Paris, Burgundy & French Riviera
2 nights in Paris, 1 night in Beaune, 3 nights in Aix-en-Provence, 2 nights in Nice
This exquisite 9-day tour is a symphony of experiences, blending the rich tapestry of French culture, history, and gastronomy.
Your adventure begins in the romantic city of Paris, where the magic of the Seine and the grandeur of Notre Dame await to tell their centuries-old tales. As you wander through the charming lanes of the Île de la Cité and the Latin Quarter, each step takes you deeper into the city’s vibrant soul. A Champagne dinner cruise along the Seine offers a sparkling evening under the Parisian skyline, an experience as unforgettable as the city itself.
From the chic boulevards of Paris, you’ll journey to the heart of Burgundy, a region synonymous with fine wine and culinary excellence. Here, in the rolling vineyards of Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune, you’ll discover the secrets of winemaking and indulge in tastings that epitomize the essence of this renowned wine country.
The journey then sweeps south to the French Riviera, a dazzling coastline of azure seas and glamorous towns. Explore the historical and gourmet delights of Aix en Provence, wander through the artistic streets of Arles, and marvel at the medieval charm of Saint-Remy de Provence. Your tour culminates in the glittering principality of Monaco, where luxury and beauty converge against the backdrop of the Mediterranean.
This tour is more than a holiday; it’s an exploration of France’s soul, a journey through its most cherished regions, and an experience that will linger in your heart long after you’ve returned home.
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival
Arrival in Paris. Meet our driver and continue to your hotel. Overnight in Paris.
Day 2 The best of Paris & Champagne Dinner on River Cruise
This Paris walking tour allows you to spend an attraction-filled half-day exploring the old heart of Paris under the guidance of a local expert. You’ll meet your guide in front of the fountain at Place Saint-Michel. From there, your guide will take you to the site of Notre Dame, explaining its fascinating 850 years of history, secrets, and mysteries. See how this historic structure still stands proud after the recent fire and discover the future of this magnificent building. Your Paris walking tour continues in the picturesque lanes of the Île de la Cite and Latin Quarter, where you’ll see iconic structures, like the Conciergerie, and learn about some of the historic personalities that strolled these streets before you. Visit the impressive church of St. Germain l’Auxerrois, built in the 13th century. Return to your hotel.
The afternoon is free for leisure. Overnight in Paris.
Day 3 Transfer to Beaune & Côte de Nuits
Today, meet your driver and transfer to Paris Station to catch the train to Dijon.
Upon your arrival, meet your driver-guide and start the exploration of Côte de Nuits in Burgundy. The Côte de Nuits and Hautes Côtes de Nuits sit between Dijon and the small village of Corgoloin, and the vineyards grow along a thin strip of land that is around 13 miles long and as narrow as 130 meters wide.
Our first stop will be in a domain located in a tiny village between Nuits-Saint-Georges and Beaune, which the same family has owned for more than four generations. You will be introduced to the notion of “terroirs,” which are diverse and distinct in this area. Later you will reach the village of Gevrey – Chambertin, where you will have free time for lunch. Gevrey-Chambertin, one of Burgundy’s most iconic wine appellations, is home to one-third of the thirty-three grands crus of the region. After lunch, you will continue towards the Chateau de Vougeot, a symbol of more than a thousand years of History in Burgundy, even if today they do not produce wines anymore.
Finally, you will stop at Nuits-Saint-Georges, a lively village with a centuries-old history of winemaking, where you will have a commented tasting to comprehend what makes this wine region so unique. Glass in hand, a wine expert will demonstrate how to taste some of the most prominent “terroirs” of Burgundy.
You will arrive late afternoon in Beaune, the region’s capitalnoon. Beaune can be easily explored on foot since the most prominent attractions are within the walls. Reach Place Carnot and the main pedestrian areas are dotted with restaurants, wine bars, and shops.
Overnight in Beaune.
