France·September 26 - October 2 2025

The Best of the French Riviera and Provence

Discover the heart and soul of the Côte d'Azur and Provence

BOOK NOW INQUIRE
nicefrancetravelbeachfrenchrivierasummer12536x720

Overview

From the days of Queen Victoria to the present day, the Cote D'Azur has been the place to see and be seen. Even if that life doesn’t interest you, the region's fame is well deserved. It is stunningly beautiful and dotted with castles, villas, world-famous art, and drop-dead gorgeous sea views. This is not just a tour of popular places during high season. We shy away from traveling here in July & August to avoid the heat, the traffic, and the crowds. In late September, the weather is divine, and the crowds have gone home. We're venturing off the beaten track a bit, taking you to the picture-perfect seaside town of Cassis (on the entire coast, my personal favorite). We’ll stay in two amazing hotels, visit knowledgeable chefs, and get onto the water to view the shore from the best vantage point. We'll also venture north into Provence to some of France's most charming villages. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a veteran, this is the perfect trip.

Highlights

Go behind the scenes in Historic Nice

Go behind the scenes in Historic Nice

Visit the picture perfect medieval village of Eze perched high up in the hills

Visit the picture perfect medieval village of Eze perched high up in the hills

Explore the pink palace, the Villa Rothschild

Explore the pink palace, the Villa Rothschild

Dine on Provençal and fresh from the Mediterranean Sea delights

Dine on Provençal and fresh from the Mediterranean Sea delights

Tour the Picasso museum

Tour the Picasso museum

Lunch at the world famous Colombe D’Or as you stare at the real Picasso on the wall

Lunch at the world famous Colombe D’Or as you stare at the real Picasso on the wall

Take a sweet smelling perfume tour at Fragonard

Take a sweet smelling perfume tour at Fragonard

Visit the Calanques via boat in Cassis

Visit the Calanques via boat in Cassis

Snap photos of Van Gogh’s room at the Monastery in St. Remy

Snap photos of Van Gogh’s room at the Monastery in St. Remy

Savor a wine tasting and dinner at a stunning Chateau

Savor a wine tasting and dinner at a stunning Chateau

Itinerary

Here's a day-by-day itinerary of the schedule

Previous

Next

negresco

Day 1

Arrive by mid-day via train or air to Nice. Hop into a cab and check into our hotel, the 4-star Le Meridien Hotel which faces 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.

Included

Dinner

iStock1424292919

Day 2

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. We will get to peruse the Cours Saleya market in the old town, a must-do in Nice!

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.

Included

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

IMG_0257

Day 3

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.

Included

Breakfast

Lunch

Not Included

Dinner

iStock167157296

Day 4

Today, after breakfast, we're off to Antibes. 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 down to Cassis for a boat ride to see the Calanques (similar to fjords), just offshore from this quaint harbor town. (Weather dependent). If the weather changes our plans we will head into Cassis and visit L'eau de Cassis

Back in town, we'll have a short rest and check into our 4-star hotel, the Regalido, for some rest before a relaxing dinner. 

After some rest and unpacking we will dine at the colorful Le Patio in Fontvielle for proper Provençal food. 

Included

Breakfast

Dinner

Boat Excursion

Not Included

Lunch

iStock466029146

Day 5

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 Villa Curti

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 we will dine at Mistral Blanc at the hotel. 

Included

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

iStock537866106

Day 6

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.

Included

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

iStock621901724

Day 7

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.

Included

Breakfast

You'll Be Staying Here

Le Meridien

Le Meridien

Stare out at the Mediterranean Sea from your perch at the 4-Star Le Meridien Hotel situated directly on the famous Promenade des Anglais. Soak in the Cote d'Azur lifestyle here in the heart of Nice. Enjoy the spa, fitness room, and heated outdoor pool during your downtime. 

La Regalido

La Regalido

Relax and unwind in your charming 4-star Hotel in a lovely village in Provence. Our hotel boasts a spa and a superb restaurant. Smell the lavender in the air - this is quintessential Provence.

Hosts

Nancy McGee

Nancy McGee

Born and raised bilingual in Quebec, Nancy was naturally attracted to France. She seized a work opportunity that brought her to the south of France which led to a love story that's lasted ever since.

After a career in corporate and international event management for the United Nations and Coca-Cola, Nancy had a desire to share her passion of this beautiful area with others. She's now having fun using her creative skills and local knowledge leading trips to Provence and the Cote D'Azur.

Nancy lives in Sète with her papillon spaniel, Jewel.


