Join us for a curated experience like no other — a journey designed by hospitality professionals, for lovers of culture, cuisine, and connection. Depart just after Easter and celebrate le printemps in France with the Maison Meritage team.
Chef Klein will be leading 4 couples. At the same time, Desta Marée will be leading 4 solo travelers. This is hyper-small-group-travel, purposefully.
Arrival in Paris
You'll arrive in Paris this morning at Charles de Gaulle Airport, rested from your overnight flight and ready to begin. After clearing customs, you'll take a taxi into the city for lunch at one of Paris's most iconic brasseries. One of our team will meet you there.
This is where your journey begins — a leisurely lunch of classic French fare, people-watching, and meeting some of your fellow travelers as they arrive from across the U.S.
At 14:30h, private car service will bring you all to Gare Montparnasse for your first-class train to Bordeaux. Glide through the French countryside, arriving at Gare Saint-Jean, where the Maison Meritage team will meet you and whisk you into the heart of Bordeaux.
We'll stroll through old Bordeaux, stretch our travel legs, and then settle into your boutique residence in the Saint-Pierre quarter before a welcome dinner at a chef-driven gem that sets the tone for the days ahead.
Bordeaux Immersion
Wake to rooftops and the scent of fresh coffee. After a relaxed breakfast, we'll all explore Bordeaux together — from Les Halles de Bacalan for a lively market lunch to La Cité du Vin, where wine history, innovation, and architecture converge.
Return to refresh at your residence, then wander the Public Gardens, to relax into your environment on the way to an intimate dinner with some of Bordeaux's rising culinary stars.
Intimate individual bookings as preferred, finding balance between small group travel and intimate moments.
Dining as a small group of 6, with Desta & co. Expect laughter, discovery, and the first toast of many shared memories.
To the Countryside
Begin at the local Marché, then lunch at La Tupina, a classic Michelin experience. Visit a historic château and its gardens before continuing to the estate near Saint-Émilion. Dinner on-premise with your hosts Natalie & Olivier.
Early to Marché du Capucins for butter, preserves, fresh eggs, flowers — this is France in Springtime. Walk through old Bordeaux, lunch at a classic bistro, then to the chateau. Sunset dinner at one of the best countryside restaurants in all of France.
Montagne & Sauternes
Breakfast family-style in residence opens a day of wine and amazing dining.
Formal tasting & lunch at one of the most impressive estates in France, followed by vineyard adventure and tasting at one of Bordeaux's most historic estates. Peaceful evening at residence — wine-and-cheese exploration with hosts, or fireside conversation.
Field trip including a historic castle, then Sauternes for formal tour and tasting at a Premier Grand Cru Classé estate, lunch in a beautiful setting, lawn games in the shadow of the chateau.
Marché Day
Morning brings us to Libourne, where we visit the boulangerie and stroll the open-air market. Oysters and Picon bières are a must before we return to our residences for an afternoon of leisure and creativity.
As evening falls, we'll prepare communal meals from our market treasures — an unforgettable night of wine, laughter, and shared hospitality under the lovely long days of Printemps in France.
Sauternes & Saint-Émilion
Travel to the golden hills of Sauternes for formal tour and tasting at a Premier Grand Cru Classé estate. Long lunch at La Chapelle at Château Guiraud, lawn games and relaxation among the vines. Light dinner and peaceful evening.
Take on Saint-Émilion, lunch at L'Atelier de Candale, guided walk through the village including underground cellars, grand tasting with guided purchasing. Sunset apéritif overlooking the village, casual nosh at L'Atmosphere.
Arcachon by the Sea
Breakfast together, then off to the coast! We'll take the train to Arcachon, where seaside charm and salt air await. Enjoy a Michelin-starred lunch, followed by a private historic boat ride on the bay.
Sip an apéritif at Le Corniche as the sun sets over the Dune du Pilat.
Return to countryside home for dinner with Natalie & Olivier.
Spend the night in Arcachon, enjoying an additional day by the sea — free to explore, reflect, and dine along the coast.
Saint-Émilion & The Grand Finale
TukTuk ride through vineyards and cellars, exploring Saint-Émilion, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lunch at a treasured bistro overlooking the village, visit the Monolithic Church and tastings at ETS Martin. Masterful dinner at La Cadène.
Wake in Arcachon for a day at the beach and private boat cruising to the Island of the Birds. Hike the Dune du Pilat, reward efforts with fine meals and incredible views.
Return to Paris
After breakfast, depart for Bordeaux's Gare Saint-Jean to board your first-class train back to Paris. Check into final accommodations, then take an evening Bateaux Mouches cruise on the Seine from the Eiffel Tower to Notre Dame.
Dinner and soufflé at one of our favorite classic brasseries — a quintessential Parisian finale. Additional nights in Paris are your option.
Departure
Take a taxi to the airport for your flight home — or continue your adventure with an extended Paris stay.
Whichever path you choose, you'll leave with a heart full of connection, a deeper understanding of France, and a renewed sense of joie de vivre.
Trip Overview
Couples Tour
with Chef Klein & Logan
Solo Travelers
with Desta Marée
What's Included
- Overnight accommodations, daily
- Breakfast, daily
- Grand lunch or dinner with hosts, daily
- Designated activities & gatherings
- Transportation, daily
- International airfare (~$1,000–1,400)
- Gratuities (20–50€/day recommended)
- Money exchange & miscellaneous
- Personal purchases and wine shipping
Pro Tips & Details
- DO NOT BOOK YOUR FLIGHTS until you have been confirmed and deposited.
- Flights should be scheduled one day prior (overnight from USA) and at least one day after.
- Suggested dates: April 7 arrival, April 17+ departure.
- Current flight pricing: ~$1,000–1,400 roundtrip, non-stop with Delta.
- Additional activity menu available upon confirmation.