On this insider’s walking tour of France, walk in the footsteps of Cezanne through through the Luberon forest and rustic towns and amble through lush fields and gardens. Your journey will immerse you in the papal riches of Avignon, the ochre hues of Verdon, Gordes and Roussillon, and the stunning views from Cap Ferrat on the French Riviera. You may not have a year in Provence, but spend 10 days and you may never want to leave.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 - Cannes
Your journey begins with a regularly scheduled overnight flight to the French Riviera on an internationally recognized airline.
Day 2 - Cannes
Welcome to France! A representative greets you at the airport in Nice after you clear customs and escorts you to your hotel in Cannes. This evening, meet your fellow walking enthusiasts at this evening’s Welcome Dinner.
Included meals: breakfast (in flight), dinner
Day 3 - Avignon
Discover the fresh air and flowering vistas of Provence during this morning’s invigorating two hour walk in Ste. Baume. Medievel travelers followed these same paths in their pilgrimages to pray at the shrine of Mary Magdalene. En route to Avignon, visit the town of Grasse, the heart of France’s perfume industry. Surrounded by fields of jasmine, roses, violets and lavender, Grasse produces a high percentage of the world’s bottled fragrances. Make a visit to the Fragonard Perfume Factory to see the process in action.
Included meals: breakfast
Day 4 - Avignon
Stroll through the medieval city of Avignon this morning on a tour led by your Tour Director. You’ll also experience an in-depth visit to the Papal Palace with an audio guide. In the 14th century, Pope Clement V chose to reign as pope from his native France, rather than from Rome. Visit the opulent palace that he and his successors inhabited and view the relics of grandeur they enjoyed during the 75-year era when Avignon was the seat of the papacy. This afternoon, savor our included Provençal Lunch, which includes a taste of the region’s cuisine. Next, visit the awe-inspiring Pont du Gard. Built in 19 B.C. during the days of the Roman empire, this aqueduct endures as an architectural and artistic marvel.
Included meals: breakfast, lunch
Included entrances: Papal Palace
Day 5 - Avignon
This morning, visit the perfectly preserved hilltop town of Gordes. With its imposing Château de Gordes, the 12th-century village overlooks the Imergue Valley. Continue on to Roussillon, considered to be one of France’s most picturesque villages. Today’s hour-long walk takes you into and through the town’s open-air ochre mines. Although mining has ceased, the colorful red rock continues to draw visitors to its unique cliffside vistas. Savor the rustic flavors of Southern France with an optional Chateauneuf du Pape dinner and wine tasting tonight.
Included meals: breakfast
Included entrances: Roussillon ochre mines
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$85 USD |
Chateauneuf-du-Pape Dinner and Wine Tasting
This evening, sample some of the region’s most acclaimed vintages during a wine tasting in a local wine cellar before continuing on to a nearby restaurant for dinner, featuring a selection of Provençal dishes.
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Day 6 - Manosque
Drive through the countryside to the rustic Luberon region, setting for Peter Mayle’s book A Year in Provence. Pass through scenic Luberon towns, like Bonnieux, Lacoste and Ménerbes, before reaching Fontaine de Vaucluse, a waterfall that emanates from deep inside a rocky hillside. This afternoon, your hour-and-a-half walk in the Luberon Forest takes you through groves of oak and cedar with views of the surrounding mountain villages. Arrive this evening in Manosque for an included dinner.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner
Day 7 - Manosque
This morning, your Tour Director introduces you to the town of Gréoux-les-Bains with a walking tour of the village and surrounding region. Known for the recuperative waters of its thermal caves, Gréoux-les-Bains offers a range of medieval relics, including the ruins of the castle of the Templars. Stop in the medieval village of Moustiers Saint Marie, known throughout Europe since the 17th century for its blue-and-white ceramics. After free time for lunch, continue past the dramatic canyons of the Gorges du Verdon area, known as the “Grand Canyon of France.”
Included meals: breakfast
Day 8 - Nice
En route to Nice, stop in Aix-en-Provence where you’ll follow in the footsteps of painter Paul Cézanne during a guided tour of the city, including the painter’s studio. In his paintings of the surrounding countryside, Cézanne immortalized this charming town. Continue on to the Mediterranean city of Nice, where you can choose to join our optional Monaco by Night excursion, featuring dinner and a visit to the famous Monte-Carlo Casino.
Included meals: breakfast
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$115 USD |
Monaco by Night
Travel on winding roads to Monaco, a tiny principality ruled by the Grimaldis, Europe’s oldest royal family. Monaco has retained its independence for more than 700 years, and became famous when its reigning prince married Grace Kelly. Your tour director introduces you to the Old Town, with a stop outside the Royal Palace. After an included dinner, try your luck at the famous Monte-Carlo Casino.
Please note: This excursion requires some walking to the casino.
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Day 9 - Nice
Start the day with a walk on the Cap Ferrat, the peninsula separating Nice from the principality of Monaco. Your hour-and-a-half walk along a cliffside path presents memorable views of the Mediterranean and the Cote d’Azur. This afternoon, opt for an excursion to St. Paul-de-Vence, a quaint village known for its boutiques bursting with local art. Relive tour memories at tonight’s Farewell Dinner.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner
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$45 USD |
St. Paul-de-Vence
Journey to the rustic hill town of St. Paul-de-Vence. Your tour director shows you the sights and landmarks. You’ll then have time to browse in St. Paul-de-Vence’s many boutiques and galleries. Today this area is a popular enclave for artists.
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Day 10 - Nice
If you are not continuing on our tour extension to Paris, a representative will escort you to the Nice airport for your flight home.
Included meals: breakfast
Extend Your Stay
Add 3 nights in Paris for only $419 USD (Single room: add $96 USD)
Ah, Paris, the city of life, love and light. From the Eiffel Tower to the Mona Lisa, from the bustling Champs Elysées to the winding streets of Montmartre, you'll find magic, romance and history as you sip a café au lait, stroll manicured parks and watch the sun set over the Seine.