Essence of France Paris, Provence & the French Riviera

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  Overnight Flight

  Allons-y! Ignite the senses on a journey to romantic Paris, colorful Provence, and the sparkling French Riviera. Mouthwatering cuisine, stunning views, art, and history create a trip that shows you the true essence of France.
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  Paris, France

  Arrive in Paris, the brilliant capital of France. A three-night stay in the “City of Light” showcases its vibrant atmosphere, cuisine, and history. Meet your fellow explorers this evening over dinner as you toast “santé” to the beginning of a grand adventure.

  • Meals Included:
  • Dinner
  Accommodations:  Courtyard Marriott Paris Gare de Lyon Hotel
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  3

  Paris - Île de la Cité - Seine River Cruise

  Do as the locals do when you step aboard Le Métro – your main mode of transportation while in Paris. As you learn to navigate the city with your Tour Manager, embrace the freedom to set off later as you wish. The first stop is the hip and historic district of Le Marais. Join a local foodie and venture to the neighborhood’s beloved venues, getting a taste of the cozy shops and Parisian flavors before pausing at a local bistro for a glass of wine and the plat du jour. In the early afternoon, walk down to Île de la Cité and take in the progress of restoration efforts of Notre Dame Cathedral. Later, glide along the banks of the Seine (UNESCO) on a river cruise, admiring the Eiffel Tower and the city’s famous bridges. Spend the evening as you please.

  • Meals Included:
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  Accommodations:  Courtyard Marriott Paris Gare de Lyon Hotel
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  4

  Paris

  The day is totally yours, so experience Paris at your own pace today. Perhaps you’ll venture to bohemian Montmartre, pausing to observe modern artists at work in Place du Tertre. Or maybe you’ll stroll along the grand Champs-Élysées or venture to the Louvre Museum.* You may want to experience Paris’ nightlife during an optional dinner at the dynamic Paradis Latin** cabaret show, featuring champagne, can-can dancers, and endless excitement.

  • Meals Included:
  • Breakfast
  Accommodations:  Courtyard Marriott Paris Gare de Lyon Hotel
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  5

  Paris - High-Speed Train to Marseilles - Aix-en-Provence

  Au revoir, Paris! Grab your bags and let a TGV*** – France’s high-speed train – whisk you away to colorful Provence. Arrive in Marseille in the early afternoon. Get a quick look at France’s oldest city before transferring to Aix, your home for the next four nights. This evening, savor the flavors of Provence during a tasting dinner in a local restaurant.

  • Meals Included:
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
  Accommodations:  Grand Hotel Roi René
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  Aix-en-Provence - Provençal Countryside - Aix-en-Provence

  Embark on a memorable epicurean adventure with a captivating truffle demonstration! Join a local chef and their trained, truffle-sniffing dogs in the charming setting of the farmer’s garden, offering an intimate and exclusive look at the art of truffle hunting. Beforehand, visit a goat farm nestled among rich landscapes that inspired van Gogh, Picasso, and Renoir to learn the secrets of regional cheese production and sample the results. Then savor a lunch featuring freshly prepared Provençal specialties whipped up by your chef. Back in Aix, the balance of the afternoon is yours. Perhaps you’ll take a stroll along Le Cours Mirabeau. This tree-lined, pedestrianized avenue is dotted by fountains and cafés cherished by locals and visitors alike.

  • Meals Included:
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  Accommodations:  Grand Hotel Roi René
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  Aix-en-Provence - Cassis - Aix-en-Provence

  Journey to the fishing village of Cassis. Sheltered by the Calanques National Park on one side and the mighty Cap Canaille on the other, Cassis charms with its multicolored houses and array of small fishing boats, yachts and sailboats quietly bobbing in its harbor. Then, explore the National Park’s coves and inlets by land or sea because it’s your choice! Relax on a scenic cruise for views of the towering cliffs -OR- challenge yourself on a hike**** through the Mediterranean shrub to view the rugged landscape from above. No matter your choice, once back in Cassis make the most of your free time, perhaps tasting a traditional bouillabaisse fish stew before returning to Aix in the mid-afternoon.

