Overview
Experience the best of Paris’ monuments, museums, and cuisine before you leave the buzz of the city behind and travel to the serene Loire Valley, a region of regal châteaux and historical vineyards. Tour the historical Old Town of Avignon, sample the wines of the Côtes du Rhône wine region, and then unwind on the idyllic coastline of the Cote d’Azur.
Days: 13
Best time to visit: April-June, September-November
Ideal for: Couples
Trip Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrive in Paris
After you settle into your hotel this morning, take advantage of the four different routes of the L’Open hop-on hop-off tour buses that will deliver you to famous landmarks around Paris. Visit the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Arc de Triomphe, and so much more. This is a great way to get familiar with the city, whether you feel like stretching your legs or just enjoying the ride.
Day 3 – Paris Cycling Tour
Experience Paris on a guided bicycle tour along the banks of the Seine; wind your way through history and stop at some of the city’s famous landmarks. Visit local markets, explore the Île de la Cité and Ile St.Louis, stop at iconic parks and museums like Tuileries Gardens and the Louvre, and enjoy tasty treats along the way.
Day 4 – Tour the Louvre
After breakfast, join your private guide for a 3-hour tour of the Louvre. Housing an incredible collection of dynamic works of art spanning the ages, the Louvre is the most visited museum in the world for good reason. After lunch, delve into impressionism at the Musée d’Orsay, or head over to the Eiffel Tower.
Day 5 – Latin Quarter Food Tour
Enjoy a day exploring the culinary delights of the Latin Quarter on a 3-hour walking tour through this storied neighborhood. Stroll through history and get a taste of tradition as you stop at cafés, patisseries, and specialty shops to sample foie gras, artisan cheese, fresh-baked bread, and learn how local goods are produced and incorporated in French cooking. Top the experience off with a glass of delicious regional wine.
Day 6 – Travel to the Loire Valley
Drive to the mystical Loire Valley, an idyllic landscape of elegant châteaux, gardens, and vineyards. A reflection of the ideals of the Age of Enlightenment, the Loire Valley is filled with architectural gems like the castle of Chenonceau, with its impressive arches spanning the Cher River. Or stop in Vouvray, one of the wine producing centers of the region, for a tasting of still and sparkling white wines made from Chenin grapes.
Day 7 – Châteaux & Chinon
Spend today exploring the Loire Valley, visiting sights like the 16th-century Château de Villandry, one of the largest estates of the valley, which houses an art gallery and boasts magnificent terraced gardens. Continue on to Chinon, known for its wine and historic architecture, or visit the fairytale Château et Jardins du Rivau, with its medieval stables and sculpture-filled gardens.
Day 8 – Travel to Provence & Explore Avignon
Drive back to Paris this morning and catch a high-speed train to Avignon. In the afternoon, get acquainted with the city’s highlights and history on a private walking tour. Visit the ancient Pont St-Bénézet, the 14th-century Gothic Palais de Papes—the headquarters of schismatic cardinals who challenged papal authority—and stroll along the cobblestone streets and wooden water-wheels of the Old Town.
Day 9 – Avignon Wine Tour
Delve into the local wine culture on a Discovering Great Wine Tour that will take you through the tranquil countryside to different vineyards to learn about production, and of course, enjoy several tastings. At the southern end of the Côtes du Rhône wine region, you will explore some of its most distinguished districts, and sample its classic wine—characterized by fruity, middleweight flavors based on Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre.
Day 10 – Nice & the Cote d’Azur
This morning, travel by train from Avignon to Nice, a seaside gem of the French Riviera. One of the oldest cities of the Cote d’Azur, founded by the Greeks, this sun-drenched and relaxing city is steeped in history and the artistic legacy of the likes of Alexandre Dumas, Victor Hugo, and François-René de Chateaubriand, the founder of Romanticism in French literature.
Day 11 – Tour Monaco & Monte Carlo
Today, get a glimpse of true luxury on half-day excursion to the independent principality of Monaco, which sits just east of Nice. At its heart lies the gilded district of Monte Carlo, known for its extravagant casino, the Palace of the Prince, and its yacht-filled harbor. Walk through the Old Town, visit the Oceanographic Museum, and peruse the designer shops of Rue Grimaldi and the Galerie Metropole before heading back to Nice.
Day 12 – Relax on the Coast
Enjoy a day relaxing on the beach and sightseeing in Nice, or take a day trip along the coast to the fortified hilltop town of Èze, built in the early Middle Ages to guard against marauding corsairs. Spectacular views and crystalline seas are a guarantee whichever direction you travel along this magical stretch of coast.
Day 13 – Departure
Transfer to the airport and catch your international flight from Nice.
Remarkable Journeys has partnered with Lost World Adventures to create this journey. We partnered with Lost World due to their well-mannered relationships with tour guides, hotellers, airlines, and ground management services in the region. In our opinion, they offer the best value and experience in the region.
What’s next?
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