Compare Unforgettable France by SmarTours vs Walks & Gardens of the French Riviera by Exodus Travels

Day 1: Depart USA.

Your fascinating journey to France begins this evening with an overnight flight to Paris.

Day 2: Arrive Paris (France)

Accommodation: Oceania Paris Porte de Versailles

Arrive in the beautiful city of Paris, also known as the “City of Light.” For centuries, Paris has been been one of the world’s most important cities and certainly one of the world’s most beautiful. Not only is Paris the capital of France, but Paris is considered the global capital for cuisine, art, fashion, and more. After being picked up at the airport by your Tour Director, you’ll be taken to your upscale hotel. You’ll have some time to say “bonjour” to Paris before a welcome drink and briefing at your hotel. Oceania Porte de Versailles Hotel

Day 3: Paris/Giverny/Normandy.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Mercure Caen Centre Port de Plaisance

After breakfast, travel to the lovely town of Giverny. The town rose to fame in 1883, when the famous impressionist Claude Monet “discovered” the village and moved there. Here, enjoy a visit to the Monet House and Gardens and see firsthand the inspiration for many of Monet’s most famous works. Your next stop is Rouen, one of the largest and most prosperous cities of medieval Europe located on the River Seine. Upon arrival in Rouen, the capital of Normandy, you’ll enjoy a walking tour and visit the famous (and imposing) Notre Dame cathedral, which was the subject of a series of paintings by none other than Claude Monet. You’ll also visit the Place due Vieux-Marche (or “Old Marketplace”), where Joan of Arc was executed for heresy in the 15th century and where a church in her name was built in 1979. Continue your journey and arrive at your hotel in Caen, in the heart of the Normandy region. This evening, enjoy dinner at your hotel. Mercure Caen Centre Port de Plaisance Hotel

Day 4: Mont St. Michel.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Mercure Caen Centre Port de Plaisance

Today travel to the rugged coast of Normandy and savor the breathtaking views of magnificent Mont St. Michel, built on an isolated island in the gulf of Saint-Malo. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mont St. Michel is reached by causeway. The lower towers and medieval sea wall protect a small village, capped magnificently by the commanding Abbey dedicated to the Archangel Michael. You’ll enjoy a visit of the spectacular interior of the Abbey, which was designated as a monument historique in 1874. Prior to the causeway, Mont St. Michel was on an isolated island that pilgrims could approach mindful of a tide that could seep in at any time. Return to Caen and enjoy an evening at leisure.

Day 5: Normandy Beaches/American Cemetery & Memorial.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Mercure Caen Centre Port de Plaisance

Spend a remarkable day experiencing and learning about one of the most famous days in history: D-Day. You’ll visit the Normandy Beaches, including Omaha Beach near the coastal village of Colleville-sur-Mer. Omaha was one of the principal beachheads where the U.S. Army stormed ashore on D-Day (June 6th, 1944).  Explore Pointe du Hoc, located between Utah Beach and Omaha Beach, where a group of American Army Rangers defied all odds by scaling a massive cliff at a critical moment during the invasion. Continue to the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial, a spectacular and emotional setting located on a bluff overlooking both Omaha Beach and the English Channel. You’ll later visit the city of Bayeux, home to the world famous Bayeux Tapestry and the fortress of William the Conqueror, before returning to your upscale hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Day 6: Normandy/Chateau Villandry/Loire Valley.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Novotel Amboise Hotel

Morning at leisure to explore Caen (Normandy) independently before traveling to Loire Valley, famous for its old world villages and charming chateaux (castles). En route, pay a visit to the Chateau and Gardens of Villandry, the last of the great Renaissance chateaux built on the banks of the Loire River. The estate’s renowned architecture is matched (if not surpassed) by its magnificent gardens, which are spread across three levels and are truly a sight to see. You’ll continue to your upscale hotel, where you’ll enjoy an included dinner. Novotel Amboise Hotel

Day 7: Chateau de Chambord/Chateau de Chenonceau/Wine Tasting.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Novotel Amboise Hotel

This morning, you’ll visit Chateau de Chambord, the undisputed crown jewel of the region and arguably the emblem of the French Renaissance. Originally a weekend hunting lodge for King Francois I in the early 16th century, the Chateau evolved into among the most expensive (and excessive) architectural projects by a French Monarch. Continue to Chateau de Chenonceau, the second most visited chateau in France (behind Versailles), where you’ll be blown away by the magical architecture that was constructed in harmony with the beautiful River Cher. On the way back to your hotel, enjoy a delicious wine tasting in Saumur, a region known for its sparking wines and Cabernet. Return to your hotel, and your evening is at leisure.

