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Paris, Provence, and the French Riviera: A Grand Journey

From Parisian Art de Vivre to Mediterranean Sparkle: A Custom 13-Day Escape

Ready to experience the breathtaking diversity of France in one seamless journey? This tailor-made 13-day itinerary immerses you in the essential charm of Paris, the timeless authenticity of Provence, and the dazzling glamour of the French Riviera, all with the comfort of private guides and drivers.
You visit the iconic Eiffel Tower and Musée d’Orsay, enjoy a gourmet dinner cruise on the Seine in Paris, explore the perched villages and prestigious vineyards of Provence, and finally, reach the Mediterranean coast to discover Nice, the medieval village of Èze, and Monaco.

This is the ideal way to combine sophisticated city culture, tranquil Provençal charm, and the lively Mediterranean lifestyle, all supported by attentive, bespoke service from start to finish.

Cruise
Wine

Detailed Itinerary


Day 1: Welcome to Paris

Morning/Afternoon: Your private, English-speaking driver greets you at the airport and accompanies you directly to your boutique hotel in the heart of Paris. You settle in and enjoy free time to begin exploring your immediate neighborhood, soaking up the quintessential Parisian atmosphere at your leisure.
Evening: The evening is yours to enjoy. We provide our curated list of local, high-end restaurant suggestions for an authentic welcome dinner.

Day 2: Paris from Above

Morning: Enjoy a relaxed morning to truly savor the Parisian art de vivre at your own pace—perhaps a coffee and croissant at a local café or a stroll along the Seine.

Afternoon
: You ascend to the summit of the Eiffel Tower. With reserved tickets in hand, you enjoy easy access and move efficiently toward the top, where a breathtaking panorama of all Paris unfolds.

Free Time: You have time at leisure to head toward the Arc de Triomphe if you wish for a different perspective on the city—one that now includes the majestic Tower in the frame.
Evening: Dinner at your leisure, with our handpicked recommendations for the best local tables.

Day 3: The Islands and the Catacombs

Morning: You meet your private, fluent English-speaking guide for a captivating walking tour of the city’s birthplace. You discover Île de la Cité, home to the shimmering stained glass of Sainte-Chapelle, the iconic forecourt of Notre-Dame, and the Conciergerie, where Marie Antoinette was imprisoned. Then, you cross to Île Saint-Louis, a peaceful, residential haven of cobblestone streets and elegant 17th-century mansions. Your guide shares the secret history of these places where the spirit of Old Paris still lingers.

Afternoon: Experience the unique labyrinth of the Paris Catacombs, the world’s largest underground ossuary. Your reserved tickets ensure convenience as you explore this 2-kilometer underground network, 65 feet beneath the city.
Evening: Dinner at your leisure, with our recommendations.

Day 4: The Latin Quarter and a Gastronomic River Cruise

Morning: Your private guide leads you through the Latin Quarter. Alive since the Middle Ages with the student life of the Sorbonne, this historic area reveals its authentic markets, typical bistros, and storied, winding lanes. Your guide shares the history of this vibrant district where the intellectual heart of Paris beats.

Afternoon: Free time to explore further. We suggest a detour to the Musée de Cluny, dedicated to the Middle Ages, if you wish to deepen your understanding of the period.

Evening: You board a luxury yacht for an unforgettable gastronomic dinner cruise on the Seine. Paris illuminates around you as you savor your meal. The monuments glide past in the Parisian night: Notre-Dame, the Louvre, the shimmering Eiffel Tower… This is the ultimate Parisian moment.

Day 5: The Musée d’Orsay and the Impressionists

Morning: You meet your private guide at the Musée d’Orsay. Housed in a magnificent former railway station, this museum holds the most important collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art in the world. You discover masterpieces by Manet, Monet, Renoir, Degas, and Van Gogh. Your guide brings the history of this revolutionary 19th-century art movement to life.

Afternoon: Free time to stroll the Tuileries Garden. These formal French gardens, designed by Le Nôtre, invite you to relax by their tranquil fountains.
Evening: Dinner at your leisure, with our suggestions.

Day 6: High-Speed Train to Avignon, Gateway to Provence

Morning: After breakfast, your private driver escorts you to the Gare de Lyon. You board the TGV high-speed train for the scenic journey to Avignon (approximately 2 hours, 40 minutes). The French countryside rolls past your window, transforming the landscape.
Afternoon: Upon arrival, you are settled into your charming guest house located at the foot of the massive Palais des Papes. You have free time to explore the papal city: the magnificent Palais des Papes, the famous Pont d’Avignon, and the medieval ramparts.

Evening: Free time to settle onto a sunny terrace with a glass of local Provençal rosé and soak up the relaxing atmosphere of the South of France.

Day 7: Rhône Valley Wine Country Immersion

A full day with your private driver-guide dedicated to the prestigious vineyards of the Rhône Valley. You discover world-renowned appellations such as Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas, and Vacqueyras. You visit several esteemed wine estates and meet passionate winemakers who share the story of their family domain and their expertise. You enjoy guided tastings to understand the rich, aromatic complexity of Rhône Valley wines. These quaint wine villages also reveal remarkable Provençal heritage: ancient fountains, shaded squares, and cobblestone lanes.

Lunch: Lunch is at your leisure in the vineyard area, with our bonne adresse suggestions.
Evening: You return to Avignon in the late afternoon.

Day 8: Luberon’s Perched Villages and Lavender Fields

A private excursion with your guide and driver to discover the perched villages of the Luberon, several of which are designated “Most Beautiful Villages in France.”

