Meet us for a rendez-vous to revel in the rues of Paris, the riverside where Jules Verne dreamed of deeper waters, and the royal chateau where cognac flows. Make a French connection from the City of Light to the dappled vineyards of Bordeaux. Break away from the ordinary with dreamy days in Marseilles, Aix-en-Provence, and the French Riviera in Nice. Try your luck at the tables in Monte Carlo and get the royal treatment in Monaco with 11 fantastic days in France. From cathedral halls to fortress walls; from Medieval treasures to Mediterranean pleasures, this vacation in France is a rendez-vous you won’t want to miss.PLUS, your tour includes your choice of excursions in Bordeaux so you can plan your day your way.
Disclaimer: Prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy, and in USD. All promotions are valid for new bookings only, capacity controlled and valid on select dates and departures. Individual Terms and Conditions will apply to all promotions. Any promotion can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Please speak with your Pavlus Travel Planner for complete vendor terms and conditions, including eligible tour and cruise dates.
Special Features Included in this Tour: • Guided walking tour in Paris to discover one of Paris’s iconic quarters plus [LF] a scenic dinner cruise on the Seine River• Guided walking tour in Nantes• [LF] Guided visit of the Chateau Royale du Cognac and cognac tasting• Globus Choice excursions in Bordeaux − included in your tour with your choice of a guided walking tour to see city highlights including the Miroir d’eau or a visit to the Cite du Vin Museum• Orientation walk by the ancient battlements of Carcassonne• Orientation walk in Nimes• Visit an olive oil mill for a tasting• Guided sightseeing of Marseilles includes a walk in the Le Panier district and a visit to the Cathedral La Major, and lunch at a local restaurant• Orientation walk along the Cours Mirabeau in Aix-en-Provence• Guided walking tour in Nice’s old town
Notes: For operational reasons, changes to the Paris program cannot be excluded. Please note that the Cognac tasting is only available to guests who are 18 years or over. We encourage all guests to prebook their preferred included Globus Choice excursions to ensure your selection is available. If your preference is not selected 35 days prior to departure, we will select a Choice excursion on your behalf based on availability.
Welcome to Paris! At 5 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome drink
Day 2 PARIS
J’adore Paris PARIS Free time this morning. Your sightseeing this afternoon comprises a guided walk to discover one of Paris’s iconic quarters. This evening, enjoy [LF] a dinner cruise on the Seine with incredible sights of the city. (B,D)
LOCAL FAVORITE
LOCAL TASTES What better way to complete your visit to Paris than with a dinner cruise along the Seine. Gaze at the City of Light from your ship, while indulging in French fare and wine. Bon Appetit! BreakfastDinner
Day 3 PARIS–NANTES
Voyages Extraordinaires NANTES Guided walking tour includes sights of the Château des Ducs de Bretagne, Ile Feydeau, Place Royale and Passage Pommeraye. (B)
239 mi / 385 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
LEGENDARY LIVES Situated on the Loire river, the once busy port of Nantes influenced the young Jules Verne, who was born and raised there, to become attracted to the sea and travel. His books about voyage and exploration are translated all over the world, and has led him to often be regarded as the “Father of sci-fi”. In Nantes he is said to be one of the inspirations for “Les Machines de l’Ile” project that includes a “Marine Worlds Carousel” and a 12 meter high, mechanical “Great Elephant” that walks around the exhibition area carrying passengers Breakfast
Day 4 NANTES–COGNAC–BORDEAUX
Local Spirit COGNAC [LF] Guided visit of the Chateau Royale du Cognac and cognac tasting.
