Paris and Provence

You are greeted upon arrival and transferred to your hotel. Your day is free to rest or explore this lively French capital.

Today you have a free day to discover the treasures of the Louvre and the trendy boutiques on the Champs-Elysees or consider joining an optional tour to Champagne or the Normandy Landing Beaches. (B)

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the station to board your train for a scenic train ride through the countryside to Aix en Provence. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel for your overnight stay. (B)

Today join a small group tour of Calanques, Cassis and Bandol. Start your day with the discovery of the Calanques on a cruise. Worldwide famous, the Calanques are totally breathtaking. You will be impressed by the contrast between the blinding white cliffs and the numerous shades of blue, from the lightest turquoise to deep navy blue. Continue to Cassis. This lovely and typical Provençal harbor was known for its coral trade during the Roman period. Enjoy a guided tour and wine tasting at a local domain before having lunch at a typical restaurant. In the afternoon, proceed to Bandol. The Bandol AOC covers 8 villages representing around 1,500 hectares on silicon & limestone soils. Thanks to warm weather and wind, red Bandol wines are characterized by the intensity of their colors, the density of tannins as well as their spicy flavor. Enjoy an olive oil and wine tasting before returning to Aix en Provence. (B,L)

Today join a small group tour of Luberon Villages. Start your tour with a visit of Roussillon, beguiling visitors thanks to its vivid colors. Sculpted by storms, this former ochre deposit presents an enchanting scenery. Continue to Gordes. Known as one of the most beautiful villages in France, Gordes is absolutely captivating. The village is built on hill sides and coronated by a brightly colored church. You will enjoy crossing the village, full of typical Provencal houses, made with calcareous stone and covered by terracotta tiles. a guided tour and wine tasting at a local domain before having lunch at a typical restaurant. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided tour and tasting of artisanal candies from Provence, called Calissons d'Aix. (B,L)

Today join a small group tour of Avignon and the Alpilles National Park. Start your tour with a visit of Avignon. Avignon was the capital of Christendom during the XIVth century. The historic city center is listed as a UNESCO world heritage site. Admire the full length ramparts, the famous St-Bénézet bridge (also known as the Pont d'Avignon) and above all, the biggest gothic palace in the world: the Pope's Palace. Enjoy a wine tasting lunch before continuing to the Alpilles National Park. The park, comprised of rocky mountains with olive tree groves and vineyards, is punctuated by quaint lovely villages such as Saint Rémy de Provence and les Baux de Provence. This is Van Gogh’s Provence, with wild Iris, sunflower and lavender fields, olive oil and local honey. You will be amazed by the postcard landscape. Proceed with a guided tour of the Pont du Gard, one of the most impressive Roman relics conserved in France. This three-level bridge was in charge of bringing water from Uzès to Nîmes, during the Roman period. At 157 ft high and 900 ft long, it is still the biggest aqueduct in Europe. It was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage in 1985. Enjoy a guided tour of a traditional soap factory before returning to Aix en Provence. (B,L)

After breakfast, make your own way to the train station of Aix en Provence. (B)