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Images Of Provence & The CôTe D’Azur
Stroll the hidden trails between pretty Côte d’Azur villages and picnic in the countryside of Provence
The Côte d’Azur has attracted the well heeled for centuries – drawn to its dramatic mountains, sparkling blue Mediterranean waters and a craggy coastline hiding secluded coves and picturesque bays. All of this natural beauty baked under seemingly permanent sunshine. We are based for three nights in the pretty seaside town of Villefranche-sur-Mer from where we will walk around the famed St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat and marvel at the mansions that call this small peninsula home. We explore the gardens and spectacular views afforded to us from the peaceful hillside villages of St Agnès and Gorbio, high above Menton. After a tour of Nice's old town we travel to Aix-en-Provence. Here we follow the story of two of the world's greatest Impressionist painters – Cézanne and Van Gogh. We stay in the towns they called home and walk in the countryside they so loved and captured on canvas in the 'Pays d'Aix'.
Gallery View map
Tour Highlights
- Aix-en-Provence - Cézanne's former home
- Arles - Van Gogh’s second home
- Cote d’Azur
Inclusions
Peregrine tour leader, transport, sightseeing and entrance fees.
- Local bus
- Private vehicle
- Train
- 6 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners
Images Of Provence & The CôTe D’Azur
Day 1
Villefranche-sur-Mer
Meals Privided:
, Dinner
Your trip starts today in the seaside hamlet of Villefranche-sur-Mer. Whilst at your discretion, we recommend arriving and departing by train where possible within Europe due to this method of transports minimal carbon emissions. Villefranche-sur-Mer is located on the coast, about 6km east of the city of Nice. Villefranche is a delightful village that was founded in the 13th century and has retained its picturesque charm with the passing centuries. Its buildings are painted in warm pastel colours that face out upon the crisp blue waters of the Mediterranean. No activities are planned this afternoon so you may arrive at any time. Please make your own way to our centrally-located joining hotel (details are in your travel documents). In the evening we meet our tour leader and our fellow travelling companions at a Welcome Meeting (this is usually at 6pm, but you will be advised as to the exact time and place on a notice, located near the reception of our hotel), where our leader will give us a briefing on what lies ahead on our tour. This evening we head out for dinner beside Villefranche's harbour.
Day 2
St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat - Villefranche-sur-Mer
Meals Privided:
Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast we walk directly out from our hotel to the beautiful St Jean de Cap Ferrat. We walk on a pleasant coastal footpath around the peninsula that is speckled with pine and eucalyptus trees, small sandy beaches, meandering creeks, small picturesque ports and early 20th century villas hosting magnificent gardens…beautiful! We enjoy a flavoursome picnic lunch along the way and there will be opportunities to swim too. The warm climate in this niche on the French Riveria has made it a favourite holiday destination amongst European aristocracy and international millionaires for centuries. This geographic area was part of the Kingdom of Sardinia (ruled by Italy) until 1860 when the county of Nice was finally ceded by treaty to France at which time the peninsula became a magnet for kings and wealthy visitors. In 1905 Béatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild chose Cap-Ferrat to build an opulent and exquisite Tuscan style palazzo, now known as Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild. A true highlight for us today is our included visit to the villa and its impeccable gardens including the Japanese garden and a splendid rose garden. Our walk ends back in Beaulieu-sur-Mer, an aristocratic vacation resort. Short train ride back to Villefranche. (3 hours walking/ 10kms)
Day 3
Menton - St Agnes - Gorbio - Villefranche-sur-Mer
Meals Privided:
Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast, short train ride from Villefranche to Menton (30 mins) along the dazzling Mediterranean coast. In Menton we take a short scenic bus ride up into the foothills to the start of our walk for today that takes us between the restful hamlets of St Agnes and Gorbio. We walk on a multitude of cultivated terraces that at one time were used for olive-trees, vineyards and fig trees enroute to Gorbio. After time to explore pretty Gorbio, we take a local bus to visit Menton. The city has been called the most beautiful town on the French Riviera and boasts a warm micro-climate favorable to lemon, tangerine, and orange groves. It was under the ownership of the Grimaldi family up until 1848, before breaking away from the principality of Monaco and officially becoming French in 1861. Today Menton is popular vacation spot for the well-heeled and a highly appropriate place for us to indulge in 'people-watching' before returning to Villefranche. (2 1/2 hours walking/ 5 kms).
Day 4
Nice - Aix-en-Provence
Meals Privided:
Breakfast, Dinner
After breakfast we take a local bus from Villefranche to Nice (7 min). Morning sightseeing walking tour of Nice's old centre – its maze of staircases and lanes, fine Baroque churches, bustling flower market and the famed Promenade des Anglais. The old quarter of Nice is a warren of alleyways, boutiques, cafes and restaurants awaiting discovery. After our group exploration there is free time for lunch – perhaps you might pick up some fresh local fare and head across to the buzz of activity that is the Promenade des Anglais. A hot spot for street theatre, locals artists, 'the beautiful people' and visitors alike. In the afternoon, we transfer by private taxi, through the heartland of the impressionists to the centre of the exquisite Aix-en-Provence (2h15). We then walk in the heart of this most Parisian of cities, a city of wide boulevards, shady squares, enticing cafes and a former home to Paul Cézanne. We have dinner tonight in a fine local restaurant.