BORDEAUX Free-time this evening. (B)
242 mi / 390 km
LOCAL FAVORITE
LOCAL TASTES The Dutch started to distill French wines into brandy in the 16th century as a means of preserving their much-treasured purchases for the journey back home. During your visit of the Chateau Royale discover the history of its inhabitants and the origins of Cognac. Then raise your glass to discover why it is worth all the effort Breakfast
Day 5 BORDEAUX
Beyond the vineyards BORDEAUX Guided walking tour to discover historic neighbourhoods such as Quinconces and Saint Pierre. Stop at a local patisserie to try a traditional canele pastry. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURAL GEM The name Bordeaux means “water’s edge” and originates from the city’s position on the banks of the River Garonne. This location has helped to bring it fame and fortune through time, assisting the favourable climate and quality vines to produce around 960 million bottles of wine a year. However, it is not just a global capital of wine, Bordeaux is also known as a City of Art and History. In France only Paris has more protected buildings. George-Eugène Haussmann used Bordeaux as an example to follow when Emperor Napoleon III asked him to transform Paris into a modern city Breakfast
Day 6 BORDEAUX–CARCASSONNE
Medieval Battle Sites CARCASSONNE Take an orientation walk by the ancient battlements and enjoy free time to explore this delightful medieval town. (B,D)
211 mi / 340 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORIC SPOT Visit the ancient city of Carcassonne and see its pre-Roman settlement complete with medieval castle and dramatic defensive walls, called the finest remains of medieval fortifications in Europe by the UNESCO World Heritage Convention. Stunning! BreakfastDinner
Day 7 CARCASSONNE–NIMES–LE BAUX DE PROVENCE–MARSEILLE
Roman Influences NIMES Enjoy an orientation walk to admire the Roman Amphitheater and the Maison Carrée, an ancient Roman Temple.
LE BAUX DE PROVENCE Olive Oil mill visit with olive oil tasting.
MARSEILLES Free time this evening. (B)
217 mi / 350 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
LOCAL TASTES One of the Mediterranean’s most appreciated and treasured products, olive oil, often referred to as “green gold”, dates back thousands of years to ancient civilisations such as the Romans. The olive oil produced at the mill in Le Baux de Provence has a real local taste, being produced solely from the olives harvested in the surrounding area Breakfast
Day 8 MARSEILLES
Musical Marches MARSEILLE Guided sightseeing features a walk in the city’s oldest district – Le Panier, with a visit to the Cathedral La Major, the old port and a scenic drive along the panoramic waterfront road. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in the old port area. (B,L)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ICONIC FOOTSTEPS This bustling seaport city is a melting pot of cultures. Founded by the Greeks around 600 BC, and continuously inhabited since then, it is the oldest city in France. The city’s population actively supported the French Revolution, and when 500 volunteers marched on Paris to defend the Revolutionary Government, the song they sung en-route became known as “La Marseillaise,” it was later adopted as the French National Anthem BreakfastLunch
Day 9 MARSEILLE–AIX-EN-PROVENCE–NICE
Beautiful Boulevards AIX-EN-PROVENCE Orientation walk of the city features the elegant Cours Mirabeau and free time to explore further.
NICE Evening at leisure. (B)
149 mi / 240 km
ENHANCED FREE TIME
EXPLORE MORE Take advantage of an optional excursion to the Principality of Monaco. Wine and dine in Monte Carlo the glamorous millionaires’ playground. See the Royal Palace and Cathedral as you discover the Old Town. Try your luck at the famous Grand Casino or sit in a local café and watch the world go by Breakfast
Day 10 NICE
La belle NICE Follow your local guide for a walking tour through the old town, characterised by narrow cobbled streets, charming squares, and Baroque churches. Free time in the afternoon. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
PICTURE PERFECT One of Nice’s most iconic symbols is “Le Chaise Bleu,” the blue chairs that are dotted along the Promenade des Anglais, one of France’s most famous boulevards. They provide inspiration for local artists, a source of relaxation for the locals and taking a photo sat on one is considered “a must do” for visitors - so take a seat and admire the stunning views of the bay BreakfastDinner
Day 11 NICE
Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Accommodations
Paris
Nantes
Bordeaux
Carcassonne
Marseille
Nice
Nice
AC Hotel Paris Porte Maillot First-Class
Hotel as shown or similar
6 rue Gustave Charpentier Paris France
This modern property places guests in the epicenter of the style and energy of the 17th arrondissement, just steps away from the Porte Maillot metro offering easy access to the city's famous attractions. Spacious air-conditioned guestrooms feature pillow top beds with premium duvets, LED TVs, and bathrooms with walk-in showers or baths. The main restaurant serves bistro-style dishes and the vibrant bar offers a happy hour and snacks. There is a fitness center and free Wi-Fi is available throughout.
