Loire Valley, Burgundy and Provence tour
(10 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
This private tour was specifically designed for refined gastronomes wanting to discover France’s charming historical towns and villages.
The tour starts with two nights in the Loire Valley. A selection of the most beautiful châteaux has been created for you: Amboise, cradle of the Renaissance, Villandry and its incredible gardens, Chenonceau the “Castle of the Ladies”, and Chambord with its immense forest. Moreover, through your discovery of local cuisine, you will appreciate the region’s cultural splendour.
You will then head for Burgundy for two nights. A region full of surprises, Burgundy will invite you to discover its remarkable historical patrimony, in the heart of a luscious natural setting. Through the ‘Grand Crus’ of Burgundy, you will be introduced to ‘bourguignon flavours’ at the tables of restaurants which serve only the best quality fare. Burgundy is both the region, and the pleasures that accompany it.
After this you will head south for a spectacular finish to your tour with a discovery of the culinary marvels that France has to offer. Stop over for two nights in Provence, a region coloured and perfumed with a certain charm and the unrivalled relaxed pace of life. From Gordes to Rousillon d' Apt, appreciate the history of these perched villages, their monuments and traditions. Be seduced by their heritage as well as the quality of the environment and town layout. Cobbled alleys which weave their way between the high houses, built out of the rock, perched on hillsides which whisper a thousand stories and legends... Lavender fields nestled in valleys...
The final part of your tour will take you to the Côte d'Azur, the French Riviera. Here you will be charmed by a full day and night excursion to Marseille. After 26 centuries of existence, Marseille combines tradition with modernity. Discover the town’s complexity through its thousand year old history, wander through its parks and gardens before reaching the Old Port. A cruise round the magnificent ‘calanques’ will be a memorable experience. The last few days will be dedicated to visiting Nice and Eze. Nice is reputed for its local cuisine, inspired by the Mediterranean. You can enjoy a walk along the famous “Promenade des Anglais”. In Eze, ranked as one of the most beautiful villages in France, you will succumb to the view from the incredible place. A wonderful place to finish this tour, amongst the most beautiful areas of France.
All our tours are private and depart daily. They can be fully customised, lengthened or shortened according to the number of participants and to suit individual interests and schedules.
DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN THE LOIRE VALLEY
High speed 1st class train transfer to Amboise. Lunch in a well-known Patisserie. Half day private tour of Amboise with the visit of the Royal Château of Amboise and the last residence of Leonardo da Vinci. Dinner in a restaurant with local specialities and night in Amboise at a 4* hotel.
DAY 2: LOIRE VALLEY CHATEAUX
Full day private tour of Loire Valley châteaux with a visit to the Château de Villandry and its outstanding gardens and the Château de Chenonceau, a supreme example of Renaissance architecture. A unique cheese and wine tasting is also on programme. Gourmet dinner in Amboise.
DAY 3: CHAMBORD AND BURGUNDY
You will discover the impressive Château de Chambord and its beautiful park. Private transfer to Beaune, located in the heart of Burgundy. Time for relaxing at the 4* hotel. Gourmet dinner and night at the hotel.
DAY 4: BURGUNDY WINE TOUR
Full day private wine tour with the discovery of vineyards and wine tastings with a private English speaking guide. Gourmet dinner in Beaune to appreciate the local gastronomy.
DAY 5: GOURMET PROVENCE
High speed 1st class train transfer to the charming city of Avignon. Lunch and afternoon left free to discover the famous "Palais des Papes", the authentic streets and enjoy the atmosphere. Evening cooking class at a 5* hotel followed by dinner with drinks.
DAY 6: PROVENCAL VILLAGES
Full day private tour of some of the nicest villages of the Provencal region (Isle sur la Sorgue, Fontaine de Vaucluse, Gordes, les Borries, Abbaye de Sénanque, Roussillon d'Apt, Bonnieux) with a private English speaking guide. Gourmet dinner at the hotel.
DAY 7: PROVENCAL VILLAGES AND AIX EN PROVENCE
Discovery of the authentic villages of Saint Remy de Provence, Fontvieille and Les Baux de Provence with a private English speaking guide. Arrival in Aix en Provence for two nights at a 5* hotel. Dinner left free.
DAY 8: ESCAPE TO MARSEILLE
Full day private tour of Marseille, its colourful port and vibrant streets with a private English speaking guide. You will also enjoy a boat cruise to discover the wonderful ‘calanques’. Exquisite dinner at the hotel restaurant.
DAY 9: FRENCH RIVIERA TOUR
Full day private tour of the French Riviera starting with a visit to Aix en Provence and its historical fountains. Traditional lunch in Nice and visit to Eze, classified as one of the most beautiful villages in France. Gastronomic dinner and night at the 5* Relais & Châteaux in Eze.
DAY 10: END OF THE TOUR
Time to explore the wonderful village of Eze, the exotic garden and the exceptional views. Transfer from Eze to Nice train station or Nice aiport. Go back to Paris (train tickets or flight not included).
This tour starts in the Loire Valley and finishes in Provence and can easily be combined with several days in Paris or with touring elsewhere in France.
ACCOMMODATION
- 2 Nights in a 4* hotel in Amboise in a deluxe room.
- 2 Nights in a 4* hotel in Beaune in a deluxe room.
- 2 Nights in a 5* hotel in Avignon in a deluxe room.
- 2 Nights in a 5* hotel in Aix en Provence in a superior room.
- 1 Night in a 5* hotel in Eze in a tradition room.
COST
- From € 7 570,00 per person (based on double occupancy).
INCLUSIONS
- 9 Nights accommodation.
- Breakfast daily.
- 6 Dinners (drinks not included).
- 1 Dinner (with drinks included).
- 8 Lunches (with drinks included).
- 6 Full day private tours with a private English speaking guide and transportation included.
- 2 Half day private tours with a private English speaking guide and transportation included.
- 1 Cooking class.
- 1 Boat cruise in Marseille.
- All private transfers and high speed 1st class train tickets.
- All entrances fees.
- Our local assistance.
- Fees and taxes.