Price

Private Room

Private Room

Everyone gets their own fabulous room!

FROM$9,495

Shared Room

Shared Room

Share a room with girlfriend or family member.

FROM$7,295

Add Ons

Arrive one day early in Nice

Arrive one day early in Nice

Includes a Deluxe Garden and Oceanview room for one night with breakfast at Le Meridien Hotel

PRICE$899.00

ADD THIS

Good climate, beaches, medieval villages and luxury appeal

French Riviera and Provence

The south of France…the land of beautiful coastal cities, glitzy beaches, vineyards, lavender, and one of the world’s best cuisines.  This is where the rich and famous come to relax and party. It is a land of luxury, with yachts dotting the shorelines, fancy hotels in every city, and epic parties you read about in magazines.

French Riviera and Provence

What's Included

What's Included

All meals unless stated

2 glasses of wine or beer with included dinners

All entrance fees, visits, tastings and guided tours

All transport while your trip

A perfume tour

A premium wine tasting

Historic tour of Nice

Visit to the Maeght Foundation

Visit to the Picasso Museum

Boat ride

Guided stroll of Uzes with Deborah, the barefoot blogger

Visit to Pont Du Gard

Visit to the historic town of St. Remy de Provence

Visit to Van Gogh's Monastery

A Group Transfer to the Avignon Train Station for departure

International Airfare to/from France

Train or flights to/from Nice/Avignon

Arrival transfer to Nice hotel

Private departure transport to airport or train station

Additional wine or beer at meals beyond what’s offered

Any personal souvenirs

Any spa treatments desired

Travel and Medical Insurance (required)

Reviews

"The trip was totally amazing and magical. Our guide, Nancy McGee was wonderful! Not only did she have an incredible tour planned, but was full of history, local and regional knowledge and customs. We saw and did things that the general public may not know about, or able to get in or experience. The group of women were wonderful!! We laughed so hard and everyone was included. Our private vans were clean and modern. The van drivers also gave us historical information along the ride. There were water bottles for all of us every day! Don’t hesitate to sign up. Truly, a once in a lifetime experience. Don’t be afraid to go solo. You will have an immediate bond with all the women."

Trip Guest, Sept 2023 on Trip advisor

"I wish I could give a "Girls Guide to Paris" 10 stars instead of 5!!! What a memorable and FUN trip this past October in Provence! You will not find Doni's GG2P itineraries in a tourist guide. Accommodations in a charming bed and breakfast, truffle hunting, personalized cooking classes, unique dining experiences, a wine-tasting in a cave, two dedicated and charming drivers and a great group of gals!! I especially appreciated her kindness, her patience and her understanding of our fitness levels and her making adjustments to accommodate everyone. This attention to detail and her flexibility quickly eased the normal stresses of traveling and helped us all to just "relax and enjoy." Doni's exuberant and engaging personality, combined with her extensive knowledge of France and the Provence area, were an added bonus to my "Trip of a Lifetime!" THANK YOU DONI FOR TURNING MY PROVENCE ADVENTURE INTO A SPIRITUAL JOURNEY!!!I I plan on booking more adventures turns with GG2P in 2023!! I can't wait to see what she has in store for my next adventure!!"

Gloria M, Oct 2021 on Trip Advisor

FAQs

There are two sensible options: 


1) The most convenient is to fly direct to Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE).


2) Or, you can also fly into Paris (Charles De Gaulle (CDG) or Orly (ORY) airports and then connect to Nice. 


Or, if you plan on spending some time in Paris before or after the trip, you can fly one-way to/from Paris or Nice. It's an easy train ride back to Paris from Avignon at the end of the trip if you do fly home from Paris.


The trip officially starts on the evening of September 26, but if you're flying overnight to get to France, consider arriving a day early so you have time to relax and adjust to the local time zone. (Or fly into Paris early and spend several days there)! 


If you do decide to arrive early check out our Add On section to book your pre-trip night in Nice at the Le Meridien. 


We will have a zoom call about 6 weeks before the trip starts to discuss all that information and give you a packing list. Here is a great website that we love that will help you with packing and travel trips.

The weather in the French Riviera in late September is typically warm and pleasant, with daytime temperatures in the mid-70s to low 80s°F (24–28°C). Evenings are usually cool and can drop into the mid to low 60's at night. It can be a little wetter than previous months, so there's a chance of rain. 


Inquire about this trip

The Best of the French Riviera and Provence

France· September 26 - October 2 2025· 6 nights

FROM$9,495/pp