Essence of France Paris, Provence & the French Riviera - 2025
Overview
Highlights
- Enjoy a typical French lunch in the tearoom of the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild.
- 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 Provençal countryside.
- Delve into truffle hunting during a demonstration with a local chef and his truffle-sniffing dogs.
- Explore the charming walled medieval village of Saint Paul de Vence.
- Learn the secrets of perfume making during a hands-on workshop.
- 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.
- Zoom through the French countryside at 186 mph aboard a TGV high-speed train.
What's this trip about?
Itinerary
Allons-y! Ignite the senses on a journey to romantic Paris, colorful Provence, and the sparkling French Riviera. Mouthwatering cuisine, stunning views, art, and history create a trip that shows you the true essence of France.
Arrive in Paris, the brilliant capital of France. A three-night stay in the “City of Light” showcases its vibrant atmosphere, cuisine, and history. Meet your fellow explorers this evening over dinner as you toast “santé” to the beginning of a grand adventure.
Do as the locals do when you step aboard Le Métro – your main mode of transportation while in Paris. As you learn to navigate the city with your Tour Manager, embrace the freedom to set off later as you wish. The first stop is the hip and historic district of Le Marai...
The day is totally yours, so experience Paris at your own pace today. Perhaps you’ll venture to bohemian Montmartre, pausing to observe modern artists at work in Place du Tertre. Or maybe you’ll stroll along the grand Champs-Élysées or venture to the Louvre Museum.* Y...
Au revoir, Paris! Grab your bags and let a TGV*** – France’s high-speed train – whisk you away to colorful Provence. Arrive in Marseille in the early afternoon. Get a quick look at France’s oldest city before transferring to Aix, your home for the next four nights. This evening, savor the flavors of Provence during a tasting dinner in a local restaurant.
Embark on a memorable epicurean adventure with a captivating truffle demonstration! Join a local chef and their trained, truffle-sniffing dogs in the charming setting of the farmer’s garden, offering an intimate and exclusive look at the art of truffle hunting. Before...
Journey to the fishing village of Cassis. Sheltered by the Calanques National Park on one side and the mighty Cap Canaille on the other, Cassis charms with its multicolored houses and array of small fishing boats, yachts and sailboats quietly bobbing in its harbor. Th...
The day is yours to explore Aix-en-Provence at leisure. Perhaps you’ll visit the atelier (artist's studio) of Aix’s most renowned citizen, Paul Cézanne, frozen in time since the painter’s death in 1906. Or you may choose a full-day optional tour exploring the historic...
This morning, traverse southern France en route to the French Riviera. Pause in Grasse to learn the secrets of perfume making during a hands-on workshop led by an expert perfumer, affectionately referred to as nez (nose). Arrive in Nice in the late afternoon and settl...
Head to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, the crown jewel of the French Riviera, and visit the impressive Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild. Uncover the lush gardens replete with lovely views of the Mediterranean Sea. Your visit to the villa is complete with a celebratory lunch served in the villa’s charming tearoom.
This morning, discover Nice’s famed flower market and be enchanted by the brightly colored blooms before journeying to historic Saint Paul de Vence, situated atop a hill overlooking the beautiful countryside. Explore this charming walled medieval village, soaking in i...
Your tour comes to a close today, leaving you with many fond memories of the essence of France.
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Dates & Availability
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The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.
Collette Reviews & Ratings
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Great itenerary both cultural and spectacular scenery
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It was a wonderful trip and experience!
It was a wonderful trip and experience! We are still sorting all the pictures and memories about it, and some of them I would like to share with you - read my diary ...
Do not travel with Collette They area subpar company
This is worst tour I have ever taken. Poorly planned and not worth the money. Collette brought you to Lisbon where we sat for three days because NO TOURS or sited w...
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What's excluded
- The land price does not include air travel, airline fees, airport or departure taxes, transfers, visas, customary end-of-trip gratuities for your Tour Manager, driver, local guides, hotel housekeepers, cruise ship waitstaff, and any incidental charges.
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