Summary
Short description
Soak up medieval history, explore Roman ruins, enjoy regional wines and swoon over sumptuous Mediterranean cuisine
Highlights
- Enjoy a gastronomic tour of Aix en Provence
- Discover the villages of Provence in a vintage Citroen 2CV
- Enjoy a private visit to a bull and horse breeding "marade"
- Undertake perfume making in Grasse
- Drive the Riviera and into Monte Carlo in a vintage sports car
In pictures
About
Recommended for:
Food & wine | History & culture
Discover the charms of Provence and the French Riviera on this incredible nine-day tour of southern France. Soak up the atmosphere of historical medieval towns, explore Roman ruins and taste regional wines at a private vineyard. In contrast to the sleepy hill-side villages of Provence, the French Riviera boasts some of the most famous resorts in the world, including Monte Carlo and Cannes. Lovers of good French food will also be wowed by the fabulous Mediterranean cuisine you will find.
Day by day itinerary
Day
1
UK/Marseille/Aix en Provence
Begin with complimentary airport lounge access before your flight to Marseille where on arrival you will pick up your car hire and make the short journey to Aix-en-Provence. Check into your chosen accommodation and meet your private guide in Aix en Provence for a discovery of the city. From Cézanne's studio on the heights, charming alleys, 18th century palaces, houses, small animated squares and cafés. The cathedral is quite unique, mixing Roman columns, arches and priceless works of art. Your guide will introduce you to the local gastronomy. Calissons, madeleines with lemon, Aix is full of stores with wonderful specialties.
Stay: Le Domaine de Capelongue (Superior)
Day
2
The Luberon, villages and lavender
After breakfast, switch your car for the day to a vintage Citroen 2CV. With a sense of liberty and local feel, discover the villages of Luberon, Lourmarin, Lacoste, and Bonnieux all with their own charm. You will drive through the lavender fields, from hill to hill, in the warm air of Provence.
Stay: Le Domaine de Capelongue (Superior)
Meals: B
Day
3
Alpilles, Arles and Camargue
Today is spent with a beautiful drive through the Alpilles and Camargue. Stopping at Les Baux de Provence, an exceptional village perched in a rocky and olive tree landscape, before discovering the lively streets of Arles. Your guide is waiting for you in Arles and takes you through the traces of the flamboyant roman times. In the afternoon, you are welcomed in a "Manade", the famous estates dedicated to bull and horse breeding. On the way, you enjoy the fantastic scenaries of the natural park with hundreds of pink flamingos.
Stay: Le Domaine de Capelongue (Superior)
Meals: B
Day
4
Calanques cliffs
After breakfast enjoy an easy hike along the fabulous white cliffs between Cassis and Marseille. And dive into the cristal clear water of the Mediterranean from one of the beautiful coves. It is worth taking some time to wander around the port of Cassis and have a drink in the traditional seaside Provence atmosphere.
Stay: Le Domaine de Capelongue (Superior)
Meals: B
Day
5
Aix en Provence & The Riviera
This morning the drive to the Antibes and Nice area is the occasion to discover beautiful spots in inland Provence. Cotignac is a good place to stop for lunch, while a swim into the waterfall of Sillans la cascade is extremelly refreshing.The villages around Fayence are also lovely places to make a stop at. The choice of accommodation is small charming village hotel located in the Azure coast lands, or the former villa of Francis Scott Fitzgerald, located at the gateway to Antibes.
Stay: Cantemerle (Superior)
Meals: B
Day
6
Cannes and Grasse
This morning, discover Cannes, often associated with the glamour of the film festival which takes place every year in May. The "Croisette" promenade has become world famous. But it is also where you find the Villa Bonnard where the painter worked and lived for many years. Wander through the narrow streets of this seaside town to discover its mixed culture between sea and extravagance. For lunch, you have a reserved a table one of our secret partner restaurants.
In the afternoon you are welcomed at one of the oldest perfume manufacturer in Grasse, the world capital city of fragrance making since the 16th century. After discovering the whole process of perfume making, sit down in a beautiful room with all the material to create your own. A perfumer assists you in the assembly of the scents which resembles you to lead to a perfume which will be unique to you. It is an extraordinary experience to be a perfume creator in the temple of scents.
Take some time after that experience to explore the lovely old town of Grasse and the church that has paintings by Fragonard and Rubens.
Stay: Cantemerle (Superior)
Meals: B L
Day
7
Monaco & Eze
Make your drive along the coast exceptional. Take the wheel in a superb vintage car chosen among different fabulous models. From Saint Jean Cap ferrat to Monaco, from the villa Ephrussi de Rothchild to an outstanding restaurant in Eze, your day is by all means exceptional.
Stay: Cantemerle (Superior)
Meals: B D
Day
8
Nice to UK
After breakfast you can explore more of the French Riviera before heading to Nice airport, drop your car for your flight back to the UK.
Map
Pricing
Any element of this itinerary can be adjusted to suit your needs. Just contact us to find out more.
8-day tailor-made self-drive
from £2,925 pp incl. flights
Superior
Includes
- Complimentary UK airport departure lounge access
- Return flights into Marseille, and returning from Nice
- Car hire for the duration of the itinerary
- 4 nights accommodation at Le Domaine de Capelongue - Near one of the most beautiful perched villages of the Luberon, with a breathtaking views, an authentic Provence gem, with an outdoor swimming pool and a fantastic (and famous) restaurant.
- 2 hour Private guided tour of Aix en Provence (Day 1)
- Full day tour in a vintage Citroen 2CV car (Day 2)
- 1.5 hour Private guided tour of Arles
- Invitation to a "Manade" to view the estate dedicated to bull and horse breeding
- Restaurant reservation in Cannes
- 3 nights accommodation at Cantemerle - Located in the Azure Coast lands, with a charming style and elegance this hotel offers all the comfort and privacy of a small village hotel while keeping a strategic proximity to the big cities nearby.
- Tour of oldest perfume manufacturer in Grasse and opportunity to create your own
- Full day tour in a vintage sports car to Monte Carlo
Terms & Conditions
Prices are per person based on two people sharing a twin/double room; prices are subject to availability and possible change; normal booking conditions apply.
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