Paris

Paris Travel Guide (Île de France, France)

It is not difficult to see why Paris is one of the world’s top tourist destinations. Boasting attractions and architectural landmarks such as the Arc de Triomphe or the Louvre, the most renowned art museum in the world that houses the Mona Lisa or Victory of Samothrace, Notre Dame Cathedral a UNESCO Heritage site along the Seine and of course the Eiffel Tower.

Other major museums to visit include musée d’Orsay or Centre Pompidou. History, food, art & art galleries, romance, shops and restaurants, famous department stores, fashion, glamour, the City of Light has it all.

Our private & shared Day Trips in Paris

Join us on one of our many exclusive Paris private tours or shared day trips from ; explore the hidden heart of medieval Paris, sample new flavors and techniques with a gourmet cooking course, or try one of our exclusive after hours opera or secret passages tour.

Another option is to book a night show to a Cabaret such as the Moulin Rouge or Paradis Latin. Whatever your interest, Ophorus is bound to have a tour to help you discover the hidden side of Paris. Delve deeper into this historical city and sample what the city of love has to offer.

Normandy Tours from Paris

Once you have visited Paris, you will then have the possibility of heading out into the nearby regions and sites. Certainly one of the most popular regions to visit from Paris is Normandy. We provide private small group overnight tours from Paris to Normandy or full day trips to visit the d-day beaches, Omaha, Pointe du Hoc and the American cemetery located in Colleville sur Mer. Our guided tours from Paris to Normandy can also take you to Utah beach, Sainte Mère Eglise or Caen to visit the Normandy WW2 Museum.

Versailles Tours from Paris

From Paris we organise private or shared tours to Versailles Palace near Paris. Chateau de Versailles is without a doubt one of the most unique Chateau visits of France. This 3 star rated Michelin travel guide site is considered to be the symbol of perfection when it comes to Classical Architecture.

The largest known Palace in the world was, from the late 17th century until the French Revolution, a permanent construction site. The Chateau is also a symbol of the power of Royalty from Sun King Louis XIV to Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette. Today, the Chateau as well as the whole domain are gradually regaining their original splendor thanks to immense restoration works.

Departing from Paris, head towards the Chateau de Versailles for an enjoyable private full day trip in one of our premium air conditioned vehicles. Upon arrival, you will have skip the line access to fast-track entry, allowing you to jump the long queue.

Thanks to your accompanying guide, you will also be able to start the visit rapidly. At last it will be time to begin your guided tour of the Palace and hear about the History of the Palace & the many stories that have made Versailles Palace what it is.

The visit will take you through the State apartments and beautiful rooms of the King and Queen, the Royal Chapel and Hall of Mirrors and so much more. Outside, you will also have free time to stroll and explore the French style Gardens designed by André Le Nôtre. The gardens of Versailles are considered to be the best example of French Style formal Gardens.

Visit Giverny from Paris

Visit the Claude Monnet's House & Gardens in Giverny located in Normandy France that can be done in a day from Paris. We provide half day or full day trips to Giverny from Paris. You can also combine day trips from Paris to Versailles and Giverny. The distance from Paris to Giverny makes it an ideal activity for a half day tour.

Claude Monnet's House & Gardens in Giverny

The painter arrives in Giverny in 1883 aged 43 years old. Thanks to the selling of a number of paintings to art merchant Durand-Ruel, he is able to acquire this house where he believes he will be able to ameliorate his work on light and color.

During more than 40 years, Monet will transform, develop and enlarge the house. As you enter, you will first discover the reading room or 'little blue sitting room' followed by the artist's first studio where he worked until 1899.

You will then proceed to the first floor where the private apartments are located. These include Monet's bedroom where objects and artwork from Monet's time are exhibited. There are also reproductions of paintings made by his friends: Cézanne, Renoir, Signac or Caillebote.

Then, move on to Alice's bedroom - Claude Monet's wife - and end the tour of the upper floor with the last room which was Blanche Monet's bedroom. You will then return to the ground floor to visit the dining room and kitchen. Here, you will admire Monet's famous collection of Japanese prints.

Champagne Tours from Paris

Why not take a day trip to Champagne from Paris on one of our luxury Champagne Tours? We can organize your small group Champagne tour either directly from Paris or we will come and pick you up at the Reims train station.

Best known for the eponymous sparkling white wine which originates here, Champagne region is a UNESCO World Heritage Site characterized by lush landscapes and vineyards climbing up gently undulating hills. Delve into “champagne country” and explore Epernay, home to some of the most celebrated champagne producers, such as Moët & Chandon or Perrier-Jouët.

When you’ve had your fill of champagne, why not wander the streets of the gothic villages dotted around the otherwise pristine countryside? Champagne is a region that should be on every wine lover’s itinerary. Join us on one of our tours to explore this rural idyll with cellar visits and taste the bubbly wine that gave this region its fame.

