9-Nights Paris, Provence and the Cote d’Azur - Tailormade Journeys — CALL

Itinerary Details

1 Arrive Paris, France

In Paris — a city of dreams — the Seine snakes its way through a labyrinth of history and romance. Beneath the Eiffel Tower’s iron lace, its heart beats with a symphony of art, fashion and gastronomy. From the Louvre’s hallowed halls to the charming cafés of the Left Bank, Paris is a timeless masterpiece, inviting you to lose yourself in its beauty and allure.

Paris’s oldest, most charming and trendiest district beckons you on a walking tour led by The New York Times travel journalist Seth Sherwood. Discover the city’s culinary scene with bakery and cheese shop visits along with a tasting at a private wine bar. This afternoon, explore the Latin Quarter, wandering its narrow alleyways and winding streets. Admire the evolution of Parisian architecture, from the bustling Left Bank to the Right

Paris has inspired countless dreams and masterpieces. On a specially curated visit, walk through centuries of creativity at the Louvre, its vast collection encompassing Egyptian artifacts, Greek sculptures and paintings such as the exquisite Venus de Milo and Da Vinci’s incomparable Mona Lisa.

Perched high above the Rhône River, the magnificent papal stronghold of Avignon features fortified walls, peaceful cobbled squares and ancient streets lined with refined mansions.

Explore the elegant rue Joseph Vernet, meandering through narrow, cobbled alleyways with your guide. Visit the Place de l’Horloge (Clock Square) before entering the impressive Palais des Papes, an impressive example of medieval Gothic architecture and testament to Avignon’s time as the seat of the papacy.

The Luberon, a region that inspired Peter Mayle’s beloved book A Year in Provence, is a tapestry of rolling hills, verdant landscapes, charming churches and quaint rural communities. Visit the 12th-century Romanesque Abbaye de Sénanque, where Cistercian monks continue to produce traditional honey, lavender essence and liqueurs. The picturesque village of Gordes offers breathtaking panoramas of the Luberon Valley and its majestic mountains. In Menerbes, where Mayle himself once resided, stroll its streets, pausing for a tasting of the region’s renowned rosé.

Making your way east, Aix-en-Provence is a city steeped in history and art. Explore on a walking tour with a local guide, beginning with a visit to the Musée-Atelier de Paul Cézanne, where the artist painted some of his most well-known works. Stroll down the Cours Mirabeau, lined with plane trees, charming cafes, bookshops and high-end boutiques. The center of Aix is built around the old town, ringed by boulevards and squares. End the day in the sun-drenched rocky peninsula of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, where the French Riviera reaches its pinnacle of luxury.

Stunning beaches and the vibrant Promenade des Anglais beckon you to the vibrant city of Nice. Join your local guide as you take in coastal panoramas from the Colline du Chateau; stroll through the historic Old Town, with its open-air Cours Saleya market; and explore the Matisse Museum, housing the artist’s remarkable works. Alternately, visit Musee Marc Chagall, renowned for its collection of the artist’s biblical and secular works. In the charming medieval village of Saint-Paul-de-Vence — nestled in the hills above Nice — wander boutique, gallery and artist studio-lined alleyways and visit the iconic Matisse Chapel (Rosary Chapel), adorned with Matisse’s vibrant mosaics.

Spend the day enjoying the winding coastal roads, opulent villas and azure waters of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, a picture of paradise.