Oceania Hotel de France First-Class
Hotel as shown or similar
24 Rue Crébillon Nantes France
This contemporary styled hotel is housed in a grand 18th-century townhouse and is ideally situated in the center of Nantes, on the Place Graslin, just a 2 minute walk away from the Graslin Theatre, the Pommeraye Passage and Place Royale. Facilities include a Fitness area, a trendy bar/lounge serving drinks as well as Free Wi-Fi internet access throughout the property. All 72 guestrooms are air-conditioned and equipped with a desk, a flat screen TV, and a bathroom with a spacious Italian-style shower, hair dryer and complimentary toiletries.
Mercure Bordeaux Chateau Chartrons First-Class
Hotel as shown or similar
81,Cours Saint Louis Bordeaux France
Impressive 3-story Turn-of-Century Victorian Hotel with natural stone exterior featuring stone lions & Parisian-style windows.
Hotel du Roi & Spa Superior First-Class
Hotel as shown or similar
2 rue des Claquières Carcassonne France
This cleverly designed boutique hotel mixes the modern with the medieval. It is located on the banks of the river Aude within walking distance of the 650-year-old Pont Vieux pedestrian bridge and the medieval city center with its historic landmarks. Each room is air conditioned and includes satellite TV, free Wi-Fi access, safe, minibar, espresso coffee machine and ironing equipment. This property boasts an indoor swimming pool, a 24-hour gym and a pleasant bar offering outdoor seating with views of the Citadel.
NH Collection Marseille Superior First-Class
Hotel as shown or similar
37 Boulevard Des Dames Marseille France
The NH Collection Marseille has 176 bright, spacious guestrooms all equipped with a flat-screen TV, Free Wi-Fi internet access, a coffee machine, hairdryer and complimentary toiletries. This property is ideally located with the city¿s vibrant, picturesque old town, trendy boutiques and Le Vieux Port all just a short walk away. The restaurant provides fine wines and gourmet dishes with local and international recipes, the lobby bar serves refreshing drinks and there is also a sixth floor fitness center.
NH Nice First-Class
Hotel as shown or similar
2-4 Parvis De L'europe Nice France
NH Nice hotel offers 152 spacious air-conditioned guestrooms, all with chic contemporary décor, including sleek wooden floors and are furnished with a flat-screen TV, a minibar, tea and coffee making facilities as well as Free Wi-Fi internet access. The elegant restaurant serves both local and international dishes with al fresco dining during the spring and summer months on the rooftop terrace which also features an outdoor seasonal swimming pool and bar, ideal for relaxing after a day of sightseeing. The property is located in the eastern part of the city with The old town just a 15-minute walk away.
Apollinaire First-Class
Hotel as shown or similar
25 Blvd.Dubouchage Nice France
This charming 110 room boutique property has an air of casual refinement with architecture from the 1920's. Free Wi-Fi access is available in all guestrooms and public areas of the hotel. Breakfast can be enjoyed on the sunny terrace of the outdoor inner garden and evenings can be spent relaxing in the jazzy atmosphere of the lounge bar.
Disclaimer: Prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy, and in USD. All promotions are valid for new bookings only, capacity controlled and valid on select dates and departures. Individual Terms and Conditions will apply to all promotions. Any promotion can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Please speak with your Pavlus Travel Planner for complete vendor terms and conditions, including eligible tour and cruise dates.