Day 8: Loire Valley/Paris.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Oceania Paris Porte de Versailles

After breakfast, travel back to Paris for your second taste of one of the world’s greatest cities. Upon returning to Paris, enjoy a guided city orientation tour of this magnificent city. See the Eiffel Tower, Champs Elysees, Arc de Triomphe, Place de la Concorde, Latin Quarter, Pantheon, Place  Vendome, and the Paris Opera. The evening is at leisure with endless possibilities. You may wish to take a stroll along the famous River Seine, where you’ll savor spectacular views, before you select an authentic Parisian restaurant or cafe for dinner. Oceania Porte de Versailles Hotel

Day 9: Optional Versailles Excursion.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Oceania Paris Porte de Versailles

A full day at leisure or perhaps join an optional excursion to Versailles for a fascinating visit of the Chateau and the brilliant hall filled with mirrors and chandeliers, numerous galleries, salons, and royal apartments, all lavishly decorated and fitted with ornate furnishings. The magnificent fountains, supplied by almost 100 miles of pipes, spray jets of water in a forceful dance. You will also have an opportunity to explore the palace and grounds at your own pace. This evening, enjoy dinner at an authentic Parisian restaurant in Montmartre, a famous area part of the Right Bank (“Rive Droite”) in Paris.

Day 10: Paris/Avignon.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Novotel Avignon Centre

After breakfast, you’ll head to the Paris train station and board the TGV train to the historic city of Avignon in the heart of Provence. En route, be sure to admire the beautiful landscapes of Burgundy and the Rhone Valley. A charming medieval city that was home to seven successive popes during the 14th century, Avignon will wow you with its imposing Gothic architecture, magnificent art, and fascinating history. Upon arrival, you’ll enjoy a guided city tour, highlighted by the Palais des Papes (Papal Palace), one of the largest and most important medieval Gothic buildings in the world. You’ll also marvel at the iconic bridge Pont Saint Benezet on the Rhone River, better known as Pont d’Avignon because of the famous French song that the bridge inspired in the 15th century called “Sur le Pont d’Avignon”. Later, arrive at your upscale, centrally located hotel in Avignon and enjoy an included dinner this evening. Novotel Avignon Centre Hotel

Day 11: Aix-en-Provence/Les Baux-de-Provence.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Novotel Avignon Centre

Today, visit the arts capital of Provence, Aix-en-Provence (or “Aix”, as it’s commonly called). A vibrant town located in the shadow of Mt. Sainte-Victoire, Aix is famous for its charming squares, elegant fountains, majestic avenues, and, of course, spectacular art. Following a guided city tour, you’ll visit the home and workshop of renowned painter, Paul Cezanne, who used the natural beauty of Aix and its surrounding areas as the subject of much of his work. Continue to Saint-Remy-de-Provence, a historic village where Vincent van Gogh painted The Starry Night in 1889 depicting the view from his hospital window. Here, you’ll enjoy an olive oil tasting before some free time for lunch on your own. After lunch, you’ll visit one of the most beautiful villages in all of France, Les Baux-de-Provence, perched on a hill in the Alpilles mountains. Set atop a rocky formation, the village’s name is derived from “baou,” meaning rocky spur. Along with its paved alleyways and stone houses, enjoy a visit to the Church of St. Vincent, the oldest religious building in the village  and home to magnificent stained-glass windows. Later, return to your upscale hotel, and the rest of the day is at leisure.

Day 12: Marseille/Cassis/Nice.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Mercure Nice Centre Notre Dame

This morning visit Marseille, a vibrant port city and the oldest city in France with twenty six centuriers of history. Marseille, the second largest city in France, has a contagious energy and rich culture that centers around Vieux Port (or “Old Port”). You’ll enjoy a guided sightseeing tour, where you’ll savor the magnificent architecture, highlighted by your visit to Notre-Dame de la Garde, a Neo-Byzantine Catholic basilica. Later, travel east to Cassis, a quaint fishing port famous for its cliffs and sheltered inlets (calanques). Boasting a picturesque harbor and quintessential Provençal houses, Cassis will be the launching point for your spectacular calanques cruise, featuring France’s version of fjords with its inlets surrounded by dramatic rocky cliffs. After your cruise, continue to Nice, the capital of the French Riviera (Cote D’Azur), where you’ll check into your centrally-located hotel and spend the evening at leisure. Mercure Centre Notre Dame Hotel

Day 13: Nice/Antibes.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Mercure Nice Centre Notre Dame

