France

France is the ultimate playground for those seeking out a luxury escapade. From the superyacht-filled marinas of the French Riviera to the world-renowned vineyards of the Champagne regions, there are opulent adventures to be had all across the country. By teaming up with specialist travel companies, you can compare these luxury experiences and curate the ultimate trip. Below are just some of the top companies to use for a deluxe French vacation.

1) Luxury France Tours

Luxury France Tours specializes in arranging bespoke luxury guided tours around France. Such tours offer an opportunity to learn about local attractions while being chaperoned around by an expert guide who is able to book everything for you. At Luxury France Tours, you can pay extra for privileges like skip-the-line monument access, private boat cruises in the Med and food tastings with renowned chefs. Choose from an array of amazing destinations across France from Normandy to the Dordogne, or plan a multi-region tour to see more of France in one trip.

2) Deluxe France

This boutique travel agency helps you choose from a diverse range of luxury experiences across France. You can use their website to find chic hotels and villas, as well as booking top-end food and wine experiences. The company also has access to an exclusive fleet of luxury vehicles for those wanting chauffeur-driven tours or a more glamorous airport transfer. It’s a one-stop shop for premium travel in France that can be used for everything from family vacations to business trips.

3) Ultimate Luxury Chalets

For those seeking out a magical Alpine adventure, Ultimate Luxury Chalets has your accommodation covered. This company offers listings of luxurious chalets throughout the French Alps with dreamy features including hot tubs, fireplaces, private chefs and even views of Mont Blanc. For ski enthusiasts looking for the perfect winter trip, such accommodation could serve as an intimate but plush alternative to a five star hotel. Some of these chalets are also available to rent out in summer for those craving a high-end hiking getaway.

4) Grape Escapes

Wine lovers will love this one! Grape Escapes is a specialist in oenophile adventures, helping you to book vineyard tours with a luxury twist. From Bordeaux to Champagne, explore wine tastings and pairings in various regions across France. Each tour is tailor-made to meet your preferences with the option to also have flights and hotels booked for you. They could be an excellent company for co-ordinating a romantic honeymoon or simply a boozy bonding experience with friends.

5) Chic Villas

As the name suggests, Chic Villas is a directory for chic villa rentals across France. Looking for a villa with a personal gym and a heated swimming pool overlooking the sea? Or perhaps you’d like a historic fairytale chateau all to yourself to experience living like a king? At Chic Villas you can explore an array of private accommodation options that are more glamorous than what you’d otherwise find on AirBnB. Some of these have 8+ bedrooms, making them excellent for large family get-togethers. Other properties are much smaller and cozier, but still have perks like hot tubs and breathtaking views, potentially providing a memorable retreat for couples.

6) Riviera Come True

If you’ve got your heart set on a French Riviera getaway, River Come True could be the best company to use – their specialism is organizing bespoke tours in cities like Monaco, Nice and St Tropez. They combine this with luxury activities and exclusive access to places where most people can’t venture. Think yacht excursions, celebrity-spotting tours and entry to private beach clubs, as well as experiences like charter management around Monaco for those wanting a deeper dive into the yachting lifestyle. They can also set up tours around specific passions like Formula 1 or movies, allowing you to tick off locations and experiences that are personal to you.

7) Belmond

From luxury river cruises to high-end train journeys, Belmond connects travelers with some of the most opulent experiences from around the globe. In France, this includes the option to ride the Venice-Simplon Orient Express from Paris and enjoy gourmet cuisine in vintage dining carts, or enjoy some of the finest French wines while exploring the waterways of Burgundy. You can also book luxurious hotel suites and villas via Belmond, however they offer limited options within France.

8) Scott Dunn

Scott Dunn have been awarded Conde Nast Travelers’ Top Travel Specialists in the World 13 years in a row. They provide an extensive range of international luxury travel experiences for the elite adventurer. This includes many experiences within France from private tours of The Palace of Versailles to cruises along the Seine. They’re a particularly popular choice for those booking ski vacations, offering unique opportunities like heli-skiing in the Trois Vallees for those that want to truly journey off-piste.

9) Abercrombie & Kent

Abercrombie & Kent is a heavyweight in luxury travel providing adventures everywhere from The Caribbean to Antarctica. Choose them if you’re looking for five star hideaways in the Cote d’Azur or canal barge cruises in Provence. All of A&K’s travel solutions are carefully vetted to ensure that they meet a very high standard – they are the go-to choice for those seeking out perfection at any price (don’t expect any vacation deals under $4000 per person unless there is a sale going on).

10) Black Tomato

Looking for some slightly more unconventional ‘wow’ moments? Black Tomato stands out by offering unique experiences like ballooning over the Loire or foraging in the forests of the Auvergne. They provide experiential trips that are ideal for thrillseekers, and others that are more laid-back. Many of their trips can be fully customized – which includes taking specialist requests that most other companies wouldn’t be able to deliver.

Conclusion

So, there you have it! A line-up of France’s finest travel companies. Determine exactly what type of luxury getaway you are after, as this will help you to find the right operator for your needs. Remember that most of these companies are willing to go above and beyond, so you don’t always have to choose from the packages on their site.

