US
Europe
(162)
Italy
(50)
United Kingdom
(28)
Germany
(21)
Spain
(16)
France
(12)
Austria
(8)
Czech Republic
(6)
Switzerland
(4)
Croatia
(3)
Ireland
(3)
Netherlands
(3)
Portugal
(3)
Slovakia
(3)
Finland
(2)
Greece
(2)
Hungary
(2)
Albania
(1)
Armenia
(1)
Belgium
(1)
Bosnia and Herzegovina
(1)
Bulgaria
(1)
Cyprus
(1)
Denmark
(1)
Estonia
(1)
Georgia
(1)
Malta
(1)
Montenegro
(1)
Norway
(1)
Poland
(1)
Romania
(1)
Serbia
(1)
Iceland
Latvia
Lithuania
Sweden
Array
(
[0] => Array
(
[name] => France
[parent] => Array
(
[name] => Europe
)
)
[1] => Array
(
[name] => Ile-de-France
[parent] => Array
(
[name] => France
)
)
)
L'Ancien Régime - Paris before the Revolution
Tour highlights
- Focused tour examining the arts, architecture and history of pre-Revolutionary Paris.
- Magnificent interiors from the heyday of France’s Ancien Régime.
- Includes a visit to the domain of Chantilly, once a rival to Versailles.
Despite its temporary eclipse by Louis XIV’s Versailles, before the Revolution Paris never ceased to be the true heart of France. All the absolutist monarchs of the Bourbon dynasty embellished it. In the 18th century, the city grew in size and became once more the kingdom’s capital of culture, famed throughout Europe as a school of manners, a showcase for the French luxury trades, and a byword for amorous pleasures, where opulence jostled with Dickensian poverty.
The tour goes in search of the vestiges of this lost Paris, mostly swept away since the Revolution. We visit former homes of French princes and nobles with their sumptuous interiors in the latest styles; squares and gardens announcing novelties in urban planning; and sites evoking famous moments in history, including the Revolution. The tour ends to the north of Paris with a visit to Chantilly, a mini-Versailles.
In the planning of the itinerary, visits have been chosen for ease of access and to illustrate high points and rarities both artistic and historical, links with famous names, and sites of major monuments since vanished.
Itinerary
Practicalities
Two sharing: US$3,480 or US$3,240 without Eurostar. Single occupancy: US$4,090 or US$3,850 without Eurostar.
Travel by private coach; hotel accommodation as described below; breakfasts; 1 lunch and 3 dinners with wine water, coffee, plus light meals on the Eurostar; all admissions; all tips; all taxes; the services of the lecturer and tour manager.
Hotel Édouard 7, Paris: a comfortable 4-star hotel, located on the Avenue de l’Opéra, a short walk from the Louvre. Single rooms are doubles for sole use.
Visits require a fair amount of walking and standing around. You need to be able to lift your luggage on and off the train and wheel it within stations.
Between 10 and 22 participants.
Before booking, please refer to the FCDO website to ensure you are happy with the travel advice for the destination(s) you are visiting.
Connoisseur's Rome, 23–28 February 2026
Opera in Paris, 23–28 February 2026
Essential Rome, 24 February–2 March 2026
Ravenna & Urbino, 9–13 March 2026
The Ring at La Scala, 9–16 March 2026
Venetian Palaces, 10–14 March 2026
Opera in Vienna, 10–15 March 2026
Spain 1492, 11–19 March 2026
Essential Venice, 14–19 March 2026
Testimonials
“Wonderful itinerary, excellent guide and manager. This trip was a success in every way.
”
“Interesting lectures and level of information provided in lectures.
”
Sign up to our e-newsletter
e-newsletter recipients are the first to hear about our future plans and our tours as they come on sale. By signing up you agree to our Privacy policy.
Or request your free magazine here
My Wishlist
Please note that all saved tours will be removed if you clear your cookies.
Sign up to our e-newsletter
E-newsletter recipients are the first to hear about our future plans and our tours as they come on sale.