Day 5
Lac Zola - Aix-en-Provence
Meals Privided:
Breakfast
After breakfast we have free time in Aix's impressive morning market. A wonderful introduction for many into the sights, smells and sounds of a bustling French produce market. Buy what you need for your picnic lunch during today's walk. Aix en Provence (Aquae Sextiae in Latin) was founded in 122 BC and was named for its springs. The thermal springs are remarkable for their impressive heat as well as for containing healing properties in the form of lime and carbonic acid. Aix is often referred to as the city of a thousand fountains including the hot-water fountain dating back to 1734, which is covered in moss due to its constant 35°C (93°F) water temperature. Possessing a relaxing ambiance Aix's streets and parks have been well laid out. The Cours Mirabeau, a wide thoroughfare, planted with double rows of plane trees, bordered by fine houses and decorated by fountains, divides the town into two portions with the old town lying to the north. This is the most interesting portion of Aix en Provence with wide but irregular streets and fine old mansions dating from the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries. Along this avenue you will also find Les Deux Garçons (the two boys), the most famous café in all of Aix. Built in 1792, it has been frequented by the likes of Cézanne and Ernest Hemingway. Mid morning we transfer to the start of our walk - a scenic pathway along the foot of the white peaked Sainte Victoire where Cézanne walked, mused and painted. We then stroll through pine forests to the lapping waters of Lake Zola where we we enjoy our picnic lunch and it is still likely that we may encounter artists and their easels in this ethereal countryside. A short climb leads us to a rim above the deep valley, from where the views extend over a countryside draped in thyme and rosemary, with the imposing Sainte Victoire mountain just a stone’s throw away. After our walk we transfer back (10 min) to Aix for an afternoon at leisure. (2 1/2 hours walking/ 6 kms)
Day 6
Les Baux de Provence - Arles
Meals Privided:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast we transfer to the Alpilles Mountains – literally “baby Alps” – a small range of abrupt limestone crags carpeted with sparse pine, aromatic herbs, and wild flowers. Perched above an otherwise flat Rhône Valley, the views are jaw-dropping: the vast plains of the Camargue to the South, a glimpse of the Mediterranean Sea, and to the north the many villages that dot the plains, with the famed Mont Ventoux as a backdrop. After an hour's stroll along the crest the medieval village of Les Baux appears, its grey stone buildings huddled in tight formation below the ruins of its imposing castle, and the whole lot hovering dizzyingly above the plains. We picnic by a centuries-old limestone quarry before exploring the 1000 year-old village of Les Baux, through its narrow cobbled streets and medieval buildings. And after some free time there's the little-known café, in the same family for 400 years, the perfect place to sit in admiration of this stunning site. We then transfer to Arles (15 min) where we discover Van Gogh's second home and the city's Roman center and rich historic legacy. What could be more perfect than a coffee or 'pastis' in one of the lively cafes that once paid host to Vincent van Gogh. Dinner tonight as a group at a local restaurant to say Bon Voyage! (2 hours walking/5 kms)
Day 7
Arles
Meals Privided:
Breakfast
Our trip ends after breakfast in Arles. Arles is connected by train to a number of other destinations in France including Nimes (30min), Montpellier (1hr), Marseille (40min), Avignon (20min) and TGV direct services to Paris (4hrs). For those wanting to spend more time in Arles to further explore this fascinating town, additional nights accommodation can be booked through us.
IN A NUTSHELL
7 days
from $2,795
15
TOUR INFORMATION
| Start | End | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 23/10/2011 | 29/10/2011 | $2,795 |
| 16/06/2013 | 22/06/2013 | $2,935 |
| 02/06/2013 | 08/06/2013 | $2,935 |
| 19/05/2013 | 25/05/2013 | $2,935 |
| 05/05/2013 | 11/05/2013 | $2,935 |
| 14/04/2013 | 20/04/2013 | $2,935 |
| 28/10/2012 | 03/11/2012 | $2,935 |
| 21/10/2012 | 27/10/2012 | $2,935 |
| 07/10/2012 | 13/10/2012 | $2,935 |
| 23/09/2012 | 29/09/2012 | $2,935 |
| 02/09/2012 | 08/09/2012 | $2,935 |
| 01/07/2012 | 07/07/2012 | $2,935 |
| 17/06/2012 | 23/06/2012 | $2,935 |
| 03/06/2012 | 09/06/2012 | $2,935 |
| 27/05/2012 | 02/06/2012 | $2,795 |
| 20/05/2012 | 26/05/2012 | $2,935 |
| 06/05/2012 | 12/05/2012 | $2,935 |
| 15/04/2012 | 21/04/2012 | $2,935 |
| 30/06/2013 | 06/07/2013 | $2,935 |
