Daily Itinerary

Day 1
If your arrive in Nice during daylight hours, head to the Promenade des Anglais for a stroll. This is perhaps the most famous seaside walk in France. You’ll love wandering along the sparkling Baie des Anges (Bay of Angels) among the joggers, skateboarders, cyclists and rollerbladers. Admire the Belle Epoque architecture of the Le Negresco Hotel, and maybe even pop in for a drink. If it was a long flight, perhaps relax under a palm tree and just admire the view. How about a quick dip? Don’t mind the pebbly beach!

Day 2
On your second day in Nice explore the “old town”, Vieille Ville. Get lost in the winding alleyways that are home to authentic delis, restaurants, boutiques and bars. The centrepiece is cours Saleya, a massive market square that’s permanently filled with people in summer. Maybe pick up some snacks from the food market for the coming days in the car? For the best views over Nice, climb the winding staircases (or take the free lift!) up to Colline du Chateau. There are stunning views over the old town, from the port and coast, inland to the Provençal hills, all the way to the Alps. Continue exploring this gorgeous city and all it has to offer – art galleries, museums, historical sites, local delicacies such as gelato, socca, salade niçoise, pizza – yes pizza! Afterall, Nice wasn’t French until the Treaty of Turin in 1860. You won’t be short of things to do, or eat, in Nice!

Day 3
Perhaps take a local bus or train 20 minutes or so to the smaller, but equally famous seaside resort of Antibes. Fort Carré was built in Roman times as a fortress to surround the old town. This is such an interesting monument, just a short stroll from the centre of town and the view from here is outstanding. Look down on the Port Vauban marina, home to spectacular luxury yachts. You’ll notice the forests of the Cap d’Antibes peninsula, and see the luxury villas nestled in the surrounds. Antibes is a short hop to Juan-les-Pins, which has a vibrant resort with exciting nightlife.

Day 4
Collect your hire car and drive to Monte Carlo. Take the Grande Corniche and delight in the spectacular views along this iconic road or go via the enchanting hilltop village of Eze. Wander through this tiny piece of paradise and soak up the atmosphere of the ancient facades before stopping for pastries and coffee. Once in Monte Carlo, it’s easy to park the car at the train station and explore on foot for a couple of hours. Marvel at the glitz and glamour of the boutiques, casinos and yachts in the harbour. If the budget allows, why not dine at one of Monaco’s many fine dining restaurants? Farewell Monaco for the drive to Saint-Paul-de-Vence. The hilltop village of Saint-Paul-de-Vence occupies an enviable corner of Provence and attracts visitors every year for day trips or even to stay within the medieval stone walls. One of the oldest medieval towns on the French Riviera, Saint-Paul-de-Vence is renowned for its modern and contemporary art museums and galleries. This place inspired the likes of Henri Matisse, Marc Chagall, James Baldwin just to name a few!

Day 5
Today takes you through gorgeous countryside with more of those idyllic coastal views. Just a short drive from Saint-Paul-de-Vence is Tourettes sur Luop known for vibrant purple violets. Stop for morning tea and enjoy the atmosphere and scenery. Maybe grab some picnic items to enjoy when you reach Mons. The prize for braving the narrow winding roads up to the charming Mons is the oasis of calm that greets you. Make your way to the orientation table and once again take in those stunning views. Picnic nearby or sit at one of the cafes to enjoy the peace and relaxed pace of life that exists here. Drive on to Moissac-Bellevue, where you’ll spend tonight.

Day 6
From its 600m altitude, Moissac-Bellevue has breath-taking views and the village has kept its true Provencal charm. It retains the charming cobbled streets with the winding stairways. The traditional homes are coloured in vibrant yellows, oranges and reds. Spectacular. Magnificent photo opportunities of the village and views abound. For an authentic taste of the Provence way of life, add Ferme de la Celestine to your list before leaving Moissac. The drive on to Aix is only about 90 minutes, but it is all beautiful Provence countryside and National Park. Take your time and enjoy the scenery. You have all day tomorrow to explore Aix-en-Provence, so enjoy today’s journey.

Day 7
Aix en Provence (pronounced like the letter X) is a charming town with its gardens and galleries a highlight. Typically a college town, this town features exciting markets and shops. The picturesque Le Cours Marabeau is a delightful tree-lined boulevard with bustling restaurants, shops and cafes. This would make the ideal spot for a relaxing night out. If you are here on Tuesdays or Thursdays, you will find the delightful street markets selling local produce and flowers. Meet a local and experience the lively evening atmosphere.

Day 8
Head back towards the coast today and the small township of Saint Maries de la Mer. This fishing village in the middle of the Camargue is dominated by its church and surrounded by attractive streets of simple white-washed houses. You can amble around the small active harbour in the town, or perhaps enjoy lunch or dinner at one of the delightful harbour side restaurants.

