Provence & the Côte d’Azur: A Journey of Colours, Scents & Artists (7N/8D)
From papal Avignon and hilltop Luberon villages to the Mediterranean light of Nice and Monaco, this journey celebrates the colours, scents and artistic heritage of southern France. It combines markets, vineyards and coastal scenery using our established partners in Provence and the Riviera.
THEME
Rail travel, Provençal villages, Markets, Art & Mediterranean coast
REGIONS
Avignon • Châteauneuf-du‑Pape • Alpilles • Aix‑en‑Provence • Luberon • Cassis/Calanques • Nice • Èze • Monaco
Experience Highlights
Day 1 – Arrival in Avignon, France
- Arrive in France, and transfer from Marseille Airport or Avignon TGV station to your hotel in the historic centre.
- Enjoy your evening at leisure to stroll the medieval streets and dine in a local restaurant.
Day 2 – Popes’ Palace & Châteauneuf-du‑Pape Wines
- On the next morning, visit to the Palais des Papes and Avignon Bridge with admissions provided by Avignon Tourisme; guided visit can be arranged on a private or small‑group basis.
- Later on, set out on a shared or private wine tour to Châteauneuf‑du‑Pape, visiting renowned estates for tastings of the region’s reds and whites.
Day 3 – Roman Provence & Van Gogh in the Alpilles
- Set out on a full‑day ‘Highlights of Provence’ style excursion from Avignon, combining Saint‑Rémy‑de‑Provence, Les Baux‑de‑Provence and the Pont du Gard.
- Discover Roman remains, dramatic stone villages and landscapes painted by Vincent van Gogh, with time for short walks and photo stops.
Day 4 – Elegant Aix & Provençal Flavours
- Today, transfer from Avignon to Aix‑en‑Provence
- After you’ve arrived, taste your way around the city on an Aix‑en‑Provence food and city tour, sampling local specialities while discovering fountains, squares and Cezanne’s hometown.
Day 5 – Hilltop Villages, Vineyards & Lavender Dreams
- Embark upon a full‑day ‘Provence Wine & Luberon Villages’ tour from Aix , visiting hilltop villages such as Gordes and Roussillon alongside selected vineyards for tastings.
- In season, the route showcases lavender fields, ochre cliffs and olive groves that epitomise the Provençal landscape.
Day 6 – Coastal Wonders of Southern France
- Today, enjoy a shared full‑day excursion from Aix to Cassis & the Luberon, including Cassis village and optional boat cruise into the calanques; or a private day to the Calanques from Marseille/Cassis.
- Take a train in the evening from Aix/Marseille to Nice (SNCF) and then transfer to your hotel on the Côte d’Azur.
Day 7 – Perfume, Panoramas & Mediterranean Luxury
- On your final full day in France, enjoy a shared or private tour from Nice to Èze, Monaco and Monte‑Carlo, including panoramic stops and time to explore.
- Later on, try your hand at a new craft on a perfume workshop with Molinard in Nice, Grasse or Èze to learn about fragrance creation.
- Enjoy the afternoon at leisure in Nice or on a Nice Food & Wine Tour.
Day 8 – Farewell to the French Riviera
- On your final morning, enjoy free time at leisure, before taking a transfer from your hotel to Nice Airport for departure.
- Extra nights on the Côte d’Azur or extensions into Italy can be added on request.
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