FIRST THINGS FIRST: Consider our Flight and Early Arrival Options
Your flight to Nice, France should land on Day 1 of the itinerary - this means that you should depart your home airport the day prior - your round-trip travel time on this Journey is 10 Days (9 Days, 8 Nights Land). The trip ends at the Chateau. Opt for a departure transfer to Nice airport or train to Paris. Airfare is not included. Inquire about our Business Class and Premium Economy Airfare.
CONSIDER EXPANDING THE JOURNEY
Many of our travelers arrive a "full day early" to recover from their overnight flight to Nice. Inquire for details. You can extend your trip with a pre-tour or post-tour - perhaps to Paris, the Loire Valley or Normandy.
THE TREASURES OF FRANCE JOURNEY BEGINS IN NICE AND EXPLORES PROVENCE.
Embark on your journey along the Cote d'Azur, commonly referred to as the French Riviera. Having immersed ourselves in its beauty, we then venture northwest into Provence, where charming hill towns await. Our residence during this exploration is the Journey Slow Travel Concept Chateau.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
The French Riviera
DAY 1: WELCOME TO THE FRENCH RIVIERA
Your Journey begins in Nice. Upon arrival, make your way to the hotel with our included transfer and enjoy leisure time until our afternoon activity and evening reception and dinner. Nice, France, captivates visitors with its stunning Mediterranean coastline, vibrant Promenade des Anglais, and a rich blend of art, culture, and cuisine. The city's unique charm lies in its picturesque landscapes, historic architecture, and the lively ambiance of its markets and cafes.
Reminder regarding French Currency - It's always a good idea to have some local currency with you upon arrival. You can also access more cash with your ATM card. You may also use a credit card in most stores and shops.
Discovery Walk: Nice
Join your Journey Tour Captain at the hotel for our preliminary exploration of Nice via our Discovery Walk. Delight in a leisurely stroll along the iconic Promenade des Anglais, taking in the breathtaking views of the Mediterranean coast. Afterwards, meander through the charming cobblestone streets of the Old Town (Vieille Ville), exploring its distinctive shops. The journey continues to Place Massena, the city's main square, where the Neo-Gothic Basilica of Notre Dame de Nice awaits your discovery.
Walking on Your Journey
We enjoy walking the cobblestone streets and stairs of France so be prepared to explore the cities and villages by foot. Plan to be on your feet for up to 3 hours while we explore. It is also necessary to be able to climb steps onto our coaches and other vehicles. Our pace is unhurried but you must be physically capable of walking.
Welcome to Nice Dinner
Tonight join your Tour Captain for a special Welcome Reception where we toast the beginning of our journey together. Then we proceed to dinner to enjoy traditional French cuisine. Journey's approach to dining is unique in the travel world. We dine in small, family-owned restaurants with regional dishes. We include Premium Beverages (wine, cocktails, soft drinks) and you choose your dinner from the menu. French chefs and their staff are proud of their delicious regional dishes and while in France we will enjoy locally grown produce where the concept is available.
The cuisine of Nice, located on the French Riviera, is deeply influenced by both French and Mediterranean flavors. Known as Niçoise cuisine, it features fresh and locally sourced ingredients such as olives, tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil. Popular dishes include Salade Niçoise, featuring tuna, anchovies, and vegetables, as well as socca, a savory pancake made from chickpea flour, showcasing the region's rich culinary heritage.
Accommodations in Nice, 3 Nights with breakfast
Deluxe: Palais de la Mediterranée, La Malmaison Nice, Boscolo Exedra, or Similar
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The Cote d'Azur
DAY 2: DAY AT LEISURE ON THE BLUE COAST
Enjoy the day at leisure — you might wish to visit the Paul Cézanne Museum or the Old Port of Nice. Be sure to stroll through the Cours Saleya Market to enjoy the beautiful flowers and food. Try Socca, the traditional street food of Nice.
Option: Consider an optional guided sightseeing tour of the Markets and Town Center or explore some of the villages like Eze or St. Paul de Vence around this beautiful area.
Historic Center & Markets Tour - $235 per person
Enjoy a guided walk of Nice and see its historic sights and learn of its past. Visit markets (seasonal) along the way.
Adventure to Eze & St. Paul de Vence - $345 per person
Enjoy this special excursion to these amazing hill towns, formerly part of Italy and now part of France's amazing southern coast. The guided tour provide a short commentary and time to explore each town.
Tonight your Journey Tour Captain will invite you to an optional dinner or they can help you with dining reservations if you prefer to explore at your leisure.
