A taste of France from North to South

Breakfast at the hotel. Set off for Lyon, a foodie’s paradise and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Many classic French dishes like coq au vin originate from this region, and with more than a thousand eateries, the city of Lyon has one of the highest concentrations of restaurants per capita in France.

Start with a stop at the Fourviere Hill, a scenic viewpoint overlooking the entire city with a beautiful basilica. Pass through Lyon’s idyllic old town and observe the largest fresco painting in Europe before checking into the hotel. Enjoy passing the afternoon as you please with more free time in the city. This afternoon would be the perfect moment to dine in a traditional “bouchon,” a casual bistro specializing in local dishes. Overnight in Lyon.

Breakfast at the hotel. Head south along the “autoroute du soleil” (sun highway) towards Provence, a French region famous for its natural scenery and quaint villages. Stop in Avignon, known as the “City of Popes” due to a period in the 14th century when seven successive popes resided here. Go on a walking tour of the center, still surrounded by medieval walls, to see the Palace du Pape and the Benezet Bridge. Take the afternoon to relax in this tranquil setting, perhaps stopping for an aperitif at one of Avignon’s charming bars. Overnight in Avignon.

Breakfast at the hotel. Spend the day touring the most scenic villages and popular villages in Provence. Just one hour away from Avignon, stop at Ménerbes, a hilltop village with views over the Luberon mountains. This village became a popular destination as the setting of the bestselling book “A Year in Provence.” Next, see how the distinctive ochre soil of Rousillon lends the local buildings vibrant shades of yellow, orange, and red. Make the next stop of the day in Gordes, voted the most beautiful village in the world in 2023. Return to Avignon.

In the afternoon, admire the Pont du Gard, a well-preserved Roman aqueduct built in the 1st century AD. Built from limestone, it is the tallest Roman aqueduct left standing today. Overnight in Avignon.

Breakfast at the hotel. Say goodbye to Avignon and continue your route south towards the sea. Make a brief stop in Aix-en-Provence, known as the home of Paul Cézanne and an artistic hub in the region. Take a free hour to wander the charming town center independently. Continue the trip with a stop in Grasse. Considered the world capital of perfume-making, Grasse is home to the Galimard Perfume Factory. Tour the factory to learn more about the process of creating luxury scents, exploring the 10 main eaux de cologne and combining 2-3 to create your own custom perfume.

After finishing at the factory, reach the Côte d’Azur at Cannes. Famous for its glamorous film festival attended by Hollywood stars, luxurious hotels, and beautiful waterfront promenade. Spend an hour getting to know the area around the Palais des Festivals. Make the short drive to Nice and check into the hotel. Overnight in Nice.

Breakfast at the hotel. Explore Nice at your own peace. Pass through the Old Town, noting the strong Italian influence on the city, and see two of Nice’s main squares: the Place Masséna and the Cours Saleya. Both feature elegant architecture and the lively street life that the Mediterranean is known for.

Enjoy your final afternoon and evening in France with free time to rest or explore. We suggest the Chagall Museum or the seaside Promenade des Anglais as excellent pastimes at this point in the trip. Overnight in Nice.