About your itinerary
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Don't forget that if something isn't quite right we can make changes to the itinerary.
It was a pleasure to speak to you last week and start mapping out your dream trip to France!
I am therefore delighted to present this stunning adventure, which takes in Versailles, Lyon, Provence and Nice. You will have car hire from Versaille to give you the freedom to discover France at your own pace, and I have included some suggestions for the best places to stop off at along the way.
Of course, your trip with us will start at the iconic Airelles Le Grand Contrôle, in Versailles. I know how important this night is to you & Muriel and I am so thrilled to have it included in your trip. As part of your exclusive stay here, you will have access to a private tour of the Chateau and gardens as well as a private butler for your whole stay.
You will then pick up your car and head to Lyon for 2 nights, heaven for foodies and an amazing contrast to the other destinations on your itinerary. I have included a pastry-making experience with a professional chef which will have you feeling like locals in no time!
From Lyon, you will drive down to Provence, ready for 3 nights at the stunning La Bastide de Marie that I know you already love. In Provence, I would recommend taking advantage of the amazing wine scene that I know you are keen to explore, so I have included a tour of Chateauneuf du Pape and beautiful Luberon.
You'll then head over to Nice, for your final few days to be spent in this iconic hot spot, the jewel of the French Riviera. Here I have added a local cooking class, where you will make your dinner with a local, to be enjoyed with views over the city.
The total itinerary costing with this incredible exclusive night in Versaille totals $5,042.50 USD per person which I appreciate is over what we spoke about together. However, I wanted to let you know that not accounting for your night in Versailles, your itinerary would cost $3,717.50 USD which is just a small bit over but totally worth it.
This is the best of France done right. I hope you love this itinerary as much as I have enjoyed putting it together for you!
I can't wait to catch up with you on Wednesday the 31st at 11am Central Time to hear your thoughts on what I have put together.
Best travels,
Alice Evans 
Your Itinerary In Detail
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This itinerary has been tailor-made for you. No two itineraries are the same and we are always able to make changes if something isn't quite right.
Sunday 29th September 2024
Train from Austerlitz to Versailles Château Rive Gauche
Train from Austerlitz to Versailles Château Rive Gauche
Your adventure to Versaille begins today with a train from Austerlitz station (Paris) to Versailles Château Rive Gauche. You will then have a short 15-minute walk to the Château, or you can catch a taxi from the train station.
Muriel and Courtney's French Adventure
Muriel and Courtney's French Adventure
Welcome to your Out Of Office, tailor-made French adventure!
I'm sure you will have enjoyed your time in Paris, and I cannot wait for you to get to know some more of this beautiful country.
Your adventure will start with a night in Versaille.
Welcome to Versailles
Welcome to Versailles
Louis XIV transformed his father’s hunting lodge into the monumental Château de Versailles in the mid-17th century, and it remains France’s most famous and grand palace.
Situated in the leafy, bourgeois suburb of Versailles, 22km southwest of central Paris, the baroque château was the kingdom’s political capital and the seat of the royal court from 1682 up until the fateful events of 1789 when revolutionaries massacred the palace guard. Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette were ultimately dragged back to Paris, where they were ingloriously guillotined.
Airelles Le Grand Contrôle for 1 night
Airelles Le Grand Contrôle for 1 nights
Go back to the time of French Kings, take your journey to another era during your stay at Le Grand Contrôle, the upscale hotel right next to the Chateau de Versailles. Both traditional and refined, you will have exclusive access to parts of the Palace and tailor-made experiences to ensure your stay is a memorable one. Your visit will fully immerse you in the history of the place and its beautiful 800-hectare gardens.
Authenticity and refinement are the keywords for this incredible experience, where you can admire the stunning views of the magnificent gardens from your Suite.
It is a prestigious location which will give you a feeling of wellbeing and serenity. And because Airelles Château de Versailles is committed to sustainability, we have cleverly introduced 21st century technology into this period building. Luxury without compromise and exquisite 18th century furniture is combined with every modern comfort to provide you with an extra-special and unique stay.
Le Grand Contrôle promises you a memorable escape at one of the most sought-after locations in the world.
