Discover Occitanie & Southern France -

Discover Occitanie & Southern France

9 Days | Skiing & Adventure

Explore Tradition and Modernity in France's Historic Cities

Premium | From $5,499 pp

Experience the vibrant mix of tradition and modernity in France's oldest city, Marseille, with highlights like the Basilica "Bonne Mère" and Notre-Dame de La Garde. Explore the Old Harbor and bustling La Cannebière. Enjoy a guided tour of Montpellier's charming Place de la Comédie and old town. Immerse yourself in medieval architecture on a private tour to Nîmes, Uzès, and Pont du Gard. Discover Toulouse's rich cultural heritage, from Capitole Square to the Basilica of Saint Sernin. Take a full-day guided tour to Albi and Cordes sur Ciel. In Bordeaux, enjoy historic monuments, charming bistros, and renowned culinary delights.

Day by day

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

Day 1: Marseille

Private transfer upon arrival in Marseille

A private driver will pick you up from the airport and drive you safely to your accommodation.

Welcome to Marseille, the City of a Thousand Faces!

Nestled between the turquoise Mediterranean Sea, rocky inlets, and scenic hills, the Southern French metropolis is overhung and protected by the impressive Basilica “Bonne Mère” (the “Good Mother”). France’s oldest and second-biggest city was founded by Greek traders 2,600 years ago and has been full of surprises ever since. As in other troubled port cities, Marseille had a reputation for crime and defiant bombast, but the city has polished its image.

Today it skillfully combines tradition with modernity. New or refurbished trams, designer hotels, galleries, museums, cultural centers, sights, and chic restaurants make the Mediterranean city a fascinating attraction.

Day 2: Marseille

Private guided driving tour in Marseille

Discover the vibrant city of Marseille during this full-day tour.

Since being awarded the title of European Capital of Culture in 2013, modern structures have started to blend into the historical scenery. The new Mucem museum is a great example as it sits in contrast next to the Saint-Jean Fortress, dating back to the 17th century.
Once you arrive at the highest point of the city, where the stands the iconic basilica of Notre-Dame de La Garde, you will take in the stunning view of the city, from the Calanques National Park to the massive commercial port. Just in front, you will see the renowned Chateau d’If which is on a small island in the Frioul archipelago. This former prison rose to fame as the inspiration behind Alexandre Dumas’ masterpiece novel, “The Count of Monte-Cristo.”
Continue your driving tour on the scenic seaside road also called Corniche. This road serves as a reminder of Marseille’s connection with the sea.
In the afternoon, you will enjoy a walking tour in the Old Harbor neighborhood where almost 3000 sailing boats are moored, make your way up to the bustling avenue of La Cannebière, which leads you to the Arabic street market of Noailles or discover the Panier, the former sailor’s district. If you prefer, you also can enjoy a walk through the vibrant Cours Julien neighborhood, awarded “coolest district of the world” according to Time Out magazine.

Day 3: Marseille - Montpellier

Private transfer in Marseille

A chauffeur will meet you for a transfer between Marseille city center to Marseille train station.

Private transfer in Montpellier

A private driver will pick you up at Montpellier train station and take you safely to your destination.

 

Afternoon Private Walking Tour Through Montpellier

The focus of the city is around the beautiful Place de la Comedie and the adjoining large open, tree-lined areas of the Esplanade Charles de Gaulle, and in the narrow streets of the old town to the north and west of these boulevards. A large part of the city center is pedestrianized. Montpellier is one of the most beautiful cities in France.
A visit will usually start from Place de la Comédie, the so-called “egg” and the main square in Montpellier – it is ovoid because it was built along the perimeter of the ancient city ramparts. In the center of the Place stands the ‘Fountain of Graces.’

The square is dominated by the facade of the Theater (late nineteenth century), artistically interesting and very spacious inside with a bell shape and a series of galleries with wide corridors. The theater, which was inspired by the Paris Opera, is by Cassien Bernard (1848-1926).

