Compare The Best of Southern France: Provence and the Cote d'Azur by Road Scholar vs Country Roads of France - Classic Group by Insight Vacations

Day 1 In Transit to Program In Flight

Day 2 Arrive Marseille, to Avignon, Orientation, Welcome Dinner Avignon

Hotel check-in from 2:00 p.m.

After checking in to the hotel and getting your room, take some time to freshen up and relax before our Orientation session. Orientation: The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Travel and transfers will be via motorcoach unless noted otherwise. There are several lengthy motorcoach transfers during this program. Due to ecological regulations in France, new motorcoaches do not have restrooms on board. Older models have restrooms, but they are not available for use. A rest stop will be made along the way for rides that are more than 90 minutes. The Group Leader will announce when rest stops will be made en route. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.

At a local restaurant, we will have a plated meal with beverage choices of a glass of wine or soft drink and water included; other beverages available for purchase. In France, restaurants take pride in creating a relaxed atmosphere where patrons can take their time and enjoy every bite. This allows the customer to set the pace of the meal, and means that they have to inform the server when they are ready for the check (“l’addition”) at the end of the meal. It is customary for servers to wait until everyone has finished their dish before clearing the table and bringing out the next course. You may indicate to the server that you have finished your meal by placing your utensils together on the right hand side of your plate. Meals are accompanied by complimentary bread (“pain”) and water (“eau” or “l’eau”), so you need not ask for them. When wine is offered at meals, please note that it is customary to fill your glass half way to allow the wine to breathe.

Day 3 Arles, Market Day, Pont du Gard Avignon

Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 63 miles, approximately 2 hours; walking up to 3 miles throughout the day, standing up to 2 hours at a time; cobblestone streets, some uneven terrain.

We will board a motorcoach and set out on a field trip to explore the old city of Arles. With its Roman and Romanesque monuments, Arles is a UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site. From the UNESCO inscription: “Arles is a good example of the adaptation of an ancient city to medieval European civilization. It has some impressive Roman monuments, of which the earliest – the arena, the Roman theatre and the cryptoporticus (subterranean galleries) – date back to the 1st century B.C. During the 4th century Arles experienced a second golden age, as attested by the baths of Constantine and the necropolis of Alyscamps. In the 11th and 12th centuries, Arles once again became one of the most attractive cities in the Mediterranean. Within the city walls, Saint-Trophime, with its cloister, is one of Provence’s major Romanesque monuments.” A local expert will lead our exploration of the old town on foot and point out a few of these special sites. We will also learn about some of the picturesque places that inspired Van Gogh and the works he created while he lived in Arles. As a special highlight, we will visit a traditional Provençal market and have some time for independent exploration.

Back on the motorcoach, we will head to the Pont du Gard, where we will learn about this ancient Roman aqueduct that spans the River Gardon.

At leisure.

The hotel breakfast buffet offers choices such as eggs, breakfast meat, breads, cheese, cereals, jam, butter, yogurt, seasonal fruits, milk, juices, coffee, tea, water.

At a restaurant in Arles, we’ll have a plated meal with beverage choices of soda and water included; other beverages available for purchase.

This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you would like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

Day 4 Palais des Papes, Rocher des Doms, Pont d’Avignon, Free Time Avignon

Walking 3 miles throughout the day; standing for 2 hours; uneven and even terrain.

We will head out on foot, accompanied by a local expert, into the center of Avignon to explore some of its iconic landmarks. The Palais des Papes, Palace of the Popes, was built during the so called “Babylonian Captivity” — the period from 1309-1376 when the seat of the papacy was transferred to France. The magnificent palace was constructed in only 20 years and was the largest Gothic palace in Europe. We will learn about its history from the days of grandeur to near destruction and restoration. The Rocher des Doms is now a landscaped public garden covering seven acres. What we see today dates from 1830 but the spot has been inhabited since the Neolithic (Stone Age) era. It was later a fortified Roman oppidum and a place where shepherds grazed their sheep. We will also see the famed Avignon bridge. Severely damaged during the 17th century, the remaining structure is still a popular place for promenades. People who have never seen it know it from the popular song “Sur le pont d’Avignon.”

Free time to explore the historic city of Avignon on your own. For suggestions, please refer to the Free Time attachment in your Final Information Packet. The Group Leader is also happy to offer suggestions. We will regroup at the hotel before dinner.

At leisure.

Hotel buffet.

On your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

At a restaurant near the hotel, we’ll have a plated meal with beverage choices of soda and water included; other beverages available for purchase.