To ensure a memorable trip, every stay at Le Grand Contrôle will unlock a host of exclusive benefits and privileged access to Château de Versailles and its grounds:
– exclusive tour of the Estate of Trianon
– explore a different part of the Palace ‘after hours’ every evening with a complimentary private tour.
Along with access to the main areas of the Palace of Versailles, your guide will also reveal previously unseen spaces.
Private tour of the Château de Versailles and Gardens
Private tour of the Château de Versailles and Gardens
During your stay at Le Grand Contrôle, you will enjoy several benefits including a tour of the Château de Versailles and its lush Gardens, far from the crowds. Explore Marie-Antoinette’s refuge, the Domaine de Trianon, with a private guide.
Enjoy some time in nature admiring the beautiful gardens from a golf buggy or navigate the Grand Canal in an electric boat.
At the end of the day, you have exclusive access to some of the most famous parts of Versailles: the Grands Appartements, the Hall of Mirrors, the Royal Opera and the Royal Chapel.
To take some time to reconnect with yourself, escape to the Valmont Spa, a luxurious wellbeing space with a 15-metre pool in a breath-taking setting. For the ultimate relaxing experience, private yoga classes are available on demand.
A butler is at your beck and call to attend to your every wish and make your royal stay unforgettable!
Monday 30th September 2024
Car Rental from Versailles to Nice
Car Rental from Versailles to Nice
Today you will pick up your hire car and start your self-drive adventure!
You will pick up your vehicle in Versaille and have it until you finish your trip in Nice.
Drive from Versailles to Lyon
Drive from Versailles to Lyon
As you leave central France behind and head to Lyon, these are the spots that I would recommend en route:
Palace of Fontainebleau: The House of Ages
Beginning as a medieval hunting lodge, François I performed a complete overhaul in the 16th century in an attempt to create a ‘New Rome’. Bringing in the finest artisans of the day, they blended Italian and French styles to create the ‘First School of Fontainebleau’. Over the centuries, the country’s rulers continued to enlarge the palace, right up until Napoleon III, culminating in the 1900 room palace of today, where every inch is richly decorated with wood panelling, gilded stucco, frescoes, tapestries and paintings. The glorious Trinity Chapel hosted Louis XV’s wedding, and Napoléon III’s christening. Napoléon’s wife had four drawing rooms created to house her Asian art collection. There’s even a gilded bedroom created for Marie Antoinette, though she never used it. The various wings created five irregularly shaped courtyards, the oldest of which is the Oval Courtyard where the sole remnant of the original medieval structure can be found.
Semur-en-Auxois : Keeping things Medieval
Local legend says Semur-en-Auxois was founded by Hercules on his was back from Spain, though historical records don’t mention the town until the 6th century. During the Middle Ages, the town’s defenses were redoubled, making it an important stronghold for the Dukes of Burgundy during the Hundred Years War. Today, the town’s picturesque streets and pretty squares are lined with half-timbered houses, mansions, and historic landmarks. The medieval keep with is distinctive towers still guards the town. Standing 44 meters tall, five floors are open to visitors, which house a museum, library, and technological collection. The 14th century Collegiate Church of Our Lady is a gorgeous Flamboyant Gothic gem, studded with gargoyles, and home to a stunning painted altarpiece. The 17th-century convent now houses the municipal museum, which exhibits everything from archaeological finds to fine art.
La Rochepot Chateau : A Passion Project
First constructed in 1180 by the son of Hugh III, Duke of Burgundy, Chateau de la Rochepot was purchased in 1403 by seigneur Regnier Pot upon his return from the crusades, and remained in his family for 3 generations. After being destroyed in the French Revolution, the chateau was purchased by Cecile Carnot, and given to her son so he could pursue his passion for history. Over the next 26 years, he carried out a meticulous restoration on the property. The chateau still belongs to the Carnot family today, and is open to visitors who can explore the chateau’s chapel, guard room, kitchen, and numerous rooms decorated with Gothic- and Renaissance-style furniture. The chateau’s history is also closely linked with Burgundy’s viticulture, and wine tastings are now offered at the site. Operating hours vary depending on the season, and visitors are advised to check the official website before planning their visit.
