Provence and French Riviera Adventure

Your Provence and French Riviera adventure begins as you arrive in Aix-en-Provence via train or Marseille-Provence Airport. Check into a charming 4-star hotel, greeted with a welcome aperitif that sets the tone for your journey. Spend the evening strolling Aix’s elegant streets, soaking in the Provençal atmosphere of flower-filled squares and historic mansions. Settle into your luxurious accommodation, ready to explore the region’s cultural treasures over the next few days.

After breakfast, embark on a private guided tour of Aix-en-Provence, tracing the footsteps of Paul Cézanne through his studio and favorite haunts. Marvel at the city’s restored mansions and shady alleys, steeped in artistic heritage. In the afternoon, visit a wine estate near Mount Sainte Victoire, where you create your own vintage, complete with a personalized label, and taste local wines. Return to Aix, strolling Cours Mirabeau’s vibrant cafés before resting at your charming hotel.

Drive to Marseille for a lively Tuk-Tuk tour, weaving through the Panier district, past the MUCEM, and up to Notre Dame de la Garde for panoramic views. After a free lunch, board a Calanques cruise, sailing through the fjord-like cliffs of Cassis, with opportunities for swimming and snorkeling. As sunset paints the sky, return to Aix-en-Provence via the scenic Col de la Gineste, settling into your hotel for a restful evening after a day of coastal wonders.

Check out and drive to Le Castellet, a perched village with panoramic views of Bandol vineyards. Wander its medieval streets before continuing to La Cadière-d’Azur, a Provençal gem overlooking terraced olive groves. In Bandol, join locals for a friendly pétanque game, learning techniques amid laughter and Provençal accents. Arrive in Hyères, checking into a 4-star hotel on the Giens Peninsula, where a welcome drink awaits before a free evening of relaxation.

Enjoy a free day in Hyères, exploring the medieval town’s markets or the Giens Peninsula’s beaches. Opt for a cruise to the Golden Islands—Porquerolles, Port-Cros, or Le Levant—or hike coastal trails for stunning views. Discover Hyères’ 2,400-year history through its remarkable gardens or modern art at Villa Noaille. With no set plans, savor the Riviera’s laid-back charm at your own pace, returning to your Hyères hotel for a restful night.

Check out and head to Port Grimaud, a lakeside town where canals meet Provençal-style homes. Take a water taxi to Saint Tropez, detouring past Canoubiers Bay’s luxury villas. Stroll the iconic port, buzzing with yachts and celebrity allure, and explore the village’s chic boutiques and historic charm. After a free lunch, return to Port Grimaud by sea shuttle and drive to Cannes via scenic Var villages, checking into a 4-star boutique hotel for two nights.

Drive to Grasse for a perfume workshop, crafting your own 100 ml eau de cologne with citrus notes, leaving with a diploma and your creation. Tour the historic perfumery factory, then enjoy a free lunch. Journey through the Gorges du Loup to Saint Paul de Vence, a hilltop village famed for its artistic legacy. Sample crystallized flowers at Confiserie Florian and wander the village’s galleries before returning to Cannes for a free evening at your boutique hotel.

Spend a free morning in Cannes, strolling the Croisette’s “Walk of Stars” or relaxing on its beaches. Drive to Antibes, choosing between a coastal hike along Cap d’Antibes’ Sentier de Tirepoil or a visit to the Picasso Museum in Grimaldi Castle, showcasing the artist’s vibrant works. Continue to Nice, checking into a 4-star hotel in the city center for two nights. Savor the Riviera’s sophistication, with dinner included at your elegant accommodation.

Explore Nice’s Promenade des Anglais and Cours Saleya market, brimming with Niçois specialties like socca and tapenade. Join a guided food tour in Old Nice, tasting local delicacies amid colorful streets. Visit Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild on Cap Ferrat, a Renaissance-style palace with stunning gardens, and enjoy a gourmet break at its tea room overlooking Villefranche Bay. Return to Nice for a free evening, soaking in the city’s vibrant charm at your hotel.

After breakfast, reflect on your Provence and French Riviera adventure, from the Marseille Tuk-Tuk tour’s energy to the Calanques cruise’s serenity. Savor memories of Saint Tropez’s glamour, Aix-en-Provence’s Cézanne legacy, and your Grasse perfume creation. Check out and depart from Nice, or extend your journey with a Monaco or Italian Riviera itinerary. The Riviera’s allure lingers, beckoning you back to its sunlit shores.