Luxury Honeymoon in Paris, Provence & the French Riviera - 14 Days

Highlights

• Experience the best of the city of lights on a private river cruise along the Seine
• Take a romantic glimpse into the era of bohemian artistry in the Montmartre district
• Stroll winding cobblestone streets in the hilltop villages of Luberon
• Master the art of Provençal cooking in a local Marseille kitchen
• Cruise along Nice's elegant Promenade des Anglais via e-bike

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Paris, Romantic Tour via Citroën 2CV Car

Welcome to France! Your flight lands in Paris, otherwise known as the "City of Lights." This thriving capital blends far-reaching history with modern vibes, featuring ancient architecture alongside chic cafés, world-class museums, high-end shopping, and of course, plenty of romance! Upon arrival, you'll be met by your private driver and transferred to your hotel, the Hotel Pavillon de La Reine & Spa. This opulent retreat is located in the lively Marais district, featuring rooms and suites with classic decor, luxury linens, and options for terraces with courtyard or city views. 

Once you've had a chance to rest and regroup, start your exploration of the city with a guided tour via a vintage Citroën car. Your knowledgeable French driver will escort you to Paris' most famous monuments while sharing stories and anecdotes about the city's history and heritage. Glimpse landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, and the hilltop Sacré-Coeur, all in an intimate setting. Enjoy Champagne along the way, toasting your arrival as you take in the sights. 

Day 2: Foodie Fun in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Marais Fashion Tour, Seine River Cruise

Today starts in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés quarter, a vibrant neighborhood home to some of the city's most prominent chocolatiers, pâtissiers, and cheese makers. Meet your guide and set out along the winding streets, with stops for tastings of pastries, cheeses, and regional dishes. Visit a wine cellar owned by a top-tier chef, try carefully selected food and wine pairings, and meet a Meilleur Ouvrier de France (one of the highest culinary honors bestowed to French chefs) to enjoy a specialty dessert curated for your indulgence. 

Later, take a fashion-focused tour of the Marais district, considered the epicenter of the Paris fashion world. Together with your guide, you'll walk through the neighborhood, learning everything from the magnificence of the aristocrats' masquerades to the clothing manufacturers of the 20th century. Visit local boutiques as your guide regales you with past and present-day stories of different brands, learn the concepts of couture, and discover the history of French perfume.

Tonight, experience the best of the city of lights as you embark on a private river cruise along the Seine. Board your luxury vessel at La Cité de la Mode (City of Fashion and Design) building and meet your captain, then sip a glass of Champagne as you pass the Eiffel Tower and under some of the city's most beautiful bridges, including Pont Alexandre III, Pont de la Concorde, Pont Neuf, and Pont de l'Archevêché. See famous sites like the Musée d'Orsay and the Musée du Louvre, eventually returning downriver along the river's opposite bank.

Day 3: Discover Musée du Louvre, Covered Passages of Paris, Eiffel Tower Dinner 

Take a deep dive into the home of some of the most renowned artistic works of the Western world today at the Musée du Louvre. Originally built as a fortress and then used as a royal residence, the Louvre was inaugurated as a museum in the late 1700s. Today, its collections include works by masters such as da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Delacroix, and houses the revered "Mona Lisa" and "Venus de Milo." Team up with a private guide, who will help you learn about these masterpieces and others, sharing insight into the different works and their history as you walk the halls of this former royal palace. 

Afterward, see the passages couverts (covered passages ) of Paris on a private tour. Dating back to the 19th century, these galleries highlight a particular niche in Parisian architecture. Meet your guide and stroll through the passages, encountering the small boutiques, tea shops, and restaurants hidden within. Feel like you've stepped back in time as you navigate the arcades and visit the oldest, the Passage des Panoramas, which dates back to 1799 and includes a theater that remains active today.

