Explore France

Paris, Normandy, Bordeaux, Provence, Nice, Loire Valley

Charming Getaways to France

France is a tantalizing feast for all the senses, offering everything tourists are eager to experience on family vacations and romantic honeymoons. Always number-one on their list, Paris shines as the “City of Light,” known not only for its beautifully-lit boulevards, Eiffel Tower, and iconic monuments, but for its legacy as a city of enlightenment during the “Age of Reason.” It was a pivotal time when the authority of kings and queens was questioned by the common people, planting the seeds for the American Revolution and, a few decades later, the French Revolution.

It’s no wonder Paris continues to be a free-thinking haven inspiring the best from artists, writers, poets, philosophers, scientists, inventors, and performers.

Beyond Paris, look forward to exploring France’s diverse regions, from the glitz and glamour of the French Riviera on the Mediterranean to the magical light and beauty of Provence, to tasting France’s famous wines in Bordeaux while gazing at vineyards as far as the eye can see, to World War II beaches and battlefields in Normandy where an Allied victory became more certain, to touring the charming old-world villages, wineries, and castles of the Loire Valley.

Let’s Plan Your Dream Trip Together!

Call Cindy today at 603-305-7379

Baldwin Travel meticulously researches every aspect of your itinerary to give you the thrilling, customized vacation or destination wedding you desire. Cindy Baldwin is a seasoned world traveler who has been to many places you’ll be visiting. Her personal insights are certain to enhance your trip with unforgettable moments, people, and places.

What People Say

“We want to thank you for your help in planning our trip to Paris. The hotel was great and in a very convenient location. The transfers were fine and met us at the airport. ..glad we did that! It was nice to see the representative standing there with a sign with our name on it. All that said, it was the trip of a lifetime! Thank you, Cindy, for planning a trip of a lifetime, and we appreciate what you did to make it easy and special. Many thanks!”

— Mark and Brendan M.

Customized Vacations to France’s Favorite Places

Family Trips ♦ Romantic Getaways ♦ Fun in the Sun ♦ Active Adventures ♦ Laid-back & Leisurely ♦ Honeymoons ♦ Destination Weddings

image description

Paris

Paris is a magical world capital of style, beauty, and culture with its abundance of art treasures, exquisite architecture, haute couture fashion, gastronomical delights, and the world’s finest wines and champagnes. See Paris from the top of the Eiffel Tower by night or by day. Stroll down the regal Champs-Elysees boulevard. Enjoy a French pastry and a glass of wine at sidewalk cafes. Be amazed by priceless masterpieces at the Louvre Museum. Tour Notre-Dame Cathedral, a Gothic architectural gem. Enjoy the Parisian nightlife. There is so much to do!

image description

Normandy

Experience the charm and poignant history of Normandy. Experience Villerville, Deauville, Trouville, and other scenic seaside towns, resorts, and beaches on France’s “Normandy Riviera.” Inland, explore Rouen, Normandy’s capital, and marvel at the splendid Rouen Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece immortalized by Impressionist artist Claude Monet. Visit the busy seaport of Le Havre, where modernist architecture rose like a phoenix from the ashes of WW II. Tour the American D-Day Beaches, site of the largest military invasion by sea in history.

image description

Provence

Provence has inspired conquerors, poets, and artists since Roman times with its sun-drenched beauty and sensuality. From fields of lavender and sunflowers immortalized by Van Gogh to lavish mansions, hotels, and boutiques on the French Riviera, southern France’s Provence promises to dazzle with charming towns like medieval Avignon, cultural Aix-en-Provence, elegant Arles, glamorous Saint-Tropez, and the cosmopolitan seaport of Marseilles.

image description

Bordeaux

The word “Bordeaux” conjures the sublime pleasure of sipping world-class French wine. Now imagine the city of Bordeaux, home to more than 100,000 vineyards and a paradise of endless wine tastings for oenophiles. Nestled on the banks of the Garonne River, Bordeaux is a revitalized city brimming with history, architecture, museums, theaters, world-class art, and cuisine. Bordeaux chefs boast of the region’s world-famous oysters, duck, milk-fed lamb, raspberries, and the best mushrooms in France.