  • Meals Included:
  • Breakfast
  Accommodations:  Grand Hotel Roi René
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  8

  Aix-en-Provence

  The day is yours to explore Aix-en-Provence at leisure. Perhaps you’ll visit the atelier (artist's studio) of Aix’s most renowned citizen, Paul Cézanne, frozen in time since the painter’s death in 1906. Or you may choose a full-day optional tour exploring the historic village of Saint-Rémy, with its bustling weekly market and the cobbled streets of Les Baux-de-Provence, a picture-perfect hilltop village. Before returning to Aix, experience an impressive multimedia presentation at the Carrières de Lumières. Making use of a former quarry, iconic works of art are projected onto the surrounding rock, accompanied by stirring music.

  • Meals Included:
  • Breakfast
  Accommodations:  Grand Hotel Roi René
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  Aix-en-Provence - Grasse - Nice

  This morning, traverse southern France en route to the French Riviera. Pause in Grasse to learn the secrets of perfume making during a hands-on workshop led by an expert perfumer, affectionately referred to as nez (nose). Arrive in Nice in the late afternoon and settle in for a three-night stay in the leading resort town of the Côte d'Azur. This evening taste Mediterranean-inspired French cuisine during dinner at a local restaurant.

  • Meals Included:
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
  Accommodations:  Hotel Massena
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  10

  Nice - Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat - Villa Rothschild

  Head to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, the crown jewel of the French Riviera, and visit the impressive Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild. Uncover the lush gardens replete with lovely views of the Mediterranean Sea. Your visit to the villa is complete with a celebratory lunch served in the villa’s charming tearoom.

  • Meals Included:
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  Accommodations:  Hotel Massena
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  11

  Nice - Saint Paul de Vence - Nice

  This morning, discover Nice’s famed flower market and be enchanted by the brightly colored blooms before journeying to historic Saint Paul de Vence, situated atop a hill overlooking the beautiful countryside. Explore this charming walled medieval village, soaking in its distinctive light, said to have inspired artists such as Matisse and poet Jacques Prévert. Back in Nice this afternoon, bask in the sunshine at a local café or perhaps take in an artist’s perspective at the Chagall National Museum. Gaze over the Bay of Villefranche as you compare notes and experiences with fellow travelers as you say au revoir to the magic of France.

  • Meals Included:
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
  Accommodations:  Hotel Massena
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  Nice - Tour Ends

  Your tour comes to a close today, leaving you with many fond memories of the essence of France.

  • Meals Included:
  • Breakfast

Optional Activities:

• Showtime in Paris!

  Location: Paris
  Price: $225.00 per person

  
  Join us for an unforgettable evening at one of Paris's most cherished venues, the renowned Paradis Latin. Nestled in a historic building linked to Napoleon and masterfully reconstructed by Gustav Eiffel, this iconic cabaret has been enchanting audiences since 1889. Indulge in a lavish dinner accompanied by fine wine, followed by a sparkling celebration with champagne as the dazzling show begins! Duration approximately 5 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 5 passenger(s) is required to operate this option. As a typical Parisian cabaret, the show does contain some tasteful nudity and may be considered unsuitable for children. If less than 10 travelers pick this option, it can be operated using a taxi as transport.

• Best of Provence

  Location: Aix-en-Provence
  Price: $60.00 per person

  
  Whatever your image of Provence is – quaint villages, rolling fields, silvery olive groves – experience the best this region has to offer on a full day tour. Start your morning in the historic village of Saint-Rémy and immerse yourself in its bustling weekly market. Meander the cobbled streets of Les Baux-de-Provence, a picture perfect hilltop village. Before returning to Aix, experience one of the world’s most impressive multimedia presentations: the Carrières de Lumières. Making use of a former quarry, iconic works of art are projected onto the surrounding rock, accompanied by stirring music. Duration approximately 9 hour(s). Transportation is included. Due to vendor closure during the month of February, you will visit the Castle of Les Baux-de-Provence instead of the Carrières de Lumières audio-visual show.

Tour Extensions:

Pre-tour Hotel

• Courtyard Marriott Paris Gare de Lyon

  Price: $280.00 per person

Post-tour Hotel

• Hotel Massena

  Price: $130.00 per person

Tour extensions are 1-night in length, unless noted otherwise.