Joie de Vivre

Burgundy, Loire Valley, Provence
Joie de Vivre image

Culture, Cuisine, & Wine

general icon

Sep 16th-25th, 2025

Discover the feeling of Joie de Vivre—enjoyment, fulfillment, and living in the moment. This thoughtfully curated itinerary showcases the best of French culture, cuisine, and wine.

Book now to secure your spot! 🇫🇷

Image 0
Image 1
Image 2
Image 3
Image 4
Image 5
Image 6
Image 7
Image 8
megaphone icon

Early-bird pricing ends August 1st!

Optional - Four Day Paris Extension

Limited Availability | Pre-Registration Open

Image 0
info icon

Travelers must have a passport valid for at least three months beyond departure.

Loading Map…

France

1. Marseille

Marseille, France

2. Arles

Arles, France

3. Gordes

84220 Gordes, France

4. Avignon

Avignon, France

5. Lyon

Lyon, France

6. Beaune

21200 Beaune, France

7. Burgundy

Burgundy, France

8. Auxerre

Auxerre, France

9. Loire Valley

Loire Valley, France

10. Paris - Optional Extension

Paris, France

Trip Overview

Sep 16th - 25th, 2025
Trip Overview image

Trip Overview

Flights

Flights image
flight icon

IAH - CDG

Sep 14, 2025
IAH
15:50
Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport

9h 25m

Sep 15, 2025
CDG
08:15
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport
flight icon

CDG - MRS

Sep 16, 2025
CDG
11:30
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport

1h 25m

Sep 16, 2025
MRS
12:55
Marseille Provence Airport
flight icon

CDG - IAH

Sep 25, 2025
CDG
10:10
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport

10h 25m

Sep 25, 2025
IAH
13:35
Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport

Accommodations

Accommodations image

Accommodations

accommodation icon

Hôtel Dieu Intercontinental Marseille

1 Pl. Daviel, 13002 Marseille, France
Check inTuesday, Sep 16, 2025

Perched on the Panier hill, the oldest district of Marseille, the InterContinental Marseille – Hotel Dieu is the most grandiose luxury hotel in the Phocaean city.

Located in the former Hôtel-Dieu, a majestic 18th century building inaugurated by Napoleon III, it displays its monumental staircases, vaulted passageways and wide terraces overlooking the Old Port.

accommodation icon

Hôtel & Spa Jules César Arles - MGallery

9 Bd des Lices, 13200 Arles, France
Check inWednesday, Sep 17, 2025

Located in the heart of Arles in Provence, the Hotel Jules César offers you a real journey through time, where nothing is left to chance. Sublimated by 18th century elements and contemporary art, our establishment will transport you into a poetic world.

accommodation icon

Hotel d'Europe

12 place Crillon 84000 Avignon
Check inThursday, Sep 18, 2025

Luxury hotel in Avignon and Michelin-starred restaurant a stone's throw from the Palais des Papes,the place charms and seduces each visitor who comes to taste this Provençal sweetness of life: we let ourselves be seduced by this travelers' house where we feel good, and we savor each of the high-end services, for an exceptional stay in Provence.

accommodation icon

Hotel Le Cep

27 Rue Jean François Maufoux, 21200 Beaune, France
Check inFriday, Sep 19, 2025

Perfectly located in the heart of medieval Beaune, the wine capital of Burgundy, and just minutes from the iconic Hospices de Beaune and Notre-Dame Basilica, Hotel Le Cep is a true landmark of the town. This 5-star gem is housed in two private mansions, featuring charming 16th-century courtyards that exude history and elegance.

accommodation icon

Fleur de Loire

26 quai Villebois Mareuil, 41 000 Blois
Check inSunday, Sep 21, 2025

Designed by Gaston d'Orléans, the son of Henri IV and Marie de Médicis, Fleur de Loire overlooks the city of Blois and its impressive riverbanks. Large windows afford views of the Loire’s landscapes for the ultimate elegant setting, while the rooms and suites provide an opportunity to relax and unwind.

🗝️ One Michelin Key · A very special stay

Days 1 & 2

Marseille
Days 1 & 2 image

Sun-soaked shores of Provence

general icon

Day 1

  • Arrival in Marseille and private transfer to the hotel

  • Evening cocktail reception with fellow travelers and dinner at the hotel

Tailor Your Experience:

  • Early arrival with a pre-night in Marseille ($)

🍽️ Meals: D

activity icon

Optional Walking Tour

Port Antique, 13001 Marseille
Duration2hrs

Stroll the narrow streets and staircases of the emblematic ‘Panier’, Marseille's oldest district! Between history, anecdotes and the art of living, discover the first heart of the city from its origins to the present day.

