10 Nights / 11 Days
4 Rounds of Golf / Welcome Reception / 10 Breakfasts / 2 Dinners
Paris, Versailles, Fontainebleau
A royal experience like no other!
For golfers with a passion for culture, history and gastronomy.

Tee off at the crème de la crème of France including Golf de Fontainebleau (#4), Golf de Saint Germain (#5), Le Golf National (#10) and the exceptional Golf du Château d’Augerville. See the highlights of Paris, astounding palaces and places that influenced the course of history, as well as picturesque villages that will enchant you. 

Embark on an enchanting day in the "City of Lights," where the Louvre's unparalleled artistry and the sublime beauty of Sainte-Chapelle on Île-de-la-Cité will captivate you. Immerse yourself in the opulence of Versailles, Trianon, and Fontainebleau palaces — architectural masterpieces nestled in picturesque landscapes, bearing witness to both political intrigue and peace treaties. Gain a glimpse into the intimate and intriguing life behind the monarchy's façade.

Explore the historical towns of Versailles, Saint-Germain-en-Laye, Fontainebleau, and the charming "village de caractère," Barbizon, the heart of the pre-Impressionist art movement. At the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, aglow with 2,000 candles, savor a meal inspired by 17th-century cuisine.

Return home with indelible memories of the French art de vivre! Or extend your stay with our four day post tour to Orléans with a round of golf at the outstanding Golf Les Aisses (ranked #8).

We extend a warm welcome to non-golfing partners and solo travellers, ensuring everyone can partake in the magic.

France 2024 - definitely more than just golf!

ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS

DAY 1: Sunday, 15 September - Arrival in Versailles

Check in to the Waldorf Astoria Versailles, an oasis of calm amongst centuries-old trees and verdant gardens revitalized by world-famous landscape architect Louis Benech. This elegant and most prestigious of addresses within walking distance of the Palace of Versailles will be home for 5 magical nights.

Meet your fellow guests and host over a glass of Champagne and canapés at a Welcome Reception to be held in the Waldorf Astoria Trianon Palace. 

The evening is yours to enjoy.

Overnight: Waldorf Astoria Versailles – Pavillon 4-star in a Garden View Room 20 - 25m2

DAY 2: Monday, 16 September - Le Golf National and Versailles Town (B)

After breakfast, we transfer to Le Golf National. Tee off at the mythical Albatros (rated #10 in France). With Europe’s inspirational Ryder Cup victory in 2018, the Albatros cemented itself as a must-play European golf course. It is a key step on the European Tour calendar, site of the 2022 Eisenhower Trophy and the 2024 Olympic events. The course has “hints of Florida, a splash of Ireland and a lot of France”. The slick greens, vast undulating fairways with innumerable links-style bunkers and challenging water hazards are strategically demanding and will require golfers to use every club in the bag. 

In the afternoon we meet our expert tour guide for a walk through the picturesque Quartier Saint-Louis, renowned for the baroque-inspired Cathédrale Saint-Louis and the Carrés St-Louis. Our guide will bring to life the origins of the town conceived by Louis XIV, and its end as the seat of monarchy with the Revolution of 1789 – a fitting introduction to Wednesday’s tour of the Palace of Versailles.

Evening at leisure to savour more of the historic streets of Versailles. Or pop over to Paris for an evening stroll along the Seine River, visit Montmartre and watch the sunset from the Cathédrale de Sacré-Coeur, or join a Big Bus Panoramic Night Tour.

Overnight: Waldorf Astoria Versailles – Pavillon

DAY 3: Tuesday, September 17 - Golf de Saint-Germain and Town of Saint-Germain-en-Laye (B)

The Grand Course at Golf de Saint-Germain was designed by Henry Shaplan-Colt in 1922.  A lovely parkland course that flows through avenues of majestic trees, Saint-Germain is a thinking golfer's course where one must plot one’s way carefully, avoiding the strategically placed bunkers and the trees that line every fairway and shelter every green (rated #5 in France).

In the afternoon we explore the delightful, historic town of Saint-Germain-en-Laye. 

Evening at leisure.

Overnight: Waldorf Astoria Versailles – Pavillon

DAY 4: Wednesday, September 18 - Day at Estate of Versailles (B)

After breakfast, enjoy a leisurely 20 minute walk to the Estate of Versailles for our private guided tour of the Palace. Look out for the the iconic Galerie de Glaces (Hall of Mirrors): the Treaty of Versailles was signed here on 28 June 1919, ending WWI. Since then, presidents of the Republic have continued to use the Hall to receive official guests.

