Essential France: Provence to Paris

Explore regional gems and cosmopolitan cities alike in this alluring discovery of exceptional La Belle France. As this 15-day small group tour travels from Provence to Lyon, Burgundy to Paris, bask in the history and art, culture and cuisine that mark these cherished spots. Arriving in Marseille, transfer to Aix-en-Provence. Learn about Aix’s diverse architectural heritage and visit the Atelier Cézanne where artist Paul Cézanne worked from 1902 to 1906.  Continue to Arles, where Van Gogh painted, and Roman-influenced Nimes, where we explore a two-tiered Amphitheater, a UNESCO site dating to 90 CE.  In Avignon, enjoy a Provençal cooking class. Next visit Les Beaux to see Carrieres de Lumiere, a multimedia art exhibit in a former stone quarry.  In Lyon, explore the ruins of the Gallo-Roman theater and view the city’s jaw-dropping street art (locally known as “trompe l’oeil”). Visit lakeside Annecy in the French Alps, strolling through the Old Town, with its streetside canals and pastel-hued houses; then embark on a cruise through pristine Lake Annecy, where vast mountains surround its banks. Continue to the Burgundy wine region, taking a walking tour, sampling the local vintage, and visiting the renowned Hotel Dieu Museum. Then continue to Dijon, known for its rich history and culture. Conclude the tour by exploring Paris, one of the world’s great cities.  Included is a visit to either the renowned Opéra Garnier or the Musée Rodin, depending on availability.  An optional 3-day “On Your Own” extension gives you the chance to savor the city even further.