Welcome to Lyon
Welcome to Lyon
Welcome to Lyon, where the charm of Old World elegance meets the pulse of modern sophistication. Nestled in the heart of France's Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, Lyon is a city that effortlessly combines rich history, exquisite cuisine, and a vibrant cultural scene to create an unparalleled destination for discerning travelers.
Allow me to introduce you to a city that is not only a UNESCO World Heritage site but also a culinary haven, earning its title as the gastronomic capital of France. Explore the cobblestone streets of Vieux Lyon, where Renaissance architecture transports you to another era, and the scent of freshly baked pastries drifts from charming boulangeries.
Lyon is a confluence of the traditional and the avant-garde, with its historic landmarks such as the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière juxtaposed against cutting-edge museums and contemporary art installations. A stroll along the banks of the Rhône and Saône rivers reveals the city's scenic beauty, while the Presqu'île peninsula invites you to indulge in luxury shopping and boutique discoveries.
Of course, Lyon's true pièce de résistance lies in its culinary tapestry. Embark on a gastronomic journey through the city's renowned bouchons, where local chefs elevate traditional Lyonnais fare to an art form. From the renowned Paul Bocuse brasseries to hidden gems serving authentic silk worker dishes, every meal in Lyon is an exploration of flavor and refinement.
Sofitel Lyon Bellecour for 2 nights
Sofitel Lyon Bellecour for 2 nights
Five-star comfort is a given at Lyon's premier hotel, at home in a 1960s building overlooking the Rhône River in the heart of the city. Rooms enjoy a classical décor and city panoramas from the cocktail bar and gastronomic restaurant are nothing short of sensational.
Only a road separates the hotel from the majestic sweep of the Rhône River – the colourful Flower Tree sculpture by Korean artist Jeong Hwa Choi, aplomb on the quayside here, is impossible to miss. Place Bellecour, home to the tourist office and Bellecour metro station (lines A and D), is literally around the corner and it takes 20 minutes on foot to get to Lyon's beautiful Unesco-protected old town.
Breakfast is a gourmet feast of French pastries and bread, fruit, yoghurt, muesli ham, cheese and Lyonnais specialities like cervelle de canut (a mix between Greek yoghurt and cheese). The same eighth-floor space hosts Michelin-starred fine-dining restaurant, Les Trois Dômes, with signature dishes like morel-stuffed poultry from Bourg-en-Bresse and pike quenelles (Lyonnais dumplings) by chef Christian Lherm.
The ground-floor Silk brasserie serves pastas, risottos, omelettes, club sandwiches, various French beef cuts and gourmet burgers in a casual, 1970s-style interior. Lighter snacks are available throughout the day in the lobby Light Bar. Come dusk, flick through the iPad menu of 40 revisited craft cocktails in the all-red, eighth-floor Le Melhor Bar – host to twinkling city views and live jazz bands at weekends.
Your room: Double Superior
The superior room has a comfortable area for two people. It is elegantly decorated with Lyonnaise silk and has ample storage space. It offers peace and comfort after strolling around the culinary capital.
Wednesday 2nd October 2024
Make French Pastries with Professional Chef in Private Atelier
Make French Pastries with Professional Chef in Private Atelier
This exclusive experience will give you the chance to make your French patisserie dreams a reality.
During the class, you'll learn about the ingredients used by your friendly local chef, who's pastry-making tips and tricks for creating the perfect sweet delights.
Passion and talent for baking, plus a sense of humor that runs through the Atelier, will make for an enjoyable and educational experience. On the menu, you'll find Croissant, Macaron, Tarte à la praline. You'll take home everything you make, enjoy!
Thursday 3rd October 2024
Drive from Lyon to Menerbes
Drive from Lyon to Menerbes
Today you will pick up your hire car and leave Lyon behind, ready to head down to breathtaking Provence.
