10 Original Adventures Exploring Art, Food, Fashion & More

From the opulent wines of Bordeaux to famed Parisian fashion, the French offer much to splendour over and explore.

A destination rich in both vibrancy and variety, its dynamic history and eclectic culture make France an unbeatable contender at the top of countless bucket lists.

Discover the country’s iconic art scene, with a behind the scenes tour of the Louvre. Savour the magic of French culinary practice with a private cooking class in the heart of the capital.

Or perhaps you’d prefer to venture south, where the warmer winds wait and horseback riding by the sea or a private yacht charter down the riviera become tempting.

Bordeaux Biking Tour

France

Feel alive and adventurous as you bike along the country roads of the Gironde region. Your guide will take you past vineyards and castles, through woods and medieval villages.Stop to visit Château de la Brède, sitting in a water-filled moat in the middle of a vineyard. Fall in love with the medieval stone houses and narrow streets of St-Emilion and St-Macaire. Visit the beautiful romanesque ruins of Grande-Sauve Abbey.And if you are in top shape, pedal all the way to Blaye, to admire sweeping view over the Gironde estuary.

D-Day Beaches By Air, Land & Sea

France

Remember the longest day in history as you see these long, wind-swept beaches. They are empty now. But you know how full of madness and death they were on 6 June 1944. Utah. Omaha. Juno. Gold. Sword. You can fly over them in a private Cessna, drive along them in a military Jeep Willys, or sail in front of them in a private boat. You can also do all three.Recall the strategy and scenes of D-Day with your historian guide. And you will feel renewed gratitude for those who fought and died here.

Louis Vuitton’s House & Special Orders Workshop

France

Discover a shrine of travel fashion as you follow your expert guide into Louis Vuitton’s house. You will learn the story of the brand as you admire the art nouveau style of the rooms, kept just as they were in the beginning of the 20th century.Then, cross the garden and enter the special orders workshop, where craftsmen create bespoke items. You will see them cutting poplar wood, sewing python hides, glueing and assembling pieces. And who knows? Before leaving, you might decide to order a trunk for yourself.

Louvre Behind the Scenes

France

Discover the secrets of a great museum. Your guide is the exhibition manager of the Louvre, and he will take you through hidden passages, into rooms that only personnel have access to.He will explain to you how curators choose the artworks for each exhibition, and how they transport them within the museum. You will learn what it is like to work with contemporary artists, and organize the security for travelling masterpieces.Museums often seem cold, lifeless places. With this tour you will discover how human they actually are.

Paris Cooking Class

France

So, the three secrets of French cuisine are butter, butter and butter. Right? Well, sort of — but too simplistic.Because each chef has their own secrets. And today one of them will share hers with you. A warm smile, a delightful French accent and a glass of wine will welcome you into her light-filled flat.And in her kitchen you will learn how to combine flavours, textures and colours to make a healthy and unmistakably French dish.

Paris Opera & Private Concert

France

Follow your insider guide up marble staircases, then under gilt columns and ceilings. She will reveal to you the meaning of each allegorical statue in the façade, each painting that catches your eye inside.  She will also tell you how this famous opera house was the inspiration for “The Phantom of the Opera”. And you will float away on the wings of music as the orchestra plays this just for you. Later, you will discover the logistics of organizing an event here, and explore the hidden places where only staff can go. Staff — and phantoms.

Paris Wine Tour

France

It does not matter whether you are an educated wine-lover or a passionate beginner. Your guide is an expert who will create just the experience you want.Together you will tour the best wine bars in Paris. Raise your glass, inspect the colour, swirl it around. See the tears of wine. Sip it. You will discover at least three French wines, and learn about French vineyards, grapes and winemaking.Tell your guide about any wines and varietals you are particularly interested in, He will tailor this tour according to your palate and preferences.

Perfume Making Class in Grasse

France

Step into the laboratory of Galimard, the third-oldest perfume maker in the world. A master parfumeur will receive you and lead you in your discovery of scents and fragrances.She will tell you about the history of this company, which was once a purveyor of perfume to the French king. Then, she will guide you in a perfume workshop. You will choose natural ingredients and create a unique, marvellous scent of your very own. And Galimard will keep it on file, so you can reorder a bottle any time.

Private Yacht Charter on French Riviera

France

Live the best of the “azure coast” by touring it on your own yacht. Move from Nice to Antibes to Cannes and St. Tropez. Go ashore to see the beautiful seaside promenades. Then to shop and eat at the best restaurants in town.Next day, cast anchor in a hidden beach that few tourists know about, and enjoy swimming and basking on the white sand.Your dedicated captain and crew will ensure you have everything you need, both onboard, in the water, and on dry land.

Provence Horseback Riding

France

Gallop under the sun along vineyards and lavender fields. Then ride slowly up a steep hill and admire the landscape stretching below. Above you, a snake eagle soars and gives its piercing cry.This is the region Peter Mayle lived in and wrote about. It’s rich in biodiversity, and during this ride you will meet many animals, insects and birds. Depending on your horsemanship level, and whether you are in the mood for a relaxing or a challenging outing, you can choose from a number of different itineraries.You can gallop if you want, trot between the fields, or walk the vineyards.