Specialized in small group Champagne region of France Wine Tours & Tastings, we offer Exclusive Private day trips to world famous wineries located in Reims or Epernay such as Veuve Clicquot, Martel, Ruinart, Mercier and many more.

Departing from Paris or Reims let us organize a special Champagne day for you and your party that will take you to the Montagne de Reims producing area, Epernay renowned for its ‘Avenue de Champagne’ or Hautvillers home of Dom Perignon. On our Champagne Tasting Tours we usually include the visit of 2 or 3 wineries and it is possible for us to pre book a delicious meal at a Michelin star restaurant making this a day you will not forget.

To experience a full day excursion in the Champagne Wine Region is to let yourself be transported in the sensuousness and voluptuousness of incredible Champagne Houses.

Loire Valley Day Trips from Paris

Take the high speed train from Paris to the Loire Valley and enjoy one of our many options while in the region. We provide Loire Valley 3 day tours from Paris as well as the best loire valley half day or full day tours to the Renaissance Castles or the local vineyards for delicious wine tasting sessions.

Loire valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers everything from castles, historical towns and stunning landscapes, delicious wines as well as fine dining in local restaurants or michelin star restaurants. Its location alongside the river Loire gives the land its fertility and ensures the productivity and success of the vineyards and Loire Valley Wines. The area also boasts world-famous Renaissance Chateaux.

Our cycling tours Loire valley are the best way to explore the historical treasures of the area, taking you to castles and chateaux, as well as through the lush forests of the surrounding countryside. If wine is what you´re looking for, our Loire valley wine tours take you to the most renowned wineries in the region.

Here, you can sample some of the best Loire wines this fertile region offers. There are also quite a number of locations that offer great Loire River Tours if you want to see the landmarks from another perspective. For history buffs, we also offer great guided tours in the most important cultural towns such as Chinon or Blois.

Our small group Loire Valley day trips depart from the cities of Tours and Amboise. We organize exclusive private tours to the Loire valley castles that are conducted by Expert Local Guides that speak impeccable English. We also offer more affordable shared day tours that will take you to the most important sites. Of course the Castles of the Loire are high up on our list.

The most famous ones include fairytale Chateau de Chenonceau, Château de Chambord, Chateau du Clos Lucé that welcomed Leonardo Da Vinci, Château de Villandry and Chateau Azay Le Rideau to name just a few. Another great activity in this region is wine tasting as the destination is home to some of the most elegant red and white wines of France.

Best Burgundy Wine Tours from Paris

Reach the Burgundy wine region from Paris to enjoy private full day wine tours in one of the most famous wine producing regions of France. 

The Burgundy region of France is located in the central eastern part of France and is one of the most famous wine producing area of the country. In addition, it is also known to be one of those unique food destinations of France with world renowned boeuf bourguignon originating from here. The two most important locations for taking wine tasting tours are the towns of Dijon and Beaune.

Historically, the region was inhabited by the Celts, the Romans and the region became a Duchy during the middle Ages. For many centuries, the Dukes remained independent and even sided with the English during the 100 years war. The 15th century is known as the Golden Age of Burgundy as the territory expanded and included what is today Belgium, Holland, Picardy and Flanders making it one of the richest states of the time. The region was united to the French Kingdom in 1477 at the death of Charles the Bold.

The Capital of Burgundy, Dijon, boasts an important historical and cultural heritage and is one of those lovely small towns of France that seems to have passed through time without any scars. The historical centre is mainly pedestrian and is filled with enchanting french bistros and restaurants. Highlights of the town include the Well of Moses, the Museum of Fine Arts as well as the Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy.

The small town of Beaune, capital of Burgundy before Dijon, has also kept a beautiful historical centre. The most famous attraction is by far the Hospices de Beaune that hosts every year one of the most fabulous wine auctions. The town makes for a perfect start towards the Burgundy wine region where the Pinot Noir grape variety is king. The town is also home to fine dining and michelin star restaurants that make for an ideal trip.

Burgundy Wine Tours from Beaune or Dijon?

The centuries-old tradition of Burgundy wine making is evident in the bountiful vineyards stretching across the landscape. Burgundy boasts some of the most acclaimed and luxurious wines in the world. Departing from either Beaune or Dijon, we offer a large number of small group private tours and shared tours for both novice and wine lovers alike.

Our Burgundy private day trips include wine tasting tours to both côte de nuits and côte de beaune vineyards that are known to produce some of the best red wines and white wines in the world. A typical exclusive half or full day private wine tour from Dijon or Beaune with Ophorus includes tours and tastings at famous wine cellars or wineries located along the Route des Grands Crus. Other famous wine appellations include Vosne Romanée, Chateau de Vougeot, Gevrey-Chambertin, Aloxe-Corton, Montrachet and so many more.

