Premium Best of France

SUMMARY

Are the jewels of France calling your name? On this 10-day Premium adventure, you’ll journey through the best of Europe’s star child, known for romance, beauty, food, coffee, wine and art. Starting in Paris, the City of Lights, you’ll head to popular wine region Burgundy, staying in Dijon (popular for its delicious mustard, as well as wine and gingerbread). Go on a wine tasting, watch how pain d’epices is made and enjoy plenty of free time to enjoy an aperitif and people-watch. Then, you’ll head towards the Rhone River to your Feature Stay in Avignon – 16th century luxury hotel La Magnaneraie. Swim in the onsite pool, enjoy the sweeping views of green plains and learn how to play pétanque. Take day trips to the Pont du Gard, St Tropez and Sain Jean Cap Ferrat for glittering coastal views and Roman architecture and then end it all in seaside Nice for a super nice way to end the perfect holiday.

TOTAL DURATION : 10 Days

GROUP SIZE : MIN 1 MAX 12

TOUR ITINERARY AND DATES

START : Paris

END : Nice

COUNTRIES VISITED : France

Validity : 01 JAN 2024 To 31 DEC 2024

Day :1

Location : Paris

Bonjour! Welcome to Paris. Your adventure will begin with a complimentary arrival transfer from the airport to your hotel. Tonight, you’ll have a welcome meeting at 5 pm to meet your group members and trip leader. If you arrive early in the City of Lights, there’s plenty to see and do – maybe take the opportunity to walk up to the top of the Eiffel Tower or admire it from its base with a picnic lunch of local breads, cheeses, meats and fruit. After your meeting, you’ll head out on a city food tour with your leader and fellow travellers in St Germain des Pres – this village-like district of Paris is on the left bank and boasts beautiful boutiques, historical monuments and romantic restaurants. Try some local cuisines like beef bourguignon and Parisian crepes. Then, maybe head out for a wine or a ‘real’ glass of champagne to toast your coming adventure through France.

Day :2

Location : Dijon

After breakfast at your hotel this morning, you’ll take the train to Dijon – the capital of the historical Burgundy region in eastern France and one of the country’s principal wine-making areas. Known for its namesake mustard and vineyards, the city also has gorgeous architecture of Art Deco and Gothic varieties. Enjoy some free time for lunch and a self-paced wander when you arrive, and then head out on an orientation walk with your leader, who will have all the insider knowledge. Then, you’ll visit the La Fabrique de Pain d’epices Mulot & Petitjean to learn the history of Dijon’s famous gingerbread (pain d’epices). Enjoy a tasting at the end of the tour, and then tonight, you’re free to hit the streets, indulge in a couple of drinks or explore the city by night.

Day :3

Location : Dijon

This morning, you’ll go on a half day tour of Burgundy – famous for its Burgundy, pinot noir, Chablis, Beaujolais and chardonnay wines. Tour this gorgeous region with your local leader, taking in the vast greens of the landscape, and then head to a local winery for a wine tasting of the local favourites, followed by a delicious group lunch where you might find delicacies like terrine de canard and coq au vin. Tonight, return to Dijon and enjoy a free night for some rest and relaxation.

Day :4

Location : Avignon

Today, you’ll take a taxi to the train station to board your first-class train to Avignon – set on the Rhone River, Avignon was the seat to the Catholic pope from 1309 to 1377. When you arrive, you’ll take a private transfer to your Feature Stay hotel – La Magnaneraie. Sitting right on the bank of the river, this hotel boasts a heated swimming pool, tranquil gardens and gorgeous views of Villeneuve les Avignon. A former country house from the 16th century, this hotel was first a wine estate and is now a luxury hotel offering tradition and modernity, cosy interiors and two bicentennial plane trees. Enjoy some free time this afternoon to unwind, go for a swim and refresh before heading outside to learn how to play the popular sport – petanque (a boules sport akin to bocce). After the game, enjoy a pastis (an aniseed-flavoured spirit and popular aperitif) tasting and maybe watch the sunset.