These are some sites I would recommend stopping at along the way to break up the journey:
Vienne: Overflowing with History
Once the capital of a Gallic tribe, after the area was conquered by the Romans, this ideal riverside location was made into a provincial capital. Even today, this City of Art and History’s rich heritage is preserved in its many monuments. Two ancient Roman monuments are still standing: the 1st century BC Temple of Augustus, and the huge 1st-century AD Théâtre Antique, which was one of the largest in Gaul, while Gallo-Roman archaeological remains can be found in the Garden of Cybele. Visitors can also discover the city’s beautiful medieval heritage by strolling through narrow lanes to it many monuments. The Romanesque Gothic Saint-Maurice Cathedral has some beautiful Flamboyant portals and colored roof, while Flemish tapestries adorn the interior. At the Romanesque Saint-André-le-Bas Church, visitors can take a peaceful walk through the cloisters, decorated with carved capitals.
Orange: Robust Roman Relics
Founded during the rule of Augustus in the 1st century, Orange once resembled a miniature version of Rome, with similar public buildings – just on a smaller scale. Besides the compact historical centre, with its narrow streets, picturesque ancient squares and a hilltop park, the main attractions are surely the two UNESCO World Heritage Sites – the Roman theatre and Triumphal Arch. The theatre is described as the most impressive of its kind, it seats 9000 and features a 37-metre-high stone backdrop to the stage with niches, columns and a statue of Augustus. It takes about 20 minutes to get from the theatre to the massive three-arched Triumphal Arch, standing majestically over the city.
Avignon: The Siren’s Call
Inhabited since the Neolithic period, this ancient city’s name was recorded for the first time in the 6th century BC when a fortified Greek settlement was built on top of the rocky outcrop overlooking the river. In 1309 Pope Clement V selected the city as his residence, and for the next several decades it would be the capital of all of Christendom, receiving a bounty of rich architecture, including the Palace of the Popes – the largest Gothic palace in Europe. Now a UNESCO site, within the castle’s 18 foot thick walls, visitors can enjoy exploring staterooms, chapels, cloisters, and frescoed papal apartments. The city’s other UNESCO monument is the "Pont d'Avignon", of nursery-rhyme fame, the remains of a 14th century bridge. On top of the UNESCO sites, the city’s bounty of opulent churches, majestic palaces, and scenic streets make it hard for many visitors to pull themselves away.
Welcome To Provence
Welcome To Provence
Welcome to Provence, a region in the south of France that is known for its stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture.
Nestled between the Mediterranean Sea and the Alps, Provence offers a unique blend of natural beauty, charming villages, and world-class cuisine. From the lavender fields of Valensole to the vineyards of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, this region is a paradise for those seeking a luxurious and unforgettable travel experience.
Whether you're exploring the picturesque towns of Aix-en-Provence and Avignon, indulging in the finest wines and cheeses, or simply basking in the warm Mediterranean sun, Provence is sure to captivate your senses and leave you with memories to last a lifetime.
La Bastide de Marie for 3 nights
La Bastide de Marie for 3 nights
La Bastide de Marie is one of those addresses that you would like to keep to yourself.
A stunning residence which combines simplicity, refinement and the charms of Provence. You'll want time to stop and savor the gentle way of life that bathes the place. Here, nature is more than a simple decor, it is a way of life.
Between Ménerbes and Bonnieux, you'll come across this elegant 18th-century residence. A country farmhouse restored in the pure tradition of a Provencal bastide.
Nestled in the heart of 26 hectares of vineyards, La Bastide de Marie flourishes on its authentic roots, and offers you a setting conducive to idleness under the Epicurean sun. Access to the house is via a driveway lined with cypress trees, century-old olive trees and the enchanting scent of lavender.
Here, you will be welcomed in the warmth of the stones of a bastide which reveals itself through an architecture marked by the delicacy of a past time. The antique furniture has been patiently collected from local antique and second-hand dealers and is combined with baroque pieces.
The main space is housed in the beautiful volume of the barn, around a monumental fireplace, while the lounges and the library on the first floor invite you, in any season, to stop for an afternoon tea, a reading break or a board game. On the terraces, you can listen to the whole of Provence whispering with lightness and generosity, or recognise its perfumes exalted by the sun.
Your room: Classic Double
Your beautiful Classic Room overlooks the patio of La Bastide de Marie, a truly rejuvenating stay in the heart of Provence's vineyards.
This room boasts a unique Provencal atmosphere, in a range of colors: Mimosa Yellow and Honey Orange. There is a separate bathroom with bathtub, perfect to relax after a day of exploring.
