Explore the highlights of the "City of Light" when you see the
Champs-Elys?es, the Eiffel Tower, the Place de la Concorde and
the Place Vend?me. Later, board a high-speed TGV train to Dijon,
the former home of the all-powerful dukes of Burgundy. See the
historic buildings in the old town and admire the breathtaking
original stained glass windows of the Church of Notre Dame.
Sofitel Dijon B L D
Days 1-2: USA or Canada/Paris, France
Drive along the famous Route des Grands Crus (Wine Road) to
Beaune, a city known for its wine production but more importantly
as the capital of French gastronomy. Stop to visit the 15th-century
hospice H?tel-Dieu. This "palace of the poor" is a marvel of
Burgundian and Flemish art with a gloriously colored tile roof.
The Grande Salle (or Chambre des Pauvres) was both a hospital
and a church, enabling the sick to attend religious services. Explore
its restored rooms, kitchen, pharmacy and gallery of Renaissance
religious art. Later, stop at a winery for a wine tasting before
returning to Dijon.
Sofitel Dijon B L
Day 3: Paris/Dijon
Travel south to the Provence region by TGV high-speed train, with
a light lunch on arrival in Avignon. Visit the imposing 14th-century
Palace of the Popes, a reminder of the days of religious conflict
when Avignon vied with Rome for papal authority.
Hotel Le Prieur? B L D
Day 4: Dijon/Beaune/Dijon
Experience the magic of Van Gogh's countryside, with its verdant
fields that the artist feverishly painted by day and night when he
would don a straw hat with candles attached to illuminate his
canvases. Visit St-Paul-de-Mausole, the asylum where Van Gogh
was voluntarily interned for a year. It remains a hospital today and
is known as the Clinique Van Gogh after its most famous patient.
Stop for lunch at a typical Proven?al farmhouse (uniquely carved
out of the surrounding rock) that has been in the same family for
generations.
With lavender fields as the backdrop to this rustic
setting, enjoy a fresh meal with homegrown produce and olive oil.
Continue to the hilltop town of Les Baux en route to Arles, the
principal Roman town in Provence and its spiritual capital.
Set
out on a walking tour to discover its stunning Roman remains,
including the magnificent amphitheater and the fine Romanesque
Cathedral from which Augustine left to evangelize England. You
may recognize it from some of Van Gogh's most famous works that
were painted during his time here. Stroll to the Place du Forum, the
setting for his renowned Caf? at Night.
Hotel Le Prieur? B L
Day 5: Dijon/Avignon
Drive through glorious Proven?al countryside to the historic town
of Aix-en-Provence. This hometown of the painter Paul C?zanne is
considered by many to be the most graceful town in Provence. Stroll
through its picturesque streets to admire the fountains, cathedral,
colorful market, designer shops and bustling caf?s. Continue to
the fashionable C?te d'Azur and your hotel located on the famous
Promenade des Anglais in Nice.
Le M?ridien Nice B D
Day 6: Avignon/St-Remy-de-Provence/Arles/Avignon
Explore the historic atmosphere of Nice's old town and colorful
market, followed by a private visit to a local artist's studio and
a lunch of local Ni?oise specialties. Depart Nice on the famous
Corniche Road for a drive along the coast that is nothing short of
breathtaking.
Dramatic cliffs cradling magnificent villas face the
blue waters of the Mediterranean. See spots of red, purple, blue and
yellow flowers in window boxes that thrive in this perfect climate.
Head toward St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat for a visit to the elegant Villa
Ephrussi de Rothschild with its outstanding collection of objets d'art
and lovely gardens overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Continue
to Monaco, set like a diamond amid a hillside of craggy rock.
This
glamorous playground of the wealthy is also where you see the
extravagant Palais Princier, residence of the royal family, and visit
the magnificent 19th-century cathedral. There is also a chance to
stop at the famous casino in Monte Carlo, the inspiration for Ian
Fleming's Casino Royale, before heading back to Nice for farewell
drinks.
Le M?ridien Nice B L
Day 7: Avignon/Aix-en-Provence/Nice
Transfer to Nice airport to board your homebound flight.
B
Day 8: Nice/St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat/Monaco/Nice
Day 9: Nice/USA or Canada