From Paris to Reims via the Cité Internationale de la Langue Française

Morning: begin your day with a visit to the Musée du Louvre, and wander around the unmissable galleries there. From Egyptian Antiquity to Art Déco and various European artistic movements, admire some of the most famous paintings in the world: Leonardo de Vinci’s Mona Lisa, The Venus de Milo, an iconic ancient Greek sculpture and Eugène Delacroix’s Liberty Guiding the People painting that commemorates the July Revolution of 1830 in France. For lunch, treat yourselves to a breathtaking view of the Louvre and the Tuileries gardens at the restaurant Le Marly, or opt for traditional bistro-style cuisine at the brasserie Chez Claude, on Rue Saint-Honoré.

Afternoon: walk up through the Tuileries gardens to the magnificent Place de la Concorde. This is the ‘Voie Royale’ (Royal Way) of Paris, with the most beautiful avenue in the world, the Champs-Élysées, on one side, and the Louvre on the other. 

Then go along the Rue Royale as far as Madeleine, and stop off for a treat at Ladurée. From there, carry on exploring Paris along the great boulevards, to the Opéra Garnier. Go on a shopping spree at Galeries Lafayette and Printemps, and don’t miss a chance to go for a coffee or early evening cocktail up on the rooftop of the Printemps store to admire one of the best views of the French capital.

Book a room for the night at the hotel Adèle & Jules, a luxury hotel right in the centre of the City of Light.

Morning: leave Paris and head to the Cité Internationale de la Langue Française, which opened at the end of 2023 in Villers-Cotterêts. Explore the fascinating world of the French language and French-speaking culture on a captivating tour inside the Château de Villers. While you’re there, make sure you visit the château itself, and the Saint Nicolas chapel.

For lunch, go to the Chalet du Lac in Pierrefonds and enjoy the traditional dishes in a beautiful setting: foie gras, rib steak with béarnaise sauce or steak tartare. For dessert, treat yourselves to the house speciality, the Lièges waffle. 

Afternoon: make your way to the magnificent Château de Pierrefonds, a beautiful example of medieval architecture. Embrace the history and magnificence of this legendary place. 

At the end of the day, head to Reims and check in at the Relais & Châteaux Domaine Les Crayères, a heavenly place set in the midst of the Champagne vineyards. 

Morning: your last day begins with a tour of the wine cellars at the Maison Ruinart, the oldest Maison de Champagne. Dive into the fascinating world of Champagne on a guided tour, followed by a superb tasting. 

Continue your exploration of the city at the Notre Dame de Reims Cathedral. For a breathtaking view of the 'coronation town’, climb to the top of the towers and go on the walk up underneath the roof. 

For lunch, treat yourselves to some bistro-style cuisine at the Café du Palais, an iconic, Art Déco establishment, or enjoy an elegant brunch at the Maison Ruinart at the weekend. 

Afternoon: explore the Basilica of Saint-Rémi, a masterpiece of Gothic-style architecture, and visit the Villa Demoiselle, a wonderful Art Déco building.

End your trip to Reims on a high note by treating yourselves to the famous pink biscuits at the Maison Fossier, an institution since 1756.

Visit Paris, les Hauts-de-France and la Champagne.