France is world-famous for its food, wine, fashion, and romantic cities, but beyond the postcard-perfect views and cultural landmarks lies a more unusual, adventurous side. For couples or families seeking something a little different from their next holiday, France offers a treasure trove of offbeat experiences that you won’t find in most travel guides.

If you’re looking to spend some time in nature or fancy an adventure, here are some offbeat ideas to consider for a truly unique getaway.

Unconventional Holiday Ideas in France

Discover the Saint-Marcel d’Ardèche Caves

Hidden beneath the hills of the Ardèche region lies one of France’s most fascinating geological marvels: the Saint-Marcel d’Ardèche caves. These limestone galleries extend for over 30 kilometres, reaching more than 2,800 metres below ground. They were originally discovered in 1836 by a hunter and offer the perfect experience for adventurous travellers.

Outside, you have the opportunity to go rock climbing, hiking, and canoeing over the 30 km stretch between Saint Martin d’Ardèche and Pont d’Arc.

Go Skiing in Chamonix

Ski holidays in France are always a solid choice, with heaps of high-quality slopes and lively resorts on offer. If you’re a seasoned skier seeking a bigger thrill, however, Chamonix has plenty of off-piste just waiting to be explored.

Tucked away in the shadow of Mont Blanc, Chamonix is known for its surefire conditions and challenging descents. The Vallée Blanche stands out as one of the best, with a 23km drop surrounded by glaciers. Whether you’re with a guide or your friends, it’s the sort of adventure you’ll be talking about for many years to come.

If you’re travelling with young children or inexperienced skiers, don’t worry, there’s still a good range of gentle nursery slopes and amenities specifically designed for little ones.

Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride Over the Loire Valley

For something a little more relaxed, the Loire Valley offers the chance to head off on a hot air balloon experience. Float over lush vineyards and stunning white châteaux at sunrise or sunset for views that are like no other.

This UNESCO-listed region takes on a whole other perspective when viewed from the air, providing panoramic views over one of France’s most stunning landscapes and attractions including the Châteaux de Chenonceau and Châteaux de Villandry.

It’s worth noting that some companies have an age or height requirement, so make sure your children or other travel companions meet these before booking.

Soak in the Canaveilles Hot Springs

The Canaveilles hot springs are a naturally heated paradise tucked away in the Pyrenees-Orientales, that are perfect for relaxing whatever the season. The thermal pools are free to enter and are heated by geothermal activity. You’ll also find breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and rock formations, ensuring you feel one with nature.

Whether you’re visiting with a partner or a group of friends, soaking in the warm, mineral-rich water is the ultimate way to unwind after a long day of hiking or exploring.

Take a train ride through a cave in Dordogne

In the Vézère Valley, Dordogne, you’ll find a train system that extends a mile into the Rouffignac cave. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill cave though, its history goes back more than 13,000 years, detailing engravings and paintings dedicated to mammoths as well as other prehistoric animals. While there were originally thought to be 100 mammoths depicted in the cave, this number now sits closer to 150.

You’ll find almost 8 km of drawings carved out of Cretaceous limestone during the hour-long train ride. This means you’re able to observe the beauty of this hidden landscape without little legs getting tired or worrying you’ll disturb the conservation.

Explore the Catacombs in Paris

An activity not for the fainthearted, Les Catacombs de Paris is certainly an unconventional alternative to your standard city break activity. The underground cavern houses the remains of approximately six million Parisians throughout its extensive network of underground tunnels.

If you’re willing to overlook the understandably morbid nature of the labyrinth, you’ll learn about the gruesome history of the city and how the mass cemetery came to be. The catacombs are open to the public but entrance is limited to 200 people at any given time, so it’s recommended that you book in advance or go with a specialised tour guide.

Locate the street art in Belleville and Ménilmontant

While street art is a common occurrence in French cities, the 20th arrondissement in Paris includes wall graffiti of a whole different variety. Head off on a self-guided walking tour through the cosmopolitan streets of Belleville and the rural paths of Ménilmontant as you discover work from some of the most talented artists in the city.

It truly is a focal point for the creativity Paris is known for, and is a hub for artists both new and old, including the likes of Jérôme Mesnager and Jean Le Gac. Consider getting each member of the family or group to take pictures of their favourite artwork and vote for whose is best.

Discover France’s Wild Side, Together

France may be best known for its elegant cities and world-class cuisine, but it’s also full of surprises, perfect for families looking to step off the beaten path. Whether you’re soaring above fairy-tale castles in a hot air balloon, soaking in remote mountain springs, or uncovering prehistoric art by train, these adventures offer something deeper than the typical tourist trail.

What I love most about these experiences is how they invite connection—not just with a place, but with each other. They spark curiosity, encourage learning, and most of all, create memories your family will be talking about long after the bags are unpacked.

So if you’re planning your next family holiday in France, consider trading the typical for the truly memorable. A little adventure might be just what your next getaway needs.