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Premium Best of France

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Premium Best of France

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Description

Are the jewels of France calling your name? On this 10-day Premium adventure, you’ll journey through the best of Europe’s star child, known for romance, beauty, food, coffee, wine and art. Starting in Paris, the City of Lights, you’ll head to popular wine region Burgundy, staying in Dijon (popular for its delicious mustard, as well as wine and gingerbread). Go on a wine tasting, watch how pain d’epices is made and enjoy plenty of free time to enjoy an aperitif and people-watch. Then, you’ll head towards the Rhone River to your Feature Stay in Avignon – 16th century luxury hotel La Magnaneraie. Swim in the onsite pool, enjoy the sweeping views of green plains and learn how to play pétanque. Take day trips to the Pont du Gard, St Tropez and Sain Jean Cap Ferrat for glittering coastal views and Roman architecture and then end it all in seaside Nice for a super nice way to end the perfect holiday.

Trip Name
Premium Best of France
Last Updated
2024-04-29
Days
10
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • Enjoy time in Provence in the South of France, where you’ll visit quaint villages, learn to play the popular sport petanque, wander local markets and take part in a cooking class in Aix en Provence.
  • Take a half - day trip to Burgundy’s wine region for an Exclusive Experience. Head to a local winery to taste popular wines local to this region – maybe Pinot Noir or Chardonnay.
  • Wake up to vast green plains, 16th-century architecture and a heated swimming pool during your Avignon Feature Stay – Hotel la Magnaneraie – home to some unique history, delicious dining options and plenty of perfect spots to watch the sunset.
  • Take a market visit and hands on cooking class in Aix-en-Provence – an Exclusive Experience - where you’ll learn authentic recipes using local ingredients, before sitting down to enjoy the fruits of your labor.
  • Visit the gorgeous seaside St Tropez and find out why this place inspired so many artists and musicians over the years – then enjoy some leisurely free time to wander at your own pace.
  • Visit Saint Jean Cap Ferrat – this coastal region along the Cote d’Azur is home to one of the Rothschild villas (which you’ll get to wander around during your visit) and is the second most expensive residential area in the world after Monaco.
  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Eden Reforestation Projects. Donations help them provide local employment opportunities and tackle climate change one tree at a time as they restore forests across 10 different countries.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk. MUSEUM VISITS & OPENING TIMES Many sites, attractions and museums are closed on Mondays (and sometimes Tuesdays). We recommend checking the opening times of anywhere you're interested to visit and making reservations where required/possible.