Day 5 Les Baux de Provence, St Remy, St Paul de Mausole et Glanum Avignon

Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 45 miles round trip, approximately 1.5 hours throughout the day; walking up to 2 miles; unavoidable stairs and inclines at historic sites; standing up to 2 hours at a time; cobblestone streets and uneven terrain.

We will take the motorcoach to Les Baux de Provence, officially classified as one of the “Plus beaux villages de France” — most beautiful villages in France. With a local expert, we will explore this fortified village that has an interesting history and offers some of the most picturesque views in Provence. We will visit and learn about the sites where a fortress once stood. We’ll then ride to the Provençal village of Saint-Remy-de-Provence, where Van Gogh spent the penultimate year of his life after being forced to leave Arles, and visit Maison de santé Saint-Paul de Mausole. This was the mental hospital where Van Gogh committed himself from 1889-90. It became for him an island of serenity and source of creativity where he made 143 oil paintings and more than 100 drawings over a period of 53 weeks. Some of his most important were paintings — “Cypresses,” “Irises,” and “Starry Night” — were inspired by local vistas. The building itself is considered a masterpiece of Provençal Romanesque architecture and still functions as a psychiatric hospital.

Just outside Saint-Remy-de-Provence, we will see Glanum, an oppidum — Roman fortified town — founded in the 6th century BCE. This area contains two Roman monuments of the 1st century BCE, a mausoleum, and a triumphal arch.

At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

Hotel buffet.

On your own to enjoy the local fare. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

On your own to have what you like.

Day 6 Transfer to Nice, Aix-en-Provence, Paul Cézanne Nice

Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 170 miles, approximately 3.5 hours. Walking up to 2 miles, standing up to 2 hours; even and uneven terrain.

We will check out of the hotel, board a motorcoach, and begin our journey to Nice, seeing even more of Provence along the way. En route, we will stop in Aix-en-Provence to explore this famous town on foot with a local expert.

We will regroup at a designated time and place to visit the atelier of famous local artist, Paul Cézanne, credited as one of the fathers of modern art. We’ll then ride on to Nice and check in to our hotel late afternoon.

At leisure.

Hotel buffet.

On your own in Aix-en-Provence.

At the hotel, we’ll have a plated meal with beverage choices of soda and water included; other beverages available for purchase.

Day 7 Antibes, Picasso Museum, St Paul de Vence, Matisse Chapel Nice

Getting on/off a motorcoach. Walking up to 2 miles, standing up to 2 hours at a time.

We will go by motorcoach to Antibes to explore this seaside town with a local expert. Among the highlights is the Musée Picasso. The artist lived for several months during 1946 in the former Château Grimaldi, a castle dating back to the 12th century. Picasso donated a large number of the paintings and drawings he did here to Antibes, and the château was renamed the Picasso Museum in 1966. It has since collected more of the artist’s works and also displays works by other 20th century artists of note. We will learn about Picasso, his work, and his time in France. Next, we will ride to Saint-Paul de Vence.

We will have some time for independent exploration to see and do what interests you most in Saint-Paul de Vence. You might like to visit the Maeght Foundation, an exceptional example of modern cultural achievement. It was founded by art lovers Marguerite and Aimé Maeght to present modern and contemporary art in all its forms. The building was designed by master Catalonian architect Josep Lluís Sert, and the collection includes works by Bonnard, Braque, Calder, Chagall, Giacometti, Miró, and more. Altogether, the Maeght Foundation boasts one of the largest and finest collections of 20th century art in Europe. We will regroup at a designated time and place, reboard our motorcoach, and ride to the Matisse Chapel in Vence, on a hillside above Nice. The Chapelle du Rosaire de Vence was a labor of love by Matisse out of gratitude to Monique Bourgeois, the nurse who cared for him after cancer surgery in 1941. They became devoted to one another. Later, Monique entered the religious order of the Dominicans and asked Matisse to advise her in the decoration of their chapel. Instead, the artist took it on as a far greater project. For four years, Matisse dedicated himself to designing every element of the building, regarding the finished chapel as his masterpiece. We will return to the hotel after our field trip.

At leisure.

Hotel buffet.

On your own in Saint Paul de Vence.

On your own.

Day 8 Nice, Cimiez Hill, The Romans, Matisse, Chagall Nice

Getting on/off a motorcoach. Walking up to 3 miles, standing up to 2 hours at a time; even and uneven ground; potential crowded conditions.

We will ride into Nice to see some of the iconic sites with commentary by a local expert. We will see the Russian Orthodox church, stop at Castle Hill for a panoramic view of the city, and drive along the Promenade des Anglais before reaching the “Old Town” and the renowned Marché aux Fleurs (flower market). Continuing with a local expert, we will savor the flavors of Nice as we visit food markets and artisan shops where local specialties are made.

