France City & Coast Adventure: Paris, Marseille & Nice - 9 Days

Highlights

• Take a river cruise in Paris after dark and see the newly rebuilt Notre-Dame
• Hike a rocky path from Morgiou to Sormiou in Calanques National Park
• Explore hidden coves and rocky inlets on a Côte d'Azur snorkeling tour 
• Nab an umbrella and a chaise lounger for some Riviera-style beach time in Nice
• Grab your camera and follow hairpin coastal roads to glamorous Monaco

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Paris, Illuminations River Cruise

Say bonjour to beautiful Paris! You've landed in the 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 its charms. On arrival, you'll be transferred from the airport to your hotel by private car. Settle into your hotel, then head out for your first look at the city. You could locate your nearest boulangerie for your first croissant, then explore the central sights.

Stroll down colorful boulevards and past historic monuments, stop to shop at cool boutiques or famous department stores, or dip into world-renowned galleries for your creative fix. Stop at a sidewalk café for a spot of people watching over a glass of wine. After dark, board a night cruise on the Seine and experience gorgeous views of Paris illuminated against the evening sky. You'll learn about the city's most famous buildings, such as the Eiffel Tower and the Musée d'Orsay, while floating past the glittering riverbanks.

Day 2: Visit Jardin du Luxembourg & Notre-Dame

Wake up ready to explore the French capital. Step out, grab another indulgent pastry for breakfast, and make your way over to the Jardin du Luxembourg, a space named the most beautiful garden in Europe in 2022. Located on the edge of Saint-Germain-des-Prés and the Latin Quarter, the Luxembourg Garden was inspired by the Florentine garden Boboli and was created in 1612. The gardens cover 61 acres (25 ha) and are divided into French and English sections. Pass through the Orangery, admire the Medici fountain, and try to count all the 106 statues.

After, walk 15 minutes to the world-famous Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris, which sits on a small river island. Notre-Dame is one of the most emblematic monuments of France, and while the cathedral has been closed since the fire of 2019, it's set for a glorious reopening in December 2024. Use the rest of the day to explore more of Paris. You could walk along the Seine between the Musée d'Orsay and the Pont d'Alma, or alongside the Canal Saint-Martin, past art galleries and peaceful shaded banks.

Day 3: Train to Marseille, Free Time to Explore

After breakfast, a private driver will transfer you to a train station, where you'll board a fast train headed to Marseille. Watch the countryside zip past your window for the next 3.5 hours as you make your way to this coastal city in the south of France. The colorful Mediterranean enclave has a different feel to the rest of France and counts 2,600 years of history, making it the oldest city in France. On arrival at Marseille, another driver will transfer you to your hotel. Drop your bags and use the rest of the day to explore the city's characterful neighborhoods.

Start at the iconic Notre-Dame de la Garde basilica for a panoramic view of the entire city. Wander through the charming Vieux Port (Old Port), lined with colorful boats and busy cafés. Explore the vibrant Le Panier neighborhood, Marseille's oldest, with its narrow streets and art galleries, or visit the MuCEM, Europe's largest museum dedicated to Mediterranean cultures. Take a stroll along the Corniche, a scenic coastal promenade with stunning sea views, then end your afternoon at a beach bar, watching the sunset over the city. As evening falls, enjoy fresh seafood for dinner at a waterfront restaurant.

Day 4: Snorkeling in Calanques National Park, Hike to Morgiou & Sormiou

Calanques National Park is a gorgeous coastal reserve close to Marseille that you'll explore today while snorkeling and hiking. This area is known for its calanques, narrow, steep-sided inlets or coves found along a rocky coastline. Set off from La Pointe Rouge harbor with a snorkeling guide, and get to know the vibrant underwater world of this protected area. You'll float between the dramatic limestone cliffs, exploring secluded coves and crystal-clear turquoise waters as you swim.

Afterward, stop for a leisurely lunch, then lace up your sneakers. There are plenty of hiking trails that wind across Calanques National Park, and this afternoon you'll discover unique Mediterranean flora and fauna and the French Riviera's unspoiled beauty on a three-hour walk, starting in Morigiou. Follow a rocky path from the small village to Sormiou and back again. You can reward yourself with a refreshing swim in a calanque at either end. Don't forget to carry water and apply sunscreen!

Day 5: Visit Les Goudes, Hike to Marseilleveyre Calanque

Today you'll set off on another active adventure around Marseille. First, you'll head to the fishing village of Les Goudes, located in the 8th arrondissement. Explore the village within the city, and stop at a local restaurant for a snack and chat with the locals, who are always willing to share stories. After, take a gentle stroll down to the wild coastline for a refreshing dip in one of the small coves along the coast, such as La Maronnaise or La Baie des Singes. From here you can admire the towering island of Maïre while lounging at the beach. The earlier in the day, the more serene it will be.

Day 6: Train to Nice, Capital of the French Riviera

This morning you'll ride a three-hour train from Marseille to Nice, taking in French Riviera scenery as you cross from one side of the south to the other. Nice is a chic, coastal city well-known for its sunshine and scenery. On arrival, drop your bags at the hotel, then venture out to explore its colorful old town known as Vieux Nice, and stroll along the Promenade des Anglais, soaking in the sun and sea. Depending on the season, you might join the sunbathers or watersports enthusiasts at the beach, or use your free afternoon to explore some of Nice's many museums and galleries.

If you choose the beach, venture down to several public beaches, which have large pebbles called galets. Or treat yourself to an afternoon at one of Nice's 14 private beaches, which have fancy umbrellas and chic restaurants and bars, ideal for lunch. Later, for a special sunset spot and an opportunity to get active, climb Colline du Château (Castle Hill) for panoramic views over the area. For a more relaxed choice, find a terrace overlooking the sparkling blue sea and toast your vacation with an aperitif.

Day 7: Full-Day Monaco, Monte Carlo & Èze Tour

Explore the best of the French Riviera's coastline, cities, and villages on today's full-day tour. Set off with a local guide and drive up Mont Boron, where you'll see a panorama of Nice, before driving along the Middle Corniche to the medieval village of Èze. A corniche is a type of road that rises significantly above the sea or a valley, so you'll be spoiled for gorgeous panoramic views of the Mediterranean all along the route. Wander around the charming streets of Èze, looking at antiques and artisans, and join a tour of a traditional perfumery.

Day 8: Neighborhoods of Nice Walking Tour

The densely populated coastal metropolis of Nice has many secrets to discover, some of which you'll learn on today's walking tour. Nice was actually founded by the Ancient Greeks in 350 BCE, so you'll visit the Greek Quarter and see the remains of a Roman amphitheater and arena in the historic Cimiez neighborhood. Here you'll also find the opulent Excelsior Régina Palace, which has hosted such illustrious guests as Queen Victoria, and the Musée Matisse, a museum showcasing the expressionist master and former Nice resident.

After the tour, the rest of the day is yours to explore Nice, shop for souvenirs, and secure a reservation for your final dinner on the French Riviera. 

Day 9: Depart Nice

Your nine days exploring Paris and the French Riviera draws to a close today. When the time is right, a private driver will collect you for the short transfer to Nice Airport for your flight home or onward. Safe travels!

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