Day :5

Location : Avignon

Wake up to the tranquillity of the estate and after breakfast, take a day trip via private transfer to Pont du Gard. This magnificent aqueduct bridge spans the Gardon River and is a marvel of Roman engineering. You can walk across the bridge and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Explore the site’s museum for an insight into the history of the aqueduct, explore the exhibits and learn about its significance during the Roman era. The Pont du Gard is located on the river, and there are even designated areas where you can swim to cool off. If the weather calls for it, consider renting a kayak and seeing the bridge from a different perspective. Enjoy a picnic by the riverside with your group for lunch, followed by some free time. After, you’ll head back to Avignon for an afternoon visit to the Palace of the Popes and the Bridge of Avignon. Tonight, unwind at your Feature Stay, go for a swim or grab a drink and watch the sun go down.

Day :6

Location : Aix-en-Provence

Have some breakfast this morning and say goodbye to your Feature Stay. Today, you’re headed for Les Baux de Provence (commonly referred to as Baux) – a gorgeous commune and part of the Cote d’Azur region of southern France in the Alpillies mountains. When you arrive, you’ll head out on an orientation walk with your leader and admire the ruined castle located at the top of the rocky outcrop, overlooking the surrounding plains. Wander through the medieval-like village and take in the stunning views before enjoying some free time for lunch. Then, you’ll visit Carriere de Lumieres – an art-based media gallery that projects famous artworks onto the walls that are timed with music, creating an immersive experience. Tonight, head to your accommodation in the trendy, university city of Aix en Provence, where you’re free for dinner.

Day :7

Location : Aix-en-Provence

Wake up in Aix and after a leisurely breakfast you’ll head to the local market for a guided tour before heading to a local cooking class. Discover the soul of Provence through a hands-on cooking class in Aix-en-Provence. Learn authentic recipes using fresh, local ingredients while immersed in the delightful ambiance of a traditional kitchen. Master Provencal culinary secrets, creating and savoring iconic dishes amidst a convivial atmosphere.

The rest of the day is free to spend how you wish. Maybe wander the city’s yellow buildings at your own pace, finding quaint shops and romantic nooks perfect for people-watching. Have a coffee or a cocktail and maybe even head to Cezanne’s studio to see where this former painter lived and works.

Day :8

Location : Nice

Take a private transfer to St Tropez this morning – the popular coastal town on the French Riviera that has been popular with artists for generations. When you arrive, head out on a leader-led walking tour along the coast and through the charming town centre, dotted with orange roofs and palm trees and backdropped by glittering ocean. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon wandering this gorgeous town at your own pace, find the perfect spot for some lunch and a midday drink, and then carry on further to Nice, where you’ll spend the night. This capital of the Alpes-Maritimes sits on the French Riviera, on the pebbly shores of the Baie des Anges. There are plenty of amazing restaurants here, so just ask your leader for the best places with the best nighttime views!

Day :9

Location : Nice

After breakfast, head out on an orientation walk through Nice’s colourful architecture and palm-lined coasts. Find the perfect lunch spot for a spot of people-watching, a coffee or an aperitif – your leader will have all the best recommendations, as always – and then take an afternoon trip to Saint Jean Cap Ferrat – this picturesque coastal region along the Cote d’Azur is the second most expensive residential location in the world after Monaco. Visit Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild when you arrive – the luxurious seaside villa was built between 1907 and 1912 by the baroness Beatrice Rothschild, member of the famed Rothschild family. Enjoy a coffee in the tearoom, wander the lush interiors and then enjoy some free time to explore this stunning region at your own pace. Tonight, head back to Nice and sit down with your group for a special farewell dinner at a local restaurant, cheers-ing to a trip well-travelled and tucking into some typical Nice dishes, like pissaladiere and ratatouille.

Day :10

Location : Nice

With no more activities planned after breakfast, your trip comes to an end. If you’d like to extend your stay in the South of France, just speak to your booking agent.