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Off The Beaten Track

Bespoke Tours

FRANCE

Paris & Bordeaux

France

La Difference.

Immerse yourself in European culture coupled with a variety of activities, such as an unforgettable cooking class and a luxurious spa treatment. And not just any old spa treatment, but one where the seeds and skins from the fermentation of the wine are used as an exfoliation agent for your full body massage. You will also enjoy intellectually stimulating visits to the hallowed grounds of some of world's top wine estates in the Medoc region and more, dinners with real Bordelais personalities such as Mr. Philippe Lur Saluces who will explain how the wine market works in Bordeaux. What's not to love?

Room and board includes perhaps the most enchanting guesthouse I have ever had the pleasure of staying in: Chateau Le-Pape in Pessac has a soul. I tell all of my guests before we go, and they feel it immediately upon entering the house. When you add interesting characters and good people from your group into the blend, sitting around the library floor fireside with a nice glass of Bordeaux on your lap, and playing a few hands of Gin. There is a swimming pool at the residence, and beautiful grounds perfect for taking one of the bicycles and going for a ride, or for enjoying a peaceful walk. One can read a book, take in nature, and just let it all go.

Upon our arrival at the estate on Sunday evening, a meal is prepared for us in the main dining room. If it's warm enough we can sit out on the veranda in the backyard. There ensues deep conversation, and the ambiance is unparalleled. The wine will flow and the fun is intrinsic. What I love about this moment is getting to know the guests better, hearing about their busy lives and most off all watching them slip into a sense of splendid relaxation over the following four days. Have you ever been lost in time and not worried about it one little bit? Doesn't seem too shabby now, does it?

A Slice of France.

The French are very fussy about food. There is a sense of national pride in their great chefs. During my trip, we have a morning cooking class at Chateau Haut-Bailly where we will learn how to prepare some typical Bordelais specialties. This class is undertaken by the whole group, which is no more than twelve in total. The perfect number for a class as the teacher can contain the conversation and everyone emerges feeling they have accomplished something special.

Naturally enough cooking all morning leads to a healthy appetite. At Haut-Bailly there is a private dining room where we will be treated to lunch with Jean-Charles, one of the better chefs I have had the pleasure of knowing. We will taste some of the estate wines (Robert Parker gave the 2009 his highest score of 100 points, no mean feat) and get to know a little more of the estate, its culture, history and its standing in the world today.

I can tell you this is a remarkable day. Following a spa treatment in the afternoon, we usually have dinner out that evening. Each trip is bespoke, and only starts to get fully planned when we can put a group together of no less than eight guests and no more than ten. I take up the 6th room. If you have five couples in mind, better still friends an family, this trip is second to none!