Paris & Provence
Overview
Begin with the small pleasures and picturesque City of Light in Paris. Get the VIP treatment with a private sightseeing tour by vintage Citroën 2CV car with a knowledgeable driver to introduce you to the classic sights—topped off with wine and cheese, of course! Get the royal treatment with a visit to the Papal read more Palace in Avignon, and marvel at the engineering behind the Pont du Gard, the largest remaining Roman aqueduct in France. Your Small Group will enjoy an intimate look at Van Gogh’s love of Arles with a guided visit around the historic center. Learn about Van Gogh’s life here and his painting techniques. Then, create your own masterpiece during a painting workshop under the guidance of a local artist. Delicious French fare, dramatic history, and dreamy scenery create the perfect Small Group Discovery Tour!
Itinerary
Your Small Group Discovery Begins!
At 5 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome drink at the hotel.
C'est magnifique!
Discover Paris aboard a vintage French car as your driver guides you on a private sightseeing tour of Paris. From your 2CV car enjoy views of Paris' historic enclaves and hidden treasures. Top the morning off with a welcome wine and cheese tasting lunch at a local restaurant with a local expert on hand to introduce you to the delicious varieties.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - Jump in for a quick getaway in Paris courtesy of a private Citroën 2CV. After all, this was the getaway choice of James Bond in the 1981 film, For Your Eyes Only! Its revered design in engineering and horsepower was first unveiled in Paris in 1948 as an alternative to traditional horse-powered wagons of rural France. Since then, the Citroën has remained a cultural icon in France and beyond—and now is at your small group's service to take you through the sensational sights of the City of Light. Just don't forget to yell, “Shotgun!”
The City of the Popes
This morning, travel to Avignon by high-speed train. Follow your Local Guide to discover the highlights of this walled town on the banks of the River Rhône. See the famous bridge and visit the Papal Palace. Enjoy free time to explore more on your own.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - Avignon's 14th-century heyday saw the Pope move his Papal residency as a retreat from Rome. It's incredible to think that the imposing fortress-like Papal Palace –and largest Gothic building in the world—was completed in less than 20 years! Visit the palace with your Local Guide and be enthralled by this UNESCO World Heritage Site and the stories behind it.
Architectural Gems
Visit Pont du Gard, the largest remaining Roman aqueduct in France and an architectural marvel. Next onto Arles, a fascinating city of historic importance, ancient Roman monuments, and a place of inspiration for artists, including Vincent van Gogh. Together with an artistic guide, discover why the renowned impressionist painter spent over a year living in Arles during a prolific period, creating more than 300 drawings and paintings during his stay. Later arrive at your hotel in Aix-en-Provence, the city of beautiful boulevards.
LOCAL FAVORITE - Join a local artist to uncover Van Gogh's Arles, especially for your small group with a guided visit to the historic center of Arles. Learn about the master Impressionist's life and basics of his painting techniques with a workshop to create your own masterful vignette reproduction of a van Gogh painting!
Sweet Provence
Follow your Local Guide on a sightseeing tour to discover Aix-en-Provence. Walk along the elegant Cours Mirabeau Boulevard, see the Mazarin Quarter, the Jewish Quarter, and City Hall. Visit the Cathedral of the Holy Saviour, a national monument of France. After exploring, treat yourself to a visit to the Calisson Museum to learn about this traditional French candy, including a tasting!
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - Step into the heart of Provence's sweetest tradition at the enchanting Musée du Calisson. Explore immersive exhibits, learn how master artisans transform almonds into delicate confections, and conclude your journey with an irresistible tasting of authentic calissons—a true celebration of flavor and craftsmanship.
Picture Perfect Provence
Enjoy a full day to discover hidden gems dotted around the colorful countryside of Provence. At St. Rémy de Provence, visit the monastery of St. Paul de Mausole, a former asylum whose most famous guest was Vincent van Gogh. Experience the artistic walls of the quarry of Les Baux- de- Provence and stroll along the streets of Gordes and Roussillon, deemed to be amongst France's most beautiful villages.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - Les Carrières des Lumières was once a busy limestone quarry providing stone for local building construction. Over time the demand for stone decreased and the quarry finally closed. It was later used as a film location before opening its doors in 2012 as a cultural space, renowned for digital art exhibits where famous works of art are projected onto the former quarry's walls.
The Art of French Living
This morning, head south towards the famous French Riviera. En route, stop at a local wine estate, which incorporates an open-air museum of contemporary art, for a wine tasting experience and lunch. Later today arrive at your hotel located on the beautiful French Riviera.
LOCAL FAVORITE - FRENCH FLAVORS: Take an amazing opportunity to visit the Commanderie de Peyrassol, a stunning wine estate, once in the hands of the Knights Templar. Enjoy a guided tour of the cellars, learn about organic wine production, and browse the contemporary art displays set in a background of vineyards and olive groves. A comprehensive wine-tasting offers local wines, before a delicious lunch is served.