It is perhaps inevitable that a city like Montpellier, traditionally a regional wine capital, has a particular focus on cuisine and local produce. Each morning the visitor can find various markets in the city – try the Esplanade Charles de Gaulle in the Antigone district with its farmers market for a good selection.

 

Day 4: Montpellier - Nimes - Uzès - Pont du Gard - Montpellier

Private guided tour to Nîmes, Uzes and the Pont du Gard

You will start your day with a nice walking tour in Nîmes with its very well-preserved Arenas, its impressive Maison Carrée and Magne Tower.
Next is a visit to Uzès. This charming medieval town was once an independent duchy. Discover the picturesque Place aux Herbes Square, the Episcopal Palace, the Ducal Palace, the Fenestrelle Tower, and the cathedral.  On Saturdays, a market of regional products is held in the city center.
Finally, stop at the Pont du Gard aqueduct. It was the highest aqueduct in the Roman world reaching a soaring 160 feet high (48m). It once brought spring water to the city of Nîmes winding over 30 miles (50 kilometers) through the mountains between Uzès and Nîmes. It is the name of the section that spans the Gardon River. Built around 50 AD, the aqueduct is a testament to Roman engineering. This spectacular section is a technical and artistic masterpiece.

Day 5: Montpellier - Toulouse

Private transfer in Montpellier

A private driver will pick you up at your hotel in Montpellier and take you safely to the train station.

Private transfer in Toulouse

A private driver will pick you up for a private transfer from the train station and drive you safely to your hotel in Toulouse.

Private guided tour to discover the most important monuments of Toulouse

Situated between the Mediterranean Sea and the Pyrenees Mountains, Toulouse, the “pink city”, offers Spanish ambiance and Italian facades, it owes its nickname to the pink tiled roofs. The city’s cultural heritage has been restored with great care, visitors will be enchanted by the elegant townhouses going back to flourishing trading times. While wandering along the medieval alleys and the Convent of the Jacobins you will immerse yourself in the depths of the Middle Ages, do not miss a stroll along the picturesque river bank of the Canal du Midi.
Toulouse skillfully combines high-tech and old history, at the theme park City of Space you will be able to put yourself in the place of an astronaut or an Airbus pilot.
During your guided tour, you will discover the Capitole Square, the Basilica of Saint Sernin, considered a masterpiece of Romanesque Art; a major stopover on the road for the pilgrimage to Saint Jacques de Compostella and Jacobins church, parent Dominican House with extraordinary architecture.
Toulouse

Day 6: Toulouse - Albi - Cordes sur Ciel - Toulouse

Full-day Albi & Cordes Sur Ciel private guided driving tour

In the morning, you will depart for the city of Albi, a newly declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Among the buildings of the town is the Saint Cecilia cathedral, a masterpiece of Southern Gothic architecture, built between the 13th and 15th centuries characterized by a strong contrast between its austere, defensive exterior and its sumptuous interior decoration.

In the afternoon, you will visit Cordes sur Ciel. The steep ascent transports you back to medieval times, past the porches, battlements, sculpted facades of the Grand Ecuyer and the Grand Veneur, and the splendid 18th-century Gothic mansions that belonged to wealthy traders. The narrow winding alleyways up to the city are also peppered with galleries and craft shops. Painters, writers, ceramicists, sculptors, and jewelers were drawn to this inspiring place many years ago and the tradition continues. On misty mornings, Cordes sur Ciel truly lives up to its name as it seems to float in the sky.

Day 7: Toulouse - Bordeaux

Private transfer in Toulouse

A private driver will pick you up for a private transfer from your hotel in Toulouse and drive you safely to the train station.

Private transfer in Bordeaux

A chauffeur will pick you up at the train station of Bordeaux for a transfer to your hotel

Welcome to Bordeaux!

