Spotlight on the French Riviera featuring Nice's Carnival and Menton Lemon Festival
Spotlight on the French Riviera featuring Nice's Carnival and Menton Lemon Festival
9 Days Starting and ending in Nice, France
Visiting: Nice, Menton, Monaco, Grasse, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, St. Paul de Vence
Tour operator:
Tour code:
15695
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Trip Styles:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the French Riviera, spotlighting the vibrant Nice Carnival and the colorful Menton Lemon Festival. This tour invites you to explore the opulent city of Nice, with its sun-kissed beaches and Mediterranean charm, and the glamorous Principality of Monaco, where you can visit iconic sites like the Cathedral and the Prince's Palace. Discover the enchanting Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, and learn the art of perfume making in Grasse. Experience the lively atmosphere of the Nice Carnival and the citrus wonders of the Menton Lemon Festival. Savor Mediterranean cuisine in Vieux Nice and enjoy a typical French lunch overlooking the Bay of Villefranche. With visits to the hilltop town of St. Paul de Vence and the artistic haven of Grasse, this tour offers a perfect blend of culture, cuisine, and celebration.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Overnight Flight
Location: Nice
Accommodation Name: Hotel Radisson Blu
It’s time to live the good life and embark on a getaway to the fabulous French Riviera, or Côte d'Azur. With its elegant coastal resorts, superb eateries, chic boutiques and captivating museums, it’s the ultimate sunny retreat for the elite. Unpack your bags just once and stay at a single hotel for your entire adventure, which begins with an overnight flight to France.
Day 2 : Nice (French Riviera), France - Tour Begins
Location: Nice
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Your tour commences in the stunning city of Nice, a coastal pearl of the Mediterranean known for its legendary opulence and balmy beaches. With an average of 300 sunny days per year, Nice is a seaside paradise. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner in Vieux Nice featuring Mediterranean-inspired French cuisine.
Day 3 : Nice: The Flower Market, The Local Foodie & The Flower Parade
Location: Nice
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Step into the shoes of a local and navigate the Tram this morning. Get familiar with the routes and use it to your advantage during some free time. With a local expert, discover Nice by meandering through the city’s famed and colorful flower market. Then, delve into the Old Town, sampling local delicacies while on a tasting tour. This afternoon experience French Carnival traditions by attending the Flower Parade.* While the carnival’s theme changes every year, this event regularly features over 100-thousand flowers, 80% of which are locally grown.
Day 4 : Menton Lemon Festival
Location: Menton
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Journey to Menton, the most Italianate and warmest town on the French Riviera. Famous for the colorful Menton Lemon Festival, you’ll marvel at the impressive citrus sculptures and colorful parades.* Take in the festivities, before returning to Nice later this afternoon.
Day 5 : Monaco: Alluring & Royal
Location: Monaco
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Travel along the spectacular Corniche coastal road to the Principality of Monaco. On a walking tour, view the changing of the guards and visit the Cathedral of Monaco – the permanent resting place of Prince Rainier III and Princess Grace. Then it’s your choice! Explore the tiny Principality on a panoramic Little Train** tour taking you across to Monte Carlo for views of its famous Casino -OR- visit the Oceanographic Museum, perusing its aquarium and the collection of fossils and skeletons amassed by the great researcher Jacques Cousteau. This evening, savor a wine-paired tasting menu highlighting cuisine across the South of France.
Day 6 : Hilltop Grasse & Perfume Workshop - Nice: The Parade Of Lights
Location: Grasse
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Today, learn the secrets of perfume making during a hands-on workshop and tour of the Fragonard Perfumery, where fragrant formulations have been prepared since 1782. Spend time soaking up the atmosphere of this charming Provençal hill town before returning to Nice in the late afternoon. This evening attend one of the world's oldest and most famous carnivals.* Dating back to the middle ages, the Nice Carnival is a party not to be missed. Mingle with locals and travelers alike as you take in the many sights and sounds of the Parade of Lights.
Day 7 : Once Upon A Villa
Location: Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Lunch
Head to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, referred to as the crown jewel of the French Riviera, where you’ll visit the impressive Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild. Uncover the lush gardens replete with jaw-dropping views of the Mediterranean Sea. Your visit to the villa is complete with lunch served in the charming tearoom overlooking the Bay of Villefranche. Back in Nice, enjoy free time to relax and take in the laid-back atmosphere along the Riviera.
Day 8 : St. Paul De Vence: An Artist’S Haven
Location: St. Paul de Vence
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
This morning, venture to historic St. Paul de Vence, situated atop a hill overlooking the beautiful countryside of Provence. Explore this walled medieval village, soaking in its distinctive light said to have inspired Matisse, Braque, Chagall and other artists. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner celebrating the end of an unforgettable trip.
Day 9 : Nice - Tour Ends
Location: Nice
Depart for home with many wonderful memories of your journey through the Cote d'Azur.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Stay at a single hotel for the entire adventure in Nice.
