The Art of Living in Southern France
From the sparkling Mediterranean coastline of the French Riviera to the charming villages and vineyards of Provence, this eight-day journey celebrates the beauty, culture and traditions of southern France. Begin in Nice, where elegant seaside promenades, colourful historic streets and a rich artistic heritage create a wonderful introduction to the Côte d'Azur. Explore picturesque coastal villages, admire spectacular Mediterranean views and visit places that inspired celebrated artists including Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse. Continue inland to Aix-en-Provence, a beautiful historic city renowned for its graceful architecture, lively markets and exceptional regional cuisine. Enjoy authentic Provençal flavours during a guided market visit, discover local wines at a countryside estate and admire the remarkable Roman engineering of Pont du Gard. Your journey also takes you to Cassis, with its dramatic limestone cliffs and turquoise waters, and Marseille, one of France's oldest and most culturally diverse cities.
With boutique accommodation, cultural guidance, memorable culinary experiences and time for independent exploration, this journey offers an engaging introduction to the distinctive character of southern France.
Included / Excluded
To make your journey as seamless as possible, we have outlined what is included in your arrangements, along with anything you may wish to organise separately.
- 7 nights' accommodation in selected 4-5 star hotels with breakfast
- Accommodation taxes
- Private transfers on Days 1, 5 and 8
- Coach transportation for scheduled excursions on Days 3, 4, 6 and 7
- Welcome cocktail and traditional meal
- Cultural sightseeing experiences as specified in the programme
- Entrance fees to the Chagall Museum, Palais Lascaris and Archaeology Museum in Nice
- Entrance to the Picasso Museum in Antibes
- Guided Provençal market experience with tastings
- Vineyard visit, wine tasting and lunch at a local estate near Aix-en-Provence
- Entrance to Pont du Gard
- Scenic boat excursion in Cassis, subject to weather conditions
- Small-group host and specialist French cultural and wine guides
- Maximum group size of 16 guests
- International and domestic flights
- Meals and beverages not specifically listed as included
- Tips and gratuities
- Any services not listed under “Included”
Itinerary
Every journey is designed with time to experience each destination properly. Explore remarkable places, discover local flavours and enjoy experiences that bring you closer to the history, culture and character of the places you visit.
Arrive in Nice, where your private transfer will take you to your hotel for a four-night stay.
After settling in, enjoy time to explore this beautiful Mediterranean city at your leisure.
Stroll along the famous Promenade des Anglais, admire the colourful buildings of the Old Town or browse the boutiques and cafés surrounding Place Masséna.
Nice offers a wonderful combination of French and Italian influences, reflected in its architecture, markets and regional cuisine.
Enjoy a welcome gathering featuring cocktails and a traditional meal, introducing you to the flavours and hospitality of southern France.
After breakfast, enjoy a guided walking experience through Nice’s historic centre.
Wander along narrow cobblestone streets, charming squares and lively market areas while learning about the city’s fascinating cultural heritage.
Admire elegant Baroque churches, historic palaces, monuments and architectural details reflecting centuries of Mediterranean influence.
The programme also offers opportunities to explore cultural attractions such as the Chagall Museum or Palais Lascaris, according to the day’s arrangements.
Spend the afternoon at leisure, perhaps visiting local galleries, enjoying the waterfront or exploring Nice’s distinctive neighbourhoods.
Depart Nice for a full-day journey along some of the most beautiful stretches of the Côte d’Azur.
Begin with panoramic views over Villefranche-sur-Mer and the spectacular coastline of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat.
Continue towards Saint-Paul-de-Vence, a charming medieval village celebrated for its stone streets, historic walls, art galleries and longstanding association with artists and writers.
Enjoy time exploring the village and appreciating its remarkable setting.
Later, visit Èze, a picturesque hilltop village overlooking the Mediterranean.
Wander through its narrow medieval lanes before visiting the Fragonard perfume factory, where you will learn about the traditional techniques and craftsmanship behind French perfumery.
Return to Nice in the late afternoon.
After breakfast, travel to Antibes for a full-day cultural excursion.
Explore the town’s beautiful historic centre, where ancient fortifications, traditional streets and a lively waterfront reflect its long Mediterranean history.
Visit the renowned Picasso Museum, home to an important collection of works associated with the artist’s time in Antibes.
Learn about the region’s artistic heritage and its connections to celebrated figures such as Henri Matisse, Jean Cocteau and F. Scott Fitzgerald.
Enjoy time at leisure to wander through the Old Town, browse local shops or admire the impressive yachts moored at Port Vauban.
Return to Nice in the late afternoon.
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and travel by private vehicle to Aix-en-Provence.
Arrive in this elegant historic city and settle into your centrally located boutique hotel.
In the afternoon, join a private guided walking tour through the picturesque streets and squares of Aix.
Admire the city’s beautiful fountains, historic mansions and impressive architectural heritage dating from the 17th and 18th centuries.
Learn about its Roman origins and discover landmarks including Saint-Sauveur Cathedral and the charming streets of the Old Town.
Enjoy the evening at leisure, with opportunities to explore Aix’s restaurants, cafés and lively squares.
Begin the day with a guided visit to a traditional Provençal market.
Explore colourful stalls displaying fresh produce, regional cheeses, breads, pastries and other local specialities.
Enjoy selected tastings while learning about the culinary traditions that make Provence one of France’s most celebrated food regions.
Continue to a local wine estate near Aix-en-Provence for a vineyard visit, regional wine tasting and traditional lunch.
Later, travel to Pont du Gard, an extraordinary Roman aqueduct and UNESCO World Heritage site.
Admire this remarkable example of ancient engineering, beautifully preserved within the surrounding countryside.
Return to Aix-en-Provence in the late afternoon.
After breakfast, travel to Cassis, a charming fishing village surrounded by dramatic limestone cliffs and the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean.
Enjoy views of Cap Canaille and explore the picturesque harbour and waterfront.
Weather permitting, take a scenic boat excursion to admire three of the magnificent Calanques, famous for their steep white cliffs and secluded coastal inlets.
Continue to Marseille, a historic Mediterranean port with a rich cultural heritage.
Explore the famous Vieux-Port and admire panoramic views of the city.
Visit the impressive Notre-Dame de la Garde Basilica and continue to the historic Abbey of Saint-Victor, known for its ancient crypt and religious significance.
Return to Aix-en-Provence in the late afternoon.
Enjoy your final evening in Provence at leisure.
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before checking out.
At the arranged time, your private departure transfer will take you to the airport.
Your journey concludes with wonderful memories of the French Riviera’s elegant coastal towns, Provence’s beautiful countryside, exceptional regional cuisine and southern France’s remarkable cultural heritage.
Continue your journey through France with our Paris & Normandy collection, featuring elegant city experiences, historic landmarks and the distinctive charm of Normandy.
