Luxury Travel Blog

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Destination: France

Our list of articles tagged with "France."

August 17, 2023

Top 10: Highlights of Monaco

Synonymous with luxury and glamour, Monaco is known for its picturesque Mediterranean setting, legendary casino, Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix circuit and luxurious hotels. Read more about the favorite attractions and experiences that we arrange during private touring in Monaco.

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April 16, 2023

Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild on the Cote d’Azur in France

One of our favorite places on the Cote d’Azur is Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, a magnificent rose-colored palace overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Built in the early 1900s for art collector Beatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild, the villa is renowned for its incredible gardens, architecture and interiors.

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January 6, 2023

Touring the Palais Garnier Opera House in Paris, France

One of the world’s most renowned opera houses is the legendary Palais Garnier in Paris. Artisans of Leisure can arrange private tours of the lavish theater complex and tickets to performances for travelers on any of our private luxury France tours.

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November 21, 2022

Favorite Christmas Markets in Europe

Every year from mid-November through late December, thousands of Christmas markets transform town centers throughout Europe into winter wonderlands with twinkling lights, Christmas music and alpine-style wooden chalets overflowing with local crafts and seasonal treats. They’re a highlight of winter holiday travel and a wonderful way to experience a destination’s seasonal cheer. Read more about our favorite Christmas markets in Europe.

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January 31, 2022

Private Perfume-Making Lessons in Grasse, France

The hillside town of Grasse in the South of France is renowned as the perfume capital of the world. Artisans of Leisure can arrange private tours of the leading perfumeries and a private lesson to create a custom scent.

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June 15, 2021

Private Yacht Charters in the Mediterranean

Artisans of Leisure can arrange private, full-day and half-day luxury yacht and catamaran excursions in favorite destinations such as the Amalfi Coast in Italy, the Cote d’Azur in France, the Greek Islands and the coasts of Turkey, Croatia and Spain.

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May 20, 2021

Lavender Season in Provence

The image of sun-drenched lavender fields is synonymous with summer in Provence, where the plant has been cultivated for centuries. Artisans of Leisure takes travelers to the best places to see lavender blooming in the Luberon Valley during lavender season.

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March 10, 2021

Our Favorite Museums in Paris

Renowned as a bastion of culture, sophisticated Paris is one of the world’s most incredible destinations for art, architecture and design. Artisans of Leisure arranges private, expert-led tours of the extraordinary museums in Paris.

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November 30, 2020

A Private Tour of Veuve Clicquot in Champagne

The beautiful Champagne region in northern France is an ideal destination for wine and culture lovers. Veuve Clicquot is one of the most iconic Champagne houses in France. Artisans of Leisure arranges private tours of the cellars. 

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April 24, 2019

Just Back: The Best of Paris, Provence and the Cote d’Azur

Enjoy this interview with Ashley Isaacs Ganz, the founder of Artisans of Leisure, about her recent France tour that included Paris, Provence and the Cote d’Azur–some of our favorite destinations during the glorious summer months. Q: Where did you visit on this trip? A: We started in Paris, where we stayed at the iconic Ritz Paris. […]

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October 19, 2018

Exclusive Access to Chateau de Vaux-le-Vicomte in France

For travelers wanting a unique and very special day trip from Paris, consider visiting exquisite Chateau de Vaux-le-Vicomte, the privately owned palace and gardens that were the inspiration for Versailles. Artisans of Leisure arranges exclusive private tours of the chateau with the owners, as well as elegant lunches, dinners or cocktails in the lavish interiors. […]

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February 18, 2016

Carcassonne: An Ideal Stop between Barcelona and the South of France

When traveling between Barcelona, Spain, and destinations in southern France, such as Provence and the Cote d’Azur, we highly recommend a stop in Carcassonne.    A spectacular fortified city, Carcassonne sits atop a strategic hill above the Aude River in the Languedoc-Roussillon region of southern France. From afar, the scale of the city, with its fairy-tale […]

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December 28, 2015

Must Stay: Chateau la Cheneviere in Normandy

Many of our private France tours include a stay at Chateau la Cheneviere, a wonderful luxury hotel in the heart of Normandy.  Situated in a beautifully restored 18th-century chateau surrounded by expansive grounds, the hotel makes a perfect base for exploring the region, including highlights such as the D-Day beaches, Mont-Saint-Michel, the Bayeux Tapestry, the […]

