France·27 September - 3 October 2024

The Best of the French Riviera and Provence

The French Riviera evokes glamor including the sparkling blue Mediterranean, candlelit dinners, and celebrity sightings.

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Overview

From the days of Queen Victoria to the present day, the Cote D'Azur has been the place to see and be seen. Even if that life doesn’t interest you, the region's fame is well deserved. It is stunningly beautiful and dotted with castles, villas, world-famous art, and drop-dead gorgeous sea views. This is not just a tour of popular places during high season. We shy away from traveling here in July & August to avoid the heat, the traffic, and the crowds. In late September, the weather is divine, and the crowds have gone home. We're venturing off the beaten track a bit, taking you to the picture-perfect seaside town of Cassis (on the entire coast, my personal favorite). We’ll stay in two amazing hotels, visit knowledgeable chefs, and get onto the water to view the shore from the best vantage point. We'll also venture north into Provence to some of France's most charming villages. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a veteran, this is the perfect trip.

Highlights

Go behind the scenes in Historic Nice

Go behind the scenes in Historic Nice

Visit the picture perfect medieval village of Eze perched high up in the hills

Visit the picture perfect medieval village of Eze perched high up in the hills

Explore the pink palace, the Villa Rothschild

Explore the pink palace, the Villa Rothschild

Dine on Provençal and fresh from the Mediterranean Sea delights

Dine on Provençal and fresh from the Mediterranean Sea delights

Tour the Picasso museum

Tour the Picasso museum

Lunch at the world famous Colombe D’Or as you stare at the real Picasso on the wall

Lunch at the world famous Colombe D’Or as you stare at the real Picasso on the wall

Take a sweet smelling perfume tour at Fragonard

Take a sweet smelling perfume tour at Fragonard

Visit the Calanques via boat in Cassis

Visit the Calanques via boat in Cassis

Snap photos of Van Gogh’s room at the Monastery in St. Remy

Snap photos of Van Gogh’s room at the Monastery in St. Remy

Savor a wine tasting and dinner at a stunning Chateau

Savor a wine tasting and dinner at a stunning Chateau

Itinerary

Here's a day-by-day itinerary of the schedule

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negresco

Day 1: Friday, September 27th, 2024

Arrive by mid-day via train or air to Nice. Hop into a cab and check into our hotel, the 4-star Le Meridien Hotel which faces the Mediterranean Sea.

Meet with your guide, Nancy, at 6:30 pm for a rooftop cocktail or bubbly followed by dinner at the iconic Negresco Hotel. The pink-domed Belle Epoque hotel has been famous for over a hundred years, hosting celebrities, royals, millionaires, and politicians.

Included

Dinner

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Antibes

Day 2: Saturday, September 28th, 2024

We’ll begin our day with a stroll around the historic Nice and learn more about the southern capital of France. We will get to peruse the Cours Saleya market in the old town, which is a must-do in Nice! Then, we’ll venture into the hills to explore the charm and near perfection of the medieval village of Eze where we will pretend we’ve stepped back in time. 

We will transfer in our comfortable van to charming Antibes, where you can enjoy some free time to shop or pick up a bite on your own. 

After browsing around, we’ll head to the Picasso Museum in Antibes. The museum is built on the ancient Greek Acropolis of Antipolis, which later became the Chateau Grimaldi in the 14th century, a mix of ancient and modern. 

We'll have dinner at Chez Davia, known for its sophisticated Niçoise cooking.

Included

Breakfast

Dinner

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Day 3: Sunday, September 29th, 2024

Today, we’ll drive up to St. Paul de Vence to wander the grounds of the Maeght Foundation. The sculpture garden is legendary. It's known for the collection of abstract works crafted by Calder, Leger, Jean Arp, Eduardo Chillida, Erik Dietman, Barbara Hepworth, Joan Miró, and many more. 

We'll enjoy lunch at the celebrated Colombe d’Or, one of France's most famous restaurants. Be sure to order the crudité while you ponder the Matisse and Picasso paintings. 