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DAY 3: DAY AT LEISURE ON THE BLUE COAST
Embrace the charm of Nice with a leisurely day designed for your relaxation and exploration. Stroll along the Promenade des Anglais, absorbing the Mediterranean breeze, or wander through the vibrant Cours Saleya Market, indulging in the colorful array of local produce and artisanal goods. In the evening, consider experiencing the city's rich cultural scene, perhaps with a visit to the Marc Chagall National Museum or savoring a delightful dinner at a seaside bistro, immersing yourself fully in the allure of the South of France.
Option: Consider an optional guided sightseeing tour of the Markets and Town Center or explore some of the villages like Eze or St. Paul de Vence around this beautiful area.
Historic Center & Markets Tour - $235 per person
Enjoy a guided walk of Nice and see its historic sights and learn of its past. Visit markets (seasonal) along the way.
Adventure to Eze & St. Paul de Vence - $345 per person
Enjoy this special excursion to these amazing hill towns, formerly part of Italy and now part of France's amazing southern coast. The guided tour provide a short commentary and time to explore each town.
Into Provence and the Chateau
DAY 4: TO PROVENCE
This morning we say Au Revoir to Nice as we make our way to the heart of Provence and arrive at the Journey Slow Travel Concept Chateau - a fantastic chateau featuring air-conditioned, ensuite guest rooms, full estate, swimming pool and other amazing amenities.
Nestled in the heart of Provence, Chateau Montcaud beckons with its timeless allure, offering a luxurious escape amidst picturesque landscapes. The meticulously restored 19th-century castle seamlessly blends historic elegance with modern comforts, providing an enchanting retreat. Guests are captivated not only by the opulent interiors but also by the sprawling gardens, Michelin-starred dining, and the rejuvenating ambiance that makes Chateau Montcaud a haven of sophistication and tranquility.
Welcome to Provence Dinner at the Chateau
Enjoy our chef-prepared dinner accompanied by regional wines on the grounds of the estate.
Accommodations in Provence, 5 Nights with breakfast
Deluxe: Chateau Montcaud, Private Chateau or Similar
Our Slow Travel Journeys feature longer stays with cozy Villas, Boutique Hotels and Chateaux nestled between a beginning hotel stay.
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DAY 5: PROVENCE SIGHTSEEING EXPLORATION
Today's Adventure: Pont-du-Gard and Chateauneuf-du-Pape
PONT-DU-GARD: The Roman Empire's Influence in Europe
After breakfast we board our comfortable coach and make our way to one of the best-preserved aqueduct bridges in the world. Pont du Gard crosses the Gardon River near the village of Vers-Pont-du-Gard. It is part of the 31 mile Nimes aqueduct which was constructed during the 1st century AD to carry water from a spring near Uzès to Nimes. It has remained largely intact and is a marvel of engineering which was open to vehicle traffic until the 1980s.
CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE: Amazing Wine from the Region
We will continue our journey just north of Avignon into Chateauneuf-Du-Pape for an exploration of this renowned wine-growing area. Located in Vaucluse, it is both a village and an area of land that features the ruins of a 14th century medieval castle. The castle was built for Pope John XXII, the second of the popes who resided in Avignon. The region is famous for the production of red wine and almost all the cultivable land is planted with grapevines.
Journey Exclusive: We will tour one of the vineyard wineries and sample some of the best-known wines in the world.
After the tour, we return to the chateau to enjoy the balance of the afternoon at your leisure.
Dinner at the Chateau
Enjoy our chef-prepared dinner tonight - each dinner includes a different experience and reflects the cuisine of France and of Provence.
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DAY 6: ENJOYING THE CHATEAU
Enjoy a relaxing morning at the chateau with all of its amenities. Throughout the morning and early afternoon, our shuttle will be available to take you to Saint Rémy if you so desire.
Special Dining Experience off Estate
Tonight join your Journey Tour Captain for a special culinary experience. It's a delicious night of cuisine, wine and new friends.
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DAY 7: PROVENCE SIGHTSEEING
Today's Adventure: Les Baux de Provence
Perched on a rocky outcrop in the Alpilles mountain range near St. Rémy, the village of Les Baux not only offers breathtaking vistas of the surrounding valley but also invites exploration of the well-preserved ruins of a 14th-century castle. Once immersed in the rich history and charm of the village, the journey continues to the Carriéres de Lumières, where a former limestone quarry transforms into a mesmerizing canvas for a unique art-based multimedia exhibit. This captivating experience adds a modern and artistic dimension to the historical exploration, creating a seamless blend of the past and present.
