dijon: (B/D)
This morning after breakfast, continue on to Dijon. Dijon is first and foremost a “beautiful city” with a hundred towers in Roman times. This city was a crossroads between northern Europe and the Mediterranean. In the 14th century it was here that the Valois Dukes of Burgundy founded one of the most brilliant courts in Europe. Dijon then became the seat of the order of the Golden Fleece. So, that’s why Dijon is the place to visit when you want to learn about History of Burgundy. First, you will visit the historical city centre. You can follow a trail indicated by 22 owls on the cobblestones of pedestrian streets, to discover top places and points of interest of the city. Among these main places, you will find the Cathedral Saint Bénigne but also the church Notre Dame which is registered as historical monuments and where you can look at its 51 gargoyles and splendid stained-glass windows. Lying on one side of the church, the owl is an emblematic symbol of Dijon. It will certainly give you good fortune if you touch it with your left hand! Then, the Place François Rude (commonly called “Bareuzai”, a local word referring to the sector of the wine) is the most touristic square in the city. With its architecture mixing Middle Age and Renaissance, this square also has a beautiful fountain and a carrousel with reproductions of Gustave Eiffel. Located close to the rue de la Liberté, this square is surrounded by littles shops and bars. Free lunch (you will find a wide range of good restaurants in this area). In the afternoon, you will enjoy an authentic and delicious visit: Edmond Fallot “la moutarderie” which is the last independent and family mustard mill in Burgundy. Late afternoon, check in at your hotel in the heart of Dijon. Dinner in a gastronomic restaurant closed to your hotel.
Day 5: Saturday: Puligny-Montrachet - Côte de Nuits - Paris: (B/L)
After checking out from your hotel, continue on to the Côte de Nuits passing the famous vineyards of Romanée Conti amongst others. Pause at the renowned vineyards of the ‘Clos de Vougeot’ to visit this wonderful chateau. Continue onto the Gevrey Chambertin, a tiny winemaker’s village of the Côte de Nuit where you will have lunch at a restaurant in a typical burgundy residence with its traditional varnished-tile roof, for a real taste of cuisine from the Burgundy region. After lunch, continue along the ‘golden slope’ of the Côte de Nuit among the picturesque vineyards. Along the way we will stop for a visit and degustation of wine in another famous vineyard of the Côte de Nuit or Côte de Beaune appellation known for its red wines in particular. Later this afternoon, return to Paris where your bespoke private tour concludes.
Our specially curated itineraries are carefully planned and well thought out to ensure you are rewarded with the best experiences. The magic of travelling in private tours allows us to cater for spontaneity and sometimes we often find some wonderful surprises along the way and it can be these unplanned occurrences that are the most memorable. The rich tapestry of experiences and the characters you meet along the way will make this guided private tour something special and one you will remember for a lifetime.
Please Contact Us for further infomation.
Flexibility
The itinerary may be flexible, sometimes due to weather or sometimes for sites or events which guests may wish to see. If there is something not included in this suggested itinerary that you would like to do or see, please contact us to discuss if it is possible.
Suggested Hotels
Epernay: Hotel Jean Moet
Puligny-Montrachet: Hotel Maison d'Olivier Leflaive
Tour Inclusions
A curated itinerary especially for Boutique Journeys
Hand selected Luxury & Boutique Hotel accommodation
Meals as indicated in Itinerary: B = Breakfast: L; Lunch: D; Dinner:
Internet Access where possible
Private services of professional bilingual tour guide
Concierge /Bellhop Services throughout tour
24 hour on call support service available
Luxury private Chauffeur driven air-conditioned vehicles for all transfers & sightseeing
Entrance fees & taxes to all sightseeing and shows as per the itinerary
Porterage, tipping and gratuities, except for tour guide & driver
Bottled water included whilst touring in vehicle
Not included:
International and or Domestic air fares
Arrival / Departure Taxes, levies and other charges
Passport and visa fees
Excess baggage charges
Cost of any ‘luggage delivery’ via FedEx or postal service
Personal travel insurance
Porterage, tipping and gratuities
Meals not included
Alcoholic beverages
Personal expenses
Country Information
Accommodation:
All our hotels are excellent Luxury and boutique hotels. We highly recommend our hotels as they have excellent services and facilities. All rooms have modern facilities, private bathrooms with double or twin beds.
Climate & Clothing:
In summer the weather in France is mild to warm, the temperature average between June and July is about 78°F - 26°C. Summers are relatively dry, but rain does occur all year round. The general rule is to bring comfortable clothing including lightweight cottons. Comfortable walking shoes are essential as is a light waterproof jacket. We provide a detailed packing list to all our guests prior to departure.
Currency & Money Matters:
The official currency in France is EURO (€). On January 1, 2002, the Euro became the official currency for 300 million Europeans, in use in 12 countries of the European Union. Traveller’s Cheques can be exchanged at some banks and currency exchange offices, but are not as welcome as cash or credit cards. ATMs are widely available in major cities and tourist areas.
Electricity:
The electrical current in France is 220 volts AC, 50Hz. The European two-pin plug is standard.
Insurance:
You must obtain Comprehensive Travel Insurance as a condition of travelling with Boutique Tours & Travel. We recommend that you purchase insurance at the time of Booking.
Language:
French is the official language, but English is widely understood in the main tourist areas.
Meals:
Our hotels offer a wonderful selection of dishes at their buffet breakfasts with a wide variety of both menu and venue for lunches and evening meals.
Medical Services & Facilities:
Our hotels have access to a doctor if required. They can also assist guests with purchasing of medicine. The international hospitals in France are very good and have western trained medical and surgical specialists. Dental care is also available.
Passports & Visas:
To enter France you require a passport valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry and with at least two blank pages. No visa is required for tourists.
Pre & Post Tour Accommodation:
Boutique Tours & Travel suggests that you may like to arrive a day before the start of your tour to allow time to relax and refresh. You are also very welcome to linger longer after the tour is completed.
Boutique Tours & Travel has negotiated special overnight rates at this hotel for both pre and post tour accommodation. Please ask for details at time of booking. Local tour guides are also available on request.
Solo Traveller:
We welcome single travellers and we are able to arrange single accommodation. We negotiate strongly to keep single supplements at a reasonable cost. If you wish to share a room, we will endeavour to match you with another single guest and adjust the costs accordingly and refund any costs after you return home. We accept no responsibility for the suitability of a room partner.
Special Requests:
Specific requests such as adjacent or connecting rooms, bedding requests, smoking or non-smoking rooms and special dietary needs or any other arrangement should be advised at time of booking. Please note that every effort will be made to secure your special request; however, they cannot always be guaranteed.
Time Zone:
France Standard time is GMT +1 (GMT + 2 during Summer Daylight Saving Time)
Tipping:
We know that some of our guests are not familiar with tipping so any gratuities (eg to waiters, bellhops etc) are taken care of as part of your fee but if you wish to Tip individually please do so. Gratuities & tips to Guide & Driver would gratefully be received. Thank you
Transport:
We generally use modern deluxe minibuses for tours. We also walk where and when it’s suitable.
Water & Beverages:
Our hotels offer bottled water and bottled water is provided throughout the day. Alcoholic beverages are not included in the cost of this tour.
UNESCO
Reims Notre Dame Cathedral