Friday 4th October 2024
Highlights of Provence : Chateauneuf du Pape & Luberon
Highlights of Provence : Chateauneuf du Pape & Luberon
Today we invite you to tp explore a scenic drive through the vineyard of Châteauneuf du Pape followed by wine tastings at 2 different wineries, departing from gorgeous Avignon.
From the ruins of the Pope's summer residence, enjoy a panoramic view over the Rhône river valley and the hill ranges surrounding the village.
You will discover the village of Roussillon and its colorful houses. You will take a look at Pont Julien, from the Roman time. Drive through the village of Lacoste, where you will see the remains of the castle of the Marquis de Sade. You will also have some free time in the dry-stone built hilltop village of Gordes.
Sunday 6th October 2024
Drive from Menerbes to Nice
Drive from Menerbes to Nice
Today you will head from Menerbes to Nice. This drive is around 3 hours, these are the hot spots I would recommend for you to stop off at!
Hyeres : The Original Riviera
Settled by the Greeks in the 4th century BC, Hyères is a resort-town with substance. In the 18th century, English aristocracy in search of warm weather flocked to the village, then came artists such as Leo Tolstoy, Rudyard Kipling, and DH Lawrence, and in 1892, Queen Victoria herself. However, as the village was built on a hilltop, it eventually fell out of favour as vacationers looked to Nice and St. Tropez instead. Fortunately, that means the bougainvillea-lined streets are free for visitors to explore without masses of other tourists. A resort-town in spirit, the 3 ‘remarkable gardens’, panoramic vistas, and many cafes and restaurants serving fresh seafood just beg visitors to slow down and relax.
Grasse : Smells Like History
Dating back to the Middle Ages, the hilltop town of Grasse became the perfume capital of the world after it began manufacturing perfumed gloves in the 16th century. Today, Grasse’s perfumeries are responsible for ⅔ of French production and the historic Fragonard, Galimard, Molinard manufacturers provide free guided tours. For those who want to delve even deeper into the perfume tradition, the International Perfumery Museum trace’s perfume’s 3000-year history, even offering a perfume-plant-conservatory garden. Even if perfumes aren’t your passion, Grasse has one of the largest and best-preserved old towns in Provence. The main thoroughfares are painted in pastel orange to lighten the narrow streets, but duck into an alley and you’ll find an authentic Provence where laundry is hung out to dry from original unpainted houses. The single most important historical monument is the 12th century Cathedral Notre-Dame-de-Puy where you’ll find stark Romanesque architecture, Baroque ornamentation, and three paintings by Rubens.
Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild : The Lap of Luxury
The Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild was built in 1905 for Charlotte Béatrice de Rothschild, French socialite and member of the impossibly wealthy Rothschild banking dynasty, to house her art collection. She had the Venetian-style villa surrounded by nine themed gardens, and a private zoo. On her death in 1934, Beatrice donated the estate to the Académie des Beaux Arts, who opened it to the public as a fine art museum. Among the 5,000 works in the estate’s collection are Gobelins tapestries, paintings by masters, luxurious porcelain, objects d’art from around the world, and antique furniture. Many of the items in the collection were saved from Parisian palaces, with some having belonged to Marie Antoinette and French kings in Versailles. The villa gardens offer a landscaped trip around the world, from the bamboo groves of Japan to the colors and fragrances of Provence, with historic stonework interspersed throughout.
Welcome to Nice
Welcome to Nice
With its mix of real-city grit, old-world opulence, year-round sunshine, vibrant street life and stunning seaside location, no place in France compares with Nice.
Before everything else, there was the sea, and the Mediterranean climate – the twin factors that made Nice a tourist magnet as early as the 1700s. Look around and you’ll find the same elemental attractions that drew Europe's belle-époque aristocrats to promenade along the waterfront in horse-drawn carriages. Even now, nothing compares to the simple joy of a balmy beach day interspersed with a spot of people-watching astride the Promenade des Anglais' famous blue chairs. Whether you're skating, kayaking, swimming, sprawled on a beach lounger or transfixed by sunset over the ever-present Med, it's all still happening by the water.