With the beautiful blue waters of Cote D’Azur as its backdrop, Nice is one of the most beloved cities in all of Europe, blending old-world opulence with a lively cosmopolitan vibe. Long recognized as one of the gems of Europe, Nice changed hands several times between the French and the Italians before eventually settling in as part of France. In the old city of Nice, you’ll discover the narrow streets and renowned Baroque architecture and enjoy a walk along the Promenade des Anglais (“Walkway of the English”), a famous promenade along the Mediterranean named as such due to the large number of English tourists who began flocking to Nice in the 19th century. Train up to the Colline du Chateau (or “Castle Hill”), where you’ll savor a sweeping panorama of Nice and the Baie des Anges (“Bay of Angels”). In the afternoon, proceed to the charming neighboring town of Antibes, where you’ll visit the Picasso Museum, housing one of the world’s great Picasso collections: 24 paintings, 44 drawings, 32 lithographs, 11 oils on paper, 80 pieces of ceramics, two sculptures, and five tapestries. The rest of your day is at leisure before an included farewell dinner with your group.

Day 14: Nice/USA.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Mercure Nice Centre Notre Dame

After breakfast, say “au revoir” to France and head to the airport for your flight back to the USA. Your exciting journey ends as you touch down in New York. 

Day 1 Start Menton

Our start point is a comfortable three-star hotel in Menton. Situated just a short stroll from the railway station, beach and shops, it is ideally located for a week of walking. In the evening, our guide will hold a welcome meeting to discuss the week ahead, give advice on the local area and answer any questions.

Day 2 Walk to and around Cap Martin Peninsula, through Menton and Carnolès

Starting from the hotel, we stop at the market where we discover local food ingredients, then take the train or public bus to Carnolès. In the grounds of the Palais Carnolès and Musée des Beaux-Arts, we find a renowned collection of citrus trees. After time exploring the gardens, we start our walk around the beautiful Cap Martin Peninsula where we stop for a picnic lunch. After lunch, we visit the Cap Martin olive groves then walk or take the bus back to Menton.

Day 3 Discover Eze; visit the Exotic Garden. Walk down the Nietzche path to join Eze Plage

We begin our day with a 20-minute train journey to Eze Plage, and carry on by bus to Eze, a medieval village established in the 14th century with magnificent coastal views. From here, we can walk up to the Mont Bastide castle ruins to admire amazing views before we visit the Exotic Garden, which is built 1,407ft (429m) above sea level on the site of an ancient fortress in Eze village. It overlooks the Provençal hill village providing home for cacti, succulents, xerophytes and various Mediterranean species. After free time in the village, we walk down the Nietzsche path to join Eze Plage, before taking the train back to Menton.

Day 4 Train or bus to Carnolès; walk to Roquebrune. Take the ferry shuttle to cross Monaco harbour; discover Monaco old town

Today we take a train or bus to Carnolès, followed by a walk to Roquebrune where we enjoy stunning views over Monaco. Then we walk down to Monaco where we take the ferry shuttle to cross Monaco harbour. We discover the old town with tiny streets and beautiful buildings and the casino, before returning by train to Menton.

Day 5 Free day to explore Menton old town, take a trip to the chic principality of Monaco or visit one of the many exotic gardens in the area

On your free day, you could choose to explore Menton old town. During the 19th century, the British and Russian aristocracy met here in fabulous palaces and villas. The architecture is stunning with the unique baroque style of the Saint-Michel and Conception squares plus the Saint-Michel Basilica façade. Alternatively, you could visit one or more of the eight gardens in Menton or head further afield to Nice by train or bus and visit its renowned market and the Promenade des Anglais. Monaco also has much to offer despite its diminutive size, and is renowned for the luxurious lifestyle afforded to its residents.

Day 6 Train to Villefranche bay; walk to Cap Ferrat and to Saint Hospice peninsula

This morning, we take the train to Villefranche from where we walk to the Gavinette point to admire the spectacular view of Villefranche bay. We continue our walk to Cap Ferrat where we can marvel at the beauty of Villa de Rothschild and its gardens.

Day 7 Visit to Serre de la Madone garden showcasing rare subtropical plants, followed by a visit to Sainte Agnes

In the morning we take the public bus to the Serre de la Madone garden for a visit. Created by Sir Lawrence Johnston, it was turned from terraces of vines and olives into a garden bright with drifts of agapanthus and strelitzia. After our visit, a private bus will collect and take us to the village of Sainte Agnès. High above Menton town, it is registered as “one of the most beautiful French villages”. It hides picturesque streets and artist studios and, at 2,625ft (800m) above sea level, offers a breath-taking view over the blue Mediterranean Sea. We then take the bus or walk back to the hotel.

Day 8 End Menton

After a relaxed breakfast, we say our goodbyes and begin our return journey home. If you’d like to explore a little more, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.