A Honeymoon in Switzerland & France
Your adventure to Switzerland and France will bring you both to some of the most naturally beautiful sceneries in Europe. Start off on the banks of Lake Zürich before venturing into the foothills of the Alps around Lucerne. After some time spent exploring this charming Swiss town and hiking along the mountain paths, venture down to the gorgeous wine region of Bordeaux followed by the idyllic coast of the French Riviera. It is the perfect bookend to your trip as you visit the serene French towns indulging in delectable wines and a lovely way of life.
Bordeaux | Early May | Les Sources de Caudalie
Paris | Mid May | Pavillon Faubourg Saint-Germain
Zürich | Mid May | Hotel Storchen
France experiences quite comfortable weather in the month of May. In Bordeaux and Paris, daily high temperatures range from 63°F to 73°F. At night, temperatures can dip into the high 40s or low 50s. Daily probability for precipitation sits at around 25-30% for the time of the month you are traveling.
In general, the weather can feel moderately chilly to comfortable so we suggest packing accordingly with a light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings.
Below are a few important numbers for your trip. A partner company based in Paris will be the best contact for any quick and immediate changes to your itinerary in France. You may also reach out to the scenset and your curator for any other travel questions you may have!
- Main Office (Partner Company): +33 171 755 946
- Local Emergency Contact (Partner Company): +33 6 13 39 16 50 (Name will be provided)
- Itinerary Manager (Partner Company): +33 6 12 91 45 01 (Name will be provided)
- Scenset: +1 (415) 941-3900
- Your Travel Curator: +1 (973) 713-5398
US passport holders are allowed to fly into the European Union for Business or Tourism without visa requirements.
- Official entry requirements can be sourced here.
Regarding COVID-19, there are currently no travel restrictions in place for travel to Switzerland or within the European Union.
- More information can be found here for Switzerland and here for France.
Tipping is always appreciated, though not obligatory. For drivers, we generally suggest a tip depending on the duration of the transfer. For guides, we recommend a tip for half day experiences or a tip for full day experiences.
Sights
- Old Town: Wander around the historic town center on the right bank of River Reuss. Navigate the old painted houses, Kornmarkt, and the Rathuas to get a feel for the local vibe in this charming destination.
- Kapellbrücke: Also known as "Chapel Bridge", this is the oldest truss bridge in the world and a true icon of Lucerne. Adorning the ceiling of the walkway are paintings dating back to the 17th century depicting the history of the region.
- The Rosengart Collection: For a museum visit, we suggest the Rosengart Collection where art collector and his daughter display one of the most prominent modern art collections in Europe including works by Picasso, Klee, Chagall, Monet, Matissse, Miró, Braque and Fernand Léger.
Restaurants
- Mill'Feuille: A fantastic place for lunch located directly on the River Reuss
- Restaurant Stern: A contemporary take on Swiss cuisine located in a 700-year old building
- Zunfthausrestaurant Pfistern: This former guild house offers seasonal Swiss dishes with views over Kapellebrucke
- Mardi Gras: Whether you're looking for a coffee or glass of wine, you'll find both at this artsy café
- Café Tacuba: For a quick pick-me-up, Café Tacuba is a great spot for a coffee break
Sights
- Old Town: Walk the cobblestone streets to discover the heart of the city. Start with Maison Tavel, a museum with free entry to learn about the centuries-old history of the city. Continue on to the immaculate St. Peter's Cathedral with its panoramic views over the city. The Old Town is the perfect place to get lost and discover cafés, galleries, and charming boutique shops.
- Patek Philippe Museum: In a city known for watchmaking, this museum is considered to be one of the most important horological collections in the world and tells the story of Patek Phillippe & Swiss watchmaking from the 16th century to now.
- Parc des Bastions: Just a short walk from the Old Town, this beautiful green space was the city's first botanical garden
- Carouge: Considered to be the "Greenwich Village" of the city, this stylish neighborhood is known for its neo-Classical architecture and a well-planned grid of streets. Come here for a drink of natural wines at Vert Bouteille before catching some live jazz at Le Chat Noir!