During the tastings, experience Grands Cru and Premier Cru Wines of Burgundy to understand the differences in aromas and tastes. For lunch on a private full day tour, your guide will certainly recommend local restaurants that specialize in food and wine pairing that will enhance your dining experience.

Our Burgundy small group shared tours departing from Beaune are a perfect introduction to the wines of Burgundy. On a half day or full day option, you will discover the craft of wine making in traditional family owned domains. All our shared tours also include stops in small charming villages as well as great photo opportunities in the vineyards or next to world renowned wineries.

Other travel options while in Burgundy

If wine is not your priority, Burgundy offers the visitor a multitude of sightseeing options, such as the Palace of the Dukes, the gothic Cathedral of Saint Bénigne, the Romanesque churches of Burgundy, including the remarkable Abbaye de Vézelay (UNESCO World Heritage Site) and Les Hospices de Beaune, a medieval hospital that was in use until the 20th century and now functions as a museum of Flemish art. The region is also dotted with a very large amount of stunning medieval villages that are such a delight to stroll through.

Whether you´re eager to sample Burgundy wines and discover what makes them some of the world´s most famous, wander the medieval streets and uncover Burgundy´s historical secrets, or a combination of both, Ophorus provides tours to meet every traveler´s need. Enjoy the attention of our professional English-speaking guides and let us help you experience the best this region has to offer.

Day Trip to Alsace from Paris

A day trip to Alsace from Paris would make for a very long day even though the TGV train can take you from Paris to Strasbourg in 2 hours only! From Strasbourg we provide both private and shared half day or full day small group tours to the Alsace Vineyards for wine tours or to visit some of the most charming villages of France.

A fairy tale location and the best of Alsace wine

Characterized by the Vosges Mountains to the west and the Rhine River and its border with Germany to the east, the Alsace region is undoubtedly one of the most charming and uniquely distinct regions of France. A region famed for wine, culture, landscape and history offers something for every traveler. Visitors can experience the Germanic influence in the architecture and distinct gastronomy, but the region itself is undoubtedly Alsatian.

With rolling hills, castles, perfectly preserved historic villages, world-famous vineyards and UNESCO world heritage sites to name a few, this famous French destination offers an abundance of options. As a fully licensed tour operator, Ophorus helps you explore this magical region with our small group tours from Strasbourg or Colmar.

Led by expert English speaking tour guides, all our day trips from Strasbourg or Colmar include the most famous destinations & activities such as the Alsace wine route, the Haut Koenigsbourg castle, commented wine tasting sessions as well as unique biking tours. If you´re a lover of wine, why not follow the Alsatian wine route to some of the region’s most famed vineyards nestled among rolling hills and mountains?

Or if you’re searching for history and culture, why not explore the preserved medieval capital, Strasbourg, with us? Or combine both experiences in one tour! Whatever option you choose, our wine tours delve deep into the region, offering you an insight into the history, architecture, wine and culture.

We offer both exclusive private tours as well as fun & informative shared tours on a half day or full day basis. We usually suggest a full day tour as this will give you the perfect opportunity to experience the best this region has to offer. Discover the preserved beauty and cultural wealth of Alsace with one of our Ophorus tours

The Bas Rhin & Day Trips from Strasbourg

The Bas Rhin, of which Strasbourg is the capital, offers a great number of exciting attractions to visit, activities to partake in and of course is a fantastic departure point for many tours. The city of Strasbourg, seat of the European Parliament and Council of Europe, is already a treat just by itself with its incredible Gothic Cathedral and historic Petite France neighborhood dotted with medieval half timbered houses.

If you follow one of our guided walking tours of Strasbourg, our certified guides will surely take you to the most important landmarks of the city including the ones mentioned above. Another great option in Strasbourg is the food & wine related activities.

The Alsace region is known to be one of the best when it comes to gastronomy and during our Strasbourg gourmet walking tour foie gras, wine, ginger bread and many more local specialties will be there for you to taste.

Once you have discovered the city of Strasbourg, it is time to head out and visit the most incredible sites that the Bas Rhin has to offer. The most famous of these is without a doubt the Alsace Wine Route or route des vins d’Alsace. One of the oldest in France, this wine route stretches for more than 70 kms and is lined with numerous, family owned wineries.

Both our half day and full day wine tours departing from Strasbourg are the perfect opportunity for you to discover these amazing Alsace wine makers. Another top attraction in this area is the Haut Koenigsbourg Castle that is included in our full day Pearls of Alsace tour. Built in the 12th century it dominates the Alsace plains and is one of those ideal locations for a superb travel photo.