Next, we will ride to the Cimiez neighborhood for a walk around the Monastery Gardens that feature the old ruins of Nice’s Roman past and the Matisse Museum. At the museum, we will see a comprehensive collection of Henri Matisse’s artwork from all periods of his life: from the first paintings made in 1890 to the famous gouache cutouts. There are 236 drawings, 218 engravings, and a complete presentation of the books illustrated by the artist at this museum. We will then ride down Cimiez Hill to the “Musée national message biblique Marc Chagall” (National Museum Marc Chagall Biblical Message). It features scenes from Genesis, Exodus, and the Song of Songs illustrated in 17 large paintings, sculptures, stained glass windows, mosaics and tapestries, along with preparatory sketches, gouaches, engravings, and lithographs — all housed in a museum built especially for these works and opened by the artist in 1972.

At leisure. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.

Hotel buffet.

At a local restaurant, we’ll have a plated meal with beverage choices of soda and water included; other beverages available for purchase.

At a restaurant near the hotel, we’ll have a plated meal with beverage choices of a glass of wine, soda, and water included; other beverages available for purchase. Share favorite experiences with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.

Day 9 Program Concludes Nice

Hotel check-out 12:00 Noon. See your program’s Transportation Information regarding transfers.

If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!

Hotel buffet (depending on departure times). This concludes our program.

Day 1: Welcome to Paris

On arrival at Charles de Gaulle Airport, transfers leave for the hotel at 08:30, 11:00 and 14:00. After checking in, the capital’s grand boulevards and world-famous landmarks are yours to explore. At 17:30, meet your Travel Director and fellow guests at the hotel before joining a Welcome Dinner at Brasserie Bofinger, a local restaurant with cuisine inspired by country recipes.

Pullman Paris Centre Bercy.

Dinner with Wine

Day 2: Champagne Region and on to Dijon

Journey through the Champagne region. Stop to savour a taste of champagne, for which this region is world famous. Continue on to your hotel in Dijon.

Grand Hotel Dijon La Cloche, Dijon.

Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Day 3: Free Time in Dijon Relaxed Start

Enjoy the Burgundy capital of Dijon. Its many handsome buildings recall the time when the Dukes of Burgundy were more powerful than the Kings of France. Perhaps take the opportunity to visit the wine capital of Burgundy, Beaune? In the evening, don't miss the chance of an optional Burgundy wine tasting and traditional dinner in the Premier Cru village of Fixin.

Grand Hotel Dijon La Cloche, Dijon.

Breakfast

Day 4: Chamonix

Travel towards the Mâconnais and Beaujolais before turning east into the Alps. A scenic symphony awaits you as you ascend into the high Alps and climb towards Mont Blanc, Western Europe’s highest mountain. Your destination is the fashionable ski resort of Chamonix. In the evening you may choose to try a local pierrade at a local trendy eatery in a traditional chalet. This Optional Experience provides the chance to try a typical regional meal, cooked on a table barbecue using on a hot stone.

Hotel Mercure Chamonix.

Breakfast

Day 5: Lakeside Annecy and Grenoble Relaxed Start

In the morning, embark on a beautiful journey to the lakeside town of Annecy, dramatically situated between lake and mountains, it's a medieval spectacle and a summer getaway for the French and the Swiss locals. Enjoy free time for lunch in Little Venice, aptly named for the network of canals criss-crossing through the Old Town. Explore the city’s many lovely bridges at your leisure. Continue on to your hotel in Grenoble. This evening, savour a delicious raclette dinner at a local restaurant.

Park Hôtel Grenoble-MGallery.

Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Day 6: The French Riviera to reach Nice

Glorious mountain scenery will be yours to enjoy as you travel along a spectacular route, used by the Emperor Napoleon when he returned from his first exile to try to take the throne of France once more. Continue to the French Riviera to reach the elegant resort of Nice. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore as you wish. In the evening, why not walk through old town Nice, ending in Cours Saleya where dinner is at your leisure at one of the many lovely bistros?

Radisson Blu Hotel, Nice.

Breakfast

Day 7: Monaco and the Côte d’Azur

Wake up ready to rub shoulders with the jet-set on the glamorous Côte d’Azur. Unlock the secrets of the French perfume industry with a visit to a perfumery, where fragrance experts waft exclusive scents from stoppered bottles. Then enjoy a drive along part of the Grand Prix circuit in Monaco and walk with your Travel Director through the old town to see the Royal Palace and yacht-filled harbour. Your exploration continues as you visit inside Monaco Cathedral, housing the tomb of Princess Grace. The rest of the day is set aside for you to enjoy the French Riviera at your own pace. Perhaps join an Optional Experience to visit to the medieval village of Eze and its hill-top Botanical Gardens for a spectacular view of the coastline?

