Private Tour Europe (FRA026) Paris - Courchevel Ski Resort Transfer (5 Days 4 Nights)

We pick you up in Paris at the scheduled time and travel to Giverny. Impressionist art lovers will be captivated by Giverny, located about 75 kilometers from Paris in a picturesque setting along the Seine River. The village of Giverny is most famous for its association with Claude Monet.

Monet discovered the beauty of Giverny in 1883 and lived here for thirty years. During this period, other artists were drawn to the area and inspired by Monet's en plein air painting techniques.

The top attraction in Giverny is Claude Monet's House, a charming rural retreat where Monet painted his renowned water lily series. Visitors can admire the water lily pond with its iconic Japanese bridge and stroll through Monet's blooming flower gardens.

The tour of Claude Monet's house and gardens takes half a day. A knowledgeable guide will lead the walking tour through the gardens, pointing out the willows, orchids, and water lilies that inspired Monet's paintings.

Stop for lunch at a charming riverside restaurant outside Giverny.

Then, head out for luxury brand shopping at La Vallée Village designer outlet—a must-visit destination and one of only 11 locations worldwide. It brings together world-class brands with exceptional discounts, featuring Longchamp, Gucci, and Guerlain at some of the best prices in France.

We then travel approximately 110 km to stay overnight in Reims. As the capital of the Champagne region, numerous champagne houses produce and store champagne in underground cellars stretching nearly 200 km beneath the city. You can tour major champagne producers such as Veuve Clicquot or Pommery, as well as Épernay, a small town just 30 minutes from Reims, surrounded by lush vineyards and home to Moët & Chandon, one of the world's leading and oldest champagne houses.

hotel Overnight Reims

Morning in Reims: Visit the city's cathedral, Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Reims.

Historic Reims is renowned for its glorious 13th-century cathedral. This magnificent landmark served as the coronation site for the kings of France, beginning in 1223 with Louis VIII. The most famous coronation was that of Charles VII, escorted here by Joan of Arc on July 17, 1429. The last French king crowned at Reims Cathedral was Charles X in 1825.

Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Reims is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site and is a masterpiece of High Gothic architecture adorned with exquisite sculptural decorations. The spacious interior features harmonious proportions and a solemn atmosphere. While most of the original stained-glass windows were lost, six remarkable stained-glass windows by Marc Chagall remain.

Next, travel to Metz, a city with picturesque river views and an atmospheric charm all its own. Inside Metz's quaint historic center are narrow cobblestone streets, beautiful historic buildings, and magnificent Gothic churches. Thanks to its distinguished cultural heritage, Metz has earned the title "Ville d'Art et d'Histoire" (City of Art and History). Enjoy walking along ancient streets, discovering inspiring old churches, admiring masterpieces at famous museums, shopping at chic boutiques and local shops, strolling through public parks, and relaxing at sidewalk cafes.

Visit Cathedrale Saint-Etienne, a gem of Gothic architecture. Saint-Etienne Cathedral towers over the surrounding buildings of the Colline Sainte-Croix district, the city's historic center filled with charming small squares, winding medieval streets, and elegant historic mansions.

This magnificent cathedral is one of the tallest Gothic buildings in Europe, with a nave soaring up to 42 meters, while slender towers and delicate spires reach toward the heavens. The cathedral was built between 1250 and 1380 according to a unified plan, incorporating the earlier church of Notre-Dame-la-Ronde.

The facade features beautiful reliefs, including the Portail de la Vierge (Doorway of the Virgin) created in 1240.

The interior of Metz Cathedral leaves an overwhelming impression with its imposing scale and stunning stained-glass windows, which allow sunlight to illuminate the sanctuary. Because of its luminous glow, the cathedral is affectionately called the "Lantern of the Good Lord" ("La Lanterne du Bon Dieu").

The cathedral boasts 6,500 square meters of colorful stained-glass windows dating from the 13th to the 20th centuries. The 14th-century rose window on the western facade and the 16th-century windows in the choir and transept are particularly noteworthy.

Modern stained-glass windows (created by Jacques Villon in 2500) adorn the Chapelle du Saint-Sacrement. Abstract windows from the 1950s by Bissière grace the tower. The cathedral also features three windows created by Marc Chagall in 1960 and a Merovingian-era marble bishop's throne in the choir.

Then travel to Strasbourg, the capital of Alsace, located along the Rhine River basin on the border with Germany.

Alsace is another region of France widely renowned for preserving its local culture and traditions wonderfully. It is a land that still preserves its old way of life, along with buildings showcasing local architecture whose beauty remains timeless.

Strasbourg was selected as a capital of the European Union. If you wish, we can take photos with the Palais de l'Europe building, constructed between 1972 - 1977, which serves as the meeting place for Council of Europe members.

Known as the "Heart of Europe," take a stroll through the historic district called Petite France, visit the interior of the magnificent Notre-Dame Cathedral, and explore the surrounding old town.

