Tour Includes
About the Trip
You'll walk the papal city of Avignon, browse the markets of Aix-en-Provence, wander the perched stone villages of the Luberon, and follow the coast to Nice, Monaco and Eze. Roman ruins, ochre cliffs, seafront promenades and Provencal feasts fill the days.
With characterful hotels and guided touring, it is the south of France exactly as it should be — unhurried, beautiful and delicious.
Trip Highlights
- The papal palace and ramparts of Avignon
- Elegant Aix-en-Provence and its markets
- The perched villages and ochre cliffs of the Luberon
- The Roman aqueduct of the Pont du Gard
- The seafront and old town of Nice
- Glamorous Monaco and the perched village of Eze
- Seven nights across Provence and the Riviera
- Daily breakfast, a Provencal dinner and a Riviera seafront dinner
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 8-day journey.
Arrive and transfer to Avignon, the medieval city of the popes. Settle in and enjoy a welcome Provencal dinner of local flavours.
Tour the vast Palais des Papes and the famous bridge of Avignon, then the astonishing Roman aqueduct of the Pont du Gard, honey-gold above the river.
A day among the perched stone villages of the Luberon — Gordes clinging to its cliff, the ochre quarries of Roussillon and lavender country (in bloom June to July).
Explore graceful Aix-en-Provence and its market-lined boulevards, then travel to the Cote d'Azur and Nice, settling in along the seafront.
A Riviera day tour to the perched village of Eze, the principality of Monaco and Monte Carlo's harbour and casino square.
Discover the old town and markets of Nice, with a seafront dinner tonight and time to enjoy the promenade and pebble beaches.
A free day on the Cote d'Azur — chic Cannes, arty Antibes or the beaches of Nice, at your own pace.
A final Mediterranean breakfast before your transfer to Nice airport.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- Private arrival and departure transfers
- 3 nights in Avignon (Provence) and 4 nights in Nice (Riviera)
- Daily breakfast, a welcome Provencal dinner and a Riviera seafront dinner
- A guided Avignon tour with the Palais des Papes
- A Luberon villages day and the Pont du Gard
- A visit to Aix-en-Provence
- A Riviera day tour to Monaco, Monte Carlo and Eze
- Local guides and a comfortable touring vehicle
Exclusions
- International airfare to and from France
- Schengen visa or ETIAS fees
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- City tourist tax (taxe de sejour), payable at your hotels
- Optional excursions, experiences and upgrades
- Personal expenses, tips and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa: Non-EU visitors generally need a Schengen visa, and many visa-exempt nationalities will need the EU's ETIAS travel authorisation. Your passport should be valid at least three months beyond your stay — we can point you in the right direction
- Language: French is the language, and a warm bonjour and merci go a long way. English is widely understood in hotels and tourist areas
- Currency: The currency is the euro. Cards are accepted almost everywhere; carry a little cash for markets, small cafes and tips
- Tipping: Service is included by law, so tipping is not expected. Rounding up or leaving small change for good service is a kind gesture
- Best seasons: France is wonderful year-round. Spring and early autumn are ideal for touring, summer is warm and lively, and Provence and the Riviera shine from May to September
- Etiquette: Dress a little smartly for dinner, and cover shoulders and knees inside churches. A greeting when entering shops is always appreciated
- Getting around: France's TGV high-speed trains connect cities beautifully, and some legs of your tour may travel by comfortable, scenic rail
- Meal times: Lunch runs roughly noon to 2pm and dinner from about 7:30pm. Many kitchens close between services, so we time meals to suit
- Museum closures: Many museums close one day a week — the Louvre on Tuesdays, Versailles on Mondays — and your itinerary is arranged around this
- Safety: France is safe, but as in any big city keep an eye on your belongings on the Paris metro and at busy attractions
Frequently Asked Questions
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included throughout, along with a welcome dinner and the specific lunches and dinners named in the itinerary, such as a wine-country lunch or a Riviera dinner. Other meals are left free so you can enjoy France's superb restaurants and cafes.
Are transfers and touring arranged?
Yes — your sightseeing, transfers and day tours are arranged with local guides, so there are no logistics to worry about.
Do I need a visa for France?
Most non-EU visitors need a Schengen visa or the ETIAS authorisation. We can guide you to the right one for your nationality.
When is the best time to visit?
Spring (April-June) and early autumn (September-October) are ideal for touring, with mild weather and fewer crowds. Provence and the Riviera are at their best from May to September.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. Durations, hotels and experiences can all be tailored, and we can extend your stay or combine regions. Just tell us what you have in mind.
How do we travel between cities?
Depending on the route, you travel by comfortable private vehicle or by France's excellent TGV high-speed trains, all arranged for you.
When does the lavender bloom?
Provence's lavender is usually in full bloom from mid-June to mid-July, especially on the Valensole plateau and around Sault. The villages are beautiful year-round regardless.
Is this a relaxed or busy pace?
It is relaxed, with three-night and four-night bases so you settle in rather than pack daily, and plenty of time for markets, cafes and the coast.
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