After lunch, we’ll visit the stunning Villa Rothschild, imagined and designed for Béatrice de Rothschild by the famous French banking family. The castle sits pretty and proud in pink, and its gardens are to die for.

Tonight, upon your return to our hotel, which, by now, feels like home, the night is yours to wander and find your own café or spend time relaxing at the hotel.

Included

Breakfast

Lunch

Not Included

Dinner

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Fontvieille

Day 4: Monday, September 30th, 2024

After breakfast, we'll check out from our hotel and transfer to Provence. On our drive to Cassis we will stop at Fragonard in Grasse. Who doesn't love perfume? 

This afternoon, we’ll head down to Cassis for a boat ride to see the Calanques (similar to fjords), just offshore from this quaint harbor town. (Weather dependent). If the weather changes our plans we will head into Cassis and visit L'eau de Cassis

When we arrive in Fontvieille, we'll check into our 4-star hotel, the Regalido, for some rest before a relaxing dinner. 

After some rest and unpacking, we will dine at the colorful Le Patio in Fontvieille to try some authentic Provençal food. 

Included

Breakfast

Dinner

Boat Excursion

Not Included

Lunch

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Luberon to Uzès-Les Baux-de-Provence

Day 5: Tuesday, October 1, 2024

Today, we’ll head up into the Luberon to Uzès, an ancient market town, where we’ll take a guided stroll with Deborah, the barefoot blogger. We’ll lunch together at Villa Curti

After a final stroll around this appealing town, we’ll stop at the Pont Du Gard, the ancient Roman Aqueduct, to take photos. On the way back to our hotel we'll stop in Les Baux-de-Provence at the Carrières des Lumières to appreciate the light show. 

Back in town, we'll have a short rest. Then we will dine at Mistral Blanc at the hotel. 

Included

All meals

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Day 6: Wednesday, October 2nd, 2024

Today, we’ll visit the historic St. Remy de Provence, where Nostradamus was born, where Van Gogh resided for a time, and where Princess Caroline of Monaco summers. Most agree it's a near-perfect French village with shopping to make every woman's heart skip a beat. 

We’ll start with a market visit followed by lunch at Da Pepe for a change of pace.

We’ll visit Van Gogh’s Monastery just north of the walled town in the afternoon. Van Gogh lived here for some time after the ear incident. You’ll visit his room and see where he painted many of the 100 masterpieces he accomplished during his short stay here. 

We’re going all out for our final meal together. We’re having an olive oil and a wine tasting at the gorgeous Chateau Estoublon, followed by a stupendous dinner.

Included

All meals

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Day 7: Thursday October 3, 2024

All things must come to an end, but your photos will keep fresh the memories of the magical time with new friends in one of the most beautiful places in the world. 

We'll all head together to the Avignon train station. Make sure to book a flight leaving in the later afternoon or evening so you're not rushed. A private car back to Nice can also be arranged at an additional cost.

Included

Breakfast

You'll Be Staying Here

Le Meridien

Le Meridien

Stare out at the Mediterranean Sea from your perch at the 4-Star Le Meridien Hotel on the famous Promenade des Anglais. Soak in the Cote d'Azur lifestyle here in the heart of Nice. Enjoy the spa, fitness room, and heated outdoor pool during your downtime. 

La Regalido

La Regalido

Relax and unwind in the charming 4-star Hotel La Régalido in Fontvieille in Provence. It boasts a spa and a superb restaurant. Smell the lavender in the air - this is quintessential Provence.

Hosts

Nancy McGee

Nancy McGee

Born and raised bilingual in Quebec, Nancy was naturally attracted to France. She seized a work opportunity that brought her to the south of France which led to a love story that's lasted ever since.

After a career in corporate and international event management for the United Nations and Coca-Cola, Nancy had a desire to share her passion of this beautiful area with others. She's now having fun using her creative skills and local knowledge leading trips to Provence and the Cote D'Azur.

