France

Romance du vin, Plaisir d'amour

When you think of France, what comes to mind? April in Paris, the Cannes Film Festival, truffles and wine in Provence, the beaches of Normandy, great artists, ancient towns and villages? These are just tastes of what a honeymoon in France can be about.

For trips of a good length, couples typically delight in a combination of experiences, using the monumental landscape of Paris as a beginning or ending anchor, but taking the time to get lost meandering in the beautiful countryside; the fertile, chateau-studded Loire Valley, the storied coasts of Brittany and Normandy, the hills of Provence, and the valleys of Alsace being favorites. You can even drive or train into the Black Forest in Germany, or the cosmopolitan cities of Brussels or Amsterdam to rapidly expand your country repertoire in a most romantic way! Wherever it pleases you, stay in historic inns, photograph castles and ruins, attend cooking schools, and make a corner of the country your very own.

France is also ideal for shorter, more focused escapes, alive with all of the luxury you can imagine. Combine four days at a magnificent central Paris address with two or three in London. Or picture yourself arriving on the Mediterranean coast in Nice, taking a helicopter to an exclusive resort in neighboring Monaco for a night or two, and then zipping up to Paris on the high-speed TGV train to regain cozy anonymity in the tree-lined squares of the artistic Left Bank. Let us help you find your ideal honeymoon route in this welcoming country of beauty, art, and wonderful cuisine!

Just the Facts

Best suited for:

Honeymoon couples who enjoy fine cuisine, history, art, and the opportunity to combine urban and rural experiences. Lovers of high culture and traditional provincial life. Those seeking coastal relaxation, spas, and the glitz of the Cote d'Azur. Castle and bicycle fans.

When to go:

May through September are the best months from a weather perspective - especially the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts - and this period brings a high tourist volume and top rates. However, even in summer Paris and other central towns can be overcast because of their geographic situation, and so there is great romance to the mists and peace and quiet of early spring and late fall. An ideal time to visit anywhere in France is October, when rates and crowds are at a lull, autumn colors are amazing, and temperatures are still very good. Don't overlook snowy winter in Alsace or the French Alps for skiing and postcard views, either!

Accommodations:

As with all European countries, a great variety exists. Some of the most expensive city hotels in the world are in Paris, Nice, and nearby Monaco, with service to wait on you hand and foot. In contrast, there is great value and charm in the villas, hotels, and chateaux of the countryside, many located in richly historic villages and estates. On the coasts, spa resorts range from modest vintage to exclusive cutting-edge chic. From tiny bed and breakfasts to huge resorts and city palaces, one common bond is a focus on excellent food and regional pride.

Dining:

In the world forum, French cuisine is mostly about technique instead of flavors, and it is honestly hard to find a pure French or French-inspired bistro in most countries without fusion elements from other cultures. Going to France helps you reclaim the simplicity and richness of the French produce while maintaining the excellent presentation - from a café afternoon of wine, exquisite cheeses, and the ever present baguette to an evening of pigeon, beefsteak, truffles, and farm-fresh vegetables, you won't be disappointed.

Special Activities:

Cruises on the Seine and Loire, or along the coasts at Nice and Cherbourg, guided tours of the Louvre and Musee d'Orsay, truffle hunting with your personal piglet or hound in season, hot-air ballooning, bicycling country roads, wonderful driving, art and cooking classes, wine tastings.

Regions - France

Click on each region in the left menu to learn more about that region.

Why France

Reasons to choose France:

For wonderful food and wine, historic accommodations overseen by proud caretakers, essential monuments and natural points of interest, and beautiful coasts. Especially appropriate for those who appreciate French culture, language, and history, and are willing to try out a greeting or two.

Reasons to choose someplace else over France:

If you prefer more traditional European hospitality, such as the smiles and open arms of Spain, Italy, and Ireland. If you need to hear English in both urban and rural environments. If you'd rather stay off the main European tourist path during the spring and summer.

Signature Itineraries - France

All of our signature itineraries are fully custom tailored according to your interests and budget. The following sample itineraries are intended to provide a feel for what's possible.

Length: 14 days / 13 nights