![Map thumbnail of [HOLD] From the jewels of Paris to the beautiful villages of Provence](https://cdn.kimkim.com/files/a/maps/367884497bb6b513a1593a5f2a50de6f1cb5c2b2/small-632a3ee9bd63df656d7f1a116eac41ee.jpg "Map thumbnail of [HOLD] From the jewels of Paris to the beautiful villages of Provence")
Highlights
- Discover Paris as a local
- Taste the great gastronomy of Lyon
- Travel through France from North to South
- Enjoy great experiences in Provence
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrival in Paris | Paris |
| Day 2 | The legendary Notre Dame | Paris |
| Day 3 | The treasures of the Louvre | Paris |
| Day 4 | Explore the beautiful districts of Paris | Paris |
| Day 5 | Going South to the Rhone region | lyon |
| Day 6 | Tasting Lyon | lyon |
| Day 7 | The golden stones of the Beaujolais | lyon |
| Day 8 | Welcome to Provence | Avignon |
| Day 9 | The landscapes and wines of Chateauneuf du Pape | Avignon |
| Day 10 | From Avignon to Aix en Provence | Aix en Provence |
| Day 11 | Cooking in Aix en Provence | Aix en Provence |
| Day 12 | Last stop: Nice | Nice |
| Day 13 | The fragrances of Provence | Nice |
| Day 14 | Time to say goodBye |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Paris
At your arrival at the airport, your private driver will welcome you and drive you to your accommodation in central Paris.
Check in to your hotel in the afternoon.
The rest of the day is at leisure for you to relax after the flight or to discover the capital at your own pace.
The City of Lights will reveal all its treasures to you. Let yourself transported by the magic and the romance of the capital and discover unique places just like a local. ‘La vie à la française’ will hold no secrets for you. Paris is a capital of art and history and there is so much to do and to see. You can stroll in the gardens of Versailles and discover the beauties of the palace. Go admire the Mona Lisa smile at the Louvre or just take a walk in the Marais district and learn about its treasures with a guide by your side. What about a tour to discover the underground of Paris and its famous catacombs?
Day 2: The legendary Notre Dame
First treasure to discover in Paris is the famous Cathedral Notre Dame. [[[A walking tour will take you a few centuries back and show you the real Cradle of Paris, the stunning Ile de la Cité. Your guide will start with an in-depth exploration of the world famous Notre Dame Cathedral, a 12th Century masterpiece of architecture and home of the Hunchback. Your dedicated expert guide and history addict will retrace the building of this medieval gem and tell you all about the long-forgotten details lurking in the shadows.
You’ll then cross the Seine River to discover the northern edge of the vibrant Latin Quarter and wander the first streets of Paris. Where did they lead? Why this area is called the Latin Quarter? You’ll get all the answer while wandering the most singular streets of Paris. Last but not least, your guide will take you to the neighbourhood most iconic intellectual hotspot: Shakespeare & Co bookstore!]]]
Day 3: The treasures of the Louvre
It could take several days even weeks to see all the masterpieces displayed at the Louvre but with a guide by your side, you will be able to catch the best parts of the impressive museum.
[[[Break the typical tourist mold by joining our intimate small group tour during the Louvre weekly late opening with a certified guide and passionate art expert by your side. In just 2 manageable hours we'll show you more of the Louvre than most experience in an entire day.
You won't wait in line, you'll discover much more than just the clichés, and you'll see a surprising side of art history that's fun and accessible to all levels of interest. After the crowds are gone, learn the secrets behind Da Vinci, Delacroix, the ancient Greeks, the Italian Renaissance, and so much more amid a relaxed and unpretentious atmosphere.]]]
Day 4: Explore the beautiful districts of Paris
Today, you join a nice walking tour in the beautiful district of the Marais. [[[Dive deep into Paris' trendiest district and explore one of the most historical quartiers of the City of Light. Le Marais is the district to explore if you're keen to discover historical private mansions once home to the nobility, tucked away gardens, charming Medieval streets and picture perfect squares that most Parisians don't even know about!
A perfect Parisian blend of scenic architectural backdrops, trendy modern style, local fashion boutiques, lovely Parisian cafés and mouth-watering eateries. Escape the crowd and find out about the Marais' hidden treasures and hear some fun historical anecdotes that will only enhance the magic of this fascinating neighborhood.]]]
Day 5: Going South to the Rhone region
Today your start your travel through France with your first stop in the capital of gastronomy: Lyon. Take a direct train from Paris to Lyon and discover this beautiful city full of charm and history.
