Ultimate France
Ultimate France
$12475
Ultimate France
14 Days Starting in Nice, France and ending in Paris, France
Visiting: Monte Carlo, Nice, Saint-Tropez, Aix-en-Provence, Calanques National Park, Lourmarin, Les Baux-de-Provence, Carcassonne, Bordeaux, Paris
Tour operator:
Tour code:
G721M26
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Ultimate France" tour, a luxurious journey through the heart of France and Monaco. Begin in the glamorous French Riviera, exploring Monte Carlo and Nice with local experts. Savor the charm of St. Tropez, Aix-en-Provence, and the stunning Calanques National Park. Discover the rich history of Avignon, Les Baux-de-Provence, and the medieval city of Carcassonne. Indulge in gourmet experiences, including a Michelin-starred cooking class and exclusive wine tastings in Bordeaux and Saint-Émilion. Conclude your adventure in Paris, with iconic sights and a farewell dinner on the Eiffel Tower. Enjoy seamless personal assistance, luxurious accommodations, and unforgettable experiences throughout this exquisite 14-day tour.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To The French Riviera
Location: Monte Carlo
Accommodation: Fairmont Monte Carlo.
Accommodation Name: Fairmont Monte Carlo
Meals Included: Dinner
Transfer to your hotel before dining waterside at Fontvieille marina. Enjoy an evening drive along the legendary Formula 1 Grand Prix circuit to the Grimaldi Palace.
Day 2: Nice Sightseeing Relaxed Start
Location: Nice
Accommodation: Fairmont Monte Carlo.
Accommodation Name: Fairmont Monte Carlo
Meals Included: Breakfast
In Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, join a Local Expert touring the opulent Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild. Continue to Nice where joining a Local Expert on a walk through the streets of Old Nice viewing the opera house, admire the Sainte-Réparate Cathedral and maybe taste some socca at the colourful food market on the Cours Saleya.
Day 3: Star-Studded St. Tropez
Location: Saint-Tropez
Accommodation: Château de Fonscolombe, Aix-en-Provence.
Accommodation Name: Château de Fonscolombe, Aix-en-Provence
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Step into the glamour of the French Riviera in St. Tropez with a Local Expert. Taste the local Tarte Tropézienne at the bakery where it was originally created.
Day 4: Aix-En-Provence Relaxed Start
Location: Aix-en-Provence
Accommodation: Château de Fonscolombe, Aix-en-Provence.
Accommodation Name: Château de Fonscolombe, Aix-en-Provence
Meals Included: Breakfast
Follow the footsteps of Paul Cézanne along the Old Town and tree-lined boulevard of Cours Mirabeau and enjoy a French pastry and coffee in one of the most prestigious residences. Then curate your visit at the stunning Château La Coste winery and open-air museum. Or, join a Local Expert for a relaxed walk among the installations created by the best modern artists and architects.
Day 5: Calanques National Park Relaxed Start
Location: Calanques National Park
Accommodation: Château de Fonscolombe, Aix-en-Provence.
Accommodation Name: Château de Fonscolombe, Aix-en-Provence
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today is ripe with adventure as you journey through traditional French hilltop villages and stop in the quaint cobbled town of Le Castellet en route to Cassis and board your private cruise to Calanques National Park. Journey past towering, reddish-brown limestone cliffs looming over turquoise waters, narrow and deep fjord-like inlets, and hidden beaches. In the afternoon, relax at your boutique hotel by strolling or cycling in the Château gardens, trying your hand at the classic French game of pétanque on the lavish grounds - glass of pastis at hand or lounging by the pool. This evening, indulge in a 3 Course Dinner at the beautiful Chex Gilbert.
Day 6: French Icons
Location: Lourmarin
Accommodation: Maison Albar L'Imperator, Nimes.
Accommodation Name: Maison Albar L'Imperator, Nimes
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Visit the village of Lourmarin to browse the stalls of its famous market. Take a seat in your vintage Citroen 2CV and embark on a chauffeured drive through the Luberon mountains, through lush vineyards and scenic villages arriving at the Domaine de la Citadelle winery to taste its wines with a picnic prepared by local chef Madame Dromer.
Day 7: Les Baux Relaxed Start
Location: Les Baux-de-Provence
Accommodation: Maison Albar L'Imperator, Nimes.
Accommodation Name: Maison Albar L'Imperator, Nimes
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Visit the renowned Pont du Gard, a well-preserved Roman aqueduct. Observe how this three-level, 900-footlong bridge was built out of soft yellow limestone blocks from a nearby quarry. Stop in Avignon and admire the Palace of the Popes, the famous broken bridge and beautiful squares shaded by leafy platanes. Continue through the Alpilles National Park to the village of Les Baux-de-Provence.
