Paris & Provence

Your Small Group Discovery Begins! At 5 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome drink at the hotel.

C’est magnifique! Discover Paris aboard a vintage French car as your driver guides you on a private sightseeing tour of Paris. From your 2CV car enjoy views of Paris’ historic enclaves and hidden treasures. Top the morning off with a welcome wine and cheese tasting lunch at a local restaurant with a local expert on hand to introduce you to the delicious varieties. (B,L) TOUR HIGHLIGHT Jump in for a quick getaway in Paris courtesy of a private Citroën 2CV. After all, this was the getaway choice of James Bond in the 1981 film, For Your Eyes Only! Its revered design in engineering and horsepower was first unveiled in Paris in 1948 as an alternative to traditional horse-powered wagons of rural France. Since then, the Citroën has remained a cultural icon in France and beyond—and now is at your small group’s service to take you through the sensational sights of the City of Light. Just don’t forget to yell, “Shotgun!”

The City of the Popes This morning, travel to Avignon by high-speed train. Follow your Local Guide to discover the highlights of this walled town on the banks of the River Rhône. See the famous bridge and visit the Papal Palace. Enjoy free time to explore more on your own. (B) TOUR HIGHLIGHT Avignon’s 14th-century heyday saw the Pope move his Papal residency as a retreat from Rome. It’s incredible to think that the imposing fortress-like Papal Palace –and largest Gothic building in the world—was completed in less than 20 years! Visit the palace with your Local Guide and be enthralled by this UNESCO World Heritage Site and the stories behind it.

Architectural Gems Visit Pont du Gard, the largest remaining Roman aqueduct in France and an architectural marvel. Next onto Arles, a fascinating city of historic importance, ancient Roman monuments, and a place of inspiration for artists, including Vincent van Gogh. [LOCAL FAVORITE] Together with an artistic guide, discover why the renowned impressionist painter spent over a year living in Arles during a prolific period, creating more than 300 drawings and paintings during his stay. Later arrive at your hotel in Aix-en-Provence, the city of beautiful boulevards. (B) LOCAL FAVORITE Join a local artist to uncover Van Gogh’s Arles, especially for your small group with a guided visit to the historic center of Arles. Learn about the master Impressionist's life and basics of his painting techniques with a workshop to create your own masterful vignette reproduction of a van Gogh painting!