- Plainpalais Flea Market: On Saturdays, Plainpalais’s locally famous flea market overflows with antiques, clothes, jewelry, and bric-a-brac, with plenty of treasures to be hunted.
- Lake Geneva: Belle Epoque boats have plied Central Europe's largest lake for 130 years, offering cruises between France and Switzerland and between the city and the upper end of the lake (known as the Haut Lac). Be sure to check out the popular sauna and bathhouse directly on the lake at Bains des Paquis!
Restaurants
- Chez Philippe: An American style restaurant owned by one of Switzerland’s star chefs with fantastic meat dishes
- Les Trois Verres: Sunlight streaming through large windows, impeccable service, and seasonal Italian fare make this corner bistro a bright addition to the dining scenset.
- Restaurant Les Amures: Offering wonderful traditional tastes of Switzerland for its fondue at dinner or for a quick coffee during the day
- Le Grill: An upscale bistro steakhouse located in the Fairmont Hotel overlooking Lake Geneva
- Au Pied du Cochon: Low ceilings, whitewashed beams, and a worn zinc bar give context to simple regional dishes like cassoulet, émincé de veau (veal strips in a cream sauce), filets de perches, and the namesake pigs' feet (served grilled or stuffed)—the selection varies. The terrace is great for people-watching.
Bakeries
- La Fabrique Pains et Bricoles: A bakery and coffee shop that offers a cozy atmosphere and delicious croissants made with organic flour and butter.
- La P’tite Boulangerie Notre-Dame: This bakery is known for its artisanal bread and croissants and widely considered to be the top bakery in Bordeaux.
- Maison Zürcher: This elegant and charming patisserie offers a wide variety of French pastries, including their famous fruit tarts, delicate éclairs, and an assortment of macarons that are almost too beautiful to eat.
Bakeries
- Boulangerie Poilâne: In 1923, the original Poilâne bakery opened its doors and has been known for their traditional country bread ever since. Nowadays, their miche bread, a sourdough wheel known as pain de campagne or country bread, is stocked in various establishments such as supermarkets, specialty stores, and restaurants, making up approximately 3% of all bread sales in Paris as of 2012. Apart from their signature loaf, the bakery also offers a selection of delightful breakfast pastries, specialty breads, and exquisite croissants. (9 min walk)
- La Maison d’Isabelle: It is here that the all-butter croissants that won the top prize for the best croissants in Paris and the surrounding region in 2018. (22 min walk / 8 min taxi)
- Pâtisserie Blé Sucré: This bakery is renowned for its perfectly flaky and buttery croissants that are freshly baked every morning. (25 min walk / 8 min taxi)
- Maison Georges Larnicol: A patisserie that has been around since 1993, known for its decadent pastries and croissants. (12 min walk)
- Maison Mulot: A pastry shop that has been a fixture in the St. Germain neighborhood for over 30 years, famous for their delicate and crispy croissants. (11 min walk)
Wine/Cocktail Bars
- Early June: An in-the-know wine bar for locals featuring traveling chefs (12 min taxi)
- Freddy's: Boasting one of the city's best selections of wine by the glass paired with delicious tapas (8 min walk)
- Septime La Cave: Located just around the corner from one of the best contemporary French restaurants in Paris, this is hip younger sibling (16 min taxi)
- Frenchie Bar à Vins: If you want a taste of Gregory Marchand’s cooking without the challenge of scoring a reservation at Frenchie, this sister wine bar is a great option... although it can get a little chaotic, cramped, and loud here! (9 min taxi)
- Bar Hemingway: A nod to a bygone era when the space at the Ritz Paris served as the watering hole of a certain American writer, with leather armchairs, sepia photos & a honed cocktail menu (6 min taxi)
Quick Bites
- Breizh Café: For some of the best crêpes, go to one of the few locations around Paris. Traditionalists love the a complète (ham, cheese, egg), while more adventurous eaters can look to the daily and seasonal specials such as sea scallops and smoked duck breast. Dessert crêpes offer a few Japanese touches like ginger and yuzu alongside classic constructions with apples and ice cream (11 min taxi)
- Le Petit Vendôme: If you're looking for a quick and classic franch baguette sandwich, rub elbows with local businessmen on lunch breaks at this colorful and unpretentious bistro whipping up regional classics, sandwiches & daily specials (6 min taxi)
- Chez Alain Maim Maim: A no-frills sandwich shop offers simple, yet savory bites with upmarket ingredients. Don't be surprised if there's a wait! (11 min taxi)
Bakeries
- SERI: This small, family-owned bakery offers a delectable selection of pastries and bread, all of which are made fresh daily using natural ingredients. The bakery is known for its artisanal bread, including sourdough, rye, and spelt loaves, as well as its delicious croissants and other French pastries. (15 min walk)
- Juliette: This cozy and inviting bakery offers a wide variety of freshly baked bread, pastries, and cakes, all of which are made using traditional French baking techniques and high-quality ingredients. (12 min walk)
- John Baker: This bakery is a favorite among locals and offers a wide variety of croissants, from traditional to chocolate-filled, all of which are baked fresh daily. (6 min walk)
We have made a dinner reservation for two at Obere Flühgasse.