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October 27, 2015

Christmas Markets in Europe

We love visiting European cities during the holiday season, especially to visit the wonderful Christmas markets that take place throughout the region. The markets—which showcase local holiday traditions, seasonal cuisine, and regional crafts—are an amazing way to join in the local holiday cheer. Many cities in Europe—from Salzburg, Austria to Waterford, Ireland—have Christmas markets. Some […]

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October 19, 2015

Must Stay: La Bastide de Gordes in Provence

The South of France is a perennial favorite destination for Artisans of Leisure travelers. This year, we’re excited about the reopening of La Bastide de Gordes, a sophisticated hotel and spa that offers luxury and style in the heart of Provence. Perched on the steep slopes of Gordes, a beautiful and ancient Provencal hill town, […]

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May 11, 2015

Notes from Our Travelers: Mother’s Day in Giverny, France

We just received the following message and photos from Artisans of Leisure travelers in France. They had a private tour through beautiful Normandy, where they visited the historic city of Rouen and Monet’s house and gardens in Giverny, among other places: “The day in Giverny and Rouen was PERFECT!  Mother’s Day . . .  Perfect […]

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February 15, 2013

Just Back: The Basque Country of Northern Spain & Southern France

One of our Spain travel experts, Stephanie, just returned from her most recent trip through Northern Spain and the Basque Region. Q: Where did you go? I spent several days in the Basque Country, including time in Pamplona, San Sebastian, Bilbao and the French Pays Basque, before traveling to Madrid. Q: What was your favorite […]

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August 21, 2012

Five Favorite Basque Country Experiences

Comprising four provinces in northern Spain and three provinces in southern France, the Basque Country packs a lot into an area about the size of New Jersey. The region has its own language and a rich cultural heritage that make it a surprising change from the flamenco-tinged pueblos of Andalusia and the big-city bustle of […]

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June 7, 2012

Just Back: Austria, Germany, Switzerland & France

Artisans of Leisure founder and CEO Ashley Isaacs Ganz shares a few of her favorite things about her recent two-week overland trip that visited parts of Austria, Germany, Switzerland and France. Favorite hotels on this trip: I love the luxurious Old World hotels found throughout the region, such as Brenners Park-Hotel in Baden-Baden, Germany; the […]

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May 24, 2011

Private Shore Excursions the Artisans of Leisure Way

When taking a luxury cruise, a great way to make the most of your time in ports of call is with private shore excursions and private overland tours. Artisans of Leisure has a vast network of expert guides and drivers in cruise destinations around the world, and we work with sophisticated travelers to customize private […]

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April 28, 2011

Versailles Beyond the Palace: Markets, Gardens, Antiques, Nature and Luxury

Versailles is one of the most interesting and elegant cities in France. Our private France tours bring travelers to our favorite spots in Versailles, many of which are rarely visited by international travelers. One of the grandest royal palaces in the world, the Chateau de Versailles is a magnificent Baroque complex set on thousands of […]

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June 9, 2009

The Best of Normandy: Food, History, Villages, Gardens and Art

Normandy is one of our favorite travel destinations in France. It’s just a few hours by private car and driver from Paris, and there are endless touring options. One of the highlights of traveling in Normandy is the food, which we feel is among the best in France. Normandy is the home of many of […]

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February 18, 2009

Top 5: Best food markets in Europe

We feel that food is a window into culture, history and traditions, and we always encourage our travelers to visit local food markets as part of the private tours we arrange. It’s a great opportunity for people-watching and to sample the tastes and flavors of each destination. Here are a few of our favorite food […]

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February 12, 2009

Touring France with young children

We love planning family tours in France. It’s a perfect destination for families with children of all ages. Our private France tours are designed so the touring is flexible and fun for all family members. For those with young children, parents can truly experience all of the pleasures of France–the incredible history, beauty and cuisine–without compromising anything. There is plenty […]

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February 10, 2009

Must Buy: linens in Deauville

We love Deauville…its glamour, village-feel, incredible seafood, legendary racecourse, and its beautiful beach lined with colorful umbrellas. Each time we visit, we love to pick up colorful French linens that are bright and fun and a perfect reminder of Deauville. Destinations:  Europe, FranceTags:  beach, culture blog, Deauville, design blog, France tours, French, French linens, interior design, luxury travel blog, Normandy, Normandy […]

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