Provence and French Riviera

Flight to Nice

When you arrive in Nice, you will be taken to your accommodation to drop off your luggage. You will then have the leisure to visit Nice at your own pace. Stroll along the Promenade des Anglais, stroll through Old Nice through its narrow streets with its beautiful pastel-colored houses. Browse its many markets including the famous flower market or indulge in idleness on one of the public beaches. Art lovers will also be delighted, in particular by the Chagall and Matisse museums. Meal included: dinner.

Departure by coach for Grasse, the world capital of perfumery. Visit this charming town on foot, losing yourself in its winding alleys and picturesque squares. An excursion to Grasse would not be complete without a visit to the Fragonard Perfumery and the Perfume Museum. Then head to Saint-Paul-de-Vence, one of the most beautiful villages in Provence, standing on its rock and surrounded by ramparts. Its narrow streets, gardens, ancient fountains, plus the breathtaking views from its ramparts delight all visitors and photographers. You can also browse a few artisan workshops, art galleries or Provencal shops. Return to Nice for dinner and a free evening. Take the opportunity to feast on candied fruits or nougats at the famous Confiserie Florian. Meals included: breakfast and dinner.

Take the road towards Monaco, the City of the Princes. From the Old Town to Monte Carlo, smell the Mediterranean air as you walk the streets of the Principality. The Old Town can be discovered through narrow alleys which will lead you to the Place du Palais. The great luxury is deployed in all its splendor in Monte Carlo, with its famous Casino and luxury boutiques. Did you know that the circuit of the Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix follows the narrow and winding streets of the principality? Car racing enthusiasts will therefore be able to walk on the famous circuit. On the return journey, stop at Èze, a charming medieval village perched 429 meters above the sea. Èze offers superb views of the Mediterranean and the surrounding hills. Return to Nice for dinner and a free evening. Meals included: breakfast and dinner.

Get on the road for Cannes and its famous Croisette, lined with great legendary hotels, casinos, luxury boutiques and fine sandy beaches. Take to the open sea towards Île Ste-Marguerite, a place rich in history and a protected natural site. A walk in the pine and eucalyptus forest as well as a visit to Fort Vauban is on the program. Also discover the Museum of the Sea and the prison of the Man in the Iron Mask. If the weather is nice, why not succumb to the charms of the Mediterranean by taking a swim in one of the island’s coves. Meals included: breakfast and dinner.

After breakfast, take the road towards Aix-en-Provence, a university town with shaded avenues and 1000 fountains. Discover this elegant city freely with its lively streets and squares. Do not leave Aix-en-Provence without having tasted a calisson, a typical confectionery of the city. You can also visit a factory of this delicious treat. On the way to Nîmes, make a stop at the citadel of Baux-de-Provence, which includes the Château des Baux-de-Provence and its village, a veritable open-air museum. Meals included: breakfast and dinner.

Nîmes, whose foundation dates back to Antiquity, is recognized for its well-preserved monuments such as the Nîmes arena. Start the day with an excursion south of the city to discover an olive grove. Students will be explained there the cultivation of the olive tree, the manufacture of oil and other derived products. The afternoon is devoted to visiting Nîmes with the “Pass Nîmes Romaine” which gives you access to the arenas, the Maison Carré and the Tour Magne. Take a journey through time as you discover these places steeped in history. Meals included: breakfast and dinner.

A busy day awaits you with a visit to Avignon and Châteauneuf-du-Pape! Start by exploring the Pont du Gard and its museum. This three-level bridge, a vestige of the Gallo-Roman period classified by UNESCO, is one of the most visited ancient monuments in France. Then continue to the famous Pont d´Avignon, probably the most famous in the world thanks to its song sung by children from everywhere. The Palais des Papes is also worth a look. Built in the Middle Ages and both fortress and palace, it is the most important Gothic palace in the world. End this day with a visit to a wine cellar in the very famous Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Return to Nîmes for dinner and the evening. Meals included: breakfast and dinner.

Departure for Marseille, a port city in the south of France and an important commercial hub for hundreds of years. Marseille offers 57 km of coastline, 21 beaches, 111 neighborhoods and 26 creeks. Do not miss to discover these unique geological formations which are in fact large rocky coves forming a narrow recess, entering the land. Also discover the Old Port of Marseille, one of the symbols of the city with its thousands of boats at the quayside. Take advantage of your last moments in France to buy some souvenirs, either in the markets of Marseille or in its many shops in the city center. Meals included: breakfast and dinner.

Return flight home from Marseille