A French Wine Sampler September 8-15, 2017
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
[email protected] www.rouxluxurytravel.com Office: (203) 757-9481 Mobile: (225) 717-2298 Toll Free: 1-800-322-9481 1 A French Wine Sampler A luxurious journey through Champagne, Alsace & Burgundy September 8-15, 2017 Created in collaboration with W Travel in France. An Independent Affiliate of Largay Travel Virtuoso Member Specialists in the Art of Travel [email protected] www.rouxluxurytravel.com Office: (203) 757-9481 Mobile: (225) 717-2298 Toll Free: 1-800-322-9481 2 Your Day by Day Itinerary DAY 1 – CHAMPAGNE BUBBLES Arrival at Paris CDG airport Your chauffeur wine guide picks you up at Charles De Gaulle airport The transportation is with an air-conditioned luxury minivan. Transfer to Reims in the morning. Late morning: Guided tour of the Reims Notre Dame Cathedral. Listed in the Unesco World Heritage, 13th century Notre-Dame de Reims Cathedral is one of Europe's most important Gothic structures. Let you be captivated by the unique stained glasses and the exceptionally rich statuary – over 2 300 statues among which the famous Smiling Angel. It is here that King Clovis was baptized around year 498 giving birth to the Kingdom of the Franks and starting a long lasting tradition: except two, all of the Kings of France would be crowned here! Lunch on your own in Reims and free time to take in the shops. Guided tour and tasting at world famous Mumm. This Maison de Champagne was founded in 1827, however the Mumm dynasty dates back to the 12th century. They were German and in the 18th century they were already wine producers and merchants. Recognising the quality and the potential of the sparkling wines produced in the nearby Champagne region, in 1927 they decided to establish a branch of their wine company there. “Only the Best” being their motto, they soon seduced illustrious European royal families. The creation of the “Cordon Rouge” definitely established their fame: they became the official supplier of the British Royalty – which they still are – and they attracted artists such as Utrillo and Foujita. Mumm is today the official An Independent Affiliate of Largay Travel Virtuoso Member Specialists in the Art of Travel [email protected] www.rouxluxurytravel.com Office: (203) 757-9481 Mobile: (225) 717-2298 Toll Free: 1-800-322-9481 3 sponsor of Formula One F1 races. Check in at your hotel- HOTEL LES CRAYERES Les Crayères is a mythical property in the heart of Reims, nestled discreetly in a seven-hectare park full of lush vegetation. This former home of the de Polignac family permanently recreates and modernizes the “chateau style” in an atmosphere which is one of elegant sophistication. Perfectly appointed rooms and suites await with a love of detail which is characteristic for pure classical French style. The warm welcome, impeccable service and Chef Philippe Mille’s gourmet restaurant with its wine list featuring more than 600 champagne labels, make this the ideal place to start discovering all the treasures of this region. An Independent Affiliate of Largay Travel Virtuoso Member Specialists in the Art of Travel [email protected] www.rouxluxurytravel.com Office: (203) 757-9481 Mobile: (225) 717-2298 Toll Free: 1-800-322-9481 4 DAY 2 – TOURS & CHAMPAGNE TASTINGS 09h30: Pick up at your hotel. Mid-morning, tour of the exquisite village of Hautvillers, overlooking Epernay and all the vineyards. You will see the grave of the Monk Dom Perignon in the village church. We’ll walk to the edge of the hill and enjoy the view on the whole Marne Valley and all the vineyards owned by the most famous Champagne producers around Epernay. Champagne tasting lunch included This small restaurant is very famous for its large Champagne selection that you can taste and purchase at a producer price. For lunch, you will enjoy a plate composed of many local specialties, paired with 6 Champagne cuvées (100% Chardonnay, 100% pinot noir, 100% meunier, blending, vintage and rosé). Drive to Epernay, the Capital of Champagne. Nestling like a jewel in the sloping vineyards of the meandering Marne Valley, EPERNAY welcomes you. Founded in the fifth century, Epernay is both a crossroads and fortified town which has confronted events of all kinds since her creation and has had to be rebuilt twenty five times. The monuments and buildings preserved from among these numerous reconstructions are so many witnesses to the fortunate periods of her history. They add great charm to the city. From the 18th century, the mastery of the techniques of Champagne production was to change Epernay’s fortune. The large wine merchants in the 19th century created a formidable economic boom. They started then to dig more than one hundred kilometers of tunnels which now link together the unique system of cellars hewn from the chalk. Dating from that fortunate time are the magnificent mansions along the Avenue de Champagne, most of which have become the headquarters of the most prestigious Champagne Houses An Independent