France: Paris, Provence & the French Riviera

The Trip

Experience the many personalities of one of Europe’s biggest and best countries, on this 10-day Designed Trip to Paris, Aix-en-Provence and either Nice or Antibes. Your French adventure begins in the city of lights, Paris, oozing romance, packed with history, and haute cuisine. You’ll stroll down cafe-lined sidewalks with a local, ascend to the tip top of the Eiffel Tower, eat your way through the painters district of Montmartre, marvel at the Mona Lisa and cruise the Seine before hopping on the high-speed train south. One of the quintessential towns of Provence, Aix-en-Provence brings all the French countryside vibes, with small squares, baroque chateaus, colorful markets, quaint villages, incredible wine, and depending on the season, bright purple lavender fields. Your final destination will take you to the French Riviera and the rocky shoreline of the Mediterranean Sea. Choose between the world-famous coastal city of Nice and the quaint seaside town of Antibes. In Nice, you’ll hop on a small boat to Monaco, stroll along the Promenade des Anglais, fill your belly with Nicoise cuisine, and bask in the sun on pebble beaches. If a smaller town is more your speed, Antibes offers narrow cobbled streets, beautiful beaches, a coastal boat ride, quaint Provençal restaurants and local markets to explore. This quintessentially French Designed Trip expertly combines our personal knowledge with local experiences and not-to-miss sights. By the time you step on the plane, you’ll be an expert in embracing the joie de vivre!

The Details

Price:

From $3,457 per person

Duration:

9 nights, 10 days

Inclusions:

Highly-rated boutique hotels
Transportation within France
Small-group experiences
Curated destination mini-guide
Trip preparation & support

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The Itinerary

Paris

Day 1: Welcome to Paris! Oozing romance, with fashionable Parisians lounging at sidewalk cafes, boulangeries serving up warm croissants, and manicured flower-lined gardens in each neighborhood, there is absolutely no city in the world like this historic, art-filled, cultural epicenter. Check in to your hotel and get settled before meeting your Parisian guide for a short, private introductory tour from a local’s perspective. Visit key spots such as Shakespeare & Co., Notre Dame Cathedral and Sainte Chapelle before diving into French cuisine - this city is home to some of the world’s best restaurants.
Day 2: After a flakey croissant, you’re off to Montmartre, a neighborhood that was historically home to artists such as Picasso and Dalí, and is now known for street artists, buskers, artisan food shops, and cabaret halls, including the iconic Moulin Rouge. Taste local delicacies including macarons, crêpes, cheeses, French breads and wine with your small group as you learn about the history of this iconic neighborhood. The afternoon is free - you may want to stroll Le Marais, popping into the trendy boutiques or the historic Marche des Enfants Rouges.
Day 3: Rise and shine to a hot café au lait before heading to the the banks of the Seine and hopping on the Batobus, Paris’ river bus, to one of the world’s most impressive museums, the Musée du Louvre. Explore the former palace on your own, taking in unmissable masterpieces such as the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo, or opt for a private guide. After lunch, cruise all the way down to the iconic Eiffel tower. Your pre-booked ticket will take you to the tip top to soak up incredible views of the city while sipping a flute of champagne. The rest of the day is free to explore the neighborhoods, pop into a museum or bring a picnic to Jardin du Luxembourg to watch a local game of pétanque.

Aix-en-Provence

Day 4: Indulge in your final Parisian breakfast before checking out of your hotel and making your way to Paris’ Gare de Lyon to catch your high speed train south. Watch the metropolis of Paris give way to the gorgeous French countryside as you settle in for the journey, arriving in Aix-en-Provence (or just ‘Aix’) in the afternoon. Known for epitomizing life in Provence, with small squares, baroque chateaus, colorful markets with artisan food, and an energized yet relaxed way of life, its residents are pros at l'art de vivre - the art of living. Spend the evening relaxing at your hotel or strolling to a nearby restaurant for dinner at one of the town’s many bistrots.
Day 5: Enjoy a slow morning with a leisurely breakfast before heading into Aix for a little exploration. Be sure to stroll down the Cours Mirabeau, lined with 17th and 18th century mansions, take in the elegant streets of the Mazarin Quarter, or explore the cobbled lanes of the old town, including Place Richelme with its quintessential Provencal market. After lunch, discover some of the best local wines with a small-group tour of the Côtes de Provence wine tour. You’ll visit one of the most prestigious Châteaus that established the region’s reputation for fine wines, touring the vineyard before sitting down to a tasting of eight wines including aromatic whites, dry and fruity rosés, and full-bodied and structured reds.
Day 6: Rise and shine in beautiful Provence. Today, you have choices. Either join a small-group tour of the local towns, or pick up a rental car and explore the region at your own pace. Either way, you’ll visit places like Lourmarin, known as being one of France’s prettiest villages, Bonnieux, and Roussillon, famous for its ochre quarries and rosy cliffs. If the season is right (mid-June to mid-August), wander through the violet planes of the region’s most famous lavender fields, while learning about the plant’s regional history and production. After a day of exploring one of France’s most beautiful regions, enjoy a relaxed evening and a glass of regional vin.