As evening falls, take in 360-degree views of Paris with a dreamy dinner at the Eiffel Tower. Visit the tower's Madame Brasserie restaurant, where exquisite gastronomy meets the iconic city skyline. The restaurant has large windows, framing the lights of the city and offering views of famous sites, and you'll choose from a menu that showcases the best in modern French cuisine. Sip your favorite wine as you relax into the inviting ambience and classic decor, all set against the backdrop of the iconic Parisian landmark.

Day 4: Montmartre Walking Tour, Paris Photo Shoot, Crazy Horse Cabaret Show

See more of the city today with a private walking tour of the Montmartre neighborhood. This artists' haven is home to the former residences of greats such as Picasso, Modigliani, and Toulouse-Lautrec, offering a romantic glimpse into an era when raucous cabarets, bohemian soirées, and unbridled creativity were the norm. Visit the Moulin Rouge, known for being the birthplace of the cancan dance, the Rue Lepic, the Moulin de la Galette, and the Montmartre Vineyard. End at Sacré-Coeur, a Roman Catholic basilica sitting at the top of Montmartre's hill, taking in the panoramic views of the city. 

Later today, create a tangible reminder of your honeymoon in France with a private photo shoot. A professional photographer will meet you at the location of your choice, and you'll have two hours to pose, preen, and pivot while they shoot your best sides and create memories you can display in your home for years to come.

As night falls, experience the legendary Crazy Horse show, an iconic Parisian cabaret that mesmerizes audiences with a sensual, avant-garde performance. Renowned for its sophisticated choreography, the show celebrates the art of the nude through a harmonious blend of dance and visual effects, pushing the boundaries of traditional cabaret. Enjoy this time-honored, elegant event, taking in the sultry artistry that prevails here as you sip your favorite beverage. 

Day 5: Train to Avignon, Tour the Palais des Papes & Pont Saint-Bénézet

Your next destination is the city of Avignon, located in southeastern France's Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. Check out of your hotel and meet your driver for transport to the train station, where you'll hop on board for the 2.5-hour ride. Arrive and check in at La Divine Comédie, a luxury bed-and-breakfast located in the largest private garden in the city. Guests here can choose from five different suites, each with upscale decor and options for terraces with garden views. Amenities include an on-site spa with pool, Jacuzzi, and hammam. 

After check-in, take a tour of two of the region's most notable sites, the Palais des Papes (Pope's Palace) and Pont Saint-Bénézet. Start at the palace, which is the largest Gothic palace in history and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. See the popes' private apartments with their fabulous frescoes and learn more about the church's role in 14th-century Christianity.

Continue to the Pont Saint-Bénézet, otherwise known as Pont d'Avignon. Once part of a pilgrimage route, the bridge stretches just over 2,900 feet (900 m) across the Rhône River. It's also known for being named in a famous French children's song, "Sur le Pont d'Avignon" (On the Bridge of Avignon). Spend the rest of your afternoon exploring the city. Walk along the village-like streets and visit the main square of Place de l'Horlog, where you'll see sites such as City Hall, the 15th-century belfry, and the still-functioning Belle Époque-style carousel. 

Day 6: Explore the Hilltop Villages of Luberon

Venture into the countryside and the charming villages and markets of the Luberon region or Parc du Lubéron, a massif in Central Provence consisting of three mountain ranges, the Lesser, Greater, and Eastern Luberon. Your private guide will meet you after breakfast, and you'll travel along gently rolling hills and quiet country roads, making your first stop at the hilltop village of Gordes, home to rustic houses lodged against the mountainside, winding cobblestone streets, and an impressive 10th-century château. Depending on the day, you might even catch the weekday market that takes place here.

Stop for pictures at the nearby Senanque Abbey, an exquisite 12th-century Cistercian abbey, then continue to Roussillon and the vivid red cliffs that surround it. See the medieval village of Lourmarin, known for its winding streets, patio cafés, and 16th-century castle, perhaps stopping for lunch at a local restaurant. End the day in Bonnieux, another hilltop gem that dates back to the 16th century, whose incredible views are punctuated by a church at the town's highest point.

