Country
France
Duration
8 Days/7 Nights
Travel Type
Private Tour
This 7-night small group boutique cultural experience will first carry you away to the romantic French Riviera, known as the Cote d’ Azure. The playground of Picasso and Hemingway, Chagall, and Matisse, Nice will be our home for four nights. In addition to private, guided tours of the history and sights of the “Millionaires Playground,” you will also have the opportunity to enjoy a private Welcome Dinner event, with cocktails and a traditional meal that shows how cuisine shapes French culture and values. In addition to scenic Nice, you will enjoy exciting experiences of other famous spots along the French Riviera, including Cap Ferrat; Villefranche-sur-Mer; Monaco; Monte Carlo; Eze and Antibes. You will also learn “insider” information about Pablo Picasso and Francoise Gilot, the mistress to Picasso. Picasso and Gilot spent many years in then Cote d’ Azure and had two children together, Paloma and Claude Picasso. There is plenty of scheduled free time to hit spots where you have particular interest.
From Nice, we journey on to the beloved French jewel of Aix-en-Provence. En-route to Aix, we will stop at La Pitchoune (La Peetch), which was the private French home of Julia and Paul Child. You will receive a brief optional tour (+$) of the grounds and home, including a pop-in to see the original kitchen in which Child co-wrote “The Art of French Cooking.” You will then head on to Provence, a region made internationally famous in Peter Mayle’s 1989 best seller, “A Year in Provence”. While in Provence, you will experience one reason Provence is beloved the world over: the food and drink. One day you will be given a private Provencal market tour and tasting. Another day features a winery visit and special luncheon at a local Domain. Our tour will also visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including exploring the history of the Romans in the area. A day in the famed fishing village of Cassais and on to Marseille will cap off the tour. You will also enjoy plenty of free time to explore Provence on your own. On our final evening in France, we will enjoy a private “au revoir” dinner created by a chef that is a personal friend of this program’s hosts.
Inclusions
7-night accommodation in 4* hotels (4 nights Nice, 3 nights Aix-en-Provence)
9 meals: 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
Welcome cocktail and dinner on day 1
Private transfers on days 1, 5, 8
Transportation by coach on as per itinerary
Entrance fees to the Chagall Museum, Palais Lascaris, Archeology Museum in Nice; Picasso Museum in Antibes; Pont du Gard
Tasting at the local market in Aix-en-Provence
Visit, wine tasting and lunch at a local domain near Aix-en-Provence
Boat ride in Cassis (subject to weather conditions)
Small group host and French cultural and wine experts
Exclusions
Flights – Travel insurance – Gratuities – Meals and drinks unless indicated – Optional excursions – Any other items not mentioned in the Inclusions.
Additional Information
Note
Tour is presented bilingually, including English and composed of international passengers.
Small group size of a maximum of 16 passengers (average is 10 passengers).
1
DAY 1 ARRIVAL IN NICE, CÔTE D’AZURE – NICE CITY
Upon arrival in the South of France, enjoy a private transfer from Nice to your hotel, enjoy a welcome cocktail, and begin to settle in and discover Nice! If you arrive in Nice by air, you will arrive straight to the city’s most beautiful avenue, the Promenade des Anglais, the Mediterranean’s Champs-Elysées. The magnificent seaside promenade runs between the luxury hotels and the beach, all in the shade of the typical feather duster palms. Roller skaters glide easily between sun chairs, limousines, and beach restaurants. This is Nice’s cosmetic face. The city’s heart is a bit further away - by the Cours Saleya market square. The main artery is la rue Droite. If you stroll around the maze of small streets in the old town, la Vieille Ville, you can turn off it into a tiny square here, a tiny alley there or a cool church beyond it. Are you looking to do a bit of shopping? You will find the shopping district above Place Masséna, where the big department stores and surrounding streets with names like rue Paradis and rue de la Liberté display their shops.
Most of the buses depart from Place Masséna, if you want to travel up into the hills above Nice. Several sleepy and well-heeled suburbs stretch from the Chagall Museum to the inescapable Cimiez hills to the north. The hills are a must, both for the Matisse Museum and the view, or just for a picnic in an olive grove, with or without the summer jazz festival. Eastern Nice is a bit more down-market and needs more local knowledge – apart from the area close to the harbor at Port Olympia. The nightlife there has been given a boost recently, ever since a low-cost cruise ship started to drop anchor at the port in the summer of 2005. To the east lies the billionaires’ playground of Cap Ferrat, the Eagle’s Nest of Eze and Beaulieu-sur-Mer, which has been there since antiquity. To the west, the road passes world-famous artist’s colonies such as Saint-Paul de Vence.
Welcome dinner at the hotel before overnighting in Nice.
