Highlights
- Tour the best of Paris, from the Eiffel Tower to the covered passages
- Enjoy views of the gorgeous Provence countryside on a train trip to Aix
- Walk the ancient streets of Marseille (and the sea cliffs of Calanques)
- Visit the highlights of the French Riviera, from Cannes to Monte Carlo
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Paris, Evening at the Eiffel Tower | Paris |
| Day 2 | Paris Hidden Passageways Tour | Paris |
| Day 3 | Train to Aix, Countryside Wine Tour | Aix-en-Provence |
| Day 4 | Luberon & Lavender Fields Tour | Aix-en-Provence |
| Day 5 | Market Visit, Trip to Calanques & Marseille | Aix-en-Provence |
| Day 6 | Transfer to Cannes via Lunch in Saint-Tropez | Aix-en-Provence |
| Day 7 | Cannes Cinema Tour & Grasse Perfumeries | Cannes |
| Day 8 | Transfer to Nice, Food Tour, Sunset Cruise | Nice |
| Day 9 | Day Trip to Monaco & Monte Carlo | Nice |
| Day 10 | Transfer to Marseille, Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Paris, Evening at the Eiffel Tower
Bienvenue! Welcome to France! This European nation is famous worldwide as a hub of romance, culture, beauty, fashion, and incredible cuisine. And no city better encapsulates all of the above than its sizzling capital of Paris. Your grand 10-day French adventure begins right here, in the City of Lights, with your arrival at the airport.
A driver will be waiting at the terminal to transfer you to your hotel in the city. In the evening, meet a local guide for a tour of the grand "Iron Lady" herself, the Eiffel Tower. Conceived by Gustave Eiffel as a temporary exhibit for the 1889 World's Fair, this 1,050-foot (320 m) Art Nouveau masterpiece has stood the test of time and remains one of the world's great landmarks. A ticket gives you access to the first two floors and elevators to the observation deck. There, you can look out over Paris lit up at night.
Day 2: Paris Hidden Passageways Tour
The highlights of Paris are great, but today you'll see a different side to this enchanting city. Meet your guide in the morning for a tour of Paris' hidden gems with a particular focus on its passages couverts (covered passageways). Dating to the 19th century, these historic arcades and indoor shopping passages are characterized by their elegant glass roofs, mosaic floors, and ornate decorations.
During a two-hour walking tour, your guide will share historical anecdotes of these charming nooks and crannies. By the 1850s, there were approximately 150 covered passages throughout Paris, and you'll visit the ones that stood the test of time. Following the tour, you'll have the rest of the day to explore the city on your own.
Day 3: Train to Aix, Countryside Wine Tour
Say goodbye to Paris because this morning you're off to Provence. One of the most famous regions in the south of France, Provence is known for its boundless natural beauty, ranging from the Southern Alps and the Camargue plains to rolling vineyards, olive groves, and pine forests. During the three-hour, high-speed train journey, you'll be treated to memorable views of these stunning landscapes—keep an eye out for Provence's famous lavender fields!
Your destination is Aix-en-Provence, known locally as "Aix." This historic city has deep roots dating back to its founding during Roman times. Home to ancient Roman baths and hot springs, Aix is also famous for its well-preserved medieval architecture. Upon arrival at the station, a personal driver will pick you up for the transfer to your hotel in the city center.
Later, you'll discover the beautiful culture of Provence on a countryside wine tour. Leave the city in the afternoon with a local guide as you travel a short way east to Sainte-Victoire Mountain. The scenic landscapes around this rocky summit inspired none other than post-impressionist master painter Paul Cézanne, a native of Aix. While here, you'll stop for a tour of the Côtes de Provence Sainte-Victoire vineyards. Located at the foot of the mountain. Enjoy a tasting of some famous wines from this unique terroir, which include grenache, syrah, and cinsault. Afterward, you'll return to Aix.
Day 4: Luberon & Lavender Fields Tour
Of Provence's many highlights, perhaps its most iconic are its famed lavender fields. Typically blooming from June to August, this is one of Mother Nature's grand spectacles. You'll experience it this morning when you leave Aix with a guide and head toward the French Alps and the lavender fields around the Luberon massif. Throughout this day trip, you'll also visit historic rural villages like Gordes.
As you stroll the fields, your expert guide will reveal insight into lavender and how its cultivation helps shape the culture of Provence through the production of essential oils and other products. Also, beyond the gorgeous scenery, a walk in the fields offers other benefits. The type of lavender grown here—angustifolia—is known for its high-quality fragrance that fills the air and entices the senses. At the end of the day, you'll return to Aix.
Day 5: Market Visit, Trip to Calanques & Marseille
Wake up early and beat the crowds to the markets in Aix's historic Old Town. Browse the vendor stalls for local specialties like macaron, calisson, goat cheese, olive oil, honey, and fantastic local wines to take home as gifts and souvenirs. Or shop for clothes in the city's stylish boutiques.
After picking up a few treats, meet your guide/driver for the hourlong drive south of Aix to Cassis. This port town is known for its breathtaking Mediterranean scenery, including dramatic cliffs, clear blue waters, and hidden calanques (inlets). It's also a base for excursions into Calanques National Park—a 200-square-mile (520 sq km) coastal area and UNESCO World Heritage Site running from Cassis to Marseille. While here, you can explore Cassis, hike scenic trails in the park, and kayak along the coast. Also, don't miss the sublime views from Cape Canaille, the highest cliff in Europe at 1,312 feet (400 m).
