Essence of France Paris, Provence & the French Riviera

What's Included

• Seine River Cruise

  Take in views of the Eiffel Tower and other Paris landmarks during a scenic cruise along the River Seine.

• Visit to Cassis

  Bask in the Mediterranean atmosphere during a visit to the colorful village of Cassis.

• Villa Rothschild Gardens

  Visit the gardens of Villa Rothschild that boast stunning views over the French Riviera.

• TGV High-Speed Train

  Zoom through the French countryside at 186 mph aboard a TGV high-speed train.

• Perfume Workshop

  Learn the secrets of perfume making during a hands-on workshop.

• Truffle Hunting Demonstration

  Delve into truffle hunting during a demonstration with a local chef and his truffle-sniffing dogs.

• Le Marais Tasting Tour

  Indulge in the flavors of Paris during a tasting tour of Le Marais.

• Goat Farm Visit

  Taste locally made cheese during a visit to a goat farm in the Provencal countryside.

• Lunch at Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild

  Enjoy a typical French lunch in the tearoom of the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild.

What's Not Included

• Optional Versailles Palace Tour

  The visit to the Royal Palace of King Louis XIV in Versailles is an optional excursion and not included in the main tour package.
  
  

• Optional Best of Provence Tour

  The full-day tour exploring the historic village of Saint-Rémy and Les Baux-de-Provence is an optional excursion and not included in the main tour package.
  
  

Experiences

Zoom through the French countryside at 186 mph aboard a TGV high-speed train.Learn the secrets of perfume making during a hands-on workshop.Delve into truffle hunting during a demonstration with a local chef and his truffle-sniffing dogs.

Options

Paris: Versailles Palace Enjoy an interesting visit to the incomparable Palace of Versailles. The palace and gardens of Versailles reflect the extravagant tastes of King Louis XIV, the "Sun King." On this excursion, travel by coach to Versailles where your local guide will recount the history of the palace and lead you through the various rooms of the State Apartments. Of particular interest are the Queen's bedchamber and the famous Hall of Mirrors. You then have leisure time to explore the incredible gardens, some of the most famous in the world, which took over 40 years to complete. Duration approximately 5 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 20 passenger(s) is required to operate this option.

This option must be purchased and reserved no later than 60 days prior to tour departure date. Once purchased, any cancellation within 60 days of tour departure will be non-refundable.
Due to schedule changes and availability, the time and date of this optional excursion may need to be changed or cancelled either before or after the departure date. Please note, the motorcoach is not permitted to drop off at the entrance to Versailles, and the grounds of Versailles are quite large. Walking will be required to fully enjoy this excursion.

Aix-en-Provence: Best of Provence Whatever your image of Provence is – quaint villages, rolling fields, silvery olive groves – experience the best this region has to offer on a full day tour. Start your morning in the historic village of Saint-Rémy and immerse yourself in its bustling weekly market. Meander the cobbled streets of Les Baux-de-Provence, a picture perfect hilltop village. Before returning to Aix, experience one of the world’s most impressive multimedia presentations: the Carrières de Lumières. Making use of a former quarry, iconic works of art are projected onto the surrounding rock, accompanied by stirring music. Duration approximately 9 hour(s). Transportation is included.

Due to vendor closure during the month of February, you will visit the Castle of Les Baux-de-Provence instead of the Carrières de Lumières audio-visual show.

Culinaries

Indulge in the flavors of Paris during a tasting tour of Le Marais.Taste locally made cheese during a visit to a goat farm in the Provencal countryside.Enjoy a typical French lunch in the tearoom of the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild.

Must See

Take in views of the Eiffel Tower and other Paris landmarks during a scenic cruise along the River Seine.Bask in the Mediterranean atmosphere during a visit to the colorful village of Cassis.Visit the gardens of Villa Rothschild that boast stunning views over the French Riviera.

Choice Highlights

Paris This French capital is one of the world's greatest cities and certainly one of its most beautiful. The Eiffel Tower, Arch of Triumph, Louvre and Orsay Museums, the Champs Elysees, Montmartre and the Sacre Coeur, and many others are all iconic symbols of the "City of Light", renowned for fabulous dining, high fashion and the French savoir faire. One can keep returning to Paris over a lifetime and still not see everything it has to offer.