Day 8: Arles And Carcassonne Sightseeing Relaxed Start
Location: Carcassonne
Accommodation: Hôtel de la Cité Carcassonne - MGallery, Carcassonne.
Accommodation Name: Hôtel de la Cité Carcassonne - MGallery, Carcassonne
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Journey on to the fortified city of Carcassonne, one of the largest surviving medieval walled cities in Europe. Explore Van Gogh's town of Arles and visit the Roman Amphitheatre with a Local Expert. Journey through Camargue to your hotel in Carcassonne in the heart of the city.
Day 9: Carcassonne And The Languedoc Region Relaxed Start
Location: Carcassonne
Accommodation: Hôtel de la Cité Carcassonne - MGallery, Carcassonne.
Accommodation Name: Hôtel de la Cité Carcassonne - MGallery, Carcassonne
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
After exploring Carcassonne venture into the rolling countryside to the village of Lastours overlooked by its four Cathar castles. Meet Jean-Marc Boyer, the Michelin-starred Chef of Le Puits du Trésor where you enjoy a traditional French cooking class and savour the food you have prepared accompanied by local wine. Relax on our evening cruise of the Canal du Midi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Day 10: Bordeaux And St. Émilion
Location: Bordeaux
Accommodation: Hôtel Burdigala, Bordeaux.
Accommodation Name: Hôtel Burdigala, Bordeaux
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Journey to the enchanting city of Bordeaux where you will have time to have lunch and explore this elegant, 18th century jewel on the banks of the Garonne. Refreshed and ready to explore further afield, visit the nearby, charming town of St. Émilion, regarded as one of the most beautiful in France and one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites. After time visiting its winding cobbled streets and 12th-century monolithic church, drive through the lush vineyards to Château de Ferrand, home to Madame Bic and Monsieur Chandon. Here we enjoy a tour of the winery followed by a tasting of some of its fine vintages and an exclusive dinner in a wonderful setting.
Day 11: Bordeaux Sightseeing Relaxed Start
Location: Bordeaux
Accommodation: Hôtel Burdigala, Bordeaux.
Accommodation Name: Hôtel Burdigala, Bordeaux
Meals Included: Breakfast
Learn about the 18th-century architecture of Vieux Bordeaux with a Local Expert. Or set off on a leisurely bike ride around the Garonne River before ending at the picturesque Jardin Public.
Day 12: Travel To Paris Relaxed Start
Location: Paris
Accommodation: Hôtel Napoléon, Paris.
Accommodation Name: Hôtel Napoléon, Paris
Meals Included: Breakfast
After a leisurely breakfast, board your high-speed train that whisks you through the French countryside to Paris, the most romantic city in the world. Enjoy lunch in the Montparnasse district before setting off to see the landmark sights of the capital city including Notre Dame, the Arc de Triomphe, the Champs-Élysées and the Eiffel Tower. Enjoy an evening at leisure in this dazzling city.
Day 13: Paris Sightseeing Relaxed Start
Location: Paris
Accommodation: Hôtel Napoléon, Paris.
Accommodation Name: Hôtel Napoléon, Paris
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Join a Local Expert to discover the artists of Montmartre or explore the hidden squares and galleries of Paris. Tonight, the climax of your French trip will be a celebration dinner on the glittering Eiffel Tower: a chance to bid a fond farewell to your fellow travellers and this wonderful city.
Day 14: Depart Paris
Location: Paris
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before your private transfer to the airport for your onward journey.
What's Included
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Meals
7 dinners, 13 breakfasts, and 2 lunches are included.
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Activities
Choose between two carefully selected activities.
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Chateau La Coste Experience
Sample the estate’s organic wines and visit their contemporary wine cellar.
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Local Expert Tours
Join Local Experts for guided tours in various locations including Bordeaux, Aix-en-Provence, and Nice.
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Hotel Amenities
Hotel taxes, porterage, tips, and complimentary Wi-Fi at all hotels are included.
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Transfers
Transfers are included on your journey start and end dates, and where additional accommodation has been booked in advance through Luxury Gold.
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Private Concert
Experience a private concert during your meal in Gemenos.
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Cooking Class
Meet Michelin-starred Chef Jean-Marc Boyer for a traditional French cooking class.
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Private Cruise
Board a private cruise through the Calanques National Park.
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Chauffeured Drive
Take a seat in a chauffeured Citroen 2CV for a drive through Provence.
What's Not Included
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Flights
International and domestic flights are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
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Optional Activities
Any optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.