In the afternoon, continue to Marseille, France's second-largest city (after Paris), and visit its famous Vieux Port. One of the oldest ports in France (it dates back over 2,600 years), here you'll find historical landmarks like the Romano-Byzantine Basilica Notre Dame de la Garde, Saint-Victor Abbey (which dates to the fifth century), and a crypt containing fourth-century marble sarcophagi. Next, you'll have free time to wander around the Panier, the oldest neighborhood of Marseille, and visit museums and other cultural sites. At the end of the day, you'll return to Aix.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 6: Transfer to Cannes via Lunch in Saint-Tropez
Depart Aix in the morning with your driver for the 1.5-hour drive east to Cannes. It's another scenic drive that will take you through the fabulous French Riviera along coastal roads, passing hidden coves and wild Mediterranean beaches.
There will be plenty of stops on the way, starting in the historic (and chic) coastal town of Saint-Tropez. It draws a diverse crowd, from celebrities and beach bums to art collectors and millionaires/billionaires in their super yachts. During a tour, your guide will lead you to hidden gems and secluded beaches before breaking for lunch at the main port, where you'll dine amid lovely Mediterranean views.
Afterward, you'll continue driving along the coast, passing through other picturesque seaside towns like Port-Grimaud and Theoule sur Mer before arriving in Cannes. There, you'll transfer to your hotel and can spend the rest of the day discovering this resort town's fashionable dining scene.
Day 7: Cannes Cinema Tour & Grasse Perfumeries
Ready to walk the red carpet? The annual Cannes Film Festival has been drawing international celebrities and filmmakers since it debuted in 1946. This half-day tour covers the most popular areas of the city that have seen their fair share of stars over the years. This includes a stop at the Palais des Festivals, the main venue for the Cannes Film Festival. Its Walk of Fame is a popular tribute to the film industry, featuring bronze handprints of many famous actors and actresses.
In the afternoon, you'll travel just north of Cannes to Grasse, a charming country village that happens to be the perfume capital of the world. This luxurious legacy dates to the 18th century and is defined by the supreme quality of ingredients used to produce Grasse's famous fragrances. It's an artisanal trade passed down over generations and is revealed in its many perfumeries. You'll learn all about perfume-making on a guided tour, plus visit famous perfumeries and other shops in its charming historic center. Later, you'll return to Cannes.
Day 8: Transfer to Nice, Food Tour, Sunset Cruise
Continue your grand Riviera adventure this morning as you meet your driver for a quick road trip up the coast to Nice. Located near the border with Italy and nicknamed Nissa La Bella (Nice the Beautiful), this historic city is famous for its artistic spirit, grand plazas, and pebble beaches. It's a dynamic place overflowing with the colorful sights and tantalizing smells of local open-air markets. After checking into your hotel, you'll discover Nice's market scene yourself on a food tour.
A local expert guide will lead you on this gastronomic odyssey that will surprise and delight your palate with delicious flavors, both familiar and exotic. This is an off-the-beaten-path adventure that will take you down the narrow streets of Nice's colorful old town, Vieille Ville. All the while, your guide will introduce you to food purveyors and vendors who will treat you like a local while offering up sweet and savory treats as they explain the history of Nice and its gastronomy.
Enjoy some free time in the afternoon before heading out again, this time on a sunset cruise. The coast of the French Riviera is filled with romance and beauty, and the best vantage point to witness it is on the deck of a sailboat. As you sail, enjoy the coastal scenery, radiant in Provençal colors and dotted with quaint fishing villages. Admire the sumptuous villas of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat and the fine sandy beaches of Beaulieu-Sur-Mer. Then, as the sun dips behind the horizon, toast the end of your day with a glass of Champagne and some delectable appetizers.
Day 9: Day Trip to Monaco & Monte Carlo
Hit the road in the morning for a day trip to some other highlights of the Riviera, including the fashionable city-state of Monaco. Leave Nice with your driver/guide for a ride on the Moyenne Corniche, a famous Riviera road packed with spectacular Mediterranean scenery. On the way up the coast to Monaco, you'll stop in the medieval village of Eze. Perched on a rocky outcrop dating back to the Middle Ages, this popular gem is beloved for its cobblestone streets and exotic gardens. Hike up to the historic Château Eza to enjoy fine views over the coast.
Next, head up into the coastal mountains and pass through the village of La Turbie, known as the "Terrace of Monaco," for its panoramic views of the city below. After snapping some photos, you'll head down to Monaco for a tour. The city's old town, Le Rocher, is perched on a rock 196 feet (60 m) above the coast and offers several highlights. While here, you can visit the Prince's Palace, the Neo-Roman Cathedral (where Princess Grace is laid to rest), and the Justice Palace building, which dates to 1924.
Afterward, you can follow the famous Formula One Grand Prix track to the Monte Carlo district and hit the highlights. These include the Casino de Monte-Carlo (designed by renowned architect Charles Garnier), the lavish Gardens Casino, and the Hôtel de Paris, a charming 19th-century hotel inaugurated in 1864. At the end of the afternoon, you'll return to Nice.
Day 10: Transfer to Marseille, Depart
Alas, all good things must come to an end. After one last breakfast on the French Riviera, you'll bid a fond adieu to France as you transfer to the airport in Marseille in time to catch your flight home. Safe travels!
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