Riviera & Provence - By Rail

Riviera & Provence

10 days from only £999

Discover the beauty of Provence, with picturesque villages, sun-drenched hillsides, scents of pine trees, flora and aromatic herbs, cultural sights plus delicious foods and wines. Add to this the dazzling sophistication of the French Riviera and a memorable holiday is assured.

Holiday highlights
• Historic Avignon
• Pont du Gard, Roman aqueduct
• Arles, inspiration for Van Gogh
• Picturesque Camargue
• Sophisticated Nice
• Glamorous Cannes

Optional excursions
• Camargue boat trip
• Grasse perfume factory
• Nice guided walking tour

Holiday itinerary
Day 1 We travel from Dover to Calais and then continue to our overnight hotel in Paris.
Day 2 We take the TGV train to Avignon, a journey of approximately 3 hours and transfer you by coach to the Hotel Du Lavarin, Avignon (3*) or similar, where we spend the next four nights. NB On selected dates the tour will stay in Nimes.
Day 3 Discover the stunning beauty of Provence with a wealth of landscapes, sun-drenched hillsides alive with the scents of pine trees, flora and aromatic herbs; colourful villages full of life and historic Roman cities. Today we visit Aix-en-Provence, a beautifully preserved city of art, famous as the birthplace of Cézanne, and which also boasts numerous ornate fountains. We then continue to the Pont du Gard, a Roman aqueduct with three tiers spanning the river Gardon, which is one of the most impressive sights in France.
Day 4 We enjoy a visit to Arles, a treasure trove of Roman antiquity and once the most important city in Roman Gaul with many relics remaining today including the great amphitheatre. The beauty of Arles and its surrounding landscapes inspired Vincent Van Gogh to produce some of his finest work during his stay in the area. On to the Camargue, a nature reserve in the Rhône delta, which is home to herds of legendary, wild white horses, ragged black bulls and pink flamingos. Our optional paddle-boat trip offers wonderful views of the Carmague.
Day 5 A day at leisure in Avignon, one of the most fascinating cities in France, with its ancient walls stretching for miles around the city. Within its walls lies the famous Pope’s Palace which dates from the 14th century.
Day 6 We commence our journey to the French Riviera stopping en route at Grasse, offering spectacular views of the coastline. You will be delighted by the charm of the old squares, cathedral, outdoor markets, fountains and winding streets. Join an optional visit to a perfume factory which uses locally grown flowers to produce the scents for which the town is so famed. Our final destination is the Park Inn Hotel, Nice, or similar (3*) for a three nights stay.
Day 7 At leisure in Nice, situated along the sweeping Bay of Angels, a tasteful blend of traditional and modern architecture. It is a perfect mix of long sandy beach, palm-fringed Promenade des Anglais stretching four miles. The narrow streets of the old town are best explored by foot and an optional guided walking tour allows you to explore the full delights of this premier resort.
Day 8 This morning we enjoy a visit to Cannes, one of the oldest resorts on the French Riviera, with a superb setting below the Esterel mountain range. Its exceptionally mild climate has attracted British holiday makers since the 19th century. Stroll along the seafront boulevard La Croisette, a floral delight lined with palm trees, renowned palace hotels, chic shops and trendy bars. The colourful port is crammed full of expensive yachts.
Day 9 We take the TGV train from Nice to Paris, a journey of approximately five hours, and transfer to Northern France for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 10 To Calais for the crossing to Dover and then home.

Whats included
• 9 nights room & breakfast, 8 dinners
• TGV travel Paris to Marseille & Nice to Paris
• Shearings Tour Manager