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Welcome Dinner
Join fellow travelers for a welcome dinner in Vieux Nice featuring Mediterranean-inspired French cuisine.
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Local Foodie Tour
Discover Nice with a local foodie on an interactive city tour.
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Perfume Workshop
Learn the secrets of perfume making during a hands-on workshop at the Fragonard Perfumery.
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Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild Visit
Visit the stunning seaside palazzo Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild and its gardens.
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Farewell Dinner
Join fellow travelers for a farewell dinner celebrating the end of the trip.
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Carnival and Festival Access
Attend the Nice Carnival and Menton Lemon Festival, including the Flower Parade and Parade of Lights.
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Monaco Tour
Explore Monaco, including a walking tour and a choice between a panoramic Little Train tour or a visit to the Oceanographic Museum.
What's Not Included
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Flights
International flights to and from France are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and beverages are not included.
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Optional Activities
Any optional activities or tours not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.
Experiences
Visit the stunning seaside palazzo Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild and its gardens.Learn the secrets of perfume making during a hands-on workshop.Explore one of the world's oldest and most famous carnivals.
Culinaries
Savor the Riviera’s Mediterranean cuisine during dinner in Vieux Nice.Discover Nice with a local foodie on an interactive city tour.Enjoy a typical French lunch in the tearoom of Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild.
Must See
Tour Nice, the sunny playground of the rich and famous.Explore Monaco and see its iconic sites, such as the Cathedral and the Prince's Palace.Travel to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, the "Crown Jewel of the French Riviera."Discover the hilltop town of St. Paul de Vence with beautiful vistas.
Choice Highlights
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.
Food Tour & Tasting
Nice Flower Market In the heart of Vieux Nice (Old Town), amongst old-world boutiques and petite cafés, you will find the vibrant Nice Flower Market. This bustling market is located on Cours Saleya, the famous promenade in the old city. This favorite daily (except on Monday) stopover for locals and tourists alike features much more than flowers. Vendors tout an array of produce, flowers and various other delicacies. It is a feast for the senses; take in the fragrant aroma of fresh-cut flowers; sample seasonal fruits and fresh baked breads; be dazzled by the bountiful colorful displays; sip and savor a hot cappuccino; take a moment to pause and chat with the locals, or simply listen to the romantic sounds of the French language being spoken all around you.
Monaco At 370 acres or three-quarters of a square mile, the Principality of Monaco is the world's second smallest sovereign state. It sits in a scenic cliff-side location on the Mediterranean completely surrounded by French territory. This fairy tale of a country is headed by the Prince Sovereign, currently, Albert II, son of Rainier III and American actress Grace Kelly. Highlights of a visit include the Oceanographic Museum and the Prince's Palace as well as the Cathedral, the final resting place of the Principality's monarchs.
Monte Carlo Monaco, the second smallest country in the world, hugs the stunning Mediterranean Sea. The affluent principality is only three miles long by one-half miles wide but boasts the region's most elegant address – the Monte Carlo District. The district’s Golden Square is the heart of its elegance with elaborate gardens and fountains, high-end fashion boutiques, prestigious jewelers, and is frequently lined with luxurious cars. The most remarkable building in the square is the famous Monte Carlo Casino, built in 1863 and designed by Charles Garnier. This architectural work of art features astonishing frescoes and sculptures, and is adorned in gold and marble. The opulent gaming rooms are decorated with stained glass windows, sculptures and paintings. Attached to the casino is the extraordinary opera house that features world-class performances of opera and ballet throughout the year.
Choice on Tour: Monte Carlo Panoramic Tour or Monaco’s Oceanographic Museum In Monaco, you have the choice between two activities. Your first option is to explore the tiny principality on a panoramic Little Train tour taking you across to Monte Carlo for views of its famous casino. Your second choice is to visit the Oceanographic Museum, perusing its aquarium and the collection of fossils and skeletons amassed by the great researcher Jacques Cousteau.
Panoramic Tour of Monte Carlo - NEO Day 3
Activity Level: 1
Panoramic tour of Monaco and Monte Carlo by tourist train. The tour lasts about 30 minutes and takes guests through the highlights of this tiny country including some of the sites in Monaco they will have seen in the morning with the Tour Manager. Highlight of the tour is the panoramic drive to Monte Carlo. The tourist train will make a stop for a few minutes to allow people to take photos of the famous casino. There is no walking involved.
Monaco's Oceanographic Museum - NEO Day 3
Activity Level: 2
Collection is explored at leisure. The museum was inaugurated in 1910 by Monaco's modernist reformer, Prince Albert I. Its most prominent director was French oceanographer Jacques Cousteau (1957 to 1988) who is also world-renowned as the author of The Silent World, which is both a successful book and an award-winning documentary film (won a Palme d'or at the 1956 Cannes Film Festival).
Nice Carnival Parades
Menton Lemon Festival
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.
Fragonard Perfumerie Workshop Learn the secrets of perfume making and hone your skills with a hands-on workshop and tour of the Fragonard Perfumerie. Since 1782, this perfumery has been preparing noteworthy creations that capture your senses.
