The French bring an unparalleled elegance to their winter celebrations, from the sparkling silver lights of Paris to the warm reds and golds of traditional Christmas markets, and an entire culture that has developed around themed table-settings for an end-of-year dining experience with the best wines and incredible gastronomy. If you’ve ever dreamed of experiencing the magic of festive France, there’s no better time to make that dream a reality.
Having grown up in France before moving to California, Stephanie Burtin started her company, Osprey Boutique Travel, to help others discover all the delights of French culture by creating luxury wine themed tours with every detail taken care of from accommodation to travel, restaurants, tickets for attractions and more.
“Nothing beats Christmas in France,” says Stephanie, “and to share that experience with others, I’ve created the ‘Magic of the Holiday Season’ tour, which includes the most enchanting sights of Paris in winter as well as Alsace, which has to be the most festive French region.”
Wine & Magic Tours of Alsace in December
Located in the east of France, Alsace is famous for organising Christmas markets that are like a living fairy tale: the streets are lined with hundreds of wooden chalets bursting with handmade crafts and delectable goodies, live bands play joyous music and the scent of cinnamon is in the air. It’s the perfect place to find truly unique gifts for loved ones, and browsing the stalls of an Alsace market will turn the process of Christmas shopping into an unforgettable activity that becomes a special memory.
As well as perusing the markets and medieval towns of Alsace, your ‘Magic of the Holiday Season’ tour will include gourmet dinners featuring regional specialities, and a visit to prestigious winemakers. Here, you can sample the local Riesling and Gewurztraminer wines, with personal recommendations by Stephanie, who has over 20 years’ experience in oenology and will ensure that your days and nights in Alsace become a treat for the tastebuds. Thanks to her local knowledge and expertise, you’ll soon see why this region is famous for its wine, deliciously hearty dishes, historic towns and festive warmth.
And the magic continues in Paris
This holiday season tour takes you to Paris, always the last word in elegance and sophistication! The nation’s capital, clothed in shimmering lights for the winter season, presided over by the iconic Eiffel Tower is magical in December. Imagine seeing for yourself those breath-taking views from the top floor of the Tower, sharing an unforgettable moment with a loved one or friend as you toast each other with a glass of champagne.
You’ll have time to browse streets that you’ve seen in countless movies, visit the reopened Cathedral of Notre-Dame (from December 8), admire the River Seine and be wowed by the dazzling displays of chic boutiques on the Champs-Elysées, from Lacoste, Louis Vuitton and Guerlain to Cartier and Tiffany & Co. As every aspect of your holiday tour has that personal touch, Stephanie will also include a private shopping experience in Paris, exploring the city’s renowned boutiques and luxury stores, so you get to experience the very best of this City of Lights.
At the end of each day on your tour, you’ll return to a charming, 5-star boutique hotel where you can relax and unwind in style, reliving every moment of your day. Stephanie prides herself on thoroughly checking and vetting every establishment that you visit and every hotel that you stay in, so you can simply relax, enjoy the happy anticipation of your trip, knowing that every last detail has been personally ticked by Stephanie herself.
Luxury wine, gourmet and culture tours of the best of France
If you’re not able to join the ‘Magic of the Holiday Season’ tour in December, you’ll have plenty of other opportunities, as Osprey Boutique Travel organises trips throughout the year.
Wine and gourmet tour of France
Why not consider a ‘Wine & Gourmet’ vacation? This 8-day tour takes you around Champagne and Burgundy, including an exclusive VIP tour of prestigious Burgundy vineyards and Champagne houses, enjoying a gourmet picnic among the vines, and a private cooking class complemented by Grand Crus and Premier Crus wines.
Wine and chateau tour of France
The ‘Wine & Majesty’ 8-day tour is all about French culture and history, taking in some of France’s most photogenic chateaux, as well as a private cooking class with a Michelin-starred chef and a gourmet dining experience in an historic castle. The cherry on top is the resplendent Palais de Versailles just outside Paris, where you’ll be treated to an exclusive after-hours tour and access to areas that are normally closed to the public.
Wine and wellness tour French Riviera
A third option is the ‘Wine & Wellness’ tour that offers relaxation and pampering for 9 days in the French Riviera, with the stunning Mediterranean sea as your backdrop. Explore enchanting villages, colourful farmers’ markets and hidden vineyards where you can enjoy private wine-tasting sessions. Hands-on cookery classes with a French chef will teach you how to get the best from garden-picked, organic ingredients, and if you need a little extra pampering, you can join yoga sessions, spa treatments and soothing massages.
Unique Wine and Travel Journey
Osprey Boutique Travel specializes in exceptional wine and travel experiences, offering luxurious, immersive adventures that combine the best of wine with gastronomy, culture, wellness, and more. Their unique Wine Tours are designed for wine lovers, from enthusiasts to connoisseurs, showcasing the French Art of Living as its finest.
For full details of Osprey Boutique Travel Wine and culture tours, visit www.ospreybt.com.
