Bordeaux, Loire, Paris
A Journey by Neal Rosenthal
october 5 - 12, 2025
Scroll down for Day-by-Day Itinerary and Reading Suggestions
From Bordeaux’s legendary vineyards to the Loire’s timeless châteaux and the delights of Paris, this curated fall journey will take us through France’s most storied wines regions and cultural wonders.
For 7 days, we will explore historic quarters and architectural treasures, stroll through UNESCO World Heritage sites, and venture into prestigious vineyards to savor the essence of French terroir.
In Bordeaux, where Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc reign, we will experience elegant blends and indulge in the golden sweetness of Sauternes.
In the Loire Valley, we will follow the meandering river below the rolling hills and vineyards. We will wander through Renaissance gardens and medieval towns, immersing ourselves in the timeless charm of France’s “Valley of the Kings.”
Our journey will end in Paris, from the banks of the Seine to the majestic boulevards, each step reveals layers of history, art, and gastronomy.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Sunday, October 5
10:30 AM - Arrival to Bordeaux. We will gather at Hotel Villas Foch at 12pm, drop off luggage if necessary, and walk to the restaurant.
12:30 PM - Lunch will be in Restaurant Breizh.
After lunch, we will tour the city with our local partner. We will get to witness the rich history of one of France’s major cities.
Following our walk, we will dive into Bordeaux’s wine history with an introductory tasting.
7:30 PM - We will have dinner at la Brasserie Bordelaise for a classical French bistro dinner.
Overnight: Hotel Villas Foch
Monday, October 6
10:00 AM - This morning we will visit Château Le Puy. We will be welcomed by Adrien Moreau, the 15th generation of winemaker and owner.
12:30 PM - Lunch today will be at L’Envers du Décor for a farm-to-table meal in Saint-Émilion.
2:30 PM - We will make our way to Château Haut-Segottes for a visit and wine tasting.
Before dinner, you have the option to enjoy a cocktail at L’Intercontinental Hotel Rooftop.
The day will conclude with a dinner at a local institution, La Tupina, with typical south-western cuisine: cassoulet and cuisses de canard.
Overnight: Villas Foch
Tuesday, October 7
10:30 AM - This morning we will make our way to the Left Bank for a masterclass in the vines of Bordeaux.
12:30 PM - Lunch will be at Café Lavinal.
After lunch, we will go to Pauillac for a visit and tasting at Château Chantecler.
7:30 PM - Dinner tonight is at LouLou, a local’s favorite.
Overnight: Villas Foch
Wednesday, October 8
8:50 AM - Departure from Bordeaux by train.
12:30 PM - Lunch Chez Madie in the city of Tours.
2:30 PM - After lunch we continue with a wine tasting at Domaine du Clos Naudin in Vouvray, a reference of the appellation.
5:30 PM - Enjoy an apéro on the péniche Loire Evasion, keeping with the French tradition and local art de vivre.
8:00 PM - Dinner tonight will be at L’Escargot, a classic in Saumur.
Overnight: Comtesse de Loire
Thursday, October 9
10:00 AM - This morning we will taste at Domaine Lamé Delisle Boucard and experience local varities.
11:30 AM - We will then make our way to a second tasting at Château du Petit Thouars.
12:30 PM - Lunch will be at Petit Thouars, located in the charming château of the property.
2:00 PM - After lunch we will make our way to the Royal Abbaye de Fontevraud near Chinon for a visit of this historical landmark of France.
4:00 PM - We continue with a wine tasting at Château de Chaintres.
7:30 PM - Dinner tonight is at Boeuf Noisette.
Overnight: Comtesse de Loire
Friday, October 10
10:30 AM - Departure to Paris by train.
12:30 PM - Lunch will be at Crus de Bourgogne in the 2nd arrondissement.
After lunch we will indulge in an artsy Parisian tour and dive into the city’s art scene.
7:30 PM - Tonight, dinner will be at ChoCho, Paris’ most sought after table!
Overnight: Madame Rêve
Saturday, October 11
This morning, we will gather for a foodie tour in Le Marais to discover one of Paris’ hippest neighborhoods!
12:30 PM - Brunch will be an eclectic mix of delicacies gathered during our tour with Manon.
The day will continue with a visit of the Bourse Pinault, one of Paris’ most interesting private foundation.
Back at our hotel for some time to relax before heading back out for dinner. Kindly reminder to dress up for our dinner tonight at a gastronomic restaurant.
7:30 PM - Dinner tonight will be at Chef Bras’ newest project in Paris, La Halle aux Grains.
Overnight: Madame Rêve
Sunday, October 12
Departure day
Reading Suggestions
Reflections of a Wine Merchant
Neal Rosenthal
Inside Bordeaux
Jane Anson
Hugh Johnson Pocket Wine 2022
Hugh Johnson
Loire Winemakers
Pascaline Lepeltier, Patrick Rigourd
The Initiates: A Comic Artist and a Wine Artisan Exchange Jobs
Etienne Davodeau
Chéri
Colette
Carnet du Voyageur : Paris
Zoé de las Cases