The Good Life on the Côte d'Azur
Enjoy a leisurely day on the glamorous French Riviera with time to explore with a spot of shopping, lingering in the local cafés, or relaxing with a day at the seaside. This evening, enjoy a delicious farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
ENHANCED FREE TIME - Take advantage of an optional excursion to the Principality of Monaco, the glamorous millionaire's playground located on the French Riviera: it's the second smallest sovereign state in the world. Join your Tour Director for a walking tour through the Old Town, where you'll admire the cathedral, royal palace, and more. Then, relax and enjoy a delightful lunch in a quaint restaurant.
Safe travels until we meet again!
Your tour ends with breakfast this morning. Nearest airport is Nice
Trip Inclusions
- Exclusive Small Group Paris sightseeing tour aboard a vintage French car
- Local expert-led wine and cheese tasting lunch at a local Parisian restaurant
- Guided walking tour of Avignon includes a visit to the Papal Palace
- Visit the Pont du Gard Roman aqueduct
- Exclusive Small Group artistic-themed guided walking tour of Arles featuring a painting workshop
- Guided sightseeing tour in Aix-en-Provence includes a visit to the Cathedral and Calisson Museum
- Excursion to the Provence countryside features visits to the villages St. Rémy de Provence, Les Baux-de Provence, Gordes, and Roussillon
- Exclusive Small Group visit to a [LF] local wine estate for a wine tasting and lunch
- High- speed train ride from Paris to Avignon.
- 8 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 1 Dinners
- Paris: Mgallery Paris Bastille Boutet (Superior First-Class):
Located in the heart of the 11th district of Paris, famous for restaurants and bars, near Opera Bastille and Le Marais, and just a few steps from Faubourg St. Antoine and its shops, this hotel is set in a beautifully restored historic building. All 80 spacious guest rooms are elegantly furnished in contemporary style, and are equipped with flat-screen TV with international channels, air-conditioning system, in-room safe and coffee & tea making facilities. A bar offering light meals and chocolate treats, a spa & wellness center featuring steam bath and sauna, and indoor heated swimming pool are also available. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the entire property. - Avignon: Cloitre Saint Louis (First-Class):
Set in central Avignon, with the famous Pope Palace within walking distance, Hotel Cloitre Saint-Louis has 80 air-conditioned guest rooms featuring flat-screen TV with satellite channels and tea/coffee maker. The restaurant serves traditional French cuisine emphasizing local ingredients. The highlight of the hotel is the seasonal outdoor rooftop pool with large sun terrace that offers unbeatable views over Avignon. Free Wi-Fi is also available throughout the property. - Aix en Provence: Renaissance (Superior First-Class):
Contemporary design Hotel in the city center, just steps away from theaters and historic neighborhood. - French Riviera: Apollinaire (First-Class):
This charming 110 room boutique property has an air of casual refinement with architecture from the 1920's. Free Wi-Fi access is available in all guestrooms and public areas of the hotel. Breakfast can be enjoyed on the sunny terrace of the outdoor inner garden and evenings can be spent relaxing in the jazzy atmosphere of the lounge bar.
- Airport transfers at your arrival and departure destination are not included in the price of the tour.
- Itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and specified internal flights. International flights not included.
- To make your train journey more comfortable between Paris and Dijon, one piece of luggage per person will be transferred between one hotel and another, to your destination hotel using a luggage transfer service. We cannot guarantee that this luggage will arrive at the hotel at the same time as you; traffic and other logistical issues can delay it. On occasion this luggage may arrive in the evening, we therefore suggest keeping a few essential personal items in your hand luggage. Conditions apply.
- Please note that the wine tasting experiences are only available to guests who are 18 years or over.
Don't waste your precious time qeuing up, skip the lines with special VIP access at the must-see sites. Read more
Travel with expert Tour Directors and Local Guides who share their vast knowledge of the destination. Read more
Globus has the recipe for a great holiday. Savour the flavours of Europe through its regional cuisine. Read more
Globus picks hotels picked on their centralised location, so you'll stay right in the heart of the destination. Read more
Globus' coaches offer one of the most comfortable, stress-free and eco-friendly ways to travel. Read more
Do as the locals do and enjoy unique experiences that you wouldn't find touring on your own. Read more
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Globus Small Group Discoveries (2026-27)
Enjoy front-row views of legendary sites more such as the Eiffel Tower, the Grand Tetons and Nagoya Castle. Skip the queues with VIP entry, and immerse yourself in stories that bring rich history and vibrant cultures to life. With nearly 100 years of expertise, hand-selected hotels, expert Tour Directors and worry-free travel, Globus delivers the ultimate touring experience – now with the added benefit of smaller groups for bigger discoveries. This is Touring. Beyond. Don’t just see the world. Tour it with Globus Small Group Discoveries.
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A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Enquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Globus. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
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