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.
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.
Mode of Transport
Begin your journey with an overnight flight to France, and explore the French Riviera using local trams and scenic coastal roads, including a panoramic Little Train tour in Monaco.
Accommodation
Stay at the Hotel Radisson Blu in Nice, where you can unpack your bags just once and enjoy the comfort of a single hotel for your entire adventure on the French Riviera.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes a hands-on perfume-making workshop at the Fragonard Perfumery, a visit to the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild with its stunning gardens, and participation in the Nice Carnival and Menton Lemon Festival.
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What can I expect during the Nice Carnival?
During the Nice Carnival, you will experience one of the world's oldest and most famous carnivals, including the vibrant Flower Parade and the Parade of Lights, which feature a dazzling display of flowers and lights.
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What activities are available in Monaco?
In Monaco, you can choose between a panoramic Little Train tour that takes you to Monte Carlo for views of its famous casino or a visit to the Oceanographic Museum, which includes an aquarium and a collection of fossils and skeletons.
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What is special about the Menton Lemon Festival?
The Menton Lemon Festival is famous for its impressive citrus sculptures and colorful parades, showcasing the vibrant culture and creativity of the region.
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What culinary experiences are offered on the tour?
The tour offers a welcome dinner featuring Mediterranean-inspired French cuisine in Vieux Nice, a wine-paired tasting menu highlighting cuisine from the South of France, and a typical French lunch in the tearoom of Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild.
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What can I see at the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild?
At the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, you can explore its lush gardens with breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea and enjoy lunch in the charming tearoom overlooking the Bay of Villefranche.
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Can I pre-purchase optional excursions/activities?
Yes, the majority of optional excursions and activities are available for advance purchase for applicable tours provided that you make your options purchase prior to 15 days of the tour departure. Collette makes it convenient to reserve presold options by visiting our website for a full listing of activities and excursions or when your reservation is made with our reservations staff. In addition, there are benefits to prepurchasing options including a price guarantee once your tour is paid in full. So, while the cost of an optional activity may change from the time you book your tour, once payment is received in full, your preselected options are guaranteed by Collette at their original price. Although you can still purchase options while on tour, reserving them ahead of time ensures you a spot in the event that the activity sells out. Collette will provide a refund if you cancel a presold option prior to tour departure. Any presold options canceled while on tour are nonrefundable.
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Can my children travel on tour?
Children over the age of 5 may travel on a Collette tour accompanied by an adult. Child land rates are valid for ages 5-12, sharing a room with two full-paying adults. Participation in any products that include Safari or Game Drive components, is limited to travelers aged 13 and up. This will include tours to Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa and India.
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What is the difference between a twin room and double room?
In certain countries, hotel rooms tend to be smaller than U.S. standard accommodations. A double room is designed to accommodate two people, but may not have two separate beds. A twin-bedded room has two separate beds of any size, and is the type most commonly utilized.
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Do you provide VISA processing for all applicable destinations?
Collette does not process VISAs. Every nation has its own specific requirements. Check the embassy or consulate website for the country you are visiting to find the forms and information you need. The process of getting a VISA can take two weeks to two months.
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Do I need a passport?
Government-issued ID is required for all air travel. A valid passport is required for all trips outside the USA. All passengers should check with the appropriate foreign consulate for entry and validity requirements. We recommend that your passport has six months validity, and at least 3 blank pages. Passports and visas are the responsibility of each client. International Borders. Any child under age 16 (traveling without a parent or legal guardian to Canada) must have written permission from a parent or legal guardian. Please be advised that if you have been convicted of an offense, or have committed a criminal act that is an offense under the laws where it occurred and would be an offense in Canada, you may be inadmissible into Canada. You will need to apply for a Minister's Permit of Approval of Rehabilitation at a Canadian Consulate. All other travelers should contact the appropriate consulate for entry requirements in other international destinations. In South Africa, children are required to have a passport as well as additional documentation to travel with you into and out of the country. Please consult the South African Embassy for the current specific requirements related to your travel dates. If travelling internationally with a child under the age of 18, please check directly with the airline for the legal documentation that is required. It is the sole responsibility of the guest to procure the proper documentation to travel and many requirements vary by airline and destination. Collette will not be responsible for costs incurred for missed flights or canceled tours where a guest fails to secure proper documentation.
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Is there a lot of walking on tour?
We pride ourselves on bringing travelers the very best experiences a destination offers. Our itineraries include many activities and may consist of walking on uneven terrain or significant walking at times. Some of the most unique sightseeing can mean accessing locations that restrict motorcoaches, especially in historic areas. Some hotels/lodges in remote locations may not have elevators. For your comfort, we recommend bringing walking shoes.
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Thursday - Friday
Feb 20, 2025 - Feb 28, 2025Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
CTS demo white label allows you to make 20 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
CTS demo white label requires a minimum deposit of 55% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
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