Let this trip inspire you, so together we can design your own Remarkable Journey.
Walk in the shadows of Napoleon, Edith Piaf, Maurice Chevalier, Louis XIV, Marie Antoinette, Claude Monet, Ernest Hemingway, Pablo Picasso or the U.S. 4th Infantry Division. Their lives may have passed into history, but their spirit, passion and treasures have survived in the art, literature, music and architecture that has become the heart of France.
- Cruise the charming Burgundy countryside on an elegant barge, stopping at your leisure to sample the local wines.
- Bike through chateaus and castles of the Loire Valley.
- Wander through Monet’s gardens in Giverny.
- Tour the famous D-Day beaches and cemeteries of Normandy.
- Explore the art, food, and spirit of Paris.
- Explore the lavender fields of Provence.
Trip Itinerary
Day 1
Paris, France
Welcome to Paris! Upon arrival at the airport you will be met for a private transfer to your hotel. You may choose to stay on the Left Bank, near the Luxembourg Gardens, or perhaps you will prefer the bustle of the Champs Elysees. Either way, you will have the remainder of your day to begin your exploration of this spectacular city.
Day 2
Paris, France
Get an introduction to Paris with a half-day tour of the city. See the famous landmarks that include the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Arc de Triomphe.
As an alternative, consider seeing the city with a bike tour of Paris. This active and unique way to see the cities grand monuments reveals them in a way that many travelers do not get to experience.
Day 3
Paris, France
Enjoy a leisurely morning in a Parisian bistro and rest your eyes for a visit to the Louvre, considered by many to be the world’s finest museum. Your guided tour will help you navigate prominent works such as Venus de Milo, the Winged Victory of Samothrace, and the Mona Lisa.
For an additional museum experience, we recommend the Musée d’Orsay for the many works of French Impressionism that are housed in an elegant former train station.
Day 4
Paris, France
Visit Europe’s most glamorous palace, Versailles. Your private guide will lead you through the most beautiful rooms—the State Apartments, the Hall of Mirrors, the Queen’s private Apartments—as well as the extensive royal gardens.
For your final night in Paris, cruise the River Seine where you will marvel at the Parisian architecture, all while enjoying a four course gourmet dinner accompanied by live classical music.
Day 5
Avignon, France
Depart Paris and take the high speed train to Provence, to the town of Avignon. On arrival in Avignon, you will be met for a private transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the evening will be at your leisure.
Day 6
Avignon, France
Experience an introduction to Avignon with a private walking tour of the city. Visit the Palais des Papes, which in the 14th century was the capital of Christendom and home of popes during the Babylonian Captivity. Use the remainder of the day to explore the many interesting towns and tiny villages in the area surrounding Avignon.
Day 7
Avignon, France
With a guide or on your own, explore the countryside of Provence with its famed purple lavender fields, craggy olive trees, famous vineyards, cliffs, gorges and ancient villages. Wine enthusiasts will want to arrange a tour of some of the vineyards of the Clos des Pape.
Day 8
Nice, France
Depart Avignon for the sun-drenched French Riviera and the high-end resorts of Nice. Use the next few days in this ancient seaside town to soak up the Mediterranean sun and venture out to other charming towns of the Cote d’Azur, such as Eze and Monte Carlo. Consider taking a cooking class to learn some of the distinctive regional specialties such as bouillabaisse, ratatouille, and salad Niçoise.
Day 9
Nice, France
It’s easy to get around in Nice, with most places no more than a 10-minute walk from the sea-front Promenade des Anglais. Take a day off from touring and enjoy one of the many famous private or public beaches of Nice. To get away from the crowds, we recommend Castel Plague, located at the end of the promenade under the Parc du Chateau.
Day 10
Nice, France
Spend a final day in France exploring the sea-side towns of the Cote d’Azur. On your own or with a guide, visit elegant Cannes famous for its internationally renowned film festival and the Forville Market ripe with sights and smells of fresh fruit, cheese, olives, and an assortment of freshly-caught fish. Don’t miss the feudal countryside hamlets of Eze and La Turbie with quaint cobblestone alleys and spectacular views overlooking the azure sea.
Day 11
Departure
You will be picked up at your hotel for a transfer to the Nice Airport and your return flight to your home city.
Browse our 12 Remarkable Journeys
Our favorite trips across the globe.
Let these trips inspire you, so together we can design your own Remarkable Journey.