Most of the buses depart from Place Masséna, if you want to travel up into the hills above Nice. Several sleepy and well-heeled suburbs stretch from the Chagall Museum to the inescapable Cimiez hills to the north. The hills are a must, both for the Matisse Museum and the view, or just for a picnic in an olive grove, with or without the summer jazz festival. Eastern Nice is a bit more down-market and needs more local knowledge – apart from the area close to the harbor at Port Olympia. The nightlife there has been given a boost recently, ever since a low-cost cruise ship started to drop anchor at the port in the summer of 2005. To the east lies the billionaires’ playground of Cap Ferrat, the Eagle’s Nest of Eze and Beaulieu-sur-Mer, which has been there since antiquity. To the west, the road passes world-famous artist’s colonies such as Saint-Paul de Vence.
Welcome dinner at the hotel before overnighting in Nice.
Meals : Dinner
Accommodation : Nice for 4 nights
2
DAY 2 WALKING TOUR OF NICE – OPTIONAL VISIT TO JULIA CHILD’S HOME (+$)
After a French breakfast, we will embark on a leisurely guided walk through tiny, paved streets, coloured squares, sculptures, and monuments, with Italian, Piedmont, and French influences, stopping in front of the most emblematic monuments and sculptures, nobles’ palaces, Baroques jewels churches and the perfume markets. Alternatively, you will get the choice to visit cultural sites in Nice such as the Chagall Museum or Palais Lascaris. The afternoon is at leisure. Optional visit to the home of the famous Julia Child (+$ based upon availability).
Meals : Breakfast
3
DAY 3 SIGHTSEEING OF THE FRENCH RIVIERA: EPHRUSI DE ROTHSCHILD VILLA AND GARDENS – SAINT-PAUL DE VENCE – EZE – FRAGONARD FACTORY
After breakfast we depart at for a memorable day of experiencing the best of the famed French Riviera, including its history, culture, and amazing coastlines. We begin by enjoying the panoramic views from Villefranche-sur-Mer over the famed Cap Ferrat with its stunning views. We will also delight in seeing the renowned Bay of Billionaires and the sumptuous dream gardens at the Ephrusi de Rothschild Villa and Gardens. We next head over to St Paul de Vence, with its medieval walls encircling narrow streets and capturing its heritage of more than a thousand years. Picking out the high points of history, either alone or with your local host guide, enter the heart of Saint-Paul de Vence. The fountain at the heart of the village fills St-Paul’s medieval vaults with music. To quote the poet Verlaine: “The fountain’s silvery murmur plays on”.
We will next visit the Capital of Perfume! Hanging over the sea, the medieval village of Eze has retained all its charms throughout the centuries. From the ruins of its medieval fortress to its charming, narrow streets, the small village now attracts a multitude of artisans and artists. Established in what used to be barns or sheepfolds, they contribute to the local ambiance of this peaceful area. Celebrated for the calm that can be found here, numerous writers have also decided to settle down here, one of the most famous writers is Nietzsche, who is said to have written Thus Spoke Zarathustra in Eze. We will visit this stunning and slightly off the beaten path villa to discover the Fragonard perfume factory. The famous perfume company Fragonard was established in 1926 by Eugène Fuchs who named his company after the 18th century French painter and to pay homage to the town of Grass (the French capital of perfumes). During the visit, discover the manufacturing secrets of the products: perfumes, soaps and cosmetics developed from the best raw materials using an expertise which combines traditional methods and modern techniques. Afterwards we head back to Nice, and the evening is free at your leisure.
Meals : Breakfast
4
DAY 4 ANTIBES PRIVATE FULL DAY TOUR
After breakfast we embark on an adventure to Antibes, the French Gem of the Mediterranean Coast. Antibes, an enjoyable old town, houses one of the world’s most famous Picasso collections. Picasso fled to Antibes after a tumultuous time in Paris. We will visit the famous Picasso Museum and walk the streets where Picasso, as well as other famous artists / writers such as Henri Matisse, Jean Cocteau and F. Scott Fitzgerald lived and thrived. Alternatively, you are also able to enjoy a historical tour of Antibes incorporating Iron Age, Greek and Roman history and visit to Roman ruins, including aqueducts, amphitheater, and homes. The town’s port is located below its fortifications, with luxurious yachts and brightly painted fishing boats. In the 1500s, Antibes’ Fort Carré, which now dominates the port, was the last French stronghold before the Italian border. Antibes has plenty of little streets to explore and you will certainly marvel as you admire the world’s largest yachts in Port Vauban and the largest marina on the French Mediterranean Sea. The afternoon is at leisure in Antibes. In the late afternoon, we depart for our return to Nice, and evening is at your leisure.
Meals : Breakfast
5
DAY 5 AIX-EN-PROVENCE PRIVATE WALKING GUIDED TOUR
After breakfast, check out of the hotel and depart on a private transfer to Aix-en-Provence. Upon arrival at Aix-en-Provence, check into the hotel.
