Inspiration
Musée de l’Aventure Peugeot
Founded by members of the Peugeot family in 1988, the Musée de l’Aventure Peugeot is a historical museum devoted to the renowned Peugeot automobile business.
Author: juliet.perrachon@gmail.com
We love Christmas in Strasbourg.
You can peruse France’s oldest Christmas market with its 300 wooden chalets, spread around different squares in the city. As the sun sets at this time of the year, the Alsatian capital gets lit up with thousands of Christmas lights and decorations creating a magical festive atmosphere.
Consider renting a charming and impeccably styled and furnished apartment in Bordeaux’s city center.
There is nothing quite like the holidays in New York City.
From Thanksgiving until the New Year, the city boasts all kinds of holiday entertainment from the famous Rockefeller Christmas Tree, brightly decorated streets, lovely festive window displays, and fantastic Christmas markets.
Introduction
Martinique, the Island of Flowers, is acclaimed for its warm people, its geography of 425 square miles of verdant lush mountainous landscapes, rolling hills, pristine waters with unspoiled beaches and coves crowned by the towering Mont Pelée volcano. Between exploring the island’s rich heritage, its contemporary art, and shopping scenes, enjoying rum tasting, hiking the rain forest and beach hopping, Martinique is truly “magnifique”.
Martinique is located in the Eastern Caribbean Sea. In 1502, when Christopher Columbus landed on Martinique, it was inhabited by the native peoples who called the island Madinina, ‘Island of Flowers.’ Three decades passed before the first party of French settlers landed on the northwest side of the island. There, they built a small fort and established a settlement that would become the capital city, St Pierre.
On May 8, 1902, in the most devastating natural disaster in Caribbean history, the Mont Pelée volcano erupted violently, destroying the city of St Pierre and claiming the lives of its 30, 000 inhabitants. Shortly thereafter, the capital was moved permanently to Fort de France. St Pierre, which had been regarded as the most cultured city in the French West Indies, was eventually rebuilt, but it has never been more than a shadow of its former self.
The Beaches
Martinique is a must for beach lovers. The water is clear and blue, which is ideal for snorkeling. There is a huge variety of fish, caves, coral, and turtles.You can’t really go wrong with any of the beaches on the Caribbean Sea Side of the island, as the waters are all very calm. On the Atlantic side of the island, the water is rough and caution is advised.
Plage les Salines
If you’re looking for coconut trees leaning over the water, white sands and turquoise waters, then Plage des Salines is for you. It is found on the southern tip of the island, hugely popular for its long stretches of coral sands. At sunset, when the shore is bathed in golden light and the Rocher du Diamant draws the eye to the horizon, its beauty is enthralling.
Visit the Saint Pierre
Located on the north end of the island, Saint Pierre sits at the foot of Mount Pelée and was once the capital of Martinique. It was known as the Paris of the Caribbean, where those with money and influence would visit and spend their winters. In 1902, it was destroyed by the eruption of Mount Pelée and all but one person perished. Walk around the town, see the ruins, watch the fishermen and visit the shops. It’s still a lovely town.
For Rum Lovers
Martinique stands alone in the world of authentic rum production – The Rum Capital of the World, Martinique is home to 12 brands, each produced utilizing a unique rum method yielding blends comparable to fine cognacs. The rums of Martinique follow their own unique processes, methods and time-proven traditions evolved over centuries of rum production. Awarded worldwide, it is a part of your culinary experiences not to be missed during your stay in Martinique. White, Amber or Old, you will succumb to its robes and colors both visually and with your taste buds. The distilleries where the precious nectar is produced are open all year round for visits, during which you can, among other things, taste and buy your favorite(s). Martinique rums are the only rums to carry the exalted Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC) designation formerly reserved for the finest wines. Free tasting is available at all of the island’s distilleries.
Hotel 4* Bordeaux Center
Set in a 18th-century old mansion, the hotel is located in the center, surrounded by restaurants and boutiques. It offers modern rooms with free Wi-Fi. Each air-conditioned room is fully equipped with a flat-screen TV and a Nespresso coffee machine. All rooms are serviced by a lift.
Day 1 – Arrival day in Bordeaux
Individual arrivals at Bordeaux Airport or Train station & private transfer to the hotel.
Your English-speaking private driver will be waiting for you with a nominative board.
Arrival at the hotel and check in. Time to rest.
08 pm- Dinner at a traditional restaurant.