Radisson Blu Hotel, Nice.

Breakfast

Day 8: Picturesque Provence

Visit the medieval village of Saint-Paul de Vence, perched high above the Riviera beaches. A walk through its winding streets reveals elegant fountains, vine-covered stone walls and views of mountains and sea. Enjoy a lesson in the French sport of pétanque. Steady your hand and get ready to test your newfound skills as you take part in a game, completed by a glass of pastis, a French apéritif. Continue to Aix-en-Provence to see the sumptuous mansions lining the Cours Mirabeau and on to your hotel.

Aquabella Hotel & Spa, Aix-en-Provence.

Breakfast

Day 9: Avignon and Pont du Gard

Journey to Pont du Gard to see the magnificent ancient Roman aqueduct bridge. Continue on to Avignon to enjoy views of the remaining arches of the Pont d'Avignon and the fortified Papal Palace.Stop at the beautiful Domaine de la Vallongue for a tasting of its renowned wines and gastronomic olive oils. A MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, the estate uses traditional practices throughout, creating a sustainable business for future generations.

Aquabella Hotel & Spa, Aix-en-Provence.

Breakfast

Day 10: Carcassonne and to Albi

Head to beautiful Arles and learn about its historical connection to Vincent Van Gogh, who produced over 300 artworks during his time in the city. Cross the fertile Languedoc region, before journeying inland to the fortified town of Carcassonne. Travellers are often amazed at their first sight of this medieval gem, known for its fortress - a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a complete set of ramparts and a medieval keep. Travel to Albi, the birthplace of the Toulouse Lautrec. During your orientation with your Travel Director, marvel at iconic sites including the views of Toulouse Lautrec Museum and the famous awe-inspiring cathedral, before spending the remainder of the day at leisure.

Hôtel Saint Antoine, Albi.

Breakfast

Day 11: Free Time in Albi

Enjoy a full day at leisure, to relax and soak up the atmosphere of Albi.This evening savour a delicious dinner of carefully selected fresh ingredients, at a local restaurant.

Hôtel Saint Antoine, Albi.

Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Day 12: Cahors and Rocamadour Relaxed Start

Stop in Cahors, famous for its Black Wine, and see the Pont Valentré. You'll also have the opportunity to explore the open air market - full of fresh, seasonal produce and local delicacies, it's an experience to delight all of the senses. Travel to Rocamadour and enjoy free time to explore this medieval town perched on a cliff side above the Alzou River and known as a resting place for pilgrims on their way to Spain. Continue to the beautiful town of Sarlat-la-Canéda, its medieval core blessed with fine historic golden limestone houses.

La Hoirie, Sarlat-la-Canéda.

Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Day 13: Exploring the Dordogne Valley

Start the day with a morning drive into the stunning Valley of the Dordogne to visit Lascaux II, where the world-famous prehistoric cave paintings have been faithfully reproduced.Enjoy a delicious Farm-to-Table Dinner, prepared with locally sourced ingredients and served with wines from the region.

La Hoirie, Sarlat-la-Canéda.

Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Day 14: Paris, The City of Light

Travel onwards to immerse yourself in the beautiful city of Paris where on arrival you are free to explore this fascinating city as you wish. As evening descends, the City of Light lives up to its name as the monuments, buildings and bridges are lit up in all their glory. For that special touch of excitement and glamour don't miss the chance to join an Optional Experience to one of the world-famous cabaret shows.

Le Méridien Etoile, Paris.

Breakfast

Day 15: Romantic Capital on the Seine

During your time in Paris, see the impressive Eiffel Tower, the imposing facades of the Louvre, the obelisk in the centre of the Place de la Concorde and enjoy a drive along the Champs Élysées to Napoleon's Arc de Triomphe. Today enjoy an Insight Choice experience. Choose to shop in quaint boutiques like a true Parisian for fashion, perfume or cosmetics with your Local Expert. Alternatively, join a Local Expert, an avid foodie, as you head into areas where Parisians go about their daily lives to explore small shops and sample local treats and delicacies. You are in for a memorable evening starting with a delicious Celebration Dinner at the historic restaurant La Coupole, serving delicious French cuisine and wine.

Le Méridien Etoile, Paris.

Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Day 16: Au Revoir Paris

Your departure transfer will arrive at Charles de Gaulle Airport at 08:00 or 11:00.

Breakfast