The next chapter in our “Behind the Curtain” series, created for travelers who seek artistry, culture, and connection in every note. France has long been a gathering place for patrons, scholars, and travelers who value beauty, craft, and cultural depth. It is a country where art and daily life overlap at every turn. For groups that support orchestras, choruses, universities, and cultural institutions, France offers a rewarding blend of access, history, and atmosphere that feels both timeless and vividly alive. A Portrait of Culture and Craft Paris stands at the center of French artistic life, a city shaped by centuries of opera, sacred music, literature, design, and architectural ambition. Visitors step into a landscape where creativity has been celebrated and preserved with extraordinary care. An afternoon inside Palais Garnier reveals a mastery of detail and vision. A private organ encounter in a Parisian church highlights the country’s singular contribution to sacred and symphonic repertoire. Evenings range from elegant performances to spirited cabaret, each reflecting the breadth of French cultural expression. Beyond the capital, France unfolds in distinct layers. Normandy invites reflection with its pilgrimage routes, abbeys, and quiet countryside. The Riviera offers sunlight, coastal color, and a tradition of artistic experimentation that continues to attract musicians and visual artists from around the world. Throughout these regions, travelers encounter spaces where history, architecture, and musical heritage intersect in ways that feel intimate and authentic. Artistic Acrobatics Several painters (including Seurat, Picasso, and Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec) were inspired by the French Cancan,… Read More Sacred Steps in Lisieux Experience the serenity and spiritual depth of Lisieux, the home of St. Thérèse, the Little… Read More Vineyard Virtuoso Dive into Bordeaux’s rich cultural tapestry with a private wine tasting in St. Emilion. Later,… Read More Royal Rhapsody Visit The Royal Chapel at the Palace of Versailles for a one-of-a-kind concert experience. Accompanied… Read More Le Palais Garnier Built for the Paris Opera at the behest of Emperor Napoleon III, the Palais Garnier… Read More Echoes of Eternity Experience the sublime allure of French organ music with our exclusive organ showcase at Chartres… Read More Versailles Reverie Experience the grandeur of Louis XIV’s palace at Versailles with a private and exclusive visit… Read More Symphonic Serenade Indulge in a truly extraordinary encounter with the world of symphony. Step behind the scenes… Read More 1 2 Next » Groups traveling in France appreciate the country’s balance of cultural richness and comfort. The arts are deeply integrated into French civic life, which creates natural opportunities for curated access. Private demonstrations, conversations with resident artists, and visits to historic venues can be woven naturally into a day’s rhythm. Because France values the preservation of its artistic heritage, guests often experience performances, exhibitions, and architectural spaces with a sense of continuity and depth. France is equally well suited for donor travel. Paris offers excellent flight connections and a straightforward arrival experience. Once on the ground, transportation is efficient, and hotels provide a high standard of service. Meals become part of the cultural journey, from traditional brasseries to contemporary culinary studios. The country’s strong museum, opera, and concert networks make it easy to shape itineraries that reflect the interests of a board, donor circle, or affinity group. Each day supports relationship building and engagement, which is central to successful donor travel. Evenings in France are designed to be savored. A performance at an historic venue, a twilight walk along the Seine, or an unhurried dinner in a neighborhood restaurant create the kind of shared moments that strengthen community. With thoughtful pacing and curated access, groups can experience the country at a comfortable rhythm that encourages reflection, conversation, and genuine connection. Composing Your Own Journey France offers endless possibilities for groups interested in opera, organ heritage, sacred spaces, culinary traditions, gardens, coastal retreats, or the literary and artistic legacy of Paris. We collaborate with you to create a journey that reflects your identity, your audience, and the experiences that resonate most deeply with your travelers. Whether you join one of our curated programs or design a custom itinerary, every detail receives careful attention from our team and our partners in France. France welcomes travelers who appreciate its character and artistry. Each Encore Experience here invites guests to enter the story with curiosity and presence, and to discover why this country continues to inspire generations of artists and supporters of the arts. Ready to plan your own Encore Experience? Tell us what inspires you, and we will help you bring it to life.
Artistic Acrobatics Several painters (including Seurat, Picasso, and Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec) were inspired by the French Cancan,… Read More
Sacred Steps in Lisieux Experience the serenity and spiritual depth of Lisieux, the home of St. Thérèse, the Little… Read More
Vineyard Virtuoso Dive into Bordeaux’s rich cultural tapestry with a private wine tasting in St. Emilion. Later,… Read More
Royal Rhapsody Visit The Royal Chapel at the Palace of Versailles for a one-of-a-kind concert experience. Accompanied… Read More
Le Palais Garnier Built for the Paris Opera at the behest of Emperor Napoleon III, the Palais Garnier… Read More
Echoes of Eternity Experience the sublime allure of French organ music with our exclusive organ showcase at Chartres… Read More
Versailles Reverie Experience the grandeur of Louis XIV’s palace at Versailles with a private and exclusive visit… Read More
Symphonic Serenade Indulge in a truly extraordinary encounter with the world of symphony. Step behind the scenes… Read More
March 2, 2026 David Solar Meet Barbara Brown, Encore’s New Director of Orchestras At Encore Tours, our team is made up of passionate musicians, educators, and leaders who believe deeply in the power of performance travel. Backstage Blog
February 23, 2026 David Solar Join Us at the 2026 ACDA Western in San Jose, California We’re heading to the 2026 ACDA Western Region Conference in San Jose, March 4–7, and we’d love to connect. If you’ll be at ACDA Western this year, stop by Booth 113 to say hello. Backstage Blog
February 19, 2026 David Solar Join Encore at ACDA Eastern 2026 in Providence We’ll be exhibiting at the 2026 ACDA Eastern Region Conference in Providence, February 25–28, and we hope you’ll join us. Backstage Blog