Discover the best of Languedoc, Provence and the French Riviera  - French Side Travel

Discover the best of Languedoc, Provence and the French Riviera 

8 Days | History & Culture, Wine & Food

From Medieval Wonders to Riviera Splendors – 8 Days in Southern France

Premium | From $5,599 pp

Discover the charm of Southern France on this unforgettable journey through Carcassonne, Aix-en-Provence, and the dazzling French Riviera. From medieval citadels and lavender-filled villages to Mediterranean flavors and seaside strolls, this tour blends history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes for the perfect French escape.

Day by Day

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Day 1: Toulouse airport - Carcassonne

Private Transferfrom Toulouse airport to Carcassonne

A driver will pick you up and drive you safely to your destination, in a standard vehicle.

Arrival at your accommodation

After the check-in, you will have the rest of the day to visit the surroundings.

Toulouse

Day 2: Carcassonne

Morning :

Private guided walking tour of Carcassonne

Carcassonne is divided into the fortified “Cité de Carcassonne” and the more extensive lower city, the “ville basse”. It is the Cité de Carcassonne that is of interest to visitors. Join your certified guide for a private walk across the old town, learn about its two thousand year old history, listen to curious anecdotes like the legend of Dame Carcas and the origin of the name of the city.

The medieval city of Carcassonne was built on the ruins of an old Roman fortress and found itself at the center of the crusade against the Cathars, powerful local heretics that were wiped out by the Catholic Church and the King of France in the 13th century. After the settlements at the foot of the city were destroyed, King St Louis authorized the local inhabitants to build a new town in 1245: this became known as the Bastide Saint Louis. Today, Carcassonne is renowned across the globe thanks to its two UNESCO World Heritage sites, the Medieval City and the Canal du Midi.

Once inside Carcassonne old town you are treated to a maze of winding, cobbled streets, and lots of wide-eyed tourists. There are 52 towers and two miles of double, concentric walls encircling this unique fortification. A walk along the battlements provides wonderful views of the town of Carcassonne and the flat plains of the Languedoc region.

Day 3: Carcassonne - Aix-en-Provence

Private Transfer from Carcassonne to Aix en Provence

A driver will pick you up and drive you safely to your destination, in a standard vehicle.

Arrival at your accommodation

After the check-in, you will have the rest of the day to visit the surroundings.

Day 4: Aix-en-Provence

Morning :

Private Guided Walking Tour of Aix-en-Provence

Go on a walking tour of Paul Cézanne’s hometown: enjoy the Cours Mirabeau and its cafés, the many fountains, private mansions, the Mazarin district and its 17th and 18th century buildings, the passages and alleys of the Vieil Aix, Albertas Square… this city has a truly exceptional history!

Afternoon at leisure

Suggestion: Free Day of Shopping in Aix-en-Provence

A prime destination for its beautiful shops and exceptional products, Aix-en-Provence invites you to stroll between the Allées Provençales, the markets in the little squares, and the streets of the city center.

While strolling in the city center of Aix en Provence take the time to visit the many shops that are present there. You will have a large choice of shops where you can shop for gourmet products, beauty products, or ready-to-wear.

Shopping in Paris

Day 5: Aix-en-Provence - Senanque - Gordes - Menerbes - Roussillon - Aix-en-Provence

Private tour to the North Luberon villages

An idyllic piece of the rural landscape, the Luberon Regional Nature Park is an off-beaten-track area, a UNESCO-listed nature reserve, situated in the Vaucluse department (Provence). The 120,000-hectare reserve encompasses limestone mountains, rolling hills, serene valleys, orchards, and farms. The picturesque villages of Luberon are some of Provence’s most charming destinations.

Your driver guide will pick you up at your hotel in the morning for a full day of sightseeing and experiences. The morning will be dedicated to the discovery of some of the most beautiful villages of Luberon. According to your interests and preferences, the tour will be adapted.

You will visit the lovely little hilltop village of Gordes that looks like the scene of a postcard or painting, with a dramatic setting. At the center of Gordes, is a lively town square with many cafés, restaurants, art galleries, and souvenir shops. Within a few kilometers, you will find the Abbaye de Sénanques on a picturesque valley on the southern edge of the Vaucluse plateau (outside visit of the abbaye only). Surrounded by fields of lavender flowers, the scene is a profusion of vibrant purple when in full bloom in June.

At the end of this well-rounded day, your driver will drive you back to your hotel.

Day 6: Aix-en-Provence - Nice

Private Transfer to the train station

A driver will pick you up and drive you safely to your destination, in a standard vehicle.

Direct High-Speed Train from Aix-en-Provence TGV to Nice in First Class

For info, the direct train is only early in the morning or late at night. It is probable that there might be a connecting train for this journey.

Private Transfer to your hotel

A driver will pick you up and drive you safely to your destination, in a standard vehicle.

Day 7: Nice

Morning :

Half-Day Private Nice Street Food Tour

On this tour, you will sample local street food specialties, get inside tips on Nice’s best places to eat and drink, and learn how Nice’s ancient history and culture have shaped its cuisine.

Nice is the only city in France famed for its street food due to the strong Italian influence here. Many of the snacks sold at the Cours Saleya market and in the Old Town’s street food stands would have been eaten by workers to calm mid-morning hunger pangs: a tradition known as la merenda.

During this fascinating three-hour tour, you will learn about the history of Nice and its food and taste such unexpected delicacies as pissaladière (caramelized onion tart), socca (chickpea pancake), fougasse (Provençal flatbread), and tourte de blettes (a sweet pie with a surprise ingredient). Of course, you will have an opportunity to sample the local wine!

Afternoon at leisure

Suggestion – Walk from Nice to Villefranche sur mer

This coastal walk from Nice to Villefranche-sur-Mer is one of the most stunning coastal paths along the French Riviera.

Starting in Nice and ending in the incredibly picturesque little port town of Villefranche-sur-Mer, you’ll be treated to breathtaking scenery to remember. You can count 2 hours to walk from the port of Nice to the port of Villefranche. This route is so beautiful that you can make several stops to snap some photos.

This walking path which is accessible to all, offers superb views of the Bay of Nice and its turquoise water. No need to be an experienced sportsman but still… in good condition! It is also preferable to take this walk in the morning because the sun shines brightly at noon, even in the winter.

You can consider bringing a water bottle, footwear and a cap. The walkway is well planned out, indeed, there are stone benches between each cove for resting or picnicking.

Villefranche sur mer

Day 8: Nice - Nice airport

Private Transfer

A driver will pick you up and drive you safely to your destination, in a standard vehicle.

End of Our Service

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

Map

 

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.

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