Discover Paris & Provence - 8 Days
Highlights
- Follow in the footsteps of Toulouse-Lautrec and Picasso with a tour of Montmartre
- Descend into the Paris Catacombs and ascend the Eiffel Tower
- Take the train south to discover the UNESCO-listed gems of Avignon
- Set off on scenic guided day trips to Provençal towns and Luberon's hilltop villages
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Paris, Explore the City of Light | Paris |
| Day 2 | Full-Day Montmartre & Paris Catacombs Tour | Paris |
| Day 3 | Visit the Eiffel Tower, Seine Dinner Cruise | Paris |
| Day 4 | Morning at the Musée d'Orsay, Shop at Galeries Lafayette | Paris |
| Day 5 | Train to Avignon & Provence, Free Afternoon | Avignon |
| Day 6 | Day Trip to Les Baux-de-Provence & Saint-Rémy-de-Provence | Avignon |
| Day 7 | Day Trip to the Luberon Region | Avignon |
| Day 8 | Train to Paris, Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Paris, Explore the City of Light
Bonjour and welcome to Paris, the famous "City of Light!" The elegant French capital is a world-renowned powerhouse of art, fashion, and history, and those who visit find it hard not to get swept up in the romance. Upon arrival, you'll be picked up from the airport and transferred to your hotel by private car. Take time to settle in and relax before heading out to explore Paris as you please. You could locate your nearest boulangerie or pâtisserie and seek out your first (of many) spectacular croissants or specialty sweets.
Day 2: Full-Day Montmartre & Paris Catacombs Tour
This morning you'll head up to Montmartre and meet your local guide under the famous red windmill of the Moulin Rouge. From here, you'll set off on a walking tour of this creative, village-like neighborhood, getting an immersive glimpse into an era when raucous cabarets, bohemian soirées, and unbridled creativity were the norm. Hear about the famous artists who helped shape the area, get a bird's-eye-view over Paris from the hilltop Sacré-Coeur Basilica, and duck into the best local boutiques and bakeries along the way.
After exploring hilly Montmartre, your guide will take you south across the city to the 14th arrondissement, where you'll dive into the shadowy depths of the Paris Catacombs. Learn about the 18th-century origins of this underground ossuary and hear ghostly tales of the revolutionaries and rebels interred here as you follow your guide through winding tunnels stacked with the bones of over six million skeletons.
Day 3: Visit the Eiffel Tower, Seine Dinner Cruise
By now, you're sure to have spotted the iconic Eiffel Tower poking up above the skyline of Paris—but this morning, you'll ascend the Parisian landmark itself. Take a self-guided journey up one of the legs of the 1,049-foot (320 m) spire until you reach the second floor, and soak up panoramic views across the city. Spot the snaking ribbon of the Seine, the soaring roof of the Grand Palais, and the unmistakable outline of the Arc de Triomphe, then descend a level to brave a walk across the glass floor. After, linger around the tower's base with a picnic lunch in the surrounding gardens.
The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore more of Paris at your leisure. You could squeeze in a visit to the Musée du Louvre to glimpse a few of the most famous artworks of the Western world, like the "Mona Lisa" and the "Venus de Milo," that reside within the hallowed walls of the former palace. Closer to sunset, head to the banks of the Seine to board an evening river cruise, taking in views of Paris's illuminated monuments as you savor dinner on deck. Skilled chefs will prepare a multicourse meal paired with Champagne, wine, and live entertainment, and you'll watch the Paris skyline set alight as darkness falls.
Day 4: Morning at the Musée d'Orsay, Shop at Galeries Lafayette
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
This morning you'll venture out for a culture fix. Grab a freshly baked croissant and coffee, then enter the famous Musée d'Orsay, renowned worldwide for its sublime collection of Impressionist and post-Impressionist masterpieces. The museum is set in the former Gare d'Orsay, a gorgeous railway station built at the turn of the 20th century on the banks of the Seine. Its revered collection includes iconic works by artists such as Monet, Manet, Degas, Renoir, Cézanne, Seurat, Sisley, Gauguin, and Van Gogh.
Afterward, treat yourself to a shopping spree (or just some tantalizing browsing) at the chic Parisian department store Galeries Lafayette. Located on the famous Boulevard Haussmann, you'll find the latest in fashion, accessories, home decor, and much more within its grand walls. If you can pry your eyes away from the wares, venture to the rooftop for magnificent views over Paris.
Day 5: Train to Avignon & Provence, Free Afternoon
After breakfast, a private driver will transfer you to Gare de Lyon train station, where you'll board a fast train headed to Avignon. Enjoy watching the French countryside zip past your window for the next 2.5 hours as you make your way into the heart of Provence, a region known for its picturesque landscapes, lavender fields, hilltop villages, and artistic spirit. On arrival at Avignon, another driver will transfer you to your hotel. Drop your bags and use the rest of the day to explore the "City of the Popes."
From 1309 to 1376, seven popes ruled from Avignon, making this small medieval city the center of Christianity for almost a century. Step out to discover more of the local culture and history with a stroll over the famous Saint-Benezet Bridge, more commonly known as the Pont d'Avignon, which was also the inspiration for a famous children's nursery rhyme. Pass by the ramparts, the churches, chapels, and Le Palais des Papes (Popes' Palace), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Pause at a relaxed café, then dive deeper into the city's history at the Avignon Museum.
Day 6: Day Trip to Les Baux-de-Provence & Saint-Rémy-de-Provence
This morning you'll join a local guide for a full-day exploration of the Provence countryside. First, drive 40 minutes south to the charming village of Les Baux-de-Provence. The beautiful Renaissance facades and magnificent private mansions in this pedestrian-only village have been lovingly restored, and you'll have plenty of time to duck into art galleries, museums, and artisan workshops, plus tour the ruins of its 10th-century fortified castle, Château des Baux-de-Provence.
In the afternoon, continue to Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, a 20-minute drive away. This area has been inhabited since prehistoric times, evident in the remarkable paintings and engravings found in caves around the region that date back to the Bronze Age. The town itself is a true Provençal jewel, home to 18th-century mansions, shaded boulevards, and a labyrinthine Old Town lined with chapels and convents. You can kick back in a café or explore and shop for gifts and souvenirs before your return to Avignon for dinner.
Day 7: Day Trip to the Luberon Region
Venture off on another day trip after breakfast, this time into the Luberon region, known for its enchanting vineyards, orchards, and picturesque hilltop villages. Your local guide and driver will stop first at L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, about 45 minutes east of Avignon. On Thursdays and Sundays, you'll find a vibrant open-air market here, where you can immerse yourself in French culture and sample local products. Duck into the town's charming antique stores and see old wooden waterwheels churning over the Sorgue River, which bisects the town, before sitting down to a relaxed lunch.
Day 8: Train to Paris, Depart
It is time to say au revoir to Provence and start your journey to Paris. A private driver will take you back to the train station for a 2.5-hour fast train to the capital. Upon arrival in Paris, another driver will pick you up and transfer you to the airport for your flight home or onward. Safe travels!
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