Art and Architecture of France: A Tailor-Made Journey

Fly into Paris and meet your private driver for the transfer to your hotel in the city center. Start your exploration of Paris with a walking tour of Montmartre, a hilltop haven for artists since the mid-19th century. Here, Vincent van Gogh shared an apartment with his brother Théo, Degas painted his cabaret scenes, and Picasso and Renoir lived and worked. In the afternoon, embark on a cruise along the River Seine, sipping champagne as you take in views of the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre, and Île Saint Louis.

Delve into a world of incredible art today, touring two of the most revered museums in the world with a private guide. Begin at the Louvre, the former residence of the French monarchy, remarkable for its architecture as well as its world-renowned collections. Your guide will tailor the visit to your interests, so that you can see the highlights including the Mona Lisa or focus on the museum’s lesser-known treasures. After time for lunch, make your way to the Musée d'Orsay, where a fabulous collection illustrates the evolution of art in the 19th century from the neoclassicism of David and Ingres to post-Impressionism. Housed in a light-filled former railway station, the museum showcases the works of Manet, Cezanne, Morisot, Picasso and other greats. (B)

Today is yours to explore Paris as you wish. Choose from among the city’s many museums, including the intimate Musée Rodin or the Musée Marmottan Monet.  Wander through a historic district, admiring the architecture, or soak up the ambiance on a walk through the Latin Quarter. Watch everyday life at the Jardin de Luxembourg or stroll the symmetrical Place des Vosges and the narrow lanes of Le Marais. Or head to the Bois du Boulogne to experience the breathtaking Fondation Louis Vuitton, designed by Frank Gehry. (B)

On your last day in Paris, join your private guide for a tour of the grand Opéra Garnier. A gem of theater architecture filled with gilded statues and marble staircases, it is known for having inspired the the novel and musical The Phantom of the Opera. Then venture into the beautifully restored covered passages of Paris, created in the 19th century for merchants and shoppers, and enjoy free time to explore this elegant network of sky-lit, iron-and-glass arcades. (B)

Travel toward Normandy with your private driver today, stopping at Giverny for a visit to the home and gardens of Claude Monet. See the artist’s studio and apartments, designed by the artist and preserved largely as he left them. On a walk in the lovely gardens, take in scenes Monet painted, from ponds covered in waterlilies to a Japanese bridge. Follow the Seine to the medieval ruins of Château Gaillard, built by Richard the Lionheart during the Hundred Years' War, and tour Jumièges Abbey, restored in the 11th century after the early Christian structure was destroyed by Vikings. Settle into your hotel in the picturesque fishing town of Honfleur, situated where the Seine meets the sea. (B)

This morning, join your guide for a private walking tour of Honfleur, tracing a history that dates back a thousand years. At the Vieux Bassin, or Old Harbor, stroll past brightly painted boats and towering waterfront facades, and delve into the cobbled streets of the historic center to discover half-timbered houses and the largest wooden cathedral in France. Learn about Honfleur’s affiliation with the arts: the town was painting retreat for Monet, Gustav Courbet, and native son Eugene Boudin. Take the rest of the day to explore on your own. (B)

Transfer to the train station in Caen and journey by local train to Saint-Pierre-des-Corps, where a private driver awaits to escort you to the medieval town of Chinon, set on the Vienne River. The remainder of the day is yours to relax or get acquainted with the town. (B)

Set out with your private guide on a full-day excursion to the remarkable châteaux of the Loire Valley. Your first stop is the Renaissance Château de Villandry, known for its exquisite formal gardens and its original medieval keep. Next, visit the lesser-known Château de l'Islette, perched on the banks of the Indre River. Tour the property, where Auguste Rodin and Camille Claudet often retreated to sculpt, and enjoy a picnic lunch in the gardens. In the afternoon, encounter the French Renaissance masterpiece of Château d'Azay-le-Rideau, located on a small island once only accessible by drawbridge. (B)

Begin the day at the Château de Chenonceau, known for its graceful arches that span the River Cher. Learn the intriguing history of the palace, which served as the residence of two of France's most powerful women: Catherine de Medici and Diane de Poitiers. Continue to Château de Cheverny, a hunting lodge that still houses some 100 hounds that are still regularly taken out to hunt in the nearby woodlands. End the excursion at Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire, home to a modern art collection and an annual international garden festival. Stay your final two nights in a stunning 16th-century château in the countryside near Tours. (B)

Journey to medieval Amboise, which straddles the Loire River. Tour the imposing 15th-century château, set on a hill overlooking the town. Then walk to the nearby Château du Clos Lucé, the manor house and gardens where Leonardo da Vinci spent his final years and where some of his creations can still be seen scattered about the grounds. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. (B)

A private transfer brings you to the Saint-Pierre-des-Corps station for your train ride to Paris. Upon arrival, another driver will escort you to the airport in plenty of time for your return flight. (B)