[[[Lyon is France's second-most important city after Paris and surprisingly undiscovered. Although Lyon doesn't often make it onto tourist itineraries, many cultural treasures await those who take the time to explore the city. With a history dating back to ancient Roman times, Lyon has earned a place on the UNESCO World Heritage list. The city boasts France's
oldest ancient ruins, medieval quarters, and fine Renaissance houses. The atmospheric neighborhoods found along the Rhône and Saône Rivers reflect the city's rich heritage. The Quartier Saint-Jean and Colline Croix-Rousse districts have an enchanting Old World character, while the Presqu'ile exemplifies 19th-century elegance.
The happiest of all visitors are the ones who journey here to sample the famous cuisine. France's most renowned chef, Paul Bocuse hails from Lyon. His celebrated 3-star Michelin restaurant is a top destination for gourmands. The legendary Lyonnais gastronomy can also be enjoyed all over Lyon at "bouchons," evocative little brasseries.]]]
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 6: Tasting Lyon
Lyon is the best place to taste and enjoy great local food and specialties. With a passionate guide by your side, you will explore the beautiful old town.
Enjoy a walk in the historic neighbourhood of Lyons and discover some of the culinary specialities. This guided tour of Old Lyons combines culture and delicious treats! On the right bank of the Saône, the historic neighbourhood of Lyons, a UNESCO World Heritage site, invites you to a visit out of time. Known around the world for its Renaissance architecture, Old Lyons has been inhabited since the Carolingian period. In order to offer you a complete experience, our thematic and gourmet itinerary offers you an insight into the outstanding features that characterise the neighbourhood. The visit, which includes tasting experiences, will offer you the chance to admire this bourgeois architecture greatly influenced by its neighbour, Italy. The charm of its squares and streets, its famous “traboules” and its secret courtyards transport you to the end of the Middle Ages.
Day 7: The golden stones of the Beaujolais
The Rhone region is not only Lyon but also the beautiful countryside around. Explore southern Beaujolais and appreciate the diversity of this area. Often compared to Tuscany, this hilly region dotted with hilltop villages built in golden stone offers a gentle pace of life.. Your cultural and gourmet itinerary leads you around the southern part of Beaujolais. A few kilometres to the north of Lyons, the region is green and hilly. Known around the world for its famous Beaujolais Nouveau, it is also the land of golden stone that offers its charming villages a unique style. Your driver-guide and wine lover will pass on his passion for the region to you during our rural excursion. An introduction to wine and a meeting with a wine-maker who will also invite you to a enjoy a tasting experience.
Day 8: Welcome to Provence
After taking a direct train from Lyon, you will arrive in the beautiful city of Avignon in the center of Provence. You will also pick up your rental car at the train station.
Avignon invites you for a stay beyond all imagination.The historic city centre, the Popes' Palace, all the episcopal buildings and the Saint Bénézet Bridge are listed as world heritage sites by UNESCO. [[[The historic centre radiates from the Place de l'Horloge. Here, you find the City Hall built between 1845 and 1851 over a former cardinal's palace of which it has kept the old fortified tower, transformed into a belfry in the 15th century with clock and Jacquemart. Next to it, the municipal theatre, also from the 19th century, houses the Avignon opera and, all the way at the top, the delightful Belle Époque style carrousel still turns.]]] Originally the forum of Avenio, the city's name under the Romans in the 1st century BC, the Place de l'Horloge is still the centre of Avignon. A meeting place, bordered by cafés and restaurants, the square is always bustling. Just like the Place du Palais higher up, a vast esplanade where you could spend the day just watching all the street performers in summer. And as its name implies, here stands the formidable Popes' Palace, emblem of the city and awe-inspiring monument to the importance of Avignon in the Christian world of the Middle Ages. Built in the 1300s, mainly by two popes - the austere Benedict XII and his successor, the much less ascetic Clement VI, - the palace would become the biggest gothic edifice in all of Europe. A tour of the palace, which includes the popes' private apartments with their fabulous frescoes, is one one of the musts of Avignon.
Day 9: The landscapes and wines of Chateauneuf du Pape
Great wines are produced in the southern Rhône valley particularly in the sun-drenched Provence appelation called Châteauneuf-du-Pape. From the opinion of many a wine expert, Châteauneuf-du-Pape is one of the world's greatest wines.
A walk through the vineyard is necessary to discover the Terroir. We will explain the singularity of this unique Terroir,
characteristics and the origin of the formation of soils, the connection between the climate, the wine growing, and the grape varieties. You will have a commented wine tasting session in 2 family run wineries in Châteauneuf du Pape
Day 10: From Avignon to Aix en Provence
Today is at leisure to drive around and explore the region on your own. Remember that Avignon is located just in the middle of the Alpilles and the Luberon.