Bordeaux is one of France’s most fascinating cities. It lends its name to its renowned wines and is praised for its fine cuisine. There is no need to go to a fancy restaurant to find an excellent meal, great eats can be found in many bistros.

Besides being France’s uncontested capital of good food and wine, it also boasts splendid monuments, mansions, and architecture.

a weekend getaway to bordeaux

Day 8: Bordeaux

Bordeaux – Breakfast food tour

Get ready to explore Bordeaux! Your tour starts at the impressive Porte de la Grosse Cloche, followed by a stroll down the charming Rue Saint-James. Savor a delectable chocolatine at a renowned local bakery – Delicious! The tour continues through charming, cobbled streets lined with historic buildings, including the Saint Andrew’s Cathedral.

Make your way to a delightful little coffee shop, the perfect stop for a cup of coffee and some Dunes Blanches pastries, a local treat. Next, follow the impressive Cours de l’Intendance to the unique Passage Sarget, a hidden alleyway teeming with charming shops, that opens unto the Place du Chapelet.

Pass by the magnificent Grand Théâtre as you reach the final leg of your tour. Delectable Bordelais ‘canelé’ pastries await as you admire the Saint-Pierre district and riverside quays on your way to a breathtaking viewpoint to wrap up your walk.

Suggestion for the afternoon – Aquitaine Museum

Discover the Museum of Aquitaine, officially created in 1963 by museologist Georges-Henri Rivière, who was tasked with reorganizing France’s museums of history, archaeology, and ethnology after the war.

You will also see the museum which boasts over 1.3 million pieces, illustrating the history of Bordeaux and the local region from prehistory to the twentieth century. Prestigious collections of regional and extra-European archaeology, history, and ethnography retrace the lives of the Aquitaine people and their relationship with the rest of the world.

All the guests of the museum can be a part of the activities organized by the museum – like a series of conferences, concerts, events, discussions and film screenings relating to the exhibition themes: history, archaeology, ethnology and subjects touching on civilization or society.

Bordeaux

Day 9: Bordeaux

Private transfer to the Bordeaux Airport

A chauffeur will pick you up at your hotel and drive you safely to the Bordeaux airport.

End of Our Service

Your journey with us has come to an end. We hope to see you soon!

About This Trip:

    • Enjoy 24/7 English-spoken telephone assistance while traveling
    • This itinerary includes transport, activities, guides, accommodations with breakfasts, and other listed services
    • Price is in USD per person, assuming double occupancy. Note that prices and availability are subject to change.

Customize this itinerary:

Every French Side Travel trip is custom-built for your unique needs and interests. Above is an example of what’s possible. If this isn’t exactly what you’re looking for, contact us today. Put together your dream trip with our travel experts. Handpick the accommodations, guides, activities, and meals that are right for you.

When you book with French Side Travel, you’re getting a trip that’s as unique as you are. 

Speak to a Local Travel Designer


Our Favorite Hotels

Villa du Taur
Hotel du Chateau et Spa
Grand Hotel Gallia & Londres Bike & NUXE Spa

Our Product Lines

Excellence

VIP Unique Experiences | Concierge Services | Private Tours (driver + licensed guide) | Chauffeur Services (luxury vehicles) | Top Licensed Guides | VIP Meet & Greet | Jet, Helicopter & Yachting | Fine Dining | Luxury 5* Accommodation (palace hotels, exclusive villa rentals) | 24/7 On-Site Assistance.

Luxury

Unique Experiences | Private Transportation (luxury vehicles) | Private Tours | Top Licensed Guides | Meet & Greet | Fine Dining | Luxury 5* Accommodation (hotels, villa rentals) | 24/7 On-Site Assistance.

Premium

Unique Experiences | Private Transportation | Private Tours | Self-drive | Top Licensed Guides | Authentic & Boutique 4* Accommodation (hotels, apartment rentals) | 24/7 On-Site Assistance.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Meet the Team