Hidden beauties of the South-East of France

 We recommend that our travelers fly into Nice International Airport to save time and energy. You will pick up the rental car at Nice airport.

THE FRENCH RIVIERA

Sea views of the French Riviera

A B&B with gorgeous sea views

• To avoid the crowds on the French Riviera, you will stay in a small hilltop village in the hinterland only 8 miles from Nice. The lovely B&B is located at the top of the town so you will enjoy a beautiful sea view from your room and from the breakfast terrace. You will be within walking distance of several restaurants and will feel at ease to explore the region.

Discover art and handicrafts

• In the Riviera hinterland, you will have the opportunity to discover some of the most beautiful handicrafts in France, particularly ceramics, sculpture and painting. You might be tempted to step into a glassblower's shoes and make your own “chef d’oeuvre”. For art lovers, the many art museums of Nice and its surroundings will amaze you, with masterpieces by Chagall, Matisse and Picasso.

Make your own French perfume

• Making your own fragance at a famous perfume house is a lot of fun. You will learn the basics of perfume-making and then choose between hundreds of ingredients to create your own 100ml / 3.4 Oz Eau de Parfum. This is a wonderful and unique souvenir of your stay in the French Riviera to bring home with you.

Explore the French Riviera

• The Cote d’Azur is a marvel of fabulous 19th century villas and sapphire water coves. Wander through the narrow alleyways of the old city of Nice and visit the many famous art museums. Go shopping and enjoy views of the Mediterranean in seaside restaurants from Monte Carlo to Antibes. We will tell you all of our secrets about the best places to visit in the Riviera.

SOUTHERN PROVENCE

Stay in a Medieval French château

• About 3 hours' drive from Nice is Southern Provence. Stay for 2 nights in Provence in a gorgeous fortified castle near to the town of Aix-en-Provence. Your room will be decorated with empire period furniture and a canopy bed.

Interact with your French hosts

• Your delightful hosts, the owners of the castle, will have you join a tour of the château, from basement to rooftop. You will have the meals in the sumptuous medieval kitchen, with its hanging copperware and monumental fireplace. Existing since the 11th century, this château is the perfect starting point to explore the surrounding area of southern Provence.

Explore villages, towns and countryside

• Wander around picturesque villages such as Ansouis and Lourmarin on the slopes of the Luberon hills and get a feel for the peaceful atmosphere of these places. Visit Aix-en-Provence and its many museums. Tour the salt marshes of the Camargue and visit the Alpilles region, where you will find the beautiful Saint Remy de Provence. We will tell you where to buy the best olive oil! 
  

Horses in the Camargue

AVIGNON AREA

Stay in The old town of Avignon

• On the 7th day, you will drive North to central Provence. Stay in a beautifully restored stone house in the old walls of Avignon, a 3-minute walk from the Palace of the Popes. Avignon is a perfect base camp to explore central and northern Provence. 

Cycling in the Luberon

• We recommend dedicating a day to discovering the quaint villages of the Luberon, driving an electric bike. You will have several biking itinerary options, from easy to challenging. All of them will take you to explore hidden hamlets, vineyard chapels, wineries, road-trails through the olive groves and evergreen oaks. A great day, exploring at your own pace. 
  

Go on a truffle hunt

• And while we're on the subject of Provençal gastronomy, we have planned a truffle hunt in a very secret place. You will work with the hunter and his dog in the Provence hills. After that, you will savor several truffle appetizers to get accointed with this highly valued mushroom.

• On your last day, you can return the car at the most convenient place depending on your next destination.

You will be immersed in the culture of the South-East of France.