CROSSING FRANCE

Today we see the Côte d’Azur and the Mediterranean in France. We spend a short time in NICE to enjoy the Walkway of the English. We travel through stunning countryside to the Principality of MONACO; on the way we see the techniques of traditional perfume manufacturing. In the second smallest country in the world (after the Vatican), we can walk through ¨Le Rocher¨ old town, where the Prince’s Palace is located. Continuation to SAINT TROPEZ, in its old fishing port we can see some of the most luxurious yachts in the world. Time to stroll and have lunch. We continue to MARSEILLES, France’s second city, to see its vibrant “Vieux port” (old port).

Villages, landscapes, history, today we see some of the most beautiful places in Provence. ARLES, a world heritage city, shows us its legacy of the Roman and medieval times and reminds us of Van Gogh. In LES BEAUX, we have the chance to visit this small medieval village and we will include admission to the CARRIERES DE LUMIERE, an impressive show of art, image and sound underground, in some former quarries. Time for lunch and stroll in AVIGNON, with its immense Palais des Papes. We continue to LYON, where we can walk through the World Heritage Site old town and we will include the cable car to climb Notre Dame de Fourviere, a huge basilica from where we have a great view over the city.

We will leave Lyon for Burgundy. We stop at TOURNUS, a nice little town with its huge stone door and large abbey. After this, on small roads we travel through beautiful vineyards and countryside to LA ROCHEPOT, we include admission to its powerful medieval castle. BEAUNE, time for lunch and stroll in the wine capital of Burgundy; you can visit the wine museum orsee the historic hospice. In the early afternoon, arrival in DIJON, the capital of Burgundy, with its lively streets, magnificent urban complex and many medieval and Renaissance buildings, particularly the Ducal Palace.

We leave Dijon for FONTENAY ABBEY, a world heritage site, where we include admission to this Cistercian centre. After this, a stop in SEMUR EN AUXOIS, a medieval city surrounded by impressive walls. Still in Burgundy, we will have time for lunch and a stroll in VEZELAY, one of France’s most beautiful villages, where its immense basilica was one of the starting points of the Way of St James. In the afternoon we continue our route to PARIS – Arrival mid-afternoon.

Today we take a guided tour to discover the history, main boulevards and the breathtaking monuments of Paris. We end the visit at the Eiffel Tower. You will have the opportunity to climb up to the second floor of this remarkable metal monument (ticket admission included). End your visit with a boat cruise along the River Seine, which divides the north of Paris from the south. Enjoy an afternoon of leisure to explore and relax! At sunset enjoy dinner in the Latin Quarter, a very picturesque historic area where a wide variety of international cuisines await you. We will then return to hotel.

We will start the day by going to the centre of Paris, to the area of the Louvre Museum. Enjoy some leisure time to explore. If you wish, we can accompany you to Benlux, one of the most complete and best-known perfumeries in Paris.

After breakfast, end of our services.