The Best of the French Riviera and Provence

Arrive in Nice by midday by train or air. Then, hop into a cab and check into the 4-star Le Meridien Hotel facing the Mediterranean Sea.

Meet with your guide, Nancy, at 6:30 pm for a rooftop 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 to 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 have lunch here and pretend we’ve stepped back in time. We'll spend time exploring the Cours Saleya market in the old town, a must-visit in Nice!

After perusing the market, we’ll visit the stunning Villa Rothschild, an iconic building that the famous French banking family imagined and designed for Béatrice de Rothschild. The castle is pretty in pink, and its gardens are to die for. 

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

Today, we’ll wander the grounds of the Maeght Foundation, a legendary sculpture garden known for its collection of abstract works by Calder, Leger, Jean Arp, Eduardo Chillida, Erik Dietman, Barbara Hepworth, Joan Miró, and others. 

We’ll drive up to St. Paul de Vence and enjoy lunch at the celebrated Colombe d’Or, one of France's most famous restaurants. 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, a perfume house at the forefront of making French perfume; it's all the rage in the beau monde. 

This evening, after returning to the Nice hotel, which now feels like home, you can freely explore and find a charming restaurant or relax at the hotel.

After breakfast, we will go to Antibes to visit the Picasso Museum in Cap d'Antibes. The museum is situated on the ancient Greek Acropolis of Antipolis, which later evolved into the Chateau Grimaldi in the 14th century, a blend of ancient and modern architecture. 

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

If the weather allows 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. If the weather derails our plans, we will instead visit L'eau de Cassis, a wonderful perfumer in town. 

We'll take a short break in town before checking into our 4-star hotel, Mas Valentine—a charming 18th-century Provençal farmhouse turned boutique retreat, featuring elegant rooms, a peaceful garden, and a serene pool. It's the perfect spot to unwind before a relaxing dinner. 

We’ll dine at the colorful Le Patio in Fontvieille, a beloved local spot tucked beneath shady trees, where Provençal charm meets warm hospitality, and savor dishes made with fresh, seasonal ingredients that celebrate the flavors of the region. 

Today, we’ll head into the Luberon to Uzès, a beautifully preserved ancient market town with winding lanes, shaded squares, and a lively Provençal atmosphere.

We’ll stroll through its historic center before enjoying lunch at Villa Curti, a contemporary bistro set in a former stone farmhouse just outside town, known for its creative take on regional cuisine and peaceful garden terrace. After a final wander through this charming town, we’ll make a stop to photograph the Pont du Gard, the awe-inspiring Roman aqueduct that spans the Gardon River.

Once back in town, we’ll enjoy a brief rest before dining at Mistral Blanc, the hotel’s elegant restaurant that combines contemporary style with Provençal warmth. It features a seasonal menu made from local ingredients, thoughtfully paired with regional wines, all served in a peaceful setting overlooking the garden.

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 some elevated Italian food. 

In the afternoon, we’ll visit Van Gogh’s Monastery just north of the walled town. Van Gogh lived here for some time after his 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, complete with 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 the memories of the magical time with new friends alive in one of the most beautiful places in the world. 

Transfer back to Paris via train from Avignon for your flight home, or continue on your own journey, wherever it may lead you.