France Luxury Trips Worth Dreaming About Beyond Paris
When most people think of luxury trips to France, Paris usually comes to mind. It is timeless, romantic, and full of iconic sights. But beyond the capital, there is a whole world of beauty, history, and culture that is just as special and often less traveled. Think quiet vineyards, breezy coastal towns, and villages that seem paused in time.
If you are planning well ahead for your summer 2026 trip, now is the perfect time to start dreaming about what France has to offer outside Paris. Let this give you a few ideas for slow, relaxing holidays filled with great food, warm hospitality, and meaningful experiences. These are the places people talk about long after they have unpacked their bags at home.
Slow Living and Wine Country Magic in Bordeaux
This corner of southwest France is where things move at their own quiet pace, just right for moments that do not feel rushed. Bordeaux is perfect if you are drawn to vineyard charm, rich wines, and a little neoclassical elegance.
• Join private wine tastings guided by expert sommeliers. Many visits include behind-the-scenes access to historic estates that few travelers get to see.
• Bordeaux’s old town makes a lovely stop, with its cream-colored buildings, arched windows, and calming river views. Take a stroll through its graceful center and stop for dinner at a local bistro to end the day in the best kind of way.
We hand-select luxury château accommodation and coordinate exclusive wine experiences in the region, using our network of local partners to offer unique access to storied estates and premier vineyards.
Peaceful Retreats and Timeless Beauty in Provence
Provence feels like summer in a postcard. The fields are full of lavender, the skies feel extra wide, and the days seem made for lingering. This region is loved for its peaceful rhythm and bright colors.
• Walk through cheerful markets with a local guide who knows the stories behind the produce, the cheese, and the crafts. These moments help you feel part of the place, even just for a while.
• Slow down with long lunches in hilltop towns, then visit nearby Roman ruins in Arles or Nîmes. For art lovers, follow in the footsteps of Van Gogh and see what inspired his most famous works.
Seaside Sophistication Along the French Riviera
Sometimes you want the sea, a little sunshine, and the kind of place where elegance feels effortless. That is what the French Riviera offers, especially when explored at your own pace.
• Base yourself somewhere like Nice, Antibes, or a quieter spot just outside the main cities. You will find upscale hotels with bright, sea-facing balconies and a calm atmosphere.
• Plan your days around a few cultural visits and a lot of relaxing. Maybe it is a morning visit to an artist’s villa or a quick tour of a belle époque mansion, then a bite to eat, followed by time in a shaded beach cabana.
• With a private driver-guide, you can venture into hillside villages like Eze or Saint-Paul-de-Vence, or take a short boat ride along the coast to admire the Riviera from the water.
Authentic Traditions and Coastal Views in Brittany
If you are in search of sea air and a sense of tradition, head northwest to Brittany. It is where rugged coastlines meet Celtic heritage, and the food is famously fresh.
• Take some time to meet local makers and food artisans. From handwoven textiles to sea-salted caramels, the region is rich with handmade quality.
• With a local guide, follow parts of the old customs trail along the cliffs or explore quiet fishing villages with long-standing ties to the ocean.
Castles, Villages, and Culinary Wonders in the Loire Valley
Just a few hours from Paris, the Loire Valley feels like a scene straight from a storybook. It is a land of gently rolling countryside, elaborate gardens, and castles full of charm.
• Stay in castle hotels or noble estate homes, where every window view looks like it belongs in a travel magazine.
• For something authentic and fun, take a cooking class in a vineyard kitchen. Or float above the villages at sunrise in a hot air balloon and see the area in a way most never do.
We provide access to exclusive tours and private tastings across the Loire Valley, with options to arrange private driver services and after-hours castle visits for a uniquely personal journey.