Nice

Day 7: It’s time to say au revoir to Provence and bonjour to the country’s most famous region, the French Riviera, or the Côte d'Azur. After a short train to the Mediterranean city of Nice, check in to your hotel and stroll down the famous Promenade des Anglais, a 3+ mile palm-tree lined coastal walk that defines the city. Originally built by wealthy English aristocrats so they could ‘promenade’ with a view, it’s now packed with joggers, rollerbladers, street performers and ice cream stands. At the water’s edge, sit down to your first Nicoise dinner and watch the sun dip into the Med before turning in for the night.
Day 8: Wake up to a cafe au lait and a perfectly layered buttery croissant. Mid morning, meet your local guide and small group to learn (and taste) the famous cuisine of Provençe. Learn about how this region expertly blends the complexity of French cuisine with the rustic simplicity of Italian cuisine, creating hearty, yet refined dishes. After the tour, you may want to head up (by foot or elevator) to Castle Hill Park for epic views before walking down past the Bellanda Tower, or pop into the Henri Matisse Museum or the Marc Chagall National Museum. In the evening, stroll the area between the port and Place Garibaldi, packed with loads of restaurants and trendy bars.
Day 9: Grab some sunscreen and your swimsuits, and head out for a morning of exploring the famous Côte d'Azur. Meet your captain and small group and cruise all the way down to Monaco, the world’s second smallest city-state. Take a dip in crystal clear waters and explore the coastal grottos and caves before heading back to Nice in the afternoon. The rest of the day is free to do whatever feels right. Relax on the beach, walk along the coastal path from Nice to the nearby town of Villefranche-sur-Mer, or hop on a 20-minute train to Antibes to explore the ancient old town, Fort Carré, the small Picasso Museum housed in an old castle where Picasso once lived, or one of the city’s nice beaches (Plage du Ponteil or Plage de la Salis). In the evening, make your way back to the city and head out to your final dinner in France as the sun goes down.
Day 10: Rise and shine for your final morning in France. Savor your last real-deal French croissant before packing up and meeting a private driver who will take you to the airport for your flight home.

Antibes

Day 7: It’s time to say au revoir to Provence and bonjour to the country’s most famous region, the French Riviera, or the Côte d'Azur. After a short train along the coast arrive in beautiful Antibes, a stunning seaside town enclosed by 16th-century ramparts and the star-shaped Fort Carré. After checking in, wander the winding cobblestone streets, visit the bustling outdoor market, pop into the 5th century cathedral, or walk along the medieval city walls. Dinner can be spent on the warm terrace of a sidewalk cafe.
Day 8: Rise and shine to sunshine and salty air before meeting your local guide for a short walking tour of the historic center. Learn about the rich history of Antibes, visit hidden spots and learn about local traditions as you discover the city center. The afternoon can be spent exploring the quaint artisan stores or strolling the city’s ramparts for unobstructed views of the inspiring Mediterranean.
Day 9: Grab some sunscreen and meet your captain for a short boat trip to explore the famous Côte d'Azur. You’ll cruise in a small, private solar-panel powered catamaran along the stunning coastline, past lavish seafront villages, and marinas filled with both luxury yachts and traditional fishing boats. Back on shore, you may want to visit the local Picasso museum, which is located within the 14th-century Château Grimaldi and houses some of the artist’s most famous and lesser known works from the time he lived in Antibes. Or head to Plage de la Salis to soak up the southern France sunshine, swim and kayak. The choice is yours. After another day of joie de vivre, sit down to a seafood dinner at a romantic restaurant and raise a glass to the last nine days of your French adventure.
Day 10: Rise and shine for your final morning in France. Savor your last real-deal French croissant before packing up and meeting a private driver who will take you to the airport in Nice for your flight home.

Pricing & Inclusions: Nice

Boutique

Paris, 3 hotel nights: Hôtel Jardin de Cluny, Hôtel Louvois, or equivalent
Aix-en-Provence, 3 hotel nights: Maison du Collectionneur, Hôtel Particulier, or equivalent
Nice, 3 hotel nights: Palm Hôtel, Le Riviera Collection, or equivalent, or...
Antibes, 3 hotel nights: Hotel Mas Djoliba, or equivalent
Private Paris airport transfer
Private introduction to Paris with local guide
Small-group food tour of Montmartre
24-hour Batobus passes
Tickets to The Louvre
Top of the Eiffel Tower tickets
High-speed train tickets from Paris to Aix-en-Provence
Half-day group tour of Provençal villages -OR- one-day rental car to explore independently
Half-day Côtes de Provence small group wine tour
High-speed train from Aix-en-Provence to Nice/Antibes
(Nice) Small-group Provençal food tour in Vieux Nice
(Nice) Morning coastal boat tour with a small group
(Antibes) Small-group intro to Antibes tour with a local
(Antibes) Small boat solar boat cruise
Private Nice airport transfer
Curated destination guide
Trip preparation & support

Exclusions

International flights to and from France
Meals & activities not listed
Travel insurance

Boutique Pricing

From $3,457 per person

*Pricing based on double occupancy and may vary depending on travel dates and total number of travelers.

