World of Luxury Travel
France
Perfect experiences in France
| Sail Away to Relaxation There’s something supremely relaxing about the gentle sway of a ship and an expanse of blue water. Combine that feeling with all of the comforts of a first-class hotel and the opportunity to savour 33 Grand Crus, and you’ll get a taste of what awaits on a luxury barge cruise with Afloat in France. A six-night escape aboard the Napoleon includes top-notch service, opulent accommodations, and large picture windows to view the spectacular scenery. In six days you’ll enjoy six different wine adventures, including a picnic at the Clos des Mouches vineyard in Burgundy followed by a visit and tasting at a Grand Crus vineyard; a journey to Dijon and its celebrated Ducal Palace, chic shops, and then dinner on board the Napoleon with the resident wine expert; and in Tournus, a Burgundy wine class followed by a visit to Joseph Drouhin’s cellar and wine tasting. |
| Discover Ancient Secrets Hôtel de La Cité, a glorious hotel in the Cathars region that was once a medieval citadel, is your home base for a variety of wine tours, gastronomic discoveries, and leisure pursuits. Half-day and full-day guided wine tours take you off the beaten path and into the vineyards of small growers, where you’ll learn about their techniques and taste the fruits of their labours. Full-day tours also include a tasting lunch of local products such as meats, cheeses, vegetables, fruits, and pastries. Nature lovers will enjoy guided country walks, where participants will see ancient landmarks and lush botanical treasurers. If golf is a passion, you’ll receive preferential rates at the nearby Carcassonne Golf Club, which has earned international acclaim for its challenging and beautiful landscape. |
| Explore Grand Cities in a Rolling Luxury Hotel Who hasn’t dreamt of the adventure and glamour to be found aboard the iconic Orient Express train? Make your dream come true by booking a passage aboard the Venice Simplon Orient-Express, featuring itineraries that include exotic destinations such as Paris, Venice, Vienna, Krakow, Prague, and Budapest. Explore the best that these splendid cities have to offer—ancient castles, interesting architecture, diverse cultures, and gorgeous countrysides—while traveling in exquisite style. From four days to 10 (or even longer if you wish), you’ll be treated to the very best service, sumptuous cabins that transition from deluxe lounge areas to spacious sleeping quarters, and gourmet cuisine prepared on board by French chefs. |
| Experience the Good Life in Southern France When you want everything—superb accommodations, cuisine, and diversion—in one spectacular place, a trip to Château de Berne is in order. In the heart of Provence, surrounded by its own vineyard, lies this charming estate with all of the amenities of a five-star resort. Wine has been a way of life since 1750 at the Château, where the 200 acres of grapes produce nearly 500,000 bottles of acclaimed wine each year. As a guest, you’ll be welcomed into the wine cellar with a guided tour that includes wine-making secrets and tastings with commentary about the individual wines. The feel and flavours of Provencal life really come alive through the cookery classes offered at the Château. Classes include themes such as cocktail parties, healthy cuisine, spring and autumn menus, fish dishes, Mediterranean and Provencal favourites, and holiday menus. |