Shop at Galeries Lafayette, the famous and largest department store in France. A historic landmark in France since 1893, it has branches across major cities throughout the country, offering a wide selection of brand-name products, from high-end clothing, bags, and shoes to cosmetics, jewelry, home decor, perfume, and renowned French wines.

hotel Overnight Strasbourg, France

On this day, stop to visit several charming little villages across Alsace, France's famous wine-growing region.

- Eguisheim Village: Named "one of the most beautiful villages in France" and part of the wine tasting route in the eastern part of the country. Admire colorful blossoms brightening the balconies of local homes.

- Riquewihr Village: Located on the most famous wine route in Alsace and one of the most beautiful villages in France. Stroll along the main street, Rue Charles de Gaulle.

- Colmar: One of France's romantic towns and a place where couples often make vows of love to one another. It is celebrated as such a romantic town that it has earned the nickname Little Venice thanks to its flowing canals.

It is one of the top destinations to visit in France, featuring half-timbered houses known as Colombage (French) or Fachwerkhaus (German). The entire framework of these houses, including the roof, is first built from timber, and then plaster is filled in between the beams and painted in beautiful colors chosen by the homeowner.

hotel Overnight Colmar, France

In the morning, travel to Kaysersberg, recently voted by the French as the most charming town in France. The charm of the ancient imperial castle ruins serves as a reminder of Kaysersberg's glorious past as an imperial city. With remnants of medieval walls, the Romanesque church (Eglise Sainte-Croix), historic half-timbered houses, and Renaissance townhouses, Kaysersberg offers an alluring old-world atmosphere.

Next, travel to Ribeauville. This beautiful little village (just four kilometers from Riquewihr) is in full bloom with genuine picturesque charm. During spring and summer, potted flowers adorn the windowsills of historic houses as well as public spaces like fountains and statues.

With these remarkable floral displays, Ribeauville earned the 4-star "Village Fleuri" award, the highest rating. The village's enchantment is further revealed along cobblestone streets and atmospheric small squares.

To experience the medieval cultural heritage of Ribeauville, visitors should arrive for Pfifferdaj (the Fiddlers' Festival) in September. During the Middle Ages, Ribeauville was ruled by the Counts of Ribeaupierre, known as the "kings" of traveling musicians in the region, who paid them protection fees and gathered annually in Ribeauville to hold a music festival ("Pfifferdaj," which is still celebrated every year on the first Sunday of September).

The medieval-themed festivities continue in Ribeauville with its Medieval Christmas Market. Visitors can immerse themselves in the charm of an old-fashioned Alsatian Christmas celebration, complete with market stalls selling holiday decorations, crafts, and medieval culinary delicacies. Troupes of performers (singers, jesters, dancers) entertain the crowds, adding to the authentic atmosphere.

Other cultural events include the Kougelhopf Festival in early May (dedicated to the specialty cake made with raisins and almonds) and the Festival de Musique Ancienne, which presents a musical performance program (focusing on medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque music) from mid-September through October.

Visit Chateau du Haut-Koenigsbourg. This magnificent castle (15 kilometers from Ribeauville and 10 kilometers from Bergheim) is an important symbol of Alsatian heritage. Like many medieval fortresses, Chateau du Haut-Koenigsbourg stands majestically at an impressive height.

Perched on a rocky promontory over 700 meters high, the fortress is strategically positioned to observe the surrounding landscape and provide defense against invaders. Built in the 12th century by the Hohenstaufens, this remarkable monument has witnessed the course of European history.

From 1900 to 1908, Chateau du Haut-Koenigsbourg was restored to its former glory. The beautifully renovated castle is a joy to explore, taking visitors winding up spiral staircases that lead to fully furnished living quarters.

Other notable highlights include the drawbridge, armory, and cannons, recalling the fortress's military purpose. From the Grand Bastion artillery platform, visitors can capture breathtaking panoramic views taking in the Alsace Plain, the Vosges Mountains, and the Black Forest. The castle also features a medieval garden planted with flowers.

In the morning, depart for Courchevel, France (distance of 200 km). Drop you off at your self-booked ski resort, and our team drives back to Paris, concluding our service with wonderful memories.

Courchevel is the largest and most famous ski resort among the interconnected ski areas known as Les Trois Vallees (Three Valleys), the largest ski domain in Europe.

In addition to 150 kilometers of alpine ski runs accessible via Courchevel's 60 lifts, it links to a total of 600 kilometers of interconnected ski slopes, including four glaciers. The entire area spans across 10 summits at altitudes above 2,500 meters. In late March 2022, Courchevel also hosted the Alpine Ski World Cup.

Courchevel is exceptionally family-friendly, offering free chairlifts for beginner areas and magnetic safety vests for children on the lifts. Beyond superb skiing, Courchevel is renowned for its luxury accommodations and fine dining at several Michelin-starred restaurants.