France Elite; Cosmopolitan Paris & Regal Bordeaux

It is difficult to imagine a place more unique than the largest Vintage, Design and Antiques market in the world located at Saint Ouen. Often called “flea market” in magazines and newspapers, it is much, much more. Its 1,800 shops, stands and galleries showcase an unparalleled collection of treasures from decades and centuries past. It contains fifteen sub-markets, exquisitely charming cafés, and a gourmet restaurant designed by Philippe Starck. Depending on your interests and needs, you may return home with a few items, or furnish your entire home with the vast array of pieces available! This is arguably the best and first source for designers and decorators and professional art dealers in Europe.

Spend half of the day today (4hrs) with a dedicated personal shopper who has developed an exclusive service for those who wish to buy or are interested in antique and vintage items in an eclectic setting - this is sure to be is an unforgettable journey through history and into the heart of Paris.

After meeting and getting a sense of your tastes and needs, your personal shopper will bring you from your hotel in a luxury vehicle to the various venues — including the warehouses, galleries, shops, and stalls of the Vintage and Design Markets. Your Personal shopper will act as your guide, advise, translate, negotiate, and organize payment and door-to-door shipping (including customs formalities) on your behalf. At the end of your tour you`ll be returned to your hotel or dropped off in the city centre if you wish to do some independent exploring or shopping. (There is the option to spend a full day at the "Marche aux Puces" with your personal shopper. Please let your Sales advisor know if this is of interest).

Who hasn't dreamt of baking a delightful French pastry, or preparing an exquisite French-style dessert? During Renaissance times in the 16th century, almonds were imported to France and biscuits were served at the Royal Court. Today, celebrity pastry chefs in Paris offer ever more exquisite macaroons with surprising and perfectly combined flavors. Learn how to prepare French Macaroons, how to shape the shells using a pastry bag, and how to prepare the creams for the fillings at the renowned LeNotre establishment with a private cooking class. Your will have a chauffeur driven vehicle at your disposal to drop you to and from the location.

Your private vehicle and driver will take you to meet an exceptional Master jeweller. You'll be privy to an individualized commented visit of the very exclusive, luxury Boucheron’s Jewelry workshop, guided by the company’s top heritage representative. During the visit you'll be brought through the process step by step, from watching the initial designing, up to the jewel’s realisation in a precious metal, and then the setting of the rarest gemstones. Also to be discovered is the Boucheron private museum’s collection, as well as extremely precious archives, a historical testimony of Boucheron’s constant creative exuberance. A possible addition to this exclusive tour is to have a meal arranged in the private salon located above the workshop which has fabulous views of the Place Vendome. Please let your Sales Advisor know if you are interested in having this added to your experience.

Enjoy a very rare visit of Stéphane Rolland Haute Couture salons and workshops today! A Graduate of the prestigious Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne, Stéphane Rolland’s talent was first recognized by Balenciaga, who hired him to work on his menswear collections, and promoted him to creative Director within a year, at the age of 21. At 24, he designed his own prêt-à-porter collection. Success came immediately. Later, he desired a new challenge: Haute Couture. It was in the house of Jean-Louis Scherrer that he would find his place. Aged 30, Stéphane Rolland was the youngest French couturier on Avenue Montaigne, in Paris. Following 10 years at Scherrer, he finally launched his Couture House with the first Couture show under his own name, in July 2007.

Entering his universe at the prestigious address on Avenue Georges V, you will discover the bohemian outlook and luxurious extravagance which define his character. You will be presented his latest collection in his showroom as well as his inspirations through the very personalized furniture and decoration. Upstairs in this listed private mansion is where the Couture workshops where the collections are designed are located. You'll have the opportunity to observe the delicate work of the latest “petites mains” with the constant backdrop of the repetitive sound of the sewing machines....Truly a one of a kind experience... (Includes private transportation between your accommodation and the workshop).

