The Sparkling French Riviera

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.

Our trip leader will meet us around 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 start our day with a tour of historic Nice to learn more about the southern capital of France. Afterwards, we'll spend some time exploring the Cours Saleya market in the old town, which is a must-visit while we're in town!

Then, we’ll venture into the hills to explore the charm and near-perfection of the medieval village of Èze. Strolling the winding cobblestone streets, you'll feel transported to a time past. We'll pause for lunch, indulging in both delicious French cuisine and magnificent views of the coast. 

Continuing on, we’ll visit the stunning Villa Rothschild, which was designed for Béatrice de Rothschild, a member of the famous French banking family. The castle is pretty in pink, and its gardens are exemplary.  

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, Léger, Jean Arp, Eduardo Chillida, Erik Dietman, Barbara Hepworth, Joan Miró, and others. 

Next, we’ll drive up to Saint-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 authentic Matisse and Picasso paintings that dot the walls of this eatery.

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

Tonight, after we return to the Nice hotel that now feels like home, the night is yours to wander and find a café or spend time relaxing at the hotel.

After breakfast, we'll travel to Antibes to visit the Picasso Museum in Cap D’Antibes. The museum is situated on the site of the ancient Greek Acropolis of Antipolis, which was later transformed into the Chateau Grimaldi in the 14th century - a blend of ancient and modern architecture. 

Take some time to wander the charming Antibes streets and shop or take a bite on your own. 

This afternoon, we’ll head down to Cassis and check into the lovely 4-star Hotel Liautaud, just steps from the water and our new home for the next three nights. After check-in, you'll have some free time to wander or nap before we meet upstairs on the rooftop for sunset drinks and heavy appetizers with a sparkling view of the Mediterranean Sea. 

Today, after breakfast at our hotel, we'll head out for a boat ride to see the Calanques (similar to fjords), just offshore from this quaint harbor town. After our lovely tour, use the rest of the morning to explore this stunning seaside town on your own. 

A visit to Parfumerie L'eau de Cassis is highly recommended, as well as a good perusal of the harbor and the shops. Maybe even put your toes in the sand and take a refreshing morning swim! 

For lunch, we'll dine on paella or your choice of freshly caught fish, guaranteed to be fresh since we are dining at the fishmonger's seafood market. 

We're off to discover the best rosé in the world, made right here in Cassis. We’ll take a tour and tasting at the historic Clos Sainte Magdeleine. The villa itself is as gorgeous and delectable as their organic wines. They've been producing wine here since the 12th century! 

It's time to head back to our oasis by the sea for some relaxation or a seaside stroll.

Later this evening, we'll head up to Cassis et Romarin for a casual meal of crêpes and salad. Rest will come easily tonight.

Today we’ll hit the road to discover Marseille, just a 30-minute ride away. Over the past decade or so, Marseille has undergone the most significant urban renewal project in all of Europe. Now, pedestrian-friendly, you'll find old-world charm at the Old Port, a sparkling new museum, and alluring creative districts with artisanal shopping galore. 

We'll leave Cassis around 10 am, and our first stop in town will be the neo-Byzantine Marseille Cathedral, called La Major, with a local guide. 

Next, we'll visit the town's newest attraction, an underground cave experience called the Grotte Cosquer. This detailed replica mimics the Upper Palaeolithic cave discovered by diver Henri Cosquer in 1985. Due to rising sea levels that have made the original site inaccessible, this experience offers a glimpse of over 500 drawings and engravings of land and marine animals. 

After making our way around the Old Port, we'll transfer to the hip Cours Julien district, where you'll be free to wander on your own and peruse shops or sit down at any of the cafes calling your name. This bohemian district is described as an open-air art gallery known for its creative, eccentric energy. 

As the afternoon winds down, we'll head over to Marseille's oldest district, le Panier, for a street art walking tour followed by a stop for coffee or tea to keep us caffeinated. 

To round out this wonderful day of exploration, we'll attend a theatrical dining experience featuring true Bouillabaisse in the town that created it at the famous and historic Chez Fonfon.

After a short ride home to Cassis, you'll be dreaming of the sights and sounds of the glorious Mediterranean, ready to rest after a day well spent.

All good things must come to an end, but our photos will beautifully preserve our memories of this magical time with new friends in one of the most wonderful places in the world. 

We recommend booking your onward transportation from Marseille to Paris via the local airport. It's easy to navigate and is only a short drive away from town.