This restaurant offers refined market cuisine in a warm and intimate setting with exposed stonework.
Overnight in double or single room at your hotel in the center of Bordeaux
Day 2 – Bordeaux discovery day
Breakfast at the hotel
10am – Meet and greet with your English-speaking guide at the lobby of your hotel then enjoy 2 hours walking guided tour of Bordeaux, part of the Unesco World Heritage since 2007: discover its old districts and its monuments that show his history.
12:30 pm – Lunch in a “brasserie” on the quay of the Garonne river.
This brasserie serves fine French cuisine in an Art Nouveau decor with faience and period ornaments.
In the afternoon, go to the exploration of Bordeaux with the help of Veronique
-Free access to the public transports, as a local.
-A sightseeing tour of the city by panoramic bus with the English headphone.
-Free visit and tasting of La Cité du Vin, the wine museum.
-Free access or discount to several monuments and museums of the city
Dinner at the gourmet market next to la Cité du vin
Accommodation in double or single room at your hotel
in the center of Bordeaux
Day 3 – June 4th Full day Saint Emilion
Breakfast at the hotel
09 am – Meet and greet with your private driver at the hotel then departure to the region of Saint Emilion, Unesco Part Heritage – about 45 minutes from Bordeaux
10 am – Visit and tasting in a Chateau Grand Cru Classé Saint Emilion.
Built under Louis XIV, this Château is one of the most beautiful castles of Saint-Emilion. It has also been classified great vintage of Saint Emilion in 2012. The property opens up to the Dordogne valley and offers views and gorgeous landscapes that will leave you speechless. The property covers 42 hectares including 32 hectares of vines with 75% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Cabernet Franc. A complex land with huge potential.
12:30 pm – Lunch at a traditionnal restaurant, located in a small village near Saint Emilion and enjoy a nice overview on the vineyards.
After lunch, drive to the City of Saint Emilion.
03 pm – Meet and greet with your english-speaking guide at the Tourist Office then departure for a private guided tour of the medieval village and the undergrounds: discover the extent of the underground heritage of Saint-Emilion. From the history of the monk Emilion, between legend and reality, to the digging the amazing monolithic church, you will pass through centuries of history.
4:30 pm – end of the visit. Free time in the village.
Drive back to Bordeaux by the end of the day
Dinner in the old city
Accommodation in double or single room at your hotel in the center of Bordeaux
Day 4 – Full day Graves
Breakfast at the hotel
09 am – Meet and greet with your private driver at the hotel then departure to Malagar at Saint Maixant, about 45 minutes from Bordeaux.
10 am – Enjoy a guided visit of François Mauriac domain : The Malagar’s estate was acquired by the Mauriac family in 1843. The holiday home of the family quickly became an inspiration to the writer, that he nicknamed “the observatory upon itself.” Malagar located in Saint-Maixant was labelled “House of Illustrious” in 2011. This area, in the heart of a vineyard of 15 hectares, will offer breathtaking views of the Garonne valley.
12:30 am – Then drive to a Chateau owned by a private family, friends of Veronique. You will have a private visit and tasting followed by a lunch in the private dining room of the Chateau.
The estate takes its name from the tower which stands in the main courtyard of the château; it is the remnant of a fort built in the 12th century by the ancestors of Montesquieu. The structure occupied a strategic position and controlled the route between Bordeaux and Toulouse. The stones of the fort were used to build the existing château at the end of the 18th century.
In the afternoon , drive to the Château La Brede.
3:30 pm – Enjoy a private guided visit of Chateau de la Brede: Located in the town of Brede, the visit of this castle will amaze you with his soul full of history. The famous writer and thinker Montesquieu was born in this Renaissance fortress. Discover an exceptional heritage that has to be kept in the state year after year. The Castle will reveal as you go along spectacular rooms full of history and period decor. Fully furnished rooms in emblematic places where Montesquieu worked, the castle will lead you in the footsteps of the famous writer. An imposing building that was built in the heart of an English styled park and surrounded by moats. Heritage to be discovered quickly to perfect your sightseeing tour of the Bordeaux region.
Back to Bordeaux by the end of the day
Dinner in the old city
Accommodation in double or single room at your hotel in the center of Bordeaux
Day 5 – Full day to the Arcachon Bay
Breakfast at the hotel
09 am – Meet and greet with your private driver at the hotel then departure to the Arcachon bay, about 1 hour from Bordeaux.
