Our historical heritage

..Cultural tours beyond the ordinary

One-of-a-kind heritage

Discover several iconic historical sites and monuments

France has carefully preserved its cultural traditions and historical legacy for the benefit of future generations. It’s a country that offers the possibility of rich cultural exploration and unforgettable discovery. Our unique, entirely private culture and history tours in France will allow you to encounter some of the country’s most breathtaking monuments. You will benefit from your private guide’s passion and knowledge, coming away with precious new insight into French culture, past and present.

Working with local experts and partners, we will create personalized itineraries and private tours around one or more French regions, based on your chosen themes and interests. These are more than mere history tours: they will unlock the magic of France’s unique cultural heritage– in the living present as well as in the past.

Go through some of the ideas below from past tours we’ve offered to our discerning clients. They may provide inspiration for your next culture or history-oriented adventure in France. Once you’ve gotten an idea of what interests you the most, contact us to embark on the journey of a lifetime!

Marie Tesson in vineyard founder of Exclusive France Tours

Marie Tesson

Founder

Forever in search of something new, I love wandering through France to uncover hidden treasures. Epicurian by nature, I am enthralled by culture in every form, wine (with a special affinity for those from Bourgogne and Rhone valley), gastronomy and

Stunning castles – Loire Valley

Stunning castles – Loire Valley

When: All year round

For who: History and architecture enthusiasts

Why: Discover French history in a breathtaking setting

Description: Incredibly rich in history and architecture, the Loire Valley is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Our private tours in this remarkable region are full of discovery. A weekend or more in this emblematic area is the perfect way to reconnect with nature and encounter some fantastic architecture. The numerous castles of the Loire are emblematic of French romanticism and royal power. Chenonceau Castle is but one example of the remarkable chateaux that dot the fertile valley. One especially charming way to discover it? Taking a sunset tour around its premises by kayak. Another castle that cannot be missed is the Chateau de Chambord: visit its impressive natural park, which is abundant in flora and fauna. The Villandry Castle, meanwhile, transports visitors with its enchanting gardens. The Clos Lucé Castle, the last home of Léonard de Vinci, will not fail to amaze you either. The list is pratically endless. Pick out two or three: they all contain cherished secrets of French history.

Come and discover prehistory in the Perigord

When: All year round

For who: Anyone interested in learning about prehistoric French culture

Why: Exploration of one of the biggest caves in Europe and the Lascaux cave

Description: Do you want to learn more about prehistoric France? If so, go and explore the Périgord, a region famous for its gastronomic riches and its fascinating prehistoric caves. If you travel around this region, we can bet that you’ll fall for the old medieval town of Sarlat by night. The prehistoric site of Eyzies, meanwhile, offer you many places to explore, notably boasting the Font de Gaume cave and the huge chasm of Proumeyssac, famous for its crystal “cathedral”. Exploring the Périgord and the larger Dordogne region, you will discover numerous other prehistoric wonders: the legendary rock paintings in Pêche-Merle, the longest underground river in the world which snakes through the Gouffre de Padirac, and the sublime Lascaux– the most famous cave in France.

The ins and outs of the Eiffel Tower – Paris

When: All year round

For who: Paris fans and history buffs

Why: Discover the Eiffel Tower in an exclusive and unusual way

Description: Private tours in France often bring you to Paris, at least for 2 or 3 days. Of course, one of the not-to-be-missed historical sites to visit in the capital is the Eiffel Tower. Emblem of an elegant and modern France, it’s one of the world’s most-visited monuments, attracting millions of visitors a year. Nevertheless, it still manages to reserve some secrets. Enjoy a memorable tour with a local guide who will show you the tower from an unusual and in-depth angle. Using humorous anecdotes and drawing from a wealth of knowledge, your guide will unveil secrets about the tower that will surprise and marvel you. You may even be given access to the military bunker that remains beneath the Champs de Mars, and even to the tower’s elevator engine room. Your guide will be pleased to share these secrets with you, allowing you to experience this legendary Paris monument in a truly unforgettable way.

First World War Memorial Sites in Champagne

When: Spring; summer

For who: Anyone interested in military history

Follow the footprints of First World War soldiers on famous old battlefields– only an hourlong drive from the city of Reims. You will first visit the emotional memorial sites at Verdun, before exploring the trenches of Massiges, the sadly well-known Chemin des Dames; Dormans, the Cote 204 American Monument, Bois Belleau; and the promontory Viel Armand, site of one of the deadliest battles France has ever known. You will come away awed and more appreciative of the millions of lives that were lost during World War I.

Enjoy a French riding tradition listed by UNESCO

When: All year round

For who: Traditional horse-riding enthusiasts

Why: Explore the Cadre Noir of Saumur backstage, the mythical French Horse-Riding School

Description: The Loire Valley has a lot to offer, especially if you opt to spend a few days there. You can taste local wines, visit dozens of castles, encounter exceptional wildlife during a tour down pristine river systems, and discover the historical source of a pre-eminent French horse-riding tradition. Listed as a world heritage site by UNESCO, the Cadre Noir of Saumur is a renowned institution in the French equestrian tradition. You can discover the backstage of this prestigious school, which trains the best equestrians in France. You also can observe the connection between riders and their horses during training sessions, marvelling at the incredible discipline required to succeed. Finally, you will attend an astonishing horse show: one that you will never forget.

The magic of an evening at the Chateau de Versailles

When: Spring; summer

For who: Anyone interested in military history

Follow the footprints of First World War soldiers on famous old battlefields– only an hourlong drive from the city of Reims. You will first visit the emotional memorial sites at Verdun, before exploring the trenches of Massiges, the sadly well-known Chemin des Dames; Dormans, the Cote 204 American Monument, Bois Belleau; and the promontory Viel Armand, site of one of the deadliest battles France has ever known. You will come away awed and more appreciative of the millions of lives that were lost during World War I.

Brittany During the Time of Medieval Knights

When: Summer

For whom: Fans of impressive shows; arts & culture enthusiasts

Why: Get a glimpse of medieval Brittany and its fascinating legacy

Description: Jump back to medieval times and attend a magnificient play, performed by hundreds of players dressed in period costumes, at the fort of Bertheaume. You will participate in various activities from the region’s fascinating medieval past, bringing you to the very heart of the show. The Vauban Fort, situated on a tiny Breton island, takes you back to another time, one marked by savage battles. You will relive Brittany’s history as well as discover a fort brimming with legends.

I want to organize my own private or corporate event

they trust us

Our awesome clients!

avis de clients

I want to thank you for your love and support in making it possible for us to have the most amazing proposal day. Thank you for helping me in making this a very special and memorable day in our life. Everything went very well and we are extremely happy!

We are now celebrating in the French Riviera and reminiscing how prefect everything was!
Dear Marie and Emeline, Thank you both for all of your help with this itinerary you have both been amazing we cannot believe how we have been able to organise everything that G. requested at such short notice. Your team has been amazing. I will certainly advise our lifestyle team to use your company for any future requests. We appreciate all of your help. As Julia said we can’t wait to see pictures and hear from G. how it all went!
Highly recommend. I am not easily impressed, but Marie managed the impossible throughout our entire Champagne experience. She was able to secure private and exclusive access to prestigious houses, which is a privilege reserved only for major distributors and celebrities. Each visit was unique, exclusive, educational and delicious. Looking forward to working with her to explore the rest of France.
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