Affiliate of Largay Travel Virtuoso Member Specialists in the Art of Travel [email protected] www.rouxluxurytravel.com Office: (203) 757-9481 Mobile: (225) 717-2298 Toll Free: 1-800-322-9481 5 Tour and Champagne tasting. Tour of the world famous Moet and Chandon, producer of the Dom Perignon. Grand Vintage tour: Guided tour and tasting at world famous Grande Maison de Champagne Moët & Chandon. Founded in 1743 by Claude Möet it becomes within 40 years the first international brand in the world. Its history is linked to some famous figures such as The Marquise de Pompadour and Napoleon 1st. This Champagne is also sold to many important historical events among which King Edwards VII’s coronation, Cannes Film Festival, the 120th anniversary of the Liberty Statue, etc…It is probably nowadays the most famous Champagne brand around the world. Drive to Billecart Salmon winery along the picturesque vineyard roads. Tour and Champagne tasting. Billecart-Salmon is a medium-sized champagne house in Mareuil-sur-Ay. Founded in 1818 with the marriage of Nicolas François Billecart and Elisabeth Salmon, it is one of the An Independent Affiliate of Largay Travel Virtuoso Member Specialists in the Art of Travel [email protected] www.rouxluxurytravel.com Office: (203) 757-9481 Mobile: (225) 717-2298 Toll Free: 1-800-322-9481 6 few to remain family owned. The Cuvee Nicolas-Francois Billecart 1959 won first place in the Champagne of the Millennium 1999, out of 150 of the finest 20th century champagnes. At the end of the afternoon, return to your hotel. Dinner is on your own this evening, and we can arrange reservations at a wonderful restaurant. Overnight at your hotel An Independent Affiliate of Largay Travel Virtuoso Member Specialists in the Art of Travel [email protected] www.rouxluxurytravel.com Office: (203) 757-9481 Mobile: (225) 717-2298 Toll Free: 1-800-322-9481 7 DAY 3 – STRASBOURG Breakfast & Check out Meet your English speaking driver in the lobby of your hotel and transfer to Strasbourg Check in at your hotel in Alsace, the HOTEL LE BOUCLIER D’OR This hotel is in the historic La Petite France district in a 16th-century building, a 5-minute walk from Strasbourg Cathedral. It offers a wine bar and spa center, which includes a spa bathtub, sauna, hammam and massage room. The spacious rooms at Hotel Le Bouclier d’Or feature antique furniture, air- conditioning, free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV with cable channels and a minibar. All have views of the rooftops of Petite France, while some also include a spa bathtub. Guests can enjoy an Alsatian and international buffet breakfast at Hotel Le Bouclier d’Or. A tea room is also available in the property and restaurants and cafés can be found within 302 m. The hotel is 4.8 km from the European Parliament and a 10-minute walk from the train station. Public parking is available nearby for an additional fee and there is a valet parking service at the hotel. Lunch at your leisure. In the afternoon enjoy a guided tour of Strasbourg city and its cathedral, including a wine tasting. An Independent Affiliate of Largay Travel Virtuoso Member Specialists in the Art of Travel [email protected] www.rouxluxurytravel.com Office: (203) 757-9481 Mobile: (225) 717-2298 Toll Free: 1-800-322-9481 8 With its monumental cathedral featuring carvings as delicate as any piece of lacework, Strasbourg is one of Europe’s most attractive cities. Thanks to the richness and sheer density of its heritage sites, the entire town center has been listed as UNESCO World Heritage. The old city Strasbourg was registered by the UNESCO in December 1988 on the list of world heritage under the title of "Strasbourg - Great Island". The 17th French site gaining this acknowledgement, Strasbourg is the first urban area, encircled by the two branches of the Ill river. This honor reveals the universal value of the historical Strasbourg which is composed of, other than the magnificent Gothic cathedral, the churches Saint-Thomas (XIIe - XVe centuries), Saint-Pierre-le-Vieux (XIIth - XIVth centuries), Saint-Pierre-le-Jeune (XIIIth - XVth centuries), Saint-Etienne (XIIIth century), the Museum of Notre-Dame, the Palais Rohan and the Covered Bridges. Along with this admirable set of monuments are banks, bridges, squares and alleys, all filled with history and culture. In order to celebrate this honor, 22 brass plates have been placed on the bridges giving access to the island ellipsis. An Independent Affiliate of Largay Travel Virtuoso Member Specialists in the Art of Travel [email protected] www.rouxluxurytravel.com Office: (203) 757-9481 Mobile: (225) 717-2298 Toll Free: 1-800-322-9481 9 At the end of the afternoon, return to your hotel Overnight at your hotel An Independent Affiliate of Largay Travel Virtuoso Member Specialists in the Art of Travel [email protected] www.rouxluxurytravel.com Office: (203) 757-9481 Mobile: (225) 717-2298 Toll Free: 1-800-322-9481 10 DAY 4 – RIBEAUVILLE , COLMAR & WINE TASTING After breakfast, drive to Chateau Koenigsbourg.