This district, located behind the north bank of the Old Port right in the centre of town, is the historic heart of the city. Our guide will tell you all about its history as you wander through the maze of narrow streets and staircases that make it so charming.

Image 0
Image 1
Image 2
Image 3
Image 4
Image 5
Image 6
Image 7
general icon

Day 2

  • Visit to the port of Cassis

  • Seaside lunch for a traditional coastal meal

  • Afternoon visit to a local winery for a Provençal wine tasting 🍷

  • Dinner at leisure

🍽️ Meals: B, L

activity icon

Iconic Calanques Private Boat Tour

Port de la Pointe Rouge
Duration4hrs

Explore the Calanques National Park's dramatic limestone cliffs and hidden coves by boat, enjoying unparalleled views of the rugged coastline on this motorboat tour. Stop to swim in crystal clear waters and visit areas like Riou Island and the cliffs of Sormiou, Morgiou, Sugiton, the blue cave, and En-Vau beach.

Image 0
Image 1
Image 2
Image 3
Image 4

Days 3 & 4

Arles, Gordes, Avignon
Days 3 & 4 image

Art, History, and Medieval Villages

general icon

Day 3

  • Visit St Paul de Mausole and St-Rémy-de-Provence

  • Arrival in Arles with a guided exploration of the town, including the ancient Roman amphitheater

  • Dinner at leisure

Image 0
Image 1
Image 2
Image 3
Image 4
Image 5
Image 6

🍽️ Meals: B

activity icon

Arenes D'Arles - Guided Tour

Arènes d'Arles - Rond-Point des Arènes - B.P. 40042 - 13633 Arles Cedex
Duration1.5hrs

Built in the first century A.D., the Arles Amphitheater helped to make the city one of the largest Roman metropolises in Gaul. The arenas have survived for more than two millennia in an excellent state of preservation, resisting wars, epidemics, and the temptation of men to use them as stone quarries.

As one of the best-preserved ancient amphitheaters in Europe, they can be visited all year round and continue to host cultural and sporting events, perpetuating their original function.

Image 0
Image 1
Image 2
Image 3
general icon

Day 4

  • Visit the village of Gordes

  • Afternoon transfer to Avignon

  • Guided tour of Avignon, including Palais des Papes and Place de l'Horloge

Image 0
Image 1
Image 2
Image 3
Image 4

🍽️ Meals: B, L

activity icon

Palais des Papes & Place de l'Horloge - Guided Tour

Pl. du Palais, 84000 Avignon, France
Duration2hrs

Climb up to the top of the fortified medieval city walls and discover Avignon in all its beauty. Explore the rich past of Avignon where the papacy was established in the early 14th-century.

Follow your guide through the Pope's Palace, the largest Gothic palace in Europe. Immerse yourself in its labyrinth of galleries, chambers, and chapels. Stroll along the cobbled streets to the Place de l'Horloge and uncover the secret of the painted windows. Admire the town hall with its clock tower and the theater. 

Image 0
Image 1
Image 2
Image 3
Image 4
Image 5
Image 6

Days 5 & 6

Lyon, Beaune, Burgundy
Days 5 & 6 image

Market Finds, Vineyard Vines, & Michelin Dines

transport icon

First Class Cabin - Train to Lyon

DepartureSaturday, Sep 20, 2025
general icon

Day 5

  • Visit to Les Halles de Lyon for a market tour and tastings

  • Train transfer to Beaune and check-in to the hotel

Image 0
Image 1
Image 2
Image 3

🍽️ Meals: B, D

meal icon

Clos du Cèdre

12 Bd Maréchal Foch, 21200 Beaune, France

Awarded a Michelin star in March 2022, Clos du Cèdre honors local producers and offers a menu that evolves with the seasons, allowing gourmets to discover the secrets and delights of local gastronomy.

Chef Jordan Billan and his passionate brigade will surprise you with their inventive, flavorful cuisine, enhanced by a wine list featuring over 600 wines, with Burgundy wines taking pride of place.

One Michelin Star: High quality cooking

general icon

Day 6

  • Wine tasting day throughout Burgundy 🍷

  • Visit the Château du Clos Vougeot and Vosne-Romanée

  • Dinner at leisure

Image 0
Image 1
Image 2

🍽️ Meals: B, L

activity icon

Le Cassissium

8 passage des Frères Montgolfier, 21700 Nuits-Saint-Georges, France
Duration1.5hrs

Discover the world of blackcurrants through our interactive exhibition. During this guided tour of the Vedrenne liqueur factory, uncover the secrets of cassis while enjoying its many flavors through tastings of liqueurs, spirits, and other drinks. A delicious experience awaits!

