Provence and The Cote d'Azur

Arrive Paris. Transfer to our centrally located hotel in the heart of Paris, close to galleries, museums, monuments and shopping. This afternoon enjoy a relaxing half day orientation tour of Paris.

First class trip by the fast TGV train from Paris to Avignon. Transfer to our home for the next nine nights, located in the charming riverside village of Fontaine de Vaucluse. The hotel is furnished in pretty, traditional Provencal style, providing all modern conveniences including private facilities, telephones and T.V. in each room. Outdoors, a swimming pool, relaxing outdoor areas and lovely streams from the river. This evening we dine in a village restaurant with a beautiful courtyard garden setting. (B, D)

L’Isle sur la Sorgue is a delightful village in a picturesque setting on the banks of the River Sorgue, which still retains a handful of charming ancient water wheels. Today is market day, well known not only for produce but considered to be one of France’s finest open air antique markets. Lunch in on eof the charming village restaurants.

After the market we return to our charming riverside village of Fontaine de Vaucluse, where we also find the Musee 1939 – 1945, which gives an extremely informative presentation of the Nazi Occupation and French Resistance which was centred in this area. We also discover the source of the River Sorgue, exploding from the cliffs at certain times of the year and tumbling through a rocky gorge through the village. You can also visit the old mill which still produces beautiful paper stationery, maps and posters in old fashioned style. (B, L)

Les Baux de Provence is a unique medieval Provencal village sitting high on a rocky spur overlooking a valley. After wandering through the village, discovering the many quaint shops and cafes, we arrive upon a sweeping plateau at the top of the hill, where we explore the many extraordinary ruins and archaeological sites of the ancient village.
After lunch at your leisure in the village, we continue to the delightful Roman town of Arles. The Roman Arena here is one of the finest examples of Roman architecture in the region, and the Museon Arleton is a fascinating display of Provencal traditions and culture. (B)

An unforgettable day visiting the famous and picturesque hill villages of the Luberon – Gordes (market day today – one of the most picturesque of the region!), the Cistercian monastery Abbaye de Senanque, ochre toned Roussillon, and the ancient home of the infamous Marquis de Sade, Lacoste; each offering a unique and diverse view of the culture and history of the region that Peter Mayle made famous in “A Year in Provence”. (B)

We begin today’s memorable itinerary with a visit to the historic town of St Remy-de-Provence, famous for its connection with Vincent Van Gogh. Modern day St Remy boasts beautiful chic boutiques and buildings.

A very special lunch today with local hosts David and Nito Carpita at their unforgettable Provencal farmhouse, the Mas Cornud. Aperitifs by the pool, tour of the kitchen gardens, orchards and farmhouse, followed by a wonderful lunch outdoors under the plane trees, cooked for us by Nito who is a renowned local chef. (B, L)

Today we explore Avignon. Our tour encompasses the Palais des Papes, once home of the Papal Court; the Pont d’Avignon, made famous in the French nursery rhyme; and takes in the Place de l’Horloge, the charming square full of cafes nestled in the shade of the plane trees, overlooked by the nineteenth century Town Hall and Avignon Theatre. Then plenty of time to wander and take in the ambience of this wonderful city, and of course to explore the shops! Later in the afternoon a visit to Villeneuve-Les-Avignon, to see the 13th century fortifications and beautiful rambling gardens of Fort St Andre. (B)

Our relaxing day today includes a visit to the historic Roman town of Orange and the wonderful Roman Theatre, one of the most intact ruins of its type in the world, which is still used for concerts and performances to this day. This is one of our favourite historic visits as this UNESCO world heritage site is absolutely fascinating.

The village of Chateauneuf-du-Pape is a name synonymous with great French wines, and we will stop here on the way home for a tasting at our favourite winery. This evening, a special dinner at one of our favourite local restaurants. (B, D)

Today we leave Fontaine-de-Vaucluse for new explorations on the Cote d’Azur. The Verdon Gorges are some of the most scenic in France – steep cliffs dropping down into beautiful river valleys. Along the way we will also stop at the pretty little town of Manosque, and the village of Moustiers Ste Marie, famous for its painted potteries.

We continue on to our charming hotel in Nice overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Beautifully appointed rooms, patio restaurant, bar and swimming pool… you may want to extend your stay here past the end of the tour. This evening we dine in the hotel restaurant for our first “taste of the Mediterranean”. (B, D)

Today we will discover the “old town” of Nice, and then a guided tour of the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild. This is the most beautiful and historic of the Riviera “palaces”, where the Baroness Ephrussi de Rothschild sought out artworks all over the world, transforming the Villa at Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat into a collector’s paradise. Between sea and sky, overlooking the bay of Villefranche, the nine heavenly gardens are adorned with patios, fountains, ponds, flowered and shaded paths. (B)

One of our favourite villages on the Riviera is St Paul de Vence – it really epitomizes the quintessential French village with tiny cobblestone streets and fascinating corners. It also has some lovely shops, many of which are quality galleries and linen boutiques. The prefect place to stop and have a leisurely lunch, too! We also have time to have a wander around the attractive village of Vence. (B, L)

The ancient village of Eze overlooks a majestic view of the Baie des Anges and the Mediterranean coast. After a climb up to the views and discovering some of the enchanting alleyways and corners, we continue to the Principality of Monaco. It possesses a fascinating history which still comes alive when visiting the “pink palace”of the Grimaldis and wandering through the tiny streets of the old town. The harbour, where visitors can see some of the most amazing “super yachts” of the world, is a real dream, not to mention the famous Casino and Hotel de Paris. Monte Carlo really is the stuff of James Bond stories and 1920’s glamour. (B)

Today we spend a leisurely day in the famous jet-set village of St.Tropez. Once there you will have the day free to discover the wonderful boutiques, restaurants and galleries on the waterfront and in the back streets.

This evening we will celebrate an unforgettable tour with a farewell dinner. (B, D)

Today our tour ends. Nice is a gateway to all the major European cities, to connections home to Australia, or further destinations within Europe. Or you may like to stay on for a few days soaking up the Riviera ambience….

• Accommodation for 1 night in a first class hotel in central Paris, close to museums, shops, restaurants and cafes
• Welcome drinks at your Paris hotel
• Continental breakfast each day throughout the tour
• A half day guided tour of Paris in our private bus
• Transfers to the station from our hotel
• First class train travel Paris-Avignon on the TGV (Fast train)
• 7 nights accommodation at our delightful hotel in Provence, 1st class standard, with private facilities, charming gardens and swimming pool
• Welcome dinner at village restaurant (Drinks included)
• Lunch of regional specialties at Mas de Cornud (wine included)
• Lunch in Isle-Sur-La-Sorgue (drinks not included)
• Dinner at local restaurant (drinks not included)
• Dinner hotel restaurant, Nice (wine included)
• Lunch St. Paul de Vence(drinks not included)
• Farewell dinner (wine included)
• All day tours in small, comfortable private bus with local driver
• Entry to all monuments and museums
• The full time services of your professional tour director, including history, local lore and comprehensive information about each location we visit on the tour.