9 Day France Tour to Paris, Lyon, the French Riviera and Avignon
Combine the glamorous French capital with centuries of history and glorious sunsets on the French Riviera. This favorite French tour delivers it all in just nine days, from strolling around the Pont du Gard to soaking up the sun-kissed charm of St. Tropez and Monaco in France’s glorious south.
Day 1
Bonjour France
Discover romance, sophistication and French joie de vivre in Paris – the launch pad to a memorable journey through the French countryside. Explore the grand boulevards and picturesque avenues of the ‘City of Light’, before meeting your Travel Director and companions for a Welcome Reception. We take to the streets this evening to see some of the city’s most iconic sights, including the Champs-Élysées and Arc de Triomphe, standing in all its glorious splendor for you to admire.
See the Top Sights of Paris
Explore the iconic sights and streets of Paris on an orientation drive this evening.
Day 2
Discover the Delights of Paris
Join a Local Specialist to explore the Latin Quarter, a vibrant student hotspot and home to the Sorbonne University. View the remarkable church of Saint-Sulpice, then soak up the authentic atmosphere and local day-to-day life of the Parisians as you stroll through historic neighborhoods. Spend your evening embracing the pageantry of Paris and perhaps experience a traditional Parisian Cabaret.
Paris City Tour
Join a Local Specialist to discover the hidden squares and secret lanes of Paris.
Day 3
Journey through Burgundy to Lyon
Travel through the picture-perfect Burgundy wine region and stop in its walled regional capital, Beaune – most famous for the colorful geometric-tiled Hôtel-Dieu. We continue to the gastronomic capital of Lyon, where we spend the night. Discover the historic treasures of its well-preserved Old Town or perhaps indulge in delicious Beaujolais flavors in a local bouchon – the choice is yours.
Explore Beaune
Marvel at Beaune’s famous renaissance roofing style during an orientation of this wine capital.
Day 4
Continue to Monaco and the French Riviera
Follow the Rhône Valley south, enjoying some free time in Aix-en-Provence for lunch and perhaps a taste of the sweet flavors of calissons. Continue to the glamorous Principality of Monaco, one of the smallest and wealthiest nations on earth. View the palace, home to the Grimaldi family since the 13th century, and the cathedral where Princess Grace and Prince Rainier were married. Enjoy a delicious Regional Dinner together in Monaco before traveling further along the sun-kissed shores of the French Riviera to our hotel, where we’ll spend the next two nights.
Monaco Orientation
Bask in the stunning views on your Monaco Orientation.
Day 5
The French Riviera Your Way
The sun-kissed shores of the French Riviera are yours to explore today. Consider relaxing on the beach with your fellow sun-worshippers or an Optional Experience could see you visit the hilltop town of Saint-Paul-de-Vence, a popular haunt for actors seeking a relaxing retreat. In your free time, you have the opportunity to soak up the fresh sea air and perhaps indulge in a delicious Salade Niçoise.
Day 6
On to Saint-Tropez and Avignon
We arrive by boat in glitzy Saint-Tropez for a leisurely morning sojourn to soak up our fashionable surrounds. Continue on to the ancient city of Avignon, once the seat of the Papacy, where we will spend the next two nights. Our orientation of this extraordinary historic city includes views of the imposing Palace of the Popes and the famous ruined bridge straddling the Rhône, which inspired the French song, Sur le Pont d’Avignon.
Saint-Tropez Orientation
Soak up the beautiful surroundings on your morning sojourn on your visit to Saint-Tropez.
Avignon Orientation
View the Pont d’Avignon and walk the medieval narrow streets of the Old Town to the Palais des Papes.
Day 7
Explore Ancient History in Pont du Gard and Arles
This morning we visit the impressive Pont du Gard – an ancient Roman aqueduct bridge, still standing since the 1st century AD, before continuing to Western Europe’s largest river delta region – the Camargue. Here we will Connect With Locals for a home cooked Be My Guest lunch of original, regional dishes made with produce from local farmers and markets. After lunch we make our way to Arles to admire its Roman theater and arena – once the site of bloody battles and exhilarating chariot races. Tread in the footsteps of Vincent van Gogh with your Local Specialist, exploring the heritage of this town where he was inspired to produce more than 300 paintings and drawings. Later we make our way back to Avignon to enjoy an evening at leisure.”
Lunch with Patrick at his Home and Enjoy a Traditional Meal from Local Produce
Join Patrick for a Be My Guest Lunch at his home and enjoy a traditional meal from local produce.
See the Ancient Bridges of Pont du Gard
See the ancient Roman bridges of Pont du Gard that cross the Gardon River.
Arles City Tour
Admire the exquisite Romanesque Cathedral and Amphitheater on your city tour of Arles, guided by a Local Specialist.
Day 8
Travel By High-Speed Train to Paris
The French countryside is your companion as you take the high-speed TGV train through the heart of France, past Auxerre and the vineyards of Burgundy, back to Paris where you’ll have the rest of the afternoon to explore the city on your own. This evening, enjoy market-fresh produce and seasonal cuisine at Maison Plisson celebrating an unforgettable sojourn through France during a Farewell Dinner and MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience that advances Global Goal 12: Responsible Production and Consumption.
Celebration dinner at Maison Plisson
Enjoy market fresh produce and seasonal flavors during a Farewell Dinner at Maison Plisson. In this combination grocery store and restaurant, every ingredient is hand-selected based on rigorous criteria to guarantee exceptional flavors and quality. Maison Plisson’s mission is to guarantee healthy and sustainable menus, minimal food waste and to contribute to a growing network of high quality and responsible producers. This experience advances Global Goal 12: Responsible Production and Consumption.
Day 9
Au Revoir Paris
This morning after breakfast, it’s time to bid Paris a fond au revoir as our fascinating journey through France comes to an end.
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