Image 0
Image 1

Days 7 & 8

Burgundy, Beaune, Auxerre, Loire Valley
Days 7 & 8 image

History, Flavor, and Enchantment

general icon

Day 7

  • Explore Dijon’s Old Town and Fine Arts Museum

  • Afternoon at leisure or visit Hôtel-Dieu in Beaune

  • Dinner at leisure

Image 0
Image 1
Image 2

🍽️ Meals: B

general icon

Day 8

  • Visit to Auxerre's Saint-Germain Abbey and Maison Billot for Burgundy Snails 🐌

  • Lunch at Château de Chaumont

  • Transfer to Blois and check-in

Image 0
Image 1
Image 2
Image 3
Image 4

Tailor Your Experience:

  • Hot Air Balloon Experience ($)

  • Château de Chaumont Garden Tour

🍽️ Meals: B, L, D

meal icon

Restaurant Christophe Hay

With its original flavours, colours and aromas, the Christophe Hay restaurant boldly showcases the emotional power of the Loire Valley.

Inspired by the rhythms of the natural world, the menu features the very best the region has to offer: Géline de Touraine chicken, Loire Valley truffles, Cheverny wine and, of course, herbs and vegetables from the restaurant’s own permaculture vegetable garden.

activity icon

Royal Chateau of Blois Evening Show

Pl. du Château, 41000 Blois, France
Duration1hr

Each evening, as darkness falls, witness a breathtaking experience! Projections of monumental video images and immersive effects transform the castle’s architecture, bringing it to life. A collapsing castle before Catherine de Medici, or a Duc de Guise more alive than ever: love, drama, and secrets unfold in a unique 360° show. Translation available in 10 languages.

Days 9 & 10

Loire Valley
Days 9 & 10 image

Magical Chateaux of Loire Valley

general icon

Day 9

  • Visit the Château de Chenonceau and Clos Lucé in Amboise

  • Visit to the Royal Castle of Amboise

Image 0
Image 1
Image 2
Image 3
Image 4
Image 5
Image 6
Image 7

🍽️ Meals: B, L, D

meal icon

L’Auberge du Prieuré

2, rue du Clos Lucé 37400 Amboise Val de Loire

In this inn, Chef Sieur Sausin, a specialist in historical cuisine, takes gourmets on a gastronomic journey to the time of Leonardo da Vinci.

The menu features elegant presentations in the traditional "François" style, offering a taste of medieval French heritage that will transport your senses back in time.

Image 0
Image 1
activity icon

Farewell dinner at Château de Troussay

An unforgettable farewell dinner at Château de Troussay, featuring live music, fireworks, and cherished memories.

general icon

Day 10

  • Transfer to Paris for departure or optional Paris Extension. ✈️

🍽️ Meals: B

Extras

Extras image

Tailor Your Experience

general icon

Pre-Night Marseille

Arrive early for an extra night in Marseille to relax and discover the city’s historic charm, stunning views, and renowned cuisine before your main adventure begins.

activity icon

Hot Air Balloon over the Loire Valley

Duration3hrs

The breathtaking vineyards, lush forests, and fairy-tale castles of the Loire Valley are even more magnificent from above, making this hot-air balloon experience the perfect way to take in the stunning aerial views.

Float over the UNESCO-listed landscapes, spotting iconic landmarks like Château de Chenonceau, and celebrate your safe landing with a glass of sparkling wine or grape juice.

Image 0
Image 1
Image 2
info icon

Maximum Capacity: 10 Guests

general icon

Paris Extension - May 25th - 28th

Limited Availability | Pre-Registration Open

Image 0
Image 1
Image 2
Image 3
Image 4
Image 5
Image 6
Image 7
Image 8
Image 9
Image 10
Image 11
Image 12
Image 13
Image 14
  • Versailles Guided Tour

  • Dinner at Gordon Ramsay au Trianon

  • Performance of Verdi's Rigoletto at Opera Bastille

  • Guided Tour of Notre-Dame Cathedral & Sainte-Chapelle

  • Farewell dinner at L'Oiseau Blanc with views of the Eiffel Tower

One Michelin Star - Gordon Ramsay au Trianon

⭐⭐ Two Michelin Stars - L'Oiseau Blanc