After lunch we tour the Trianon Estate. Learn about the promiscuous life-behind-the-scenes of royalty: the more intimate palaces of Grand Trianon and Petit Trianon were commissioned by Louis XIV and Louis XV to escape the rigours of courtly etiquette, and install their mistresses.  We explore the domain of Marie-Antoinette, who received Petit Trianon as a gift from her husband, Louis XVI.

At leisure for the rest of the afternoon and evening.

Overnight: Waldorf Astoria Versailles – Pavillon     

DAY 5: Thursday, September 19 - Day in Paris (B)

Today, our seasoned guide will be on hand to lead us on a fabulous tour of the “Masterpieces of the Louvre” – see the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, and other breathtaking Italian and French works of art.

Meet in the afternoon for a guided walk to Île-de-la-Cité, and tours of the Conciergerie and Sainte-Chapelle. There’s a magical photo-opportunity and a story to be told wherever you look, from the emblematic Louvre Pyramid to the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel, the Pont des Arts, the Pont-Neuf, Place Saint-Michel, and the whole of Île-de-la-Cité - the heart of historic Paris.

In the evening, enjoy a leisurely Seine River Cruise. Dinner is optional at a Michelin-recommended restaurant with exceptional panoramic views of Paris and the sparkling Eiffel Tower. 

Overnight: Waldorf Astoria Versailles – Pavillon

DAY 6: Friday, September 20 - Barbizon and Château de Fontainebleau (B)

We check out and leave Versailles after breakfast. We stop in Barbizon, an officially designated «village de caractère», situated within the scenic Forest of Fontainebleau. Explore the village at leisure. Follow in the footsteps of the early 19th century painters of the 'Barbizon school', who were the precursors of Impressionism.  Be inspired by the innumerable art galleries and charm of this village.  

In Fontainebleau, our home for five nights will be the historic Hôtel de Londres, an elegant boutique hotel built in 1850 and run by 4 generations of the Colombier family.

After checking in, we stroll to the Palace of Fontainebleau for a private guided tour of areas not open to the public. This is the only royal and imperial château to have been continuously inhabited for over seven centuries, having housed Capétiens, Valois, Bourbons, Bonaparte and Orléans, kings and queens, emperors and empresses. You have time after the tour to explore more of the enormous Palace, browse for souvenirs in the Palace shop, enjoy a horse-drawn wagon ride through the gardens, or relax on the terrace of Café des Mariniers.

Evening at leisure to enjoy dinner at one of the restaurants within walking distance of our hotel.

Overnight: Hôtel de Londres, Fontainebleau, in a Superior Room (20m2)

DAY 8: Sunday, September 22 - Fontainebleau and Rosa Bonheur (B)

Become a local for a few hours on our guided walking tour of Fontainebleau. The town is a favourite weekend getaway for Parisians with its Château, squares, and historic sandstone architecture. Fontainebleau will forever be associated with Napoleon I and Napoleon III, as well as their wives, Empresses Joséphine, Marie-Louise and Eugénie, hence its designation as a « Ville Impériale ». 

In the afternoon, we visit the Musée Rosa Bonheur, the home and studio of the most important female artist of the 19th century, for a tour followed by tea and pâtisseries.

Evening at leisure.

Overnight: Hôtel de Londres

DAY 9: Monday, September 23 - Golf de Fontainebleau (B)

After breakfast we head to Golf de Fontainebleau (rated #4 in France), located in the Fontainebleau Forest, on the ancient imperial hunting grounds. Inaugurated in 1909, this is one of the most charming and oldest golf courses in France. The course is situated within an ancient walled boundary, which adds to the historic ambience. The many sandstone rocks – part of the natural ecology – are perfectly integrated into the course. With small targets to aim at, a good short game is an advantage. 

Optional - afternoon excursion to the medieval town of Provins.

Overnight: Hôtel de Londres

DAY 10: Tuesday, September 24 - Golf du Château D'Augerville and Farewell Dinner (B,D)

An early start to play one of the most beautiful courses in France, Golf du Château d'Augerville. Created in 1995 in the vast 100-acre park of the castle, the course was designed by Olivier Dongradi. The course weaves its way through beautiful ancient woodland and its beauty is matched by the immaculate conditioning of the course. It rolls majestically along with many elevation changes. The Essonne River meanders through the property and contributes to the dramatic finishing hole in front of the magnificent château.