Get ready for a sensory experience today as you are driven by private chauffeured vehicle to the enviable address of the Guerlain perfume workshop located on the Champs Elysées, a legendary location and boutique since 1914. This listed building was entirely decorated by the designer Andree Putman who transformed it into a boutique flooded with natural light and embellished with gold mosaic walls. In the intimacy of a private salon upstairs, the world-famous perfumer and one of the few noses exclusive to the House, is ready to unveil his creations, like a magician revealing his most precious secrets. Enjoy a welcome beverage before touring the boutique and creating your own perfume under the tutorage of a master. During the perfume workshop you'll get to discover the origins and inspirations for Guerlain's perfumes, refine your olfactory sense and discover exclusive raw materials, particularly the ones used as signature ingredients. Finally, enjoy the tactile process of creating your own signature fragrance which you'll get to keep as a momento. In case you are not overly fond of your own creation, you'll get to choose a Guerlain fragrance within the limited collection which is only sold in this boutique.

At the end of your morning activity, you'll be transferred to the train station in Paris in time for your journey to Bordeaux.

You will be picked up this afternoon from Bordeaux and transferred to your chateau, located twenty minutes south west of Bordeaux city.

Enjoy the train ride from Paris to Bordeaux. The train duration is approximately 3 hours (direct).

You will have a dedicated professional Driver and a luxury Rolls Royce at your disposal during these four days of your itinerary. Your driver will transfer you between visits and will be at your disposal during your free time, should you like to discover some particular sites or wineries.

Take in the sumptuous surroundings of your chateau this evening and sit down to a 4 course feast in the comfort of the regal dining room within the property. (drinks not included).

Discover the cellars of the seven hundred year old wine estate of Chateau Pape Clement this morning - a Grand Cru Classe of Graves since 1885.

Sit down to a gourmet lunch this afternoon in the privacy of the opulent dining room in the chateau.

Immerse yourself in the splendid atmosphere of Bordeaux - a city with UNESCO heritage designation, as you are shown its many sights in the company of an English speaking guide.

Learn the art of wine tasting and determine your preferences and the corresponding type of wine during an hour and a half wine blending class and create your ideal wine. Once you’ve put on your apron, you’re ready to begin tasting a number of single-variety wine samples which have been selected for their unique characteristics and their typical expression of Bordeaux’s terroir. Equipped with a test tube and graduated cylinder, you will make several experiments under the tutalage of an expert. Then create a label for your bottle and depart with a bottle of your own, custom-made wine.

The river plays a crucial role in Bordeaux. Consider taking a private charter of a hacker craft, immortalised by Humphrey Bogart and Jackie Kennedy and see the city's sights by water. Alternatively, you may be interested in taking a private boat trip on a traditional boat of the region to discover the stunning nature reserve of Banc d'Arguin, a golden island with numerous lagoons that looks like a little exotic paradise. Please speak to your Sales Advisor if any of these private tour options are of interest.

Enjoy a wonderful dinner this evening in a michelin starred restaurant in Bordeaux.

This morning will see you at the impressive Chateau de Fombrauge, a 17th century manor in the medieval village of St Emilion. Enjoy a private tour of the chateau and learn about its history and the prestigious wines that are produced here.

Take in the tranquil scenery as you sit down to a lovely lunch on the chateau's terrace this afternoon.

Enjoy the charms of the UNESCO designated medieval village of St Emilion this afternoon.

Your evening meal this evening will take place in the dining room of the Chateau de Fombrauge, with an impregnable view over the vineyards. (drinks not included).

The neo-classical architectural jewel that is the Grand Theatre in Bordeaux has a wide variety of concerts and spectacles throughout the year. If you are interested in learning what is on during your time in Bordeaux please speak to your Sales Advisor. Alternatively, consider having your own private concert at the castle where you are staying.

Barrel making is an ancient and well respected trade in France. Learn the various stages that go into making a premium wine barrel this morning under the tutorage of an expert at the Chateau la Tour Carnet.  The property is one of the oldest in the Medoc region and is bordered by a moat on three sides.

Weather permitting, lunch will be held on the banks of the moat at the Chateau La Tour Carnet.

Consider any number of optional activities such as a private fishing trip followed by a cocktail buffet in a traditional fisherman's hut known as "carralet". The regions golf clubs offer some remarkable courses, from links to parkland courses. If you would like to try your hand at local cuisine, consider a private cooking lesson with a chef, or alternatively, you may like to have a body treatment. Please speak to your Sales Advisor if any of these options are of interest.

Spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure. You will have your luxury vehicle and driver at your disposal.

At days end, you will be transferred to Bordeaux.