Provence to Paris A French Odyssey

Upon your arrival, we'll take care of your transfer to the hotel, allowing you some free time to relax and settle in. Later in the afternoon, important details regarding the start of your tour will be available on the boards located at the hotel reception. Take this opportunity to adjust to your new surroundings and perhaps explore the local area, preparing for the exciting journey ahead. Please note: This tour may have travellers joining or departing at various points along the route, meaning group composition can change during the tour. Please also be aware that depending on group composition, guiding may be in additional languages as well as English.

Today, we will delve into the splendour of the Côte d'Azur. After breakfast, our exploration begins with a brief panoramic coach tour of Nice, the capital of this glamorous region. We will drive along the renowned Promenade des Anglais, offering captivating coastal vistas, glide past Massena Square—the vibrant heart of Nice—and take in the sights of its enchanting old port. Following our time in Nice, we journey to Sainte-Maxime, a charming seaside town. Here, we will enjoy a leisurely walk through its historic centre and picturesque port, home to the notable 16th-century Square Tower. Our adventure then takes us aboard a scenic boat, crossing the bay to reach Saint-Tropez. This lively town, once a bustling fishing port, is now graced with some of the world’s most luxurious yachts. There will be ample time to explore and savour lunch at your leisure. In the afternoon, we continue to Marseille, France’s second-largest city, where we will discover the vibrant Vieux Port, known for its bustling atmosphere and rich maritime heritage.

Today, we will delve into the charming region of Provence, renowned for its picturesque villages, stunning landscapes, and rich history. Our first stop is the UNESCO World Heritage city of Arles, where you can immerse yourself in its impressive Roman and medieval heritage and perhaps feel the inspiration that so famously influenced the works of Vincent van Gogh. We'll then head to the quaint medieval village of Les Baux, where your visit includes entry to the captivating Carrières de Lumières. This unique experience takes place in ancient quarries and features a remarkable show that blends art, imagery, and sound into a mesmerising performance. Later, we'll enjoy a leisurely lunch and stroll through the historic streets of Avignon, home to the imposing Palais des Papes. Here, you’ll get a true sense of the city’s fascinating past. Our day culminates in the vibrant city of Lyon. We’ll wander its UNESCO-listed old town and take a cable car up to the impressive Notre-Dame de Fourvière, a grand basilica offering sweeping views across the cityscape. Please note that if the Carrières de Lumières show is unavailable, due to either closure or demand, we will instead visit the spectacular Roman aqueduct of Pont du Gard.

Today, we depart from Lyon and make our way to the picturesque Burgundy region. Our first stop is the charming town of Tournus, known for its impressive stone gate and expansive abbey. Next, we travel to Beaune, renowned as the wine capital of Burgundy, where you'll have the opportunity to enjoy lunch and explore. We suggest visiting the wine museum or the historic hospice for a taste of local culture and history. Our journey continues with a visit to Savigny Castle, a 15th-century fortress nestled in this celebrated winemaking region. Here, you can explore fascinating museums featuring motorbikes, racing cars, planes, and helicopters. We then proceed to Dijon, Burgundy's vibrant capital, famous for its bustling streets and remarkable medieval and Renaissance architecture, such as the Palace of the Dukes.

Our day begins as we depart Dijon, making our way to the historic Fontenay Abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We’ll explore this remarkable Cistercian abbey with its serene architecture and fascinating history. Our next stop is the captivating medieval town of Semur-en-Auxois, encircled by impressive ancient walls that have stood the test of time. Continuing our journey through Burgundy, we’ll pause in Vézelay, one of France’s most picturesque villages. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy lunch and take a leisurely walk. Don't miss the grand basilica, a significant site along the Way of St. James, adding a touch of history to your visit. In the afternoon, we’ll proceed to Paris, aiming for an evening arrival in this iconic city, where you can relax and reflect on the day’s rich experiences.

Our day begins with a journey into the heart of French history at the illustrious Palace of Versailles. Although entry is not included, the breathtaking gardens alone are a marvel to explore. Upon returning to Paris, we head to Montmartre, a quaint and lively district famed for its vibrant artistic scene, where painters and cabarets abound. To truly grasp the grandeur of Paris, we will embark on a panoramic city tour under the guidance of a local expert, highlighting the city’s wide, elegant boulevards and renowned landmarks. After the tour, we return to the hotel. In the evening, you may choose to attend an optional variety show for further entertainment.

Today begins with an ascent to the second level of the iconic Eiffel Tower in the heart of Paris, providing you with breathtaking views of the cityscape. Once you have marvelled at this architectural marvel, we’ll embark on a serene cruise along the River Seine, lasting approximately an hour and a quarter. This peaceful journey offers a unique perspective of Paris's landmarks. The afternoon is yours to uncover the city’s secrets at your leisure, providing the perfect opportunity for personal exploration. Please note that transport back to the hotel is not included. If queues are lengthy at the Eiffel Tower, we may rearrange the visit for a more convenient time or opt for Sunday instead.

Following breakfast, our tour concludes, leaving you with a wealth of cherished memories of your time exploring this remarkable region.