Day 4 Burgundy, Cote De Baune
Start in the morning you wander through the Prestigious Vineyards of the Cote de Nuits: here you will find mainly red wines, and the King of the Grapes is Pinot Noir!
Côte de Beaune is world-renowned for its vineyards that cover 15 miles from north to south facing the morning sun. After an interesting visit, you will have your first tasting at Butter-Golden Meursault, where you will taste great local wines.
Your last stop is Lyon, where you will catch the late afternoon direct train to Aix en Provence and arrive after 1 hour and 35 minutes.
Upon your arrival, transfer to your hotel in Aix en Provence. Overnight in Aix en Provence.
Day 5 Aix En Provence Historical & Gourmet Walks
Take a deep dive into this charming Provencal town’s landmarks and culinary delights.
During this 3-hour tour, your guide will walk you through the delightful historical center of Aix en Provence to explore its main sights and experience the best local cuisine. You will see places like the stunning Saint Sauveur Cathedral and the bustling Place de l’Hôtel de Ville while learning about the regional specialities of this lovely corner of France. You will taste some Calisson, the town’s iconic candies made of sweet melon and almond paste topped with royal icing, and indulge in a delicious toast covered with olive tapenade. Along the way, a stop will be to sample local cheeses accompanied by some of the region’s best wines.
Overnight in Aix en Provence.
Day 6 Arles, Le Baux & Saint-Remy de Provence
Take a day trip to the Alpilles mountains in the footsteps of Vincent Van Gogh.
This full-day excursion will take you through the Crau Plain up to the banks of the Grand Rhône River, where you will visit the ancient city of Arles, which boasts a rich architectural heritage, from a stunning Roman amphitheater to the magnificent Church of Saint Trophime, and is home to Van Gogh’s famous Yellow House. After lunch, the tour will continue to Les Baux, a lovely medieval village with picturesque lanes, a superb stone fortress, and a creative light and sound show about Van Gogh and his Starry Night. The last stop will be the delightful historic village of Saint Rémy de Provence, where the painter spent a year in the mental hospital of Saint Paul de Mausole. Overnight in Aix en Provence.
Day 7 French Riviera
Transfer to Nice by car with an en-route stop in Cannes and Saint Paul de Vence.
Nestled in the hills beyond France’s iconic beaches of Cote d’Azur, Saint-Paul de Vence is an essential sanctuary for art lovers. Recognized as a glorious retreat and source of inspiration for hundreds of artists, including Picasso, Chagall, and Matisse, Today, Saint-Paul de Vence offers a blooming gallery scene, and its pedestrian-only cobblestone roads make it a perfect place to roam. Cannes is the home of a fascinating Film Festival and is renowned worldwide for its incredible beaches, luxurious hotels, chic boutiques, and designer shops. The town shines a sense of glamour and elegance that is hard to find anywhere else. Overnight in Nice.
Day 8 Monaco Eze & La Turbie
Discover Montecarlo, its secrets, and the reason for its fortune. Montecarlo is a part of the collective imagination of everybody born after the fifties. After his wedding to Prince Ranieri, Grace Kelly’s arrival transformed a sleepy town on the Mediterranean coast into a legendary and glamorous set. A temptation for high-rollers and hedonists, it is also famous for being a tax haven and home of a legendary Formula One Grand Prix. Before arriving in Monaco, you will stop at the picturesque village of Eze. Dating from the Middle Ages, Eze was a fort built on a rocky peak for defensive purposes and was dismantled in 1706 by the order of Louis XIV. Moving to Montecarlo, you will enjoy the town view from La Turbie, known as the “Monaco Terrace.” Once in the Principate, you will have time to discover the old town of Monaco on “Le Rocher” (the rock) overlooking the sea and harbor, watch the Changing of the Guard at 11:55, and discover Prince’s Palace, the Palais du Casino, and the beautiful port.
Montecarlo is home to a fantastic Musée Oceanographique, Jardin Exotique, a lush garden sitting above a cliff that looks out over the ocean. Overnight in Nice.
Day 9 – Departure
Private transfer to Nice APT.