Luxury Boutique

Paris, 3 hotel nights: Hotel Millesime, La Chambre du Marais, or equivalent
Aix-en-Provence, 3 hotel nights: Le Pigonnet, Les Lodges Sainte-Victoire, or equivalent
Nice, 3 hotel nights: Hôtel Petit Palais, Palais Ségurane, or equivalent, or…
Antibes, 3 hotel nights: Le 1932 Hotel, or equivalent
Private Paris airport transfer
Private introduction to Paris with local guide
Small-group food tour of Montmartre
24-hour Batobus passes
Tickets to The Louvre
Top of the Eiffel Tower tickets
First class, high-speed train tickets from Paris to Aix
Half-day group tour of Provençal villages -OR- one-day rental car to explore independently
Half-day Côtes de Provence small group wine tour
First class, high-speed train from Aix to Nice/Antibes
(Nice) Small-group Provençal food tour in Vieux Nice
(Nice) Morning coastal boat tour with a small group
(Antibes) Small-group intro to Antibes tour with a local
(Antibes) Small boat solar boat cruise
Private Nice airport transfer
Curated destination guide
Trip preparation & support

Exclusions

International flights to and from France
Meals & activities not listed
Travel insurance

Luxury Boutique Pricing

From $4,066 per person

*Pricing based on double occupancy and may vary depending on travel dates and total number of travelers.

Luxury

Paris, 3 hotel nights: Le Pavillon de la Reine, Nolinski Paris, or equivalent
Aix-en-Provence, 3 hotel nights: Villa Saint-Ange, Château de la Gaude, or equivalent
Nice, 3 hotel nights: Maison Albar - Le Victoria, Anantara Plaza, or equivalent, or…
Antibes, 3 hotel nights: Cap d'Antibes, or equivalent
Private Paris airport transfer
Private introduction to Paris with local guide
Small-group food tour of Montmartre
24-hour Batobus passes
Tickets to The Louvre
Top of the Eiffel Tower tickets
First class, high-speed train tickets from Paris to Aix
Half-day group tour of Provençal villages -OR- one-day rental car to explore independently
Half-day Côtes de Provence small group wine tour
First class, high-speed train from Aix to Nice/Antibes
(Nice) Small-group Provençal food tour in Vieux Nice
(Nice) Morning coastal boat tour with a small group
(Antibes) Small-group intro to Antibes tour with a local
(Antibes) Small boat solar boat cruise
Private Nice airport transfer
Curated destination guide
Trip preparation & support

Exclusions

International flights to and from France
Meals & activities not listed
Travel insurance

Luxury Pricing

From $5,214 per person

*Pricing based on double occupancy and may vary depending on travel dates and total number of travelers.

Optional upgrades

Dinner cruise along the Seine in Paris
Tickets to Moulin Rouge in Paris
Any of the above tours made private for your group only

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This Designed Trip was developed based on our personal travels, with local contacts, favorite hotels and authentic activities that we've experienced first-hand.
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FAQs

WHAT IS A DESIGNED TRIP?

A Designed Trip is a pre-designed travel plan based on our personal, first-hand travel experiences in each destination. As they are pre-designed, our Designed Trips have been created as a turnkey travel option and can be booked and delivered in as little as one week.

CAN I MAKE ANY CHANGES TO A DESIGNED TRIP?

Absolutely! Pre-designed doesn’t mean there isn’t any flexibility. Whether you want to shorten or lengthen your trip, switch out a destination or change an activity, let us know. If, however, you want a trip built around your specific desires, a Custom Trip might be more appropriate. We can help you decide, so get in touch.

HOW LONG DOES THE PROCESS TAKE?

Once you’ve selected your Designed Trip and chosen between a Boutique, Luxury Boutique or Luxury experience, your trip can be booked and delivered in as little as one week. If you would like to make some changes to your trip, such as including an alternative activity, shortening or lengthening your trip, then this can take a bit longer.

HOW DO I KNOW HOW MUCH MY DESIGNED TRIP WILL COST?

Once you have decided on your Designed Trip, your dates, and any adjustments we will provide a personalized itinerary and pricing for your trip. We have included base pricing on each Designed Trip page to give you an idea as to what the final cost might be, but prices can fluctuate depending on time of year and any personalization. Get in touch and we can help.

If you have any other questions, feel free to check out more FAQs or send us an email.