Date: May 1st
Time: Early evening
Address: Flühgasse 69, 8008 Zürich, Switzerland
Phone: will be provided
Reservation Name: will be provided
Confirmed by scenset
Upon your arrival in Bordeaux, meet your driver in the arrivals hall who will be holding a sign with your name on it for a private transfer to your hotel in Bordeaux.
A representative will contact you before your arrival to inform you exactly where they will wait for you at the airport.
Driver: will be provided
Contact: will be provided
Booked by scenset
One of the world’s most famous wine regions, Bordeaux is more than just a destination for wine enthusiasts. The vine-covered chateaux and endless vineyards are, of course, the biggest draw, but don’t gloss over the city proper. Stylish riverfront bars meld into the 18th-century historic center, which is the largest urban UNESCO World Heritage Site in the world. After undergoing its own modern-day renaissance, Bordeaux even rivals Paris with its delectable art and food scene.
It is in the heart of the vineyards of Château Smith Haut Lafitte, a Graves great growth, that Les Sources de Caudalie were born. Between vineyards and forests, at the gateway to Bordeaux, a couple designed a complex in total harmony with the surrounding environment. This contemporary design, enriched with materials and structures recovered from the region and recycled, makes this house a place dedicated to the art of living in the heart of the vineyards.
Prestige Room
Confirmation Name: will be provided
Inclusions:
- Daily breakfast and dinner at La Table Du Lavoir
- Tax and service
Booked by scenset
Upon check-in, you may decide on-site what times you would like your dinner reservations to be each night at the restaurant.
Time: To be confirmed
Address: On-property at Les Sources de Caudalie
Phone Number: will be provided
Website: https://sources-caudalie.com/en/caudalie-restaurant/la-table-du-lavoir/
This morning, meet your driver at your hotel and depart for a private visit and tasting at Château de Ferrand, a Saint-Emilion Grand Cru producer highly ranked among the wines from this region! The drive to the vineyard is approximately 50 minutes through the beautiful Bordeaux countryside.
You will start with a visit of the vineyards, where you will learn in detail the particularities of the chateau. Next, you will move onto the visit of the cellar with a sommelier who will explain how their wines are made. To complete this exclusive experience, you will enjoy a tasting with the sommeliers of the different vintages.
Meeting Point: Hotel lobby
Meeting Time: Morning
Booked by: will be provided
After your visit and tasting at Château de Ferrand, a lunch reservation has been confirmed at Les Jardins de Soutard for lunchtime.
Lunch will be paid for directly at the restaurant.
This afternoon, head to Château Fombrauge for a wine and food pairing to discover their fantastic offerings. You will visit the estate and understand the key role of balance in food and wine pairings' palatability, textures, aromas. You will have the opportunity to taste 3 wines and 2 varieties of macarons from Saint-Emilion.
Time: Afternoon
You may access your tickets for your private visit here. Please save these tickets to your phone for entry.