Day 7: Day Trip to Les Baux & Saint-Rémy, Carrière de Lumières, Olive Oil Tasting 

Today's tour takes you on a day trip to the charming villages of Les Baux-de-Provence and Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. Your driver will pick you up from your hotel in the morning, making your first stop at Les Baux, a rural community in the Bouches-du-Rhône region that dates back to 6000 BCE. You'll find the village very walkable, and you'll have free time to stroll past beautifully restored old houses, private mansions, and artisan shops selling Provençal products. See the ruins of the Château des Baux-de-Provence and, depending on the season, watch an exhibition of ancient catapults and other weaponry. 

For an unusual art display, stop by the Carrière de Lumières, an underground light and sound show. Once a limestone quarry, the caverns have been transformed into a multimedia art and music exhibit, showcasing the works of famous painters, historic sites, and more. Using upward of 100 projectors, representations of masterpieces are projected onto the walls, floors, and pillars of the quarry, allowing you to wander for hours through these larger-than-life displays. You can also visit Val d'Enfer, a nearby valley filled with limestone rocks carved by water erosion over thousands of years.

Next, visit the olive farm of Moulin de Castellas, where you'll learn about the cultivation of olives and sample different olive oils, then conclude the tour in Saint-Rémy, located in the Alpilles mountain range. This region has been inhabited since prehistoric times, as evidenced by the rock carvings found in nearby Otello Cave. Spend some time wandering the cobbled streets of the village, which once served as inspiration for the works of Vincent van Gogh. Return to your hotel in time for dinner and a sunset walk around Avignon. 

Day 8: Train to Marseille, Afternoon Gastronomy Tour

You're off to the city of Marseille, or "Massalia," to its friends. This colorful port on the Mediterranean coast has more than 2,600 years of history and is an extraordinary mix of old and new, as well as being a gateway to Calanques National Park. Take a private transfer to the train station for the quick, 45-minute ride, then arrive and check into your room at C2 Hotel, a 5-star accommodation near the Vieux-Port (Old Port) district, where fishermen sell their catch every morning and the streets come alive at night. Rooms here offer designer furnishings, light and airy decor, and options for garden or sea views. 

Drop your luggage at your room, then head back out for a guided culinary adventure that showcases the gastronomic delights of this charming city. Meet your guide and walk to local cafés and shops, indulging in savory and sweet treats and meeting local craftspeople, learning more about authentic Marseille life and its culinary traditions. You'll be guided through five gourmet stages, from local cheeses and charcuterie to artisanal pastries and regional dishes. Enjoy tastings of local wines along the way, celebrating the link between Marseille's history and cuisine. 

Day 9: Full-Day Cruise Through Calanques National Park 

Discover the wonders of the Mediterranean coast today as you head out on a private tour of the UNESCO-listed Calanques National Park. Your driver will drop you at the port, where you'll hop aboard a private boat. Get acquainted with your captain and crew, then begin your cruise along the scenic, rocky coastline of this 143,000-acre (58,000 ha) park between Cassis and Marseille, passing through its many creeks and coves. 

Your guides will share the history and legends of the region and when you're ready, put on your wetsuit and diving gear to visit the underwater world of Calanques. Say hello to colorful fish, dolphins, shy octopus, and the occasional turtle as you explore the blue-green waters. Have lunch on the boat, then return to Marseille in the late afternoon. 

Day 10: Mediterranean Cooking Workshop

Explore the rich history and traditions of French cuisine today with a Mediterranean-style cooking class. Meet your instructor in the morning, starting with a visit to the fishermen on the Vieux Port, where you'll pick from their morning catch or purchase meat from local vendors. Then, head to the popular Marché des Capucins for vegetables and herbs, stopping at a local wine merchant to pair whites or reds with the meal before making your way to a family apartment.