In the afternoon, we will enjoy a leisurely private guided walking tour of Aix-en-Provence with your local host. The historic capital of Provence, Aix offers an amazing kaleidoscope of Southern French culture. Founded by the Romans in the first century BC, the city was a thermal town called AquaSextiae. From that heritage, Aix kept a high number of monumental fountains. Strolling in the streets, you will appreciate the well-preserved ensemble of 17th and 18th century buildings, making this town one of the richest in France. The St. Sauvier cathedral and cloister offers a nice panorama of medieval life. Upon completion you will have the evening at your leisure in this charming town.
In the afternoon, we will enjoy a leisurely private guided walking tour of Aix-en-Provence with your local host. The historic capital of Provence, Aix offers an amazing kaleidoscope of Southern French culture. Founded by the Romans in the first century BC, the city was a thermal town called AquaSextiae. From that heritage, Aix kept a high number of monumental fountains. Strolling in the streets, you will appreciate the well-preserved ensemble of 17th and 18th century buildings, making this town one of the richest in France. The St. Sauvier cathedral and cloister offers a nice panorama of medieval life. Upon completion you will have the evening at your leisure in this charming town.
Meals : Breakfast
Accommodation : Aix-en-Provence for 3 nights
6
DAY 6 MARKET VISIT AND WINE TASTING – PONT DU GARDE
After breakfast we will enjoy a market visit, wine tasting and traditional lunch, and a Pont du Gard private experience. We depart at 9AM to first experience the gourmet flavours of the Provence region. The food of Provence is recognized the world over for the quality of its local ingredients and the tastiness of its regional dishes. This morning, your local host will take you to the 700-year-old daily market square where the freshest and most delicious fruits and vegetables are on display. You will enjoy tasting local cheeses, meats, bread, and pastries, all the while enjoying the friendly flamboyance of the local sellers. This will be followed by indulging in a wine tasting, capped off with a gastronomic experience. We continue your gourmet experience at a local domain just outside Aix-en-Provence. You will have the opportunity to take a stroll through the vineyard and to learn about the ancient wine making process. You will then enjoy a wine tasting lunch in this idyllic scenery.
The last stop of this Provence day tour will be the Pont du Gard, a masterpiece of engineering from Roman times. Today, a large portion of the three-tiered aqueduct is still standing and is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Pont du Gard is one of the most impressive and best conserved Roman remnants in all of France. Built in the 1st century A.D., the aqueduct is the largest and most impressive in all of Europe. We return to the hotel at the end of the day and the evening is at your leisure.
The last stop of this Provence day tour will be the Pont du Gard, a masterpiece of engineering from Roman times. Today, a large portion of the three-tiered aqueduct is still standing and is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Pont du Gard is one of the most impressive and best conserved Roman remnants in all of France. Built in the 1st century A.D., the aqueduct is the largest and most impressive in all of Europe. We return to the hotel at the end of the day and the evening is at your leisure.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch
7
DAY 7 CASSIS - MARSEILLE
After breakfast depart for visits of Cassis Village and Marseille. When we arrive in Cassis, we discover this charming fishing port as well as the Calanques, listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage National Park. This land and sea area is known for its white cliffs and turquoise waters. We will reach the highest sea cliff in Europe, Cap Canaille, where we will enjoy a stunning view over the bay, but we will truly experience the region by going on an amazing on a 45-minute cruise to discover three of the breathtaking Calanques, which are steep-sided valleys formed by erosion, along the Mediterranean coast. The program continues to Marseille and its famous old port. Take in panoramic views of the city and visit Notre Dame de la Garde Basilica on a walking cultural tour before enjoying a panoramic tour of the city. We continue with a visit to Saint-Victor Abbey and the crypt which houses impressive 4th century marble sarcophaguses. We return to the hotel at the end of the day, where the evening is at your leisure.
Meals : Breakfast
8
DAY 8 DEPARTURE FROM FRANCE
After breakfast, this amazing cultural tour of France is at an end. Transfer back to the airport or arrange for an extended stay in France.
Meals : Breakfast
HOTEL OPTIONS OR SIMILAR
Nice – Villa Bougainville 4*
Aix-en-Provence – Boutique Hotel Cézanne 4*
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Rates in $ CA, per person, starting from |
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| Departure Dates 2024 – Sundays | Double Occupancy | Single Occupancy | |
| January 28 February 25 March 24 October 20 November 3 |
7379 | 8530 | |
| April 28 May 26 September 22 |
8335 | 9485 | |
Tour code: C
**Prices in this document are for information only; they were issued at press time, for the current year. Please note that due to exchange rates and temporary promotions, they can increase or decrease at any time. Contact your travel agent for the price and promotion of the moment. Prices include the contribution of customers to the Compensation Fund for clients of Quebec travel agents.
Cultural Impressions of Southern France – detailed itinerary
Cultural Impressions of Southern France – detailed itinerary
