The Best of the French Riviera and Provence

Arrive by mid-day via train or air to Nice. Hop into a cab and check into our hotel, the 4-star Villa Victoria. It is right between the old town and the world-famous Promenade des Anglais. 

Meet with your guide, Nancy, at 6:30 pm for a cocktail or bubbly followed by dinner at the iconic Negresco Hotel. The pink-domed Belle Epoque hotel has been famous for over a hundred years, hosting celebrities, royals, millionaires, and politicians.

We’ll begin our day with a tour of historic Nice and learn more about the southern capital of France. Then, we’ll venture into the hills to explore the charm and near perfection of the medieval village of Eze. We’ll lunch here and pretend we’ve stepped back in time.

After lunch, we’ll visit the stunning Villa Rothschild, imagined and designed for Béatrice de Rothschild by the famous French banking family. The castle sits pretty and proud in pink, and its gardens are to die for. 

After a short rest at our hotel, we'll head to Chez Davia, known for its sophisticated Niçoise cooking.

Today, after breakfast, we're off to the Cours Saleya market in the old town, a must-do in Nice.

After browsing around, we’ll head to the Picasso Museum in Cap D’Antibes. The museum is built on the ancient Greek Acropolis of Antipolis, which later became the Chateau Grimaldi in the 14th century,  a mix of ancient and modern. 

You’ll enjoy some free time in charming Antibes to shop or pick up a bite on your own. 

This afternoon, we’ll head over to Didier’s workshop. He’s a master glassblower. You'll be amazed as he demonstrates his art.

After an art and artisan-filled day, you deserve a petite repose - so we'll head to tea at the Belle Rives Hotel, formerly the home of Zelda and F. Scott Fitzgerald.

This is where he wrote his masterpiece, Tender is the Night. We highly recommend reading his book before your trip. 

After a rest at the hotel, we’ll head to the pretty, pink Le Comptoir de Nicole for a bite.  

Today, we’ll head out to wander the grounds of the Maeght Foundation. The sculpture garden is legendary. It's known for the collection of abstract works crafted by Calder, Leger, Jean Arp, Eduardo Chillida, Erik Dietman, Barbara Hepworth, Joan Miró, and many more. 

We’ll drive up to St. Paul de Vence and enjoy lunch at the celebrated Colombe d’Or, one of the most famous restaurants in all of France. Be sure to order the crudité while you ponder the Matisse and Picasso paintings.

After our legendary lunch, we’ll stop to enjoy the scents and history of Fragonard, the perfume house at the forefront of making French perfume, the rave in the beau monde. 

Tonight, upon your return to our Nice hotel, which, by now, feels like home, the night is yours to wander and find your own café or spend time relaxing at the hotel.

We'll check out after breakfast and head for our countryside villa in Fontvieille. Before we check in, we’ll go to Hostellerie Berard for a garden tour followed by an aperitif workshop with owner Chef Jeff. Then, we’ll dine at the eponymous Bistro Jeff on the same property.

This afternoon, we’ll head down to Cassis for a boat ride to see the Calanques (similar to fjords), just offshore from this quaint harbor town. (Weather dependent)

Don’t worry. We’ll leave time for you to pop into some of the charming little shops in town.

It's time to check into our 4-star hotel, the Regalido, for some rest before a relaxing dinner.

Today, we’ll head up into the Luberon to Uzès, an ancient market town, where we’ll take a guided stroll with Deborah, the barefoot blogger. We’ll lunch together at Midi à L’Ombre. Translated, it means noon in the shade.

After a final stroll around this appealing town, we’ll stop at the Pont Du Gard, the ancient Roman Aqueduct, to take photos.

Back in town, we'll have a short rest. Then, dine at the colorful Le Patio in Fontvielle for proper Provençal food.

Today, we’ll visit the historic St. Remy de Provence, where Nostradamus was born, where Van Gogh resided for a time, and where Princess Caroline of Monaco summers. Most agree it's a near-perfect French village with shopping to make every woman's heart skip a beat. 

We’ll start with a market visit followed by lunch at Da Pepe for a change of pace.

We’ll visit Van Gogh’s monastery just north of the walled town in the afternoon. Van Gogh lived here for some time after the ear incident. You’ll visit his room and see where he painted many of the 100 masterpieces he accomplished during his short stay here. 

We’re going all out for our final meal together. We’re having an olive oil and a wine tasting at the gorgeous Chateau Estoublon, followed by a stupendous dinner.

All things must come to an end, but your photos will keep fresh the memories of the magical time with new friends in one of the most beautiful places in the world. 

Transfer back to Paris via train from Avignon for your flight home.