We return to the Chateau for the balance of the day at leisure.
Dinner at the Chateau
Enjoy dinner tonight at the Chateau.
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DAY 8: DAY AT LEISURE
Enjoy the Chateau today for your last day in Provence.
This morning optionally visit L'Isle-Sur-La-Sorgue - $135 per person
This island city combines canals and narrow streets surrounded by the Sorgue river with its waterwheels. It is known for antique dealers, flea markets and art galleries. After strolling through the village, enjoy a pastry in one of the many cafés.
Return to the hotel early afternoon for an afternoon at leisure before our Farewell to Provence dinner.
Farewell Dinner Event at the Chateau
Enjoy a special dinner on the grounds of the Chateau Estate tonight with the Journey Tour Captain.
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Departure Day- Au Revoir! Or Perhaps Paris?
DAY 9: DEPARTURE DAY
We say Au Revoir to to the Treasures of France Tour this morning. Perhaps our extension to Paris is in order — you know what they say, "Paris is always a good idea!"
You can fly home from the Nice international airport to connect to your transatlantic flight or take the 2 hour TGV directly to Charles de Gaulle airport for your flight.
See recommended optional extension to Paris:
Paris Extension: Paris is Always a Good Idea
OPTION DAY 9: TO PARIS -
$3,579 per person based on double occupancy in Deluxe.
This morning enjoy the quick transfer to the TGV Train Station for included transfer to Paris with your Journey Tour Captain.
Discovery Walk: Paris
Meet your Journey Tour Captain for an introductory walk through the area around Saint Germaine - our home in Paris for the next 3 days.
Welcome to Paris Dinner
Enjoy our Welcome to Paris Dinner with the Tour Captain.
Accommodations in Pairs, 3 Nights with breakfast
Deluxe: Hotel Bel Ami or Similar
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OPTION DAY 10: PARIS AT LEISURE
Enjoy Paris at leisure today. Would you like ideas on what to see and do? We have privately guided tours and experiences from the Eiffel Tower to the Louvre and even amazing culinary classes. Inquire today.
Here are a few options to consider:
Ascend the Eiffel Tower - $65 per person
Includes access with elevator to "the top." Seasonal closings may be in effect.
Small Group Tour of Eiffel Tower - $134 per person
Consider a small group Tour of the Eiffel Tower - The architectural wonders are many in Paris with a visit to the Cathedral of Notre Dame, views of the Louvre, the Seine River and the list goes on as we walk and explore the city of lights and love. Includes skip-the-line access, 1.5 hour guided tour of the 2nd floor, after the tour you may continue to the summit on your own. Small group of maximum 15 guests. As you approach the tower, skip the long waiting lines and proceed by elevator directly to the second level. Look around the second floor, which includes panoramic maps of of Paris and a 1/50th scale model of the tower's original architecture. Enjoy views of famous landmarks like Les Invalides, the Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre, and Notre Dame as you listen to your guide's engaging commentary. Once your guided tour has concluded, you may continue to explore on your own. Ascend a second elevator for access to the Eiffel Tower's summit, where you can get fantastic views from 1,063 feet. — $134 per person.
Louvre Skip-the-Line Ticket - Inquire for Pricing
Private Tour of the Louvre - $265 per person
Consider a Private Tour of the Musée du Louvre - Meet the private guide at the Louvre entrance (pyramid) to begin your private tour of the museum. After entering the museum with skip-the-line access, your guide shows the top pieces of art, including Venus de Milo, Mona Lisa, and Nike of Samothrace, as well as other works such as paintings by Delacroix, sculptures by Michelangelo, and The Coronation of Napoleon by Jacques-Louis David. In addition to artwork, you'll also have the chance to see valuable artifacts like the French crown jewels. At the end of your guided tour, you may stay at the museum as long as you wish to continue exploring independently. This tour runs about 2.5 hours. — $265 per person (2 guest minimum).
Culinary Experience in Paris - Inquire for Ideas and Pricing
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OPTION DAY 11: PARIS AT LEISURE
Tonight, join the Tour Captain for our very special farewell event complete with an amazing dinner and spectacular views! Our time together has been a gift — we treasure each step of the journey with our friends and new friends and look forward to the next chapter of travel!
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OPTION DAY 12: Departure Day
Inquire about our departure transfers. Or extend your stay!
SEE ITINERARY