This enticing weeklong France tour takes you from the fabled French Riviera and the romantic south of France to glittering Paris. The magically memorable colors of the south of France, from the turquoise shades of the Côte d'Azur to the pastel palette of Provence surround you with unforgettable beauty. Visit charming Monaco; explore the historic treasures of Avignon, Arles, and Aix-en-Provence; and see first-hand the artistic inspirations of Vincent van Gogh in St-Rémy-de-Provence, and of Cézanne at Mont Ste-Victoire. These experiences include an olive oil tasting and lunch in Mas des Barres, an award-winning olive oil producer; a guided adventure walk on the 2,000-year-old Pont du Gard; and a three-night stay in Paris that's highlighted by a guided tour of the Musée du Louvre and a dinner cruise on the River Seine. If you have limited time to travel, there's no better way to experience the country's many charms than on this memorable one-week France tour.
Day 1 – Arrive Nice - and your France tour begins
Your France tour begins at 6:00 PM at Hôtel Negresco in Nice, France. A transfer is included from Nice Côte d'Azur Airport to your 5-star luxury hotel, Hôtel Negresco. Welcome to Nice, the glamorous capital of the French Riviera. Join us for a welcome cocktail reception and dinner this evening at your historic hotel overlooking the Bay of Angels, within walking distance of the beach.
Meals: Dinner
Day 2 – From medieval Eze to glittering Monte-Carlo in Monaco
The southern France tour begins with a visit to the medieval village of Eze en route to a glimpse of how the rich, the famous, and the royal live and play in the Principality of Monaco – defined by Monte-Carlo's famed Casino, the Prince's Palace and Monaco Cathedral, final resting place of Prince Rainier and Princess Grace.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Day 3 – Artistic inspirations amidst the treasures of Provence
Imagine great artists like Paul Cézanne at work amidst the spectrum of colors found in Provence as you view Mont Ste-Victoire and take a sightseeing excursion in the lovely town of Aix-en-Provence. Travel to ancient Arles, exploring the historic Old Town noted for its narrow streets, medieval stonework and lingering evidence of its ancient Roman residents. Spend two nights in Arles at a stately hotel, Hotel Jules César, once a 17th-century convent.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 4 – Ancient bridges, antiquities & the landscapes of van Gogh
A southern France tour isn't complete without traveling through the Provençal landscapes that inspired Dutch artist Vincent van Gogh, where olive groves, cypress trees, and flowers the color of the rainbow greet the visitor. Begin today's travels with an adventurous guided walk on the Pont du Gard, a 2,000-year-old Roman aquaduct. Then visit Mas des Barres, an award-winning olive oil producer in Maussane les Alpilles. Their product is a gourmet delight you'll discover at an olive oil tasting and lunch. Journey to St-Rémy-de-Provence, where Vincent van Gogh spent one year of his life. In 1889 he checked himself into Saint-Paul-de-Mausole, a monastery that served as an asylum; his stay here resulted in a period of creativity that produced 150 of his most beloved paintings including Starry Night, Wheat Field with Cypresses and Irises. See the hospital, then spend some free time exploring St-Rémy before returning to Arles for an evening at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Day 5 – The ancient walls of Avignon and a rail excursion to Paris
The ancient, walled city of Avignon, where Popes reigned from 1309 until 1376, is one of the most interesting places in France. A visit to the Palais des Papes reveals the Gothic glories with which the Popes of Avignon surrounded themselves. Board the TGV, one of Europe’s fastest trains, bound for Paris and an unforgettable three-night stay in the very heart of the inimitable French capital.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 6 – Bonjour la Cité – the France tour continues
A morning Paris, France tour encompasses some of the city's best-known landmarks. See the Champs Élysées, the Arc de Triomphe, Place de la Concorde, the Eiffel Tower, and inspiring Notre Dame Cathedral. Spend the rest of the day as you wish – your stylish, elegant boutique luxury hotel is ideally located in the heart of the city looking out over four Parisian landmarks - Musée du Louvre, the Opera Garnier, the Comédie Français, and Place du Palais Royal.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 - Musée du Louvre / Seine River cruise
Once a royal residence, today the Musée du Louvre houses some of the world’s best-known artistic masterpieces in its extensive collections of paintings, sculpture, and antiquities. Enjoy a guided tour of this celebrated institution just steps from your hotel before spending some free time discovering Paris as you please. Join us this evening for a farewell dinner cruise on the River Seine, gliding slowly past the illuminated beauty of Paris. Such a memorable evening is certain to be a highlight of this France tour.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 8 – Journey home
The southern France tour ends in Paris. Your transfer is included to Charles de Gaulle International Airport. You should allow a minimum of 2 1/2 hours for flight check-in.
Meals: Breakfast
*****All itineraries are subject to change without notice.
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