Morning: You explore Gordes, a village clinging to the cliffside that dramatically overlooks the valley. Its dry-stone architecture creates a unique and harmonious setting. Next, you visit Sénanque Abbey, a 12th-century Cistercian jewel. During the short lavender blooming period (mid-June to mid-July), the view is unforgettable: the deep purple lavender contrasts with the abbey’s warm, blonde stone.
Lunch: Lunch is at your leisure in the region, with our custom suggestions.
Afternoon: You visit Roussillon, famous for its flamboyant, richly colored ochre cliffs. You walk the Sentier des Ocres (Ochre Trail) to admire this unique landscape shaped by 19th-century ochre mining.
Evening: Return to Avignon.

Day 9: Provençal Cooking Class with a Local Chef

Morning: A delightful, gourmet morning in a Luberon village. You join a passionate chef and head to the Provençal market to select the freshest seasonal products together: sun-ripened tomatoes, zucchini, aubergines, aromatic herbs, and local goat cheeses.

Late Morning/Lunch: You return to the chef’s kitchen for a hands-on, interactive cooking class. You learn to prepare an authentic Provençal menu—perhaps tapenade, ratatouille, daube, or a local tart. The chef shares techniques and tips for showcasing the regional produce. You savor your creations during a convivial and delicious included lunch, perfectly paired with a local wine.

Afternoon: Free time to relax or explore Avignon further at your own pace.
Evening: Dinner at your leisure, with our suggestions.

Day 10: Train to Antibes on the French Riviera

Morning: After breakfast, you take the train for a comfortable journey to Antibes (approximately 3 hours, 30 minutes with a connection).

Afternoon: You check into your charming hotel, featuring a pool, and enjoy free time to discover this beautiful Mediterranean resort town. You can stroll through the old town of Antibes, relax on the sandy beaches, or take a swim in the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean.

Evening: Dinner at your leisure, with our suggestions for seaside restaurants.

Day 11: Hiking the Red Rocks of the Estérel

Morning: A refreshing, active morning in the Massif de l’Estérel with your private guide. This nature park is known for its dramatic red volcanic rock plunging into the deep blue sea, creating a stunning, high-contrast landscape. You enjoy a hike (customized to your fitness level) through the Mediterranean vegetation. Along the way, you find exceptional panoramas over the hidden coves (calanques) and the vast sea.

Afternoon: You return to Antibes in the early afternoon. Free time to enjoy the hotel’s pool or the beach.
Evening: Dinner at your leisure, with our recommendations.

Day 12: Nice, Èze, and Monaco

A full day exploring the French Riviera with your private chauffeur-guide.

Morning: You visit Nice and its charming Vieille Ville (Old Town). You stroll the colorful alleyways, discover the famous flower market on Cours Saleya, and walk the iconic Promenade des Anglais.
Next, you drive to Èze, a magnificent medieval village perched 1,400 feet above the sea. Its cobblestone streets, artisan shops, and exotic garden offer a breathtaking, panoramic view of the Mediterranean.

Lunch: Lunch is at your leisure in the region, with our custom suggestions.
Afternoon: You discover Monaco and Monte-Carlo. You visit the Rocher de Monaco (The Rock), home to the Prince’s Palace and the Cathedral where Grace Kelly rests, followed by the Oceanographic Museum. You then head to glamorous Monte-Carlo, famous for its luxury yachts, mythical casino, and manicured gardens.
Evening: Return to Antibes.

Day 13: Farewell to the Riviera

Enjoy a final free morning to savor your last moments on the French Riviera. Perhaps a final dip in the Mediterranean or a stroll through a local Provençal market.
Departure: Your private driver accompanies you to the station or the airport for your onward journey.

Customizable itinerary

This sample itinerary is designed to inspire you.
It is fully customizable with your travel advisor.

  • Duration

    Week / Long Stay
  • Perfect for

    Girls’ Getaway, Friends’ Trip, Family Travel

You’ll love

  • Watching the Eiffel Tower sparkle from the summit, with reserved tickets in hand
  • Cruising the Seine aboard a luxury yacht as the city lights up for the night
  • Admiring the Impressionist masterpieces at the Musée d’Orsay with your private, fluent English-speaking guide
  • Savoring prestigious Grands Crus during a private tasting in the Châteauneuf-du-Pape vineyards
  • Discovering the breathtaking Sénanque Abbey set against vibrant fields of lavender (in bloom)
  • Shopping for ingredients at a local market before enjoying a hands-on Provençal cooking class
  • Hiking the fiery red rocks of the Massif de l’Estérel, overlooking the turquoise Mediterranean
  • Exploring the chic sophistication of Monaco, Èze, and Nice with your expert private driver-guide
  • The pure luxury of seamless travel with private transfers and attentive, local experts

Ideal for you if

  • You want to discover three iconic and distinct French regions—City, Countryside, and Sea—in one memorable trip
  • You seek a perfect balance of culture, nature, gastronomy, and relaxation
  • You value immersive experiences with local experts who bring the destinations to life
  • You prefer a seamless, stress-free, tailor-made itinerary with all logistics handled
  • You are looking for premium, attentive service and a true local-friend perspective
Itinéraire personnalisable

Cet exemple d’itinéraire est conçu pour vous inspirer.
Il est entièrement personnalisable avec votre conseiller voyage.

Cecilia C.

My husband and I had engaged Paris-Toujours to organize our vacation to Paris and Avignon. We are very happy with the service. Accommodation they chose at both Paris and Avignon were excellent, great location with easy access to places of interests and yet very quiet and exclusive. The tours designed by Paris-Toujours were as according to our interest and the guides were knowledgeable. They made our trip interesting and memorable. The drivers who picked us up from and to airport/train station were polite and on time. Paris-Toujours also extended prompt service in booking restaurants for us, even during the weekend. Thank you, Paris-Toujours for a great holiday in Paris and Avignon.

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