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Visa Fees
Visa fees and related expenses are not included.
Mode of Transport
Enjoy seamless transfers on your journey start and end dates, including high-speed train travel from Bordeaux to Paris. Private cruises and chauffeured drives are also included for select activities.
Accommodation
Stay in luxurious accommodations including the Fairmont Monte Carlo, Château de Fonscolombe in Aix-en-Provence, Maison Albar L'Imperator in Nimes, Hôtel de la Cité Carcassonne - MGallery, Hôtel Burdigala in Bordeaux, and Hôtel Napoléon in Paris.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of dining experiences can I expect on the Ultimate France tour?
You can expect a variety of dining experiences including 7 dinners, 13 breakfasts, and 2 lunches. Highlights include a seafood dinner in Cassis, a picnic lunch at Domaine de la Citadelle, and a gourmet wine-paired dinner at Château de Ferrand. Additionally, you will enjoy a celebration dinner on the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
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Are there any unique activities included in the Ultimate France tour?
Yes, the tour includes several unique activities such as a private cruise through the Calanques National Park, a traditional French cooking class with Michelin-starred Chef Jean-Marc Boyer, and a chauffeured drive through the Luberon mountains in a vintage Citroen 2CV. You will also have the option to choose between two carefully selected activities at Château La Coste.
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What kind of assistance can I expect during the tour?
You will enjoy seamless personal assistance throughout your journey. Your Travel Concierge will secure exclusive reservations, organize transportation, and ensure every aspect of your travel is tailored to your tastes and preferences. In select destinations, Local Expert Guides will provide deeper insights into your journey.
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What are some of the key sightseeing highlights on this tour?
Key sightseeing highlights include exploring the old town of Monaco, visiting the opulent Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild in Nice, touring the medieval walled city of Carcassonne, and seeing iconic Parisian landmarks such as Notre Dame, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Eiffel Tower. You will also visit the ancient Roman town of Aix-en-Provence and the fortified city of Carcassonne.
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Is there any flexibility in the daily schedule?
Yes, on days where a Relaxed Start is indicated, you can choose to indulge in breakfast in bed. Additionally, some days offer options to choose between different activities, such as at Château La Coste where you can either sample organic wines or take a relaxed walk among art installations.
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What kind of accommodations are provided during the tour?
Accommodations include stays at luxurious hotels such as the Fairmont Monte Carlo, Château de Fonscolombe in Aix-en-Provence, Maison Albar L'Imperator in Nimes, Hôtel de la Cité Carcassonne - MGallery, Hôtel Burdigala in Bordeaux, and Hôtel Napoléon in Paris. All hotels include complimentary Wi-Fi and other amenities.
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Are transfers included in the tour package?
Yes, transfers are included on your journey start and end dates. If additional accommodation has been booked in advance through Luxury Gold, transfers to train stations or alternate hotels in the same start or end city as the itinerary may also be requested.
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What kind of local experiences are included in the tour?
Local experiences include a guided sightseeing tour of Monaco, a walk through the charming streets of Old Nice, a visit to the lively market in Lourmarin, and a tour of the ancient Roman town of Aix-en-Provence. You will also have the opportunity to meet local experts and artisans, such as a sommelier at Château de Ferrand and a Michelin-starred chef in Carcassonne.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Absolutely! We are very selective in who we work with and choose to only use hotels that take the health and well-being of our guests as seriously as we do and agree to meet expected guidelines and specifications. We only work with establishments that we are confident will consistently adhere to our standards.
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Which countries does Luxury Gold visit?
We offer incredible luxury trips in Europe, North America, South America, Hawaii, South-East Asia, the Indian sub-continent (including India, Nepal, Bhutan and Sri Lanka), Australia and New Zealand.
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What other modes of transport does Luxury Gold use?
A Luxury Gold tour will include touring on high-speed trains, alpine cable cars, hydrofoils, river cruisers and horse-drawn carriages, in addition to our high-deck luxury coaches with extra legroom.
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Who travels with Luxury Gold?
We are delighted to welcome guests who have a shared love of travel, adventure, entertainment and exploration. A mix of solo travellers, couples, and groups of friends and family join us from all over the English-speaking world.
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What is the role of the Well-Being Director?
Working closely together with your Travelling Concierge, the Well-Being Director* will help make sure all necessary protocols are followed to ensure the health and wellbeing of all our guests. This includes our enhanced screening and hygiene protocols, complying with distancing and other requirements set by government authorities. They are also there to support our guests & answer any questions.
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Low Deposit
Luxury Gold requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of luxury gold charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
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