Looking forward to the fall: Your future French dream vacation

There are a few things that seem certain right now.  It’s a time for everyone, globally, where things are changing quickly.  Everything seems unstable and in a constant state of flux. There is one thing that is for certain.  This current crisis will end.  Spring will turn to summer, summer will turn to fall.  Time will pass and we will all heal. And soon, travel to France will be possible again.

A Northwestern University infectious diseases expert cut to the chase: “fall is the new summer”, he stated.  Though summer travel plans might be on hold for now, the fall will follow.  It will take time, but things will return to normal.  The vacation that you have been dreaming of during these days in self-isolation or social distancing will be able to transform itself from a dream into reality.  And, honestly, after all this time we are spending at home, who isn’t dreaming about a vacation in the not-so-far-off future?

Going back to where we were will not happen immediately.  But travelers looking to see Europe this fall will see destinations full of places eager and happily relieved to see you.

The fall is a spectacular time to explore so many of the destinations that we can take you to.  France is one of these destinations that particularly shines this time of year.  The leaves change and the grapes are harvested. A crisp autumn note hits the air.  The dishes turn warmer and more comforting as the seasons shift. We would usually advise guests that this is also a great time to avoid crowds. But travelers rediscovering the world after this current crisis will be rewarded with cities and towns warmly welcoming guests as they start to get back on their feet.

Travel to France in the fall would be perfect with a start in Paris.  Love great food and incredibly wine?  You are in the right spot.  A few days in here could be spent with our Paris food tours. Led by a local chef or food writer, you will stroll the charming streets of St.- Germain-des-Pres and the Left Bank. Explore the culinary culture of Paris eating along the way!  Another activity that is always a favorite with our food-loving clients is our luxury dinner cruise down the Seine.  Dining on gourmet dishes like fresh sea bass over a celery and shellfish risotto with fresh shrimp creme and black pearls of caviar, a glass of champagne in hand, as you sail by the Eiffel Tower and the Musée D’Orsay is an experience that you will never forget.

Those clients wishing to focus on all the amazing gastronomy that France has to offer could spend a week to 10 days exploring some of the breathtaking (and mouthwatering) areas of Normandy and Burgundy after a few days in the capital City of Light. The ultimate in traveling to France!

You would take a train to Normandy.  Here, you would pick up a rental car and make your way to your accommodations.  We have so many places in the area that we love. How about a few nights at a luxury bed and breakfast close to the old harbor of Honfleur? This gem has recently been restored and with gorgeously decorated and comfortable rooms plus an outstanding spa and acclaimed restaurant & bistro.  In addition to a full-day tour with our private historian guide of the sites of Normandy and D-Day. These include Omaha Beach, Utah Beach, and Bayeux. A full-day food tour is also a wonderful idea in this region. Your guide will take you deep into the heart of the real Normandy. You will meet genuine producers that produce real Camembert, ciders, and Pommeau of Normandy and locally distilled calvados. Gastronomes cannot miss tasting these incredible delicacies of the region.

From Normandy, you’ll drive to one of the most acclaimed destinations for wine lovers in the world – Beaune, in the heart of the Burgundy region.  You’ll check in to your 5-star accommodations, a historic collection of 14th to 18th-century buildings with a 16th-century interior courtyard overlooked by Italianate galleries and two pretty towers. It also has a renowned restaurant with over 70 Burgundy wines on the wine list, served by the glass.  The whole property is a blend of historic charm and classic French elegance.  One day here should be spent with our private sommelier and driver on our full-day tasting tour of the region.  The tour includes visits to 3 selected family Domaines within Côte de Beaune, Côte de Nuits, Hautes Côtes and/or Côte Chalonnaise with the chance to taste between 15-20 excellent Regional, Village, and some Premier Cru appellation wines. Additionally, you will enjoy an excellent 3-course lunch, with wine, in a local highly regarded restaurant renowned for its typical Burgundy cuisine.  Wine lovers cannot miss this!

Good food and good wine are not just important here. They are life.  We have so many tours we can tailor to your tastes and interests as you explore this area.

For your last day, you’d drive back to Paris (with our recommended stops on the way) to drop off your rental car and enjoy your last night before your flight home.

The fall is a fantastic time to visit France, specifically the areas of Burgundy and Normandy.  No matter what is happening in the world, these are things that do not change. The seasons go on, the grapes grow, the leaves change.  

For those of us at home, dreaming of future travel to France with its amazing wine and food, this trip can become a reality.  Contact us for more details on how to start planning your tailor-made holiday!