Working under a tree-lined patio, your host will show you how to make local dishes using the fresh fish, meats, and produce you helped select. Learn about the traditions associated with the recipes, and enjoy a hands-on lesson in Mediterranean cuisine. Afterward, sit down at the table with your new friends and enjoy a delicious meal and lively conversation, all accompanied by local wines. 

Day 11: Transfer to Nice via Commanderie de Peyrassol Winery

The final leg of your trip takes you to the city of Nice, which sits at the northern end of the French Riviera, near the Italian border. This energetic city is known for its artistic spirit, grand plazas, and crescent-shaped pebble beaches, and is considered one of the region's most popular destinations. Your driver will collect you from your hotel in the morning for the drive, with a stop at the Commanderie de Peyrassol winery along the way.

This historic estate, founded by the Knights Templar in the 13th century, is renowned for its exceptional vineyards, producing high-quality wines that reflect the terroir's unique characteristics. The estate features restored medieval buildings, including a chapel, stone terraces, and ancient wine cellars. It's also home to a sculpture park, where you'll find works by more than 50 artists, including Bertrand Lavier, Franco Adami, and César.

Tour the vineyards and learn more about the winemaking process, taste different varietals, then end with lunch at the onsite restaurant, Chez Jeannette, which sits below the vineyards and offers farm-to-table fare that features seasonal produce from the estate's own gardens. Arrive in Nice in the afternoon and check into Le Negresco, a luxury beachside hotel with decor that includes art from the 17th and 18th centuries and tastefully appointed rooms that offer views of the sea. Relax at your hotel tonight, or walk over to the beach for sunset views. 

Day 12: E-Bike Tour Around Nice, Luxury Sunset Cruise

See more of Nice with a guided e-bike tour. Meet your guide after breakfast and, after a safety and equipment briefing, start with a gentle cruise along the Promenade des Anglais, or "La Prom." This 4.3-mile (7 km) stretch of shops and restaurants is a popular place to congregate, with wide walkways and bike paths that provide uninterrupted views of the sea. Continue along the port of Nice and make your way along the Cap de Nice, one of the most beautiful roads on the French Riviera.

Visit Villefranche-sur-Mer and the fortified citadel of Saint-Elmo, taking some free time to wander the narrow streets and pop into local shops. Admire the pristine beaches and turquoise waters of the coastline as you go, and see the villas that are purported to have belonged to mythical figures. Your guide will share juicy tales and anecdotes about celebrities who have stayed here, as well as the history of the region. On your way back, make a stop to climb the Fort du Mont Alban for views of the bay.

This evening, depart from either Lympia Port or nearby Monaco Port for a private sunset cruise. Have a glass (or two!) of refreshing Champagne as you sail along the coast and Baie des Anges, taking in the beauty of the Mediterranean Sea at sunset. Return to Nice in time for dinner or one more cocktail at your hotel before retiring for the night. 

Day 13: French Riviera Experience: Secret Spots, Villages & Cuisine

Your final day in France involves an off-the-beaten-track excursion to some of the French Riviera's most stunning viewpoints. Your driver will pick you up at your hotel and you'll begin with a scenic drive to the Val Roya, part of Mercantour National Park that sits between the borders of France and Italy.

Drive winding roads and along mountain ranges, stopping for an upscale picnic in the Alpine pass of Col de Brouis. Sit at an outdoor table, savoring the varied flavors of Nice's cuisine and sampling local wines, then continue to the village of Sospel, nestled in the Bévéra river valley. Wander through its picturesque streets and take in its rich cultural heritage, stopping for a snack or shopping at small boutiques. Before returning to Nice, make a stop at a traditional olive grower to learn about olive oil production and sample some products. 

Day 14: Depart Nice

It's time to say au revoir to France! At the appointed time, your driver will collect you from your hotel and transfer you to the airport for your flight home. Safe travels! 

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