image description

Nice

Marvel at the beauty and glamour of Nice, the French Rivera’s most famous city where rock stars, movie stars and industry titans live and play. Marvel at the sparkling Mediterranean Sea as you stroll down the Promenade de Anglais. Enjoy the art treasures at the Chagall and Matisse museums. Tour Nice’s hilltop cathedral and castle, the splendid Hotel Regina, and the ancient Roman ruins of Cemenelum. Discover exclusive boutiques, eateries, Nice’s amazing nightlife, and picturesque neighbors like St. Paul de Vence, Cannes, and St. Tropez.

image description

Loire Valley

The vast and fertile Loire Valley is blanketed with vineyards from the Muscadet region on the Atlantic coast to the regions of Sancerre and Pouilly-Fume southeast of Orleans. Driving or bicycling, you’ll be captivated by this lush valley and its charming old-world villages, farmlands, wineries, cathedrals and abbeys, chateaux, and castles of French kings. Visit Chenonceau, France’s most visited castle after the Palace of Versailles. Stay in a cave room at Les Hautes Roches, France’s only luxury troglodyte hotel.

Did You Know?

Interesting Facts about France

The magnificent French Riviera, a.k.a. Cote d ’Azure (Blue Coast), covers 550 miles of France’s spectacular southern coastline on the Mediterranean and features picturesque cities like Nice, Cannes, Monaco, and Saint Tropez.

The Louvre, the world’s largest museum, holds 380,000 pieces of art. The Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci, the ancient sculpture of the Milos Aphrodite(known as the Venus de Milo) and Liberty Leading the People by Eugene Delacroix are a few of its most famous treasures.

You can reserve a “caveman’s bedroom” at Les Hautes Roches in the Loire Valley, France’s only luxury troglodyte hotel.

About the size of Texas, France is home to roughly 27,000 wineries and is always one of the “top 3” wine producers in the world.

One of France’s 41 UNESCO World Heritage sites, Carcassonne is one of the largest, best preserved fortified medieval cities in Europe. Located in south-central France, the bustling city features dozens of watchtowers and miles of ramparts open to the public.

SAMPLE ITINERARY FOR TRAVEL TO FRANCE

9-Day Paris and Bordeaux Adventure

Day 1:

Overnight flight to Paris

Day 2: Welcome to Paris!

After landing in Paris, a private car service will transport you to your hotel in the historic Saint Germain-des-Près quarter for early check-in. Four nights’ luxury accommodations with breakfast daily.

Day 3: Paris

This morning, you will visit the Latin Quarter, full of trendy cafes and independent boutiques. See the Notre Dame Cathedral and take a stroll along the Seine River. Enjoy a gelato from Berthillon, considered by many to be the best ice cream in Paris. Tonight, you will have dinner in the Eiffel Tower with extraordinary panoramic views of the city.

Day 4: Paris

Exclusive guided tour of the Louvre led by a scholar.  After your tour, head to the Champs-Élysées to sample the best macarons and window shop at the high-end stores.

Day 5: Paris

Guided walking tour of Paris’ secret passages. Then your guide will take you to the Garnier Opera to admire its Hausmannian architecture and opulence.

Day 6: Train to Bordeaux

A private car service will transfer you to the train station for a first-class express train to Bordeaux. Upon arrival, a private car will take you to your hotel where you will enjoy 3 nights in luxury accommodations with breakfast daily.

Day 7: Bordeaux

Start your day with a leisurely walk along the beautiful Garonne River to the local farmers market. Capture a glimpse of French culture among the deliciously aromatic food stalls. This afternoon, take a private car to Saint-Émilion and taste some of the best wines in the world. Learn about the region’s history on your visit to three wine estates.

Day 8: Bordeaux

Explore the city of Bordeaux on a group bicycle tour. Led by a local, discover the historical significance and modern development of the city. Stop and sample a canelé, a small French pastry flavored with rum and vanilla, and a specialty of the region.

Day 9: Homeward Bound

A private car service will transfer you to the airport for your flight home.

This is one example of a luxurious trip to France. Baldwin Travel will prepare a special itinerary customized to your budget and desires. Contact us today!

Fun in France Photo Gallery