Booked by scenset
After your visit to Château Fombrauge which will end in the early afternoon, you will depart back for your hotel for an evening at leisure, about a 1 hour drive.
Booked by scenset
Time: To be confirmed
Address: On-property at Les Sources de Caudalie
Phone Number: will be provided
Website: https://sources-caudalie.com/en/caudalie-restaurant/la-table-du-lavoir/
This great wine region along the Garonne between Sauternes and Médoc continues to produce red and white grands crus.
Every day, Château Smith Haut Lafitte, Grand Cru Classé de Graves, welcomes you for guided tours by appointment. Scenset has confirmed a group tasting for you today.
You will discover its 16th century tower, its vat room, its underground white and red cellars where 1,000 barrels are kept, its cooperage and you will finish by tasting the first and second wines of the estate.
Time: Morning
Please arrive to the Chateau no later that shortly before the scheduled tour for check-in.
The group visit (maximum 10 people) lasts about an hour. A guide will be waiting for you directly at Château Smith Haut Lafitte, 200 yards from the hotel. Please pay directly.
Confirmed by Scenset
Time: To be confirmed
Address: On-property at Les Sources de Caudalie
Phone Number: will be provided
Website: https://sources-caudalie.com/en/caudalie-restaurant/la-table-du-lavoir/
After breakfast and check-out, meet your driver for a private transfer to the Bordeaux Train Station.
Meeting Point: Hotel lobby
Meeting Time: Late morning
Upon your arrival in Paris, meet your driver who will have a sign with your name on it at the end of the platform for a private Mercedes V-class transfer to your hotel for check-in.
Driver: will be provided
Phone: will be provided
Booked by scenset
Paris is a city, a feeling, a lifestyle, and an inspiration. One of the most beautiful cities on earth, where an afternoon spent getting lost in the beauty of one of its famous monuments or strolling its quintessential cobblestone streets is a gift even the most seasoned local will cherish. Known for its incredible shopping, museums, haute cuisine and people watching, Paris is a symbol of polished luxury. However, some of the city's greatest pleasures are its humble ones: a simple brasserie, quiet courtyards, or a freshly baked baguette. While every quarter has its own personality, no matter where you find yourself, the city of lights will always charm you with its rich culture and history, and beckon you to return time and time again.
Such Parisian details. A café, like a literary salon. A chic and lively table. A neighborhood life, between the Seine and the Café de Flore. An address. The Pavillon Faubourg Saint-Germain. A haute couture decor. A made-to-measure service. And the privilege of a spa where you can gently escape. Paris without compromise. Paris as the only promise. It is the promise of a new landmark. Between the Seine and the Café de Flore, Le Pavillon Faubourg Saint-Germain opened in spring 2022. A place that offers three entry keys: at number 1 is Les Parisiens, a chic bistro, entrusted to a Chef, at number 3 Le Bar James Joyce and at number 5, the luxury couture hotel & Spa.
Superior Room
Confirmation Reference: B4HFHZAS
Inclusions
- Daily breakfast at Restaurant Les Parisiens
- Tourism tax and service
Booked by scenset
Time: Evening
Name: will be provided
Address: will be provided
Phone Number: will be provided
Website: https://girafe-restaurant.com/en/paris/
Girafe is a short drive from your hotel.
Cancellations must be made at least 24 hours prior to your reservation to avoid a penalty fee.
This morning, meet your driver at your hotel and transfer to Gare de l’Est station. You will then depart for a full day in Champagne.
Your train will depart in the late morning and arrive in Reims around the late morning. Here, you will meet your chauffeur guide, specialized in the Champagne region.
Enjoy a private Champagne Tour with Ruinart. You will begin with a cellar tour at Champagne Ruinart and guided tasting of 2 Champagnes from the range.
Next, embark on a private visit and tasting at the domain of a premium Boutique Champagne Producer. Along the way, you'll visit some of the famed UNESCO sites in the area including the Champagne Scenic Road and Haut Villiers (Village of the monk Dom Pérignon).
At the end of touring in the early evening, your chauffeur guide will take you to Reims train station to return to Paris.