Le Marais Food Tour

Seine River Cruise Separating Paris into the Left and Right Banks is the River Seine. One of the best ways to see Paris is by water. Floating along as the sun sets in a glass-roofed boat, you watch the city come to life. Guided narration and themed music allow you to soak in the atmosphere of Paris as you cruise past Notre Dame, the Musee D'Orsay and the Eiffel Tower.

High-Speed TGV Train

Aix-en-Provence The abundant springs that supply the "City of a Thousand Fountains" have given this unofficial capital of the Provence its name. Aix-en-Provence is excellently located between the Mediterranean, the French Riviera, and the Languedoc-Rousillon region. It has been the seat of a University for 600 years and continues to be a center of learning for the study of Law. The city retains a certain distinction due to its cultural life and its handsome 12th and 18th century mansions as well as Roman ruins and its medieval cathedral. Thermal baths, a picturesque fresh produce market and the lively artisanal craft and wares market highlight the city's many attractions.

Truffle Demonstration

Cassis

Choice on Tour: Calanques Scenic Boat Tour or Hiking in Calanques National Park During your visit in Cassis, you have the choice between two activities. Your first choice is to enjoy a scenic sailing to 3 coves located in the Calanques National Park. From the boat, you’ll take in the dramatic, steep-walled inlets topped by Mediterranean vegetation. Your second choice is to challenge yourself on a guided, moderately-strenuous hike* through the park’s shrub to view the rugged landscape from above.



Calanques Scenic Boat Tour

Activity Level: 2

To fully enjoy this option, travelers should be prepared to be on a motorboat for about 45 minutes. The motorboat can accommodate approximately 100 people. This experience is not exclusive to Collette guests. The motorboat will sail from Cassis to visit 3 coves in the Calanques National Park. Moderate movement from the sailing should be expected and travelers should be prepared to stand on the boat while moving, as seating cannot be guaranteed.



Hiking in the Calanques National Park

Activity Level: 4

This hike is ranked as “moderately strenuous” according to the U.S. National Park Service guidelines. Moderately strenuous hikes will generally be challenging for an unconditioned person. The terrain can involve a steady and often steep incline. The hike in the Calanques will have an approximate duration of 2 hours over rough, unpaved terrain, constantly up/down hills, visiting 1 or 2 calanaques (coves). In case of adverse weather conditions, the hike might be replaced with a walk along a paved, 1.1 mile scenic path.

Grasse Grasse is an aristocratic town in the foothills surrounding the Mediterranean coast. Its 12th century Cathedral dominates the cobblestoned streets and intimate squares and courtyards. The town is recognized as the center of French perfumery. Several noble houses that pioneered the art of perfume-making welcome visitors to their laboratories, museums, and gift shops.

Perfume Workshop Grasse is the centre of French perfumery. Visit a laboratory in one of the city's venerable perfume houses and learn the history and art of perfume-making. Try your "nose" at discerning particular scents and blend your own special fragrance.

Nice Nice is the second largest resort on the French Mediterranean Coast and the country's fifth largest city. It has the country's second busiest airport welcoming the world's rich and famous as well as millions of sun and fun-seeking tourists. Beachfront hotels along the famous Promenade des Anglais, pleasant parks and gardens, a picturesque historic quarter as well as a lively commercial center are some of its many attractions. The Chagall Museum of the Biblical Message and the Henri Matisse Museum are located here. An ancient Roman arena and a remarkable Franciscan Church are found in Cimiez, an exclusive residential district. Nice is the gateway to affluent and exclusive coastal communities as well as the Principality of Monaco.

Saint Paul de Vence One of the most famous villages on the Nice hinterland, this heavily restored 16th-century village became a magnet for both aspiring and established artists during the 20th century. It was home to French actors Yves Montand and Simone Signoret and a favorite haunt for Hollywood celebrities. Today, galleries and studios dominate the village's narrow cobblestone streets and alleyways.

Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild Take in the impressive splendor of Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, home to lush gardens, iconic rose-colored siding, and immaculate views of the Mediterranean. Enjoy lunch in the tea room, overlooking the Bay of Villefrance.

Mode of Transport

Travel through France with ease, utilizing the TGV high-speed train for swift countryside journeys and Le Métro for navigating Paris, ensuring a seamless and efficient travel experience.

Accommodation

Stay at the Renaissance Paris Republique Hotel, Grand Hotel Roi René, and Hotel Massena, offering comfort and elegance throughout your journey in France.