Enjoy the discovery of the “Winter town”. Stunning architecture and a bustling town centre all year round overlooking 7 kilometres of beach… Arcachon has it all. Each quarter exudes its own unique atmosphere and charm: elegant 19th century villas in the Winter Town, sea front and piers in the Summer Town, a lively port in the Autumn Town.
12 pm – Transfer by shuttle boat to Cap Ferret: Whether large or intimate, space is the keyword in the Lège-Cap Ferret peninsula. Between ocean and forest, ramblers can enjoy a stroll along walking and cycling paths or through the surrounding villages.
On the western side of the peninsula, sheltered by the dune, the ocean beaches, stretch 15,5 miles along the coast, are washed by spectacular waves. On the eastern side, 9,3 miles of beaches scattered with inlets, ports and oyster-farming villages are lapped by the waters of the Bay of Arcachon.
Lunch at a restaurant from where you will enjoy an nice overview on the bassin, Arcachon and the Dune du Pyla.
Transfer back to Arcachon by shuttle boat at 04:30 pm.
Back to Bordeaux by the end of the day.
Dinner free
Accommodation in double or single room at your hotel in the center of Bordeaux
Day 6 – Free day & evening route “du Medoc”, visit & wine tasting at a Château “Cru Bourgeois exceptionnel”, gala dinner in the private dinning room.
Breakfast at the hotel
Free morning – free lunch – free afternnon
04 pm – Meet and greet with your private driver at the hotel then departure to the Medoc and its Chateaux road 1855.
05 pm – Arrival at Chateau du Taillan –
Visit and tasting at Chateau du Taillan, Grand Cru Bourgeois Haut Medoc
Château du Taillan is a family-run estate. Nowadays, the current owners are 5 sisters. They are the 5th generation of the long-established Cruse family, who has owned the property since it was acquired by Henri Cruse in 1896. Situated at the gateway of the Médoc area, Château du Taillan is one of the most attractive vineyards in the Gironde. Here, you are able to discover the classical château dating back to the XVIIIth century, along with the unique underground cellars, now listed as a French National Heritage Site of France. The park, which contains centuries old trees, is also home to a rare pink marble altarpiece (another listed building), which is a perfect place to go for a stroll. Its vineyard of 30 hectares produces a Cru Bourgeois red wine, as well as a famous white wine. Very few Médoc vineyards produce a white wine, which makes La Dame Blanche a rare product.
Exclusive Gala dinner in a private room of the Chateau. The dinner will include a 4 courses menu with beverages.
Transfer back to the hotel in Bordeaux after dinner by private minibus.
Accommodation in double or single room at your hotel in the center of Bordeaux
Day 7 – Departure day
Breakfast at the hotel & check out
Individual departure to the airport or train station by private car.
Your English-speaking private driver will pick you up at the hotel.
Introduction
When tourists come to America, Michigan is not the first on their bucket list. Little do they know, however, that Michigan is home to majestic lakes, beautiful scenery, quaint villages, quirky locales, and gorgeous scenic hidden gems.
From the awesome Sleeping Bear Dunes, considered one of “America’s most beautiful places” and unexpectedly wild and untouched beaches to the charming and remote island of Mackinac to the vibrancy of Detroit, Michigan is an incredibly diverse state in terms of population and scenery.
Sleeping Bear Dunes
Located on Lake Michigan’s Northeast coast, Sleeping Bear Dunes is 35 miles of sandy shorelines and 70,000 of protected wilderness on Michigan’s Leelanau Peninsula.
This part of Michigan was once voted the most beautiful place in America by ABC News and it certainly holds up to its reputation. The views of the turkoise Lake Michigan from these sandy dunes resemble the Pacific.
Whether you are looking for an active getaway or a relaxed vacation, this part of Michigan promises the perfect escape.
Mackinac Island
Known as the jewel of the Great Lakes, Mackinac Island is America’s East Coast charm meeting West Coast natural beauty. This historic island is truly special. No cars are allowed, meaning you can either bike around the island or enjoy a ride in a horse drawn carriage. Full of boutique historic hotels and adorable shops, this island has something for the entire family.
Renting a cabin in the Upper Peninsula
If you are looking to truly disconnect from the world and to truly immerse yourself in nature, there is no better place than to rent a cabin in the Upper Peninsula. From gorgeous forests and stunning lakeshores and long and sandy beaches, and the most incredible stargazing, you will truly feel relaxed.