Explore the Art de Vivre of France

It often begins with something small. A sip of wine, the hum of conversation spilling from a café terrace, the intoxicating scent of lavender drifting on sun-warmed air. France can whisk you completely under its spell in a moment. We asked Carole Cairo, Marketing Manager at family run French tour company Ophorus to tell us about her favourite authentic experiences in France…

For me – France’s art de vivre is a key to what so many people fall in love with here. Art de vivre – the art of living well – is no accident. It has been shaped by centuries of craftsmanship, regional pride, and a deep respect for food, land, and tradition, and every corner of the country tells its own story. From the castles of the Loire Valley to the historic streets of Paris, Bordeaux’s glorious architecture and the sun-drenched villages of Provence, history is not confined to museums. It lives in the rhythm of daily life – on plates, in street markets, along riverbanks and coastal paths and when we create a tour, we love to share the joy of art de vivre with our guests.

Wine, Food & the Joy of the Table

I love the rich, indulgent flavours of Bordeaux (where I live), and where every meal feels like a celebration of wine and gastronomy. Meals are not rushed, they unfold. Rich sauces, perfectly cooked dishes and always wine that reflects the land it comes from. Sit down for lunch and you may still be there hours later. It’s indulgent, yes, but also deeply human.

A short journey from the city you can taste oysters fresh from the sea on the Bassin d’Arcachon where the ocean breeze and local know-how make for an unforgettable experience. And close by, the Dune du Pilat offers a breath-taking escape, where our tours meet the Atlantic’s endless horizon. Climb the enormous sand dune, the highest in Europe, with the forest to one side and the ocean to the other – it’s a humbling experience. Then back on board our boat, you can slurp oysters with a perfectly paired glass of white wine as you soak up the sight of the bay’s beauty.

Long lunches in the sun, a glass of wine in hand, is a way to embrace the French lifestyle at its finest.

Historic Cities

There are so many wonderful cities to visit in France but two of my favourites are Bordeaux and Paris.

Wandering through Bordeaux’s charming streets, where elegant façades and lively cafés is truly art de vivre.

Paris is a city best discovered on foot. A leisurely walking tour through Paris reveals an open-air museum where every corner is an ode to history, beauty, and timeless elegance. From the big attractions, the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre to hidden courtyards, grand boulevards, and centuries-old façades that seem to glow in the changing light, Paris really is special

Every street corner reveals a story. Every bridge, a different perspective. It’s an open-air museum—but one where life continues to unfold around you.

Outstanding Nature

In spring, discovering blooming gardens and elegant châteaux across France is a true feast for the eyes. I love the peaceful beauty of the Dordogne, blending history, nature, and authentic charm. You never forget the scents of Provence, lavender, thyme, and sun-warmed earth carried by a gentle breeze and the endless fields of lavender and golden light, capturing the essence of southern France. In the Provence Alpes Cote d’Azur region, you can enjoy both breath-taking mountains and the Mediterranean coast in a single trip. And it’s hard to beat cycling along the Loire Valley, passing majestic châteaux and scenic riverside paths.

France’s landscapes unfold in endless variety and beauty, with each region offering its own rich local culture and unique culinary specialties. From the Loire Valley to Provence, via Bordeaux and Occitanie, there’s a diversity of wines and colours with something to suit every taste. At Ophorus we love to create tours to share with visitors, revealing authentic France with local guides from small group to private tours, shore excursions, wine tasting tours and muti-day tours – we always researching right across France and always amazed at just how much there is to discover and fall in love with.

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