Upon arrival in Paris in the early evening, you will be met by your driver who will take you back to your hotel.
Meeting Time: Morning
Meeting Point: Hotel lobby
Morning Driver in Paris: will be provided
Guide in Champagne: will be provided
Evening Driver in Paris: will be provided
Train tickets will be provided to you at the Front Desk of the hotel. Lunch to be paid directly.
Booked by scenset
Time: Evening
Address: 47 Rue de Richelieu, 75001 Paris, France
Phone Number: will be provided
Website: http://www.juvenileswinebar.com/
Juveniles is a short drive or walk from your hotel.
This morning, meet your driver and your guide at your hotel. You will start the day with a guided visit of the Louvre.
Discover the masterpieces of art from every era and enjoy a private tour through the collections, to discover the genius behind some of the most iconic works. You will be able to see some of the most famous canvases, by renowned artists such as Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Rubens, Ingres, and Delacroix, as well as a selection of sculpture on display, including the Venus de Milo and the Nike of Samothrace. You could also take a stroll in the adjacent Tuileries, the gardens of the former Palais Royal.
Meeting Point: Hotel lobby
Meeting Time: Morning
Booked by scenset
After your time at the Louvre in the early afternoon, we recommend lunch at the iconic Le Café Marly.
Lunch is to be paid for directly at the restaurant. Transfer back to your hotel this afternoon is to be arranged independently. You may continue exploring this area of Paris or take an Uber or taxi back to the hotel.
You have a dinner reservation this evening for two aboard Ducasse sur seine. You have reserved a menu which you may review here. Please note that transportation to and from the dock this evening is to be arranged independently via Uber or the hotel concierge.
Boarding Time: Evening
Departure Time: Evening (Please arrive at least 15 minutes beforehand to check in.)
Address: Port Debilly, 75016 Paris
Phone: +33 1 58 00 22 08
Reservation Name: will be provided
The port is approximately 15 minutes away from your hotel by car. To allow for potential traffic, we suggest leaving the hotel at a time that will allow you to arrive at the port by the suggested time.
Booked by scenset
This morning after breakfast and check-out, you will be met by your driver for transfer to Gare du Nord.
Meeting Point: Hotel lobby
Meeting Time: Around 11:15am
Driver: will be provided
Booked by scenset
Upon your arrival in Zürich, meet your driver who will be holding a nameboard on the train platform for a transfer to your hotel for check-in.
If you have any issues finding your driver, please call the hotel at +41 44 227 27 27.
Booked by scenset
Zurich might be Switzerland’s metropolis but it’s also compact and pleasant. From the cobbled streets of the old town to the shops along Bahnhofstrasse, the city center is a delight to explore. Despite being the financial and commercial hub of Switzerland, it doesn’t feel hectic once you’re sitting beside the lake with snow-dusted mountains crowning the horizon - and not a bank in sight. This almost-perfect urban space has the stereotypical clean streets and great public transport but it’s no sleepy backwater. The biggest Swiss city is also the liveliest and most diverse, with a vibrant cultural scene and buzzing nightlife, not forgetting food that goes far beyond fondue.
At Hotel Storchen, you benefit from the entire range of offers of their unique City & Lake Resort with the City & Lake Resort Guest Card. Board the hotel's own Alex boat at the Storchensteg and let the captain take you to Thalwil, where another oasis right on the water awaits you. From star cuisine in the Widder Restaurant and La Rôtisserie to a relaxing wellness break in Alex Lake Zurich - the range of offers is broad and spectacular.
City Rooftop Double Room with Patio
Confirmation Name: will be provided
Inclusions:
- Daily Breakfast at Terrace La Rôtisserie
- Tax and service
Booked by scenset
You have made a dinner reservation for two at Restaurant Buech.
Address: Forchstrasse 267, 8704 Herrliberg, Switzerland
Phone: +41 44 915 10 10
Confirmed by an individual.
After breakfast and check-out this morning, meet your driver for a transfer to the airport.
Meeting Point: Hotel lobby
Meeting Time: Late morning