Nancy lives in Sète with her papillon spaniel, Jewel.


Add Ons

Arrive one day early in Nice

Arrive one day early in Nice

Includes one night at Le Meridien Hotel

PRICE$685.00

Good climate, beaches, medieval villages and luxury appeal

French Riviera and Provence

The south of France…the land of beautiful coastal cities, glitzy beaches, vineyards, lavender, and one of the world’s best cuisines.  This is where the rich and famous come to relax and party. It is a land of luxury, with yachts dotting the shorelines, fancy hotels in every city, and epic parties you read about in magazines.

French Riviera and Provence

What's Included

What's Included

All meals unless stated

2 glasses of wine or beer with included dinners

All entrance fees, visits, tastings and guided tours

All transport while your trip

Transfer to Avignon TGV train station at the end of your trip

A boat ride

A perfume tour

A premium wine tasting

RT International Airfare

Train or air down to Nice and back from Avignon

Transfer to hotel in Nice

Additional wine or beer at meals beyond what’s offered

Any personal souvenirs

Any spa treatments desired

Tips for your driver

Travel and Medical Insurance (required)

Reviews

"The trip was totally amazing and magical. Our guide, Nancy McGee was wonderful! Not only did she have an incredible tour planned, but was full of history, local and regional knowledge and customs. We saw and did things that the general public may not know about, or able to get in or experience. The group of women were wonderful!! We laughed so hard and everyone was included. Our private vans were clean and modern. The van drivers also gave us historical information along the ride. There were water bottles for all of us every day! Don’t hesitate to sign up. Truly, a once in a lifetime experience. Don’t be afraid to go solo. You will have an immediate bond with all the women."

Trip Guest, Sept 2023 on Trip advisor

"I wish I could give a "Girls Guide to Paris" 10 stars instead of 5!!! What a memorable and FUN trip this past October in Provence! You will not find Doni's GG2P itineraries in a tourist guide. Accommodations in a charming bed and breakfast, truffle hunting, personalized cooking classes, unique dining experiences, a wine-tasting in a cave, two dedicated and charming drivers and a great group of gals!! I especially appreciated her kindness, her patience and her understanding of our fitness levels and her making adjustments to accommodate everyone. This attention to detail and her flexibility quickly eased the normal stresses of traveling and helped us all to just "relax and enjoy." Doni's exuberant and engaging personality, combined with her extensive knowledge of France and the Provence area, were an added bonus to my "Trip of a Lifetime!" THANK YOU DONI FOR TURNING MY PROVENCE ADVENTURE INTO A SPIRITUAL JOURNEY!!!I I plan on booking more adventures turns with GG2P in 2023!! I can't wait to see what she has in store for my next adventure!!"

Gloria M, Oct 2021 on Trip Advisor

FAQs

You have the choice of flying to Paris and connecting to Nice Côte d'Azur Airport, or flying direct to Nice. 


The trip officially starts on the afternoon/evening of September 27th, but if you travel across an ocean to get to France, consider arriving a day early so you have time to relax and adjust to the local time zone. If you do decide to arrive early, please let us know and we will book your room for you and make sure that you stay in the same room you will be in when the trip starts.

We will have a zoom call about 6 weeks before the trip starts to discuss all that information and give you a packing list. Here is a great website that we love that will help you with packing and travel trips.

Daily high temperatures decrease by 7°F, from 73°F to 65°F, rarely falling below 60°F or exceeding 77°F. Daily low temperatures decrease by 7°F, from 60°F to 53°F, rarely falling below 47°F or exceeding 65°F. .


Nancy McGee will be your trip leader.Born and raised bilingual in Quebec, Nancy was naturally attracted to France. She seized a work opportunity that brought her to the south of France which led to a love story that's lasted ever since.

Inquire about this trip

The Best of the French Riviera and Provence

France· 27 September - 3 October 2024· 6 nights