FAQ
Q: What is included in the journey price?
A: Each journey includes luxury boutique accommodations, all ground transportation with private driver, expert guidance throughout, specified meals, and all market/dealer access arrangements. Journey pricing does not include airfare to/from France, items purchased, shipping costs, or meals not specified in the itinerary.
Q: How many people travel in each group?
A: We limit groups to 6-8 travelers to ensure personalized attention and meaningful access to dealers and sources. This intimate size allows for spontaneity and deeper engagement than larger tour groups.
Q: Do I need to speak French?
A: Not at all. Your guide is fluent in French and handles all translation and negotiation. However, basic French pleasantries are always appreciated by dealers.
Q: How does purchasing and shipping work?
A: You negotiate and purchase directly from dealers (we provide guidance but don't mark up items). We coordinate with trusted shipping partners who handle international transport, customs documentation, and delivery to your door. Shipping costs vary based on size and weight of purchases.
Q: What if I don't find anything I want to purchase?
A: While most travelers make acquisitions, there's absolutely no obligation to purchase. The journey itself — the access, education, and cultural immersion — has value regardless. That said, we carefully curate sources to match your stated interests, significantly increasing the likelihood of discovering pieces you'll love.
Q: Can journeys be customized?
A: Absolutely. While we offer signature itineraries, we also create fully custom journeys for collectors with specific focus areas. Private journeys for individuals or small groups can be arranged. Schedule a consultation to discuss your vision.
Q: What level of collecting experience do I need?
A: Our travelers range from serious longtime collectors to passionate enthusiasts just beginning to build collections. What matters most is genuine interest in French decorative arts and appreciation for quality and authenticity. We tailor our guidance to your experience level.
Q: When should I book?
A: We recommend booking 4-6 months in advance, especially for spring and fall journeys when demand is highest. This also allows time for us to notify our dealer network and arrange optimal access.
Q: What is your cancellation policy?
A: Cancellations made more than sixty days prior to departure will receive a refund of all payments beyond the non-refundable 25% deposit. Cancellations within sixty days of departure are non-refundable. Vintage Voyagers France reserves the right to cancel any journey with fewer than six enrolled participants eight weeks before departure. In the event we cancel a journey, all payments beyond the non-refundable deposit will be fully refunded.