Day 1 - Paris
Bonjour! Welcome to Paris. Your adventure will begin with a complimentary arrival transfer from the airport to your hotel. Tonight, you’ll have a welcome meeting at 5 pm to meet your group members and trip leader. If you arrive early in the City of Lights, there’s plenty to see and do – maybe take the opportunity to walk up to the top of the Eiffel Tower or admire it from its base with a picnic lunch of local breads, cheeses, meats and fruit. After your meeting, you’ll head out on a city food tour with your leader and fellow travellers in St Germain des Pres – this village-like district of Paris is on the left bank and boasts beautiful boutiques, historical monuments and romantic restaurants. Try some local cuisines like beef bourguignon and Parisian crepes. Then, maybe head out for a wine or a ‘real’ glass of champagne to toast your coming adventure through France.
Day 2 - Dijon
After breakfast at your hotel this morning, you’ll take the train to Dijon – the capital of the historical Burgundy region in eastern France and one of the country’s principal wine-making areas. Known for its namesake mustard and vineyards, the city also has gorgeous architecture of Art Deco and Gothic varieties. Enjoy some free time for lunch and a self-paced wander when you arrive, and then head out on an orientation walk with your leader, who will have all the insider knowledge. Then, you’ll visit the La Fabrique de Pain d’epices Mulot & Petitjean to learn the history of Dijon’s famous gingerbread (pain d’epices). Enjoy a tasting at the end of the tour, and then tonight, you’re free to hit the streets, indulge in a couple of drinks or explore the city by night.
Day 3 - Dijon
This morning, you’ll go on a half day tour of Burgundy – famous for its Burgundy, pinot noir, Chablis, Beaujolais and chardonnay wines. Tour this gorgeous region with your local leader, taking in the vast greens of the landscape, and then head to a local winery for a wine tasting of the local favourites, followed by a delicious group lunch where you might find delicacies like terrine de canard and coq au vin. Tonight, return to Dijon and enjoy a free night for some rest and relaxation.
Day 4 - Avignon
Today, you’ll take a taxi to the train station to board your first-class train to Avignon – set on the Rhone River, Avignon was the seat to the Catholic pope from 1309 to 1377. When you arrive, you’ll take a private transfer to your Feature Stay hotel – La Magnaneraie. Sitting right on the bank of the river, this hotel boasts a heated swimming pool, tranquil gardens and gorgeous views of Villeneuve les Avignon. A former country house from the 16th century, this hotel was first a wine estate and is now a luxury hotel offering tradition and modernity, cosy interiors and two bicentennial plane trees. Enjoy some free time this afternoon to unwind, go for a swim and refresh before heading outside to learn how to play the popular sport – petanque (a boules sport akin to bocce). After the game, enjoy a pastis (an aniseed-flavoured spirit and popular aperitif) tasting and maybe watch the sunset.
Day 5 - Avignon
This morning is yours to enjoy however you please. Perhaps, have a lie in before enjoying a slow breakfast at your Feature Stay hotel, then take a stroll through the gardens and relax by the pool. Alternatively, take a 30-minute taxi to the Pont du Gard, a magnificent aqueduct bridge which spans the Gardon River and is a marvel of Roman engineering. You can walk across the bridge to enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes, visit the site’s museum for an insight into its history and cool off in the river at one of the designated swimming areas. In the afternoon, you’ll head back to Avignon for a visit to the Palace of the Popes and the Bridge of Avignon. Tonight, unwind at your Feature Stay, go for a swim or grab a drink and watch the sun go down.
Day 6 - Aix-en-Provence
Have some breakfast this morning and say goodbye to your Feature Stay. Today, you’re headed for Les Baux de Provence (commonly referred to as Baux) – a gorgeous commune and part of the Cote d’Azur region of southern France in the Alpillies mountains. When you arrive, you’ll head out on an orientation walk with your leader and admire the ruined castle located at the top of the rocky outcrop, overlooking the surrounding plains. Wander through the medieval-like village and take in the stunning views before enjoying some free time for lunch and further exploration of your own.Tonight, head to your accommodation in the trendy, university city of Aix en Provence, where you’re free for dinner.
Day 7 - Aix-en-Provence
Wake up in Aix and after a leisurely breakfast you’ll head to the local market for a guided tour before heading to a local cooking class. Discover the soul of Provence through a hands-on cooking class in Aix-en-Provence. Learn authentic recipes using fresh, local ingredients while immersed in the delightful ambiance of a traditional kitchen. Master Provencal culinary secrets, creating and savoring iconic dishes amidst a convivial atmosphere. The rest of the day is free to spend how you wish. Maybe wander the city’s yellow buildings at your own pace, finding quaint shops and romantic nooks perfect for people-watching. Have a coffee or a cocktail and maybe even head to Cezanne’s studio to see where this former painter lived and works.
Day 8 - Nice
Take a private transfer to St Tropez this morning – the popular coastal town on the French Riviera that has been popular with artists for generations. When you arrive, head out on a leader-led walking tour along the coast and through the charming town centre, dotted with orange roofs and palm trees and backdropped by glittering ocean. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon wandering this gorgeous town at your own pace, find the perfect spot for some lunch and a midday drink, and then carry on further to Nice, where you’ll spend the night. This capital of the Alpes-Maritimes sits on the French Riviera, on the pebbly shores of the Baie des Anges. There are plenty of amazing restaurants here, so just ask your leader for the best places with the best nighttime views!
Day 9 - Nice
After breakfast, head out on an orientation walk through Nice’s colourful architecture and palm-lined coasts. Find the perfect lunch spot for a spot of people-watching, a coffee or an aperitif – your leader will have all the best recommendations, as always – and then take an afternoon trip to Saint Jean Cap Ferrat – this picturesque coastal region along the Cote d’Azur is the second most expensive residential location in the world after Monaco. Visit Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild when you arrive – the luxurious seaside villa was built between 1907 and 1912 by the baroness Beatrice Rothschild, member of the famed Rothschild family. Enjoy a coffee in the tearoom, wander the lush interiors and then enjoy some free time to explore this stunning region at your own pace. Tonight, head back to Nice and sit down with your group for a special farewell dinner at a local restaurant, cheers-ing to a trip well-travelled and tucking into some typical Nice dishes, like pissaladiere and ratatouille.
Day 10 - Nice
With no more activities planned after breakfast, your trip comes to an end. If you’d like to extend your stay in the South of France, just speak to your booking agent.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
27-05-202405-06-2024AUD $ 6,996-
16-09-202425-09-2024AUD $ 9,995-
14-10-202423-10-2024AUD $ 9,995-
28-04-202507-05-2025AUD $ 10,745-
19-05-202528-05-2025AUD $ 10,745-
16-06-202525-06-2025AUD $ 11,175-
21-07-202530-07-2025AUD $ 10,745-
25-08-202503-09-2025AUD $ 11,175-
08-09-202517-09-2025AUD $ 11,175-
22-09-202501-10-2025AUD $ 11,175-
06-10-202515-10-2025AUD $ 10,745-

Accommodation

Hotel (7 nights),Feature Stay (2 Nights)

Transport

Private Vehicle,Train,Public Transit

Map

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