The afternoon is at leisure.

At tonight’s Farewell dinner we celebrate the winners and bid «au revoir» to the town of Fontainebleau, and to those not joining us on the post-tour extension.

Overnight: Hôtel de Londres

DAY 11: Wednesday, September 25 - End of Main Tour (B)

The tour ends after breakfast.
Latest check-out time for those not joining the post-tour is 12pm.
À Bientôt!

GOLF AND ROYAL EXPERIENCES POST-TOUR
25 - 28 September 2024
3 Nights / 4 Days Extension

Tee off at the outstanding Golf Les Aisses (ranked #8 in France).

Our tour continues to the delightful medieval village of Yèvre-le-Châtel, recognised as one of the most beautiful villages in France, and Orléans, a town rich in art and history, and strongly associated with Joan of Arc.  Explore Beaugency and its medieval and Renaissance heritage. Indulge in superlative dinners at Michelin-starred and Michelin-recommended restaurants.

ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS

DAY 11: Wednesday, Sept 25 - End of Tour (B) - Fontainebleau to Orléans

En-route to Orléans we’ll pause in the medieval village of Yèvre-le-Châtel to stretch our legs, explore and enjoy lunch at leisure. Designated as one of the most beautiful villages in France, it is loaded with charm and roses! A favourite destination for artists, some of their works can be seen in the gates and doorways of the village.

We’ll continue to Orléans, where we’ll check in to the 4-star Hôtel Empreinte, a boutique hotel and spa in a renovated 19th century residence in the heart of the historic neighbourhood, overlooking the Loire River. Each room is unique, but all contain references to Orléans and its craftsmanship, heritage and architecture. They are also home to original collections of objects and signature pieces from renowned designers.

In the afternoon, we’ll set off on a guided walking tour of Old Orléans. The “gateway to the Loire Valley”, Orléans is a designated « Ville d’Art et d’Histoire », occupied since ancient times, associated with Joan of Arc, who changed the course of history, and a key city for the Reformation during the 16th century.

Evening at leisure to explore the quays near the hotel. Optional dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant.

Overnight: 4-star Hôtel Empreinte in a Signature Room 16 - 19m2

DAY 12: Thursday, Sept 26 - Golf Les Aisses and Beaugency (B)

Les Aisses Golf is situated on an enormous 625-acre property. A magnificent heathland course in the heart of Sologne, it meanders amidst the moors, ponds and woods. An enjoyable and challenging course to play!

After golf, our coach will drop us off in the town of Beaugency for the afternoon. What is today one of the « Plus Beaux Détours de France », was once the site of numerous military conflicts.  There will be much to explore, as the town is known for its rich historical and architectural heritage.

Optional dinner at a Michelin-recommended restaurant.

Overnight: Hôtel Empreinte

DAY 13: Friday, Sep 27 - The Museum of Fine Arts (B)

A 20 minute walk from the hotel brings us to the « Musée des Beaux-Arts » for a guided tour. Prepare to be wowed by the masterpieces we’ll encounter! Founded during the Revolution, the museum is one of the oldest in France, with one of the richest and finest collections of art – some 2,000 paintings, 700 sculptures, 10,000 drawings and 50,000 prints. It is particularly renowned for its paintings from the 17th and 18th centuries and the « Cabinet des pastels », the second largest collection of pastels in France after the Louvre. 

Later we explore more of this city’s fascinating cultural heritage with an expert guide.

The rest of the afternoon is at leisure to pack, buy last minute gifts, etc.

Our Farewell Dinner is at a Michelin-starred restaurant known for its modern and creative gastronomic cuisine, inspired by the forest and nature.  Haute cuisine at its best, to tantalize our taste buds and end our fabulous tour on a most delicious note!

Overnight: Hôtel Empreinte

DAY 14: Saturday, Sep 28 - Departure Day

The tour ends after breakfast. The latest check-out time is 12pm.

Return home with extraordinary memories of the French « art de vivre »! 

For a summary of inclusions, price, or to download the detailed itinerary, click here.

Contact On The Tee’s France Specialist - Dina Taylor, dina@onthetee.com.au, or Ria Livanas, ria@onthetee.com.au, with any questions.