Bring your appetite when you come to Nice. This city is meant for epicures. It all starts at Vieux Nice’s Saleya market, where small producers from the Alpine foothills bring in a bounty of fresh produce, and top chefs from surrounding restaurants shop right beside tourists. The city celebrates its uniqueness with street snacks like socca (chickpea pancakes), pissaladière (caramelised onion tart) or tourte de blettes (chard, raisin and pine nut pie), while its countless cosy bistros serve everything from hearty Provençal beef stew to true salade niçoise to pasta with pistou, and from fresh lemon tart to vegan cheesecake.
Best Western Premier Hotel Roosevelt for 2 nights
Best Western Premier Hotel Roosevelt for 2 nights
The Best Western Premier Hotel Roosevelt is well located in the heart of the city and is a five minute walk from the flower market and the beaches of Nice.
A reception hall bathed in light, rooms that already invite you to rest and travel. Everything has been thought out to make you live an unforgettable experience. And if the art deco magic plunges you out of time, nothing has been forgotten on the high tech side: high speed Wi-Fi connection, USB wall sockets.
Your room: Executive Room
Enjoy high quality comfort in the Executive Room. Wrap yourself in the complimentary bathrobe and slippers as you sip on a Nespresso coffee, the perfect way to wake up in the morning. The room comes with plush memory pillows, complimentary soft drinks from the mini-bar and king-size bed.
Monday 7th October 2024
Local Cooking Class & Dinner with View of Nice
Local Cooking Class & Dinner with View of Nice
This exclusive experience will teach you how to cook like a local, from a local, by signing up for this Mediterranean cooking class in the home of local culinary enthusiast Marie-Christine.
Your friendly host will teach you how to make traditional French Mediterranean fare using local ingredients, which you'll then sit down to enjoy together.
They will be on hand to give you tips, not just about cooking, but also about Nice! This will be the perfect way to round up your trip to the stunning south of France, with views of Nice to enjoy whilst you share your meal.
Tuesday 8th October 2024
Drive from Hotel Roosevelt to NCE
Drive from Hotel Roosevelt to NCE
Today you will drive from Hotel Roosevelt to NCE, ready for your return flight to Paris, ready for your return journey to the USA.
Flight on AF 6211
Flight on AF 6211
| From | To |
|---|---|
| Cote d’Azur International Airport (NCE) |
Orly Airport (ORY) |
| Departs | Arrives |
| 08-Oct-2024 11:45:00 | 08-Oct-2024 13:46:00 |
| Airline | Cabin |
| Air France | Economy |
What's Included
Your itinerary includes
- Train from Austerlitz to Versailles Château Rive Gauche
- Car Rental from Versailles to Nice
- 1 night at Airelles Le Grand Contrôle
- Upgraded Orry Room
- Breakfast
- Private tour of the Château de Versailles and Gardens
- 2 nights Sofitel Lyon Bellecour
- Double Superior
- Breakfast
- Make French Pastries with Professional Chef in Private Atelier Excursion
- 3 nights at La Bastide de Marie
- Classic Room
- Breakfast
- 2 nights at Best Western Premier Hotel Roosevelt
- Executive Room
- Breakfast
- Local Cooking Class & Dinner with a View of Nice Excursion
- Domestic flight from Nice to Paris with Air France with baggage
- 24/7 emergency concierge service
Your itinerary excludes
- International flights
- Taxis / Ubers to and from train stations
- Travel insurance
- Local hotel taxes
- Visas (if applicable)
- Gratuities
Important Information
Travel Advice
It is important to seek independent and up-to-date advice when travelling to any foreign country. Many of our customers ask us to keep them up-to-date on the existing legal position regarding LGBT rights in the country to which they are travelling. You can find up-to-date details on our website under the country which you are travelling to. They are provided as a guide only and laws can change frequently. You should seek advice from the relevant authorities and embassies before travel (if applicable).
Travel Insurance and Terms and Conditions
It is a condition of booking with Out Of Office that you have adequate insurance cover for your trip at the time of booking. Please also ensure you have referred to our terms and conditions which can be found at www.outofoffice.com/terms-and-conditions. Please note that as each booking is tailor-made for you we only confirm the itinerary once we have received a deposit. There is a small chance that availability on some items quoted may change. If this is the case we will book similar accommodation and let you know.