The Alpilles is an enchanting natural site in the northwest of the Bouches du Rhône department, in Provence. This chain of limestone mountains culminates at 498 metres and offers a panorama that stretches from the Mont Ventoux to the Cévennes, from the Sainte Victoire Mountain to the Camargue. So much to see and visit: the citadel of Les Baux de Provence and the Carrière de Lumières, the ancient Roman site of Glanum and the Antiques in St-Rémy de Provence, Fontvieille, famous for Daudet's windmill... and many other villages with authentic charm.
[[[The Luberon is a massif of the Pre-Alps situated in Provence, straddling the departments of the Vaucluse and the Alpes de Haute Provence, 70km north of Marseille. Since 1977, the mountain range is located in the heart of the Regional Natural Park of the Luberon. The Luberon has become a spot emblematic of Haute Provence. Thanks to the many hilltop villages, chateaux, historic monuments and festivals, it attracts many tourists in quest of natural sites and cultural events. ]]]
At the end of the afternoon, you will drive to your next stop: Aix en Provence. [[[A slow-paced lifestyle and sultry Provençal charm make Aix-en-Provence an appealing tourist destination. Bathed in the sunshine of its wonderful climate, the beauty of Aix-en-Provence is visible everywhere - especially in its lively streets and squares. In summer, languid days are easily spent strolling the shady boulevards. The balmy evenings are perfect forsitting at outdoor terraces and cafés.]]]
Day 11: Cooking in Aix en Provence
[[[Experience the Provence way of life through its Cuisine. Food and cooking are at the core of our culture and that brings people together to share great moments of life. Through selecting the appropriate recipes and ingredients to preparing and tasting its typical dishes, share a unique day at the Aix en Provence local food market and in a countryside home. You will be immersed in an authentic Provencal atmosphere. A real foodie Aix en Provence experience. On the way to the old town food market, you will learn a bit of history and a few stories about the town and the Provence area. You will meet some of the local food producers, and will select all the best ingredients according to the season and the selected menu. Once you have discovered the house and the organic vegetable garden, you will start the cooking session, during which you will all actively participate for the preparation of various recipes. Your host will share with you the cooking skills and knowledge he has developed over the years as a French family home cook. Then you will be ready to share your culinary works of art in the most convivial local way. In the course of the day you will also certainly have time to take a walk in the wild provencal Garrigue filled with aromatic herbs.]]]
Day 12: Last stop: Nice
Today, you take the road toward the last stop on your adventure, the city of Nice right on the French Riviera.
[[[With its mix of real-city grit, old-world opulence, year-round sunshine and stunning seaside location, Nice is the unofficial capital of the Côte d’Azur, and a must-see for every visitor. A magnet for sunseekers and high-rollers since the 19th century, this bewitching coastal city has so much going for it, it’s almost embarrassing – fabulous markets, an enticing old town, glorious architecture and a wealth of super restaurants. It’s far from perfect – it’s scruffy in spots, the traffic’s horrendous and the beach is made entirely of pebbles – but if you really want to soak up the Riviera vibe, there’s really no better place to do it.]]]
Day 13: The fragrances of Provence
Today, we invite you to a workshop in one of the most famous city of perfume: Grasse. Drive from Nice to this beautiful provencal village and enter the authentic perfume factory.
[[In the ‘studio’, the Perfumer will change you into a Perfume creator. Sit down and relax at your own personal organ. Your personal creation environment allows you to discover the base essence products and the techniques used to mix them harmoniously.
With an interactive and entertaining approach, our “Nose” will explain to you the architecture of a good perfume. It
consists of the “Top Note” (peak), Middle Note (heart note), and Base Note (fond note). He will evaluate your unique olfactory sensitivities and explain the classifications of the large families of scents along with their typical components. Then, he will conclude by describing the basic principles of creating a harmonious formula.
It is within this framework that you become capable of giving free rein to your imagination. You will now create your own unique fragrance, for woman, man or unisex. You will leave the seminar with a 100ml bottle personalized with your name or the name you have chosen for your new creation. The formula will be preserved in our confidential data base for future orders (in Parfum, Eau de Parfum, body lotion and shower gel).]]]
Day 14: Time to say goodBye
Today it's your last day in Spain. Pack your bags and self-drive from your hotel to the airport of Bilbao where you will return your rental car. Catch your international flight and begin your journey home.
Map
![Map of [HOLD] From the jewels of Paris to the beautiful villages of Provence](https://cdn.kimkim.com/files/a/maps/367884497bb6b513a1593a5f2a50de6f1cb5c2b2/big-08f63d2f09a56d11d189e93f428240ec.jpg "Map of [HOLD] From the jewels of Paris to the beautiful villages of Provence")