Compare The Best of Southern France: Provence and the Cote d'Azur by Road Scholar vs Paris, Provence and the French Riviera delights by Paris-Toujours

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: Arrival day

On arrival at the airport welcome and transfer to your hotel in the center of Paris. Free time to relax and wander in the lively streets around your hotel.

Day 2: On the top of Paris

Today you will have a self-guided tour of the Eiffel Tower with skip-the-line access – an unmissable monument if it’s your first time in Paris! From there you could also walk to the Arc de Triomphe if you want to have another amazing view of Paris.

Day 3: Introduction to Paris

After breakfast, meet your private guide for an introduction of Paris with a walking tour on the Islands (Ile de la Cité and Ile Saint-Louis). Your guide will introduce Paris’ history while walking in front of many famous monuments. You will start with the Ile de La Cité where the Sainte-Chapelle was built to protect the relics of the Christ. You will also be able to enter in the gothic jewel, Notre-Dame Cathedral, dated from the 12th century. You will also climb the 400 stairs of Notre-Dame tower – at the top of the tower you will have a 360° magnificent view of Paris. You will even be able to see gargoyles very close!

In the afternoon  head 20 meters underground towards the Parisian Catacombs to see more than a million bones on a 2km course with a skip-the-line access.

Day 4: Walking tour in the oldest district & dinner cruise

This morning you will have a private guided tour of the Latin Quarter. Follow your private guide through the 5th arrondissement of Paris very famous for its charming old streets and traditional French bistrots and markets. Free afternoon to visit Cluny museum and to stroll in the old streets.

In the evening you will have a dinner cruise on board a very chic yacht. You will enjoy a fine meal prepared by an awarded Chef and be able to admire the main enlightened monuments of the city from the Seine river.

Day 5: Impressionist morning

After breakfast your guide will pick you up at your hotel for a private visit of Orsay museum. You will discover some of the major works of the 19th century collection. You’ll see many impressionist paints such as “Luncheon on the grass” by Edouard Manet, “Waterlilies series” by Claude Monet and even some paintings of Van Gogh. In the afternoon free time to stroll in the Tuileries garden and self-guided visit of the Orangerie  museum to continue your impressionist immersion.

Day 6: Journey to Avignon

After breakfast you will be transferred to the train station and you will take the high-speed train to travel to Provence from Paris. Arrive in Avignon train station where your private driver will pick you up.  After dropping off your luggage at the hotel, spend your afternoon discovering the charming old town of Avignon, well known for the famous Palace of the Popes and its bridge. Take your time to stroll in the narrow streets and have a drink on a terrace.

Day 7: Wine tour in Chateauneuf-du-Pape area

After breakfast your driver/guide will pick you up at your hotel for a private tour through the Côte-du-Rhône vineyards. You will visit some wine estates located in the most famous wine areas such as Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Vacqueyras and Gigondas where you’ll be able to taste different wines. Amongst the different wineries you’ll discover gorgeous small Provencal villages like Seguret.

Day 8: Luberon villages

Today you will discover the Provencal villages of the Luberon and some of the most beautiful lavender fields in France, especially if you travel to Provence in June-July when the lavender fields are blooming and not harvested yet.  Your private driver-guide will pick you up at your hotel and drive to Gordes, a gorgeous perched village. After a lovely walk on the cobblestones, reach the Abbey de Senanque founded in the 12th century by Cistercian monks and surrounded by lavender fields. Your guide will take you to other villages like Roussillon, a little village perched on an ochre cliff or Ménerbes. Finish the day at the lavender museum of the Luberon to understand the local know-hows from harvesting to distillation.

Day 9: Gourmet experience with a French chef

After breakfast you will be dropped off in a small village for a culinary and gourmet experience with a French Chef. Before the cooking class, follow the chef around a typical Provencal market. You’ll be able to choose fresh ingredients that you will then be using during the cooking class. After the class you will share and relish the lunch you prepared all together. A unique Provencal moment facing the hills of the Luberon !

Day 10: Transfer to Antibes

In the morning you will be picked-up by your private driver to drive to Aix-en-Provence. Meet your private guide on the Cour Mirabeau and start the exploration of the old town, following Cézanne’s footsteps. Do not forget to taste Calissons, the almond & melon local confectionary. Visit the old workshop of Cezanne overlooking the Sainte Victoire Mountain. Late afternoon, your chauffeur will pick you up to drive you to Antibes.

Day 11: Hiking day in the Estérel Mountains

In the morning, your guide will pick you up for a private outdoor day tour in the Estérel Mountains – a natural park formed by red volcanic rocks. During this hike you will enjoy both the nature with the Mediterranean vegetation and the view on the turquoise blue sea. After a picnic lunch, visit of Our Lady of Jerusalem’s chapel, nestling in the middle of the pine and cork oak trees, before being transfered back to your hotel. Free time late afternoon to enjoy the swimming pool and private beach of the hotel.

Day 12: Private tour to Nice, Eze & Monaco

Today you will have a private day tour to Nice, Eze and Monaco. Three different stops which are three must-sees. You will begin by the visit of the old city of Nice before heading to Eze a small middle-age perched village. You will then spend the afternoon in Montecarlo and Monaco were you could admire luxurious boats and make the most of the sun. To finish the day, you could have a romantic dinner by the sea.

Day 13: Departure day

End of your travel to Provence experience and departure – private transfer to Nice airport