Tour Provence & Côte d'Azur

Day 1: Departure to Provence.

Your outward journey starts via L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue and Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, where the famous source of the Sorgue rises, to the Luberon where you stay two nights in one of our hotels.

Day 2: The idyllic Luberon

Today you will visit the upper Gordes, a must visit with its 'Village des Bories'. Nearby is the Abbey of Sénanque, a beautiful Cistercian monastery still inhabited by monks who tour their abbey several times a week. You continue on to the impressive papal and art city of Avignon with its rich heritage. This atmospheric city is known for its historic center with the Palais des Papes, the Pont St.-Bénezet and its annual theater festival. During this festival, various street artists perform in the center, an extra good reason to visit Avignon. Cycling enthusiasts can opt for a day by e-bike through the unique natural area near Roussillon and the Montagne du Lubéron.

Day 3: Saint-Rémy

You travel through charming Saint-Rémy and visit the house of Nostradamus. Then you will discover the Roman settlement of Glanum and the Monastère Saint-Paul-de-Mausole, where Vincent van Gogh stayed and painted some of his most famous works. Then you continue to the citadel of Les Baux. You will stay two nights at a Caractère hotel near Les Baux-de-Provence.

Day 4: Arles

You drive past the white rocks and limestone hills of Les Alpilles and Fontvieille to Arles with its ancient theater and arena. Painters like van Gogh and Gauguin drew endless inspiration for their works there. Arles is also the gateway to the Camargue and has preserved its traditions: the feast of the Gardians, the ferias of Easter and rice culture, the corridas in the arenas and so on. Arles is also the capital of photography and hosts annual international photography meetings with celebrities from around the world. With the Parc des Ateliers, at the foot of the bold Museum Luma - a new center for contemporary art - designed by Frank O. Gehry, this ancient city has added a modern forum.

Day 5: Cassis

Your adventure starts today in Aix-en-Provence, the city of Cézanne, with its elegant mansions, numerous fountains and charming squares among which the Cours Mirabeau is well worth a visit. The city of the "calisson" is also a lively student town with brasseries and terraces where life never stops: a modern city that has preserved its cultural past. Continue to the coast to Cassis, a beautiful coastal town famous for its colorful port, spectacular cliffs and delicious wines. You will enjoy three nights here in a Caractère hotel overlooking the sea.

Day 6: Les Calanques de Cassis

The famous fjord-like coves with turquoise water are best explored by boat from Cassis or, for the really sporty, by kayak. The most beautiful are Calanque d'En-Vau and Calanque de Port-Miou (also accessible on foot) or Calaque de Port-Pin, ideal for a refreshing dip in the turquoise water. For breathtaking views of the Mediterranean, drive along the Route des Crêtes to France's highest cliff, Cap Canaille. Or stroll through the atmospheric streets, admire the colorful houses and enjoy one of the famous white or pink wines on a cozy terrace by the harbor.

Day 7: Marseille

Nature lovers can opt for numerous walks with spectacular views in the Parc National des Calanques. City-hoppers will enjoy the lively and versatile city of Marseille. The beating heart of Marseille is undoubtedly the old port "Vieux-Port" with a great atmosphere, numerous terraces and busy fishmongers. The most famous monument is the Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde with panoramic views of the city and the sea. Be sure to visit the impressive MUCEM museum, an iconic museum of Mediterranean cultures. And don't forget to taste the famous bouillabaisse that originated in Marseilles. Fishermen made the dish with unsold or less sought-after fish. They cooked the fish with seawater, spices - later also saffron - tomatoes and potatoes. According to tradition, a true bouillabaisse must feature at least four types of fish.

Day 8: Saint-Tropez - Fréjus - Nice

A drive along the coast brings you to fashionable Saint-Tropez including the Place des Lices and the Place aux Herbes and its world-famous beach. Name and fame were made here by Brigitte Bardot and ... a "gendarme. A visit to the Musée de la Gendarmerie completely plunges you back into the humorous scenes of Louis de Funès. You continue via Roman Fréjus, which is sure to delight archaeology lovers because of its Roman ruins, to the pearl of the Côte d'Azur: Nice. You will stay four nights in a hotel in the center of Nice or nearby.

Day 9: Nice

Today on the schedule: an exploration of cozy Nice. Traditionally, this city has always had a lot of attraction to the Russian aristocracy and you will notice this at the Musée Chagall or at the most beautiful Russian Orthodox church in the Western world. In old Nice, near the port, you can stroll unrestrainedly through the narrow alleys towards the flower market. In the luxurious parks and by the fountains of the modern city or on the beaches by the Promenade des Anglais, it is pleasant strolling. You will also explore the picturesque upper town of Cagnes-sur-Mer with its Renoir museum, and even higher up, the beautifully situated artists' village of Saint-Paul-de-Vence. From an unsightly Provençal village, Saint Paul grew into a true symbol of "l'art de vivre. Like a magnet, it always attracted celebrities such as Jacques Prévert, Yves Montand, Matisse, Braque, Picasso and so on. You can visit the Chapelle du Rosaire, decorated by Matisse or the Fondation Maeght, an ode to modern art. The Musée d'Histoire locale displays an interesting overview of Provençal history, and there is also a photo exhibition of more contemporary celebrities who spent a stay in Saint Paul.

Day 10: Villefranche-sur-Mer - Eze - Monaco

A drive along the coast brings you to Villefranche-sur-Mer, with its citadel and the Chapelle Saint-Jacques, shrine of fishermen. Further along, you will come to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat and Beaulieu, with enchanting villas of nobility and crowned heads. You will drive to the charming village of Eze where you can admire the magnificent views of the mountains or the sea from every street corner. Your journey continues to Monaco, the fashionable mini-state and fiscal paradise, where numerous rich and famous have their residence. There you can visit the princely palace for the relief of the prince's guard or the famous botanical garden. Strolling through the narrow streets of this mini-state, you can also go to the famous Monte Carlo casino to watch the spectacle around the gaming tables. Then head toward the Italian border with more historic villas in Cap-Martin. Last resort just against the border with Italy, is Menton, with its baroque quarter and 'Petit-Port'. Returning can be done via the spectacular corniches with fabulous views of the Mediterranean.

Day 11: Cannes

In Antibes, with its charming old town, you can visit the Musée Picasso. Afterwards, fashionable Juan-les-Pins and the famous Cannes, the film capital of the Côte d'Azur, await you. Around the festival palace, you can feel the pulse of the world's most famous film festival with a stroll on the Croisette and the Walk of Fame. This is the beating heart of Cannes, with its luxury stores, galleries, antique dealers, cinemas and nightclubs.

Day 12: Return home

Your trip in Provence and on the Côte d'Azur is over, you can return home feeling fulfilled. We also recommend a stopover at one of our hotels in Burgundy on your return trip. You can also choose to extend your vacation for a few more days in a Caractère hotel of your choice. We will be happy to help you with this!

Curious about our other sample trips in Provence and Côte d'Azur? Check them out here:

• The Best of Provence and the Camargue](/nl/beleefreizen/het-beste-van-de-provence-en-de-camargue)
• The heart of Provence](/nl/beleefreizen/het-hart-van-de-provenc)
• L'art de vivre de Côte d'Azur](/nl/beleefreizen/de-cote-dazur)