Day 1 : Bonjour France
Discover romance, sophistication and French joie de vivre in Paris – the launch pad to a memorable journey through the French countryside. Explore the grand boulevards and picturesque avenues of the 'City of Light', before meeting your Travel Director and companions for a Welcome Reception. We take to the streets this evening to see some of the city's most iconic sights, including the Champs-Élysées and Arc de Triomphe, standing in all its glorious splendour for you to admire.
Accommodation : Renaissance La Défense
Day 2 : Discover the Delights of Paris
Join a Local Specialist to explore the Latin Quarter, a vibrant student hotspot and home to the Sorbonne University. View the remarkable church of Saint-Sulpice, then soak up the authentic atmosphere and local day-to-day life of the Parisians as you stroll through historic neighbourhoods. Consider an optional experience to the exquisite gardens of Claude Monet at Giverny. Spend your evening embracing the pageantry of Paris and perhaps experience a traditional Parisian Cabaret.
Accommodation : Renaissance La Défense
Day 3 : Journey through Burgundy to Lyon
Travel through the picture-perfect Burgundy wine region and stop in its walled regional capital, Beaune – most famous for the colourful geometric-tiled Hôtel-Dieu. We continue to the gastronomic capital of Lyon, where we spend the night. Discover the historic treasures of its well-preserved Old Town or perhaps indulge in delicious Beaujolais flavours in a local bouchon – the choice is yours.
Accommodation : Charlemagne
Day 4 : Continue to Monaco and the French Riviera
Follow the Rhône Valley south, enjoying some free time in Aix-en-Provence for lunch and perhaps a taste of the sweet flavours of calissons. Continue to the glamorous Principality of Monaco, one of the smallest and wealthiest nations on earth. View the palace, home to the Grimaldi family since the 13th century, and the cathedral where Princess Grace and Prince Rainier were married. Enjoy a delicious Regional Dinner together in Monaco before travelling further along the sun-kissed shores of the French Riviera to our hotel, where we'll spend the next two nights.
Accommodation : Novotel Nice Centre Vieux
Day 5 : The French Riviera Your Way
The sun-kissed shores of the French Riviera are yours to explore today. Consider relaxing on the beach with your fellow sun-worshippers or an Optional Experience could see you visit the hilltop town of Saint-Paul-de-Vence, a popular haunt for actors seeking a relaxing retreat. In your free time, you have the opportunity to soak up the fresh sea air and perhaps indulge in a delicious Salade Niçoise.
Accommodation : Novotel Nice Centre Vieux
Day 6 : On to Saint-Tropez, Arles and Avignon
We arrive by boat in glitzy Saint-Tropez for a morning sojourn to soak up our fashionable surroundings. This afternoon journey to the ancient city of Arles to admire its Roman theatre and arena - once the site of bloody battles and exhilarating chariot races. Tread in the footsteps of Vincent van Gogh with your Local Specialist, exploring the heritage of this town where he was inspired to produce more than 300 paintings and drawings. Later, journey to Western Europe’s largest river delta region - the Camargue. Here we will Connect With Locals for a home cooked Be My Guest experience of regional dishes made with produce from local farmers and markets. Later, we make our way to Avignon where we will spend the next two nights.
Accommodation : Mercure Avignon Gare TGV
Day 7 : Explore Ancient History in Pont du Gard and Avignon Connect with Locals
This morning we visit the impressive Pont du Gard – an ancient Roman aqueduct bridge to cross the river Gardon. It's arches of stone, still standing since the 1st century AD when it was originally built to take water to the Roman settlement of the present day city of Nîmes. Take time in Avignon to explore its impressive Old Town, once the seat of the Papacy. Our orientation of this extraordinary historic city includes views of the imposing Palace of the Popes and the famous ruined bridge straddling the Rhône, which inspired the French song, Sur le Pont d'Avignon.
Accommodation : Mercure Avignon Gare TGV
Day 8 : Travel By High-Speed Train to Paris
The French countryside is your companion as you take the high-speed TGV train through the heart of France, past Auxerre and the vineyards of Burgundy, back to Paris where you’ll have the rest of the afternoon to explore the city on your own or explore Montmartre with a stroll through the 'village' overlooking the city of Paris on an Optional Experience. Later, enjoy market-fresh produce and seasonal cuisine at Maison Plisson celebrating an unforgettable sojourn through France during a Farewell Dinner and MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience that advances Global Goal 12: Responsible Production and Consumption.
Accommodation : Evergreen Laurel
Day 9 : Au Revoir Paris
This morning after breakfast, it's time to bid Paris a fond au revoir as our fascinating journey through France comes to an end.