Day 9
Hit the road early today so you can get to Carcassonne and start exploring this medieval walled city. Carcassonne sits in the luscious valley of the Aude river— the gap between the Pyrenees and the Massif Central. Ancient 13th-century structures tower over the horizon. Surrounded by mountains and vineyards, the scents of pine shrubs, spicy herbs, and sweet flowers are carried on the cool winds. Known as the garrigue (gah-REEG), it is the signature scent of the south of France.

Day 9…continued
Discover the passageways and parrapets in the village or pop into the Lower City for lunch, where there are fewer tourists. Shopping is a popular local past time in this area. Close to Carcassonne you will find wine caves and vineyards, along with castle ruins and the relaxing bank of the picturesque of the Canal du Midi. So many choices!

Day 10
Today’s drive from Carcassonne to Saint-Cirq-Lapopie via Caylus will be filled with more of those splendid views, glorious countryside and amazing architecture. The medieval town of Caylus is dominated by the tower of the old Royal Castle. Definitely worth a stop and a relaxing stroll. Continue on to one of the most remarkable sites in France – Saint-Cirq-Lapopie. This is a pretty village perched high on the cliffs, so make sure you have your camera handy. The Gothic church stands high on the rocky cliffs, looking over the delightful stone homes below. The streets are narrow and filled with flowers. See the local galleries and the workshops where local artisans create authentic wares. Enjoy your walk!

Day 11
It’s only a ninety minute drive to Sarlat-la-Caneda where you will spend the next 2 nights. Travel via Figeac and Rocamadour before settling into Sarlat this afternoon. This is an essential place to visit for fans of architecture. The medieval old town is the perfect place to explore with its maze of winding streets and Gothic and Renaissance mansions.

Day 12
Meet your English speaking driver guide this morning in Sarlat and set off on your 4 hour tour which includes a boat ride on the Dordogne River. The tour includes a walking tour of Beynac and Domme and a Boat ride on traditional gabarre at La Roque Gageac to admire the many castles that line the river.

Day 13
After a lovely French Breakfast in Sarlat it’s time to move on to your next destination – Noth. You’re heading to Chateau de la Cazine, luxury accommodation set amongst 220-acres of beautiful grounds in the heart of rural France. The alluring natural surroundings lend themselves perfectly to a relaxing stay enjoying exquisite food and wine.

Day 14
Farewell Chateau de la Cazine and continue north to Amboise in the Loire Valley. This afternoon explore the Château d'Amboise, where King Charles VIII called home in the 15th Century. Here is where you find Leonardo da Vinci's tomb and the associated chambers, underground passageways and gorgeous gardens. Take the time to visit Château du Clos Lucé where Da Vinci lived until 1519. You can marvel at the working models of his many designs in the small museum.

Day 15
Today is all about amazing Châteaux! I know you will have researched and chosen at least 4 of your favourite ones to visit out of the 42 available! Did any of these make the list?

Château d’Ussé known as “Sleeping Beauty’s castle” because it was one of the châteaux that inspired Walt Disney.

Château de Villandry is a must for garden lovers and the last of the major Renaissance castles to be built in the Loire Valley. 

Château de Chambord is famous for its rooftops and double staircase. One of the most stunning examples of architecture ever seen.

Château de Chaumont stands in a prize position overlooking the Loire and is best seen from the other side of the river. From April to October, it hosts a wonderful garden festival with a different theme each year.

Day 16
Enjoy breakfast in bed this morning and a last minute roam around beautiful Amboise. Drive to Tours (St Piere Des Corps Station) and return the hire car by 3pm. Climb aboard the TGV train bound for Paris. Arrive in just over an hour and check into your very Parisienne left bank hotel. Head out to Boulevard Saint Germain to find a hearty meal in one of the many Bistros.

Days 17 to 19
What better way to be introduced to Paris than by a local in a 2CV?!?! What is a 2CV you ask? Think James Bond’s “For Your Eyes Only”. The Citroen 2CV is an iconic vintage car produced by Citroen between 1948 and 1990. Cute as a button and nothing but fun, this convertible takes you to the many Paris landmarks and some of the more unusual sights. Places like the Marais, Place des Vosges and Arènes de Lutèce will be included on this delightful two hour private tour.

Over the next days take full advantage of your included Paris Pass. The Paris Pass includes Fast Track admission to more than 60 museums and monuments as well as unlimited travel on public transportation (Metro and bus), a 1-day hop-on hop-off bus pass, Seine boat cruise, and other benefits. Plan your days to make the most of your pass and ensure you don’t miss anything on your Paris bucket list.

How could you come all the way to Paris without doing a Food tour? Saved for your last afternoon, whether you’re a sweet tooth or a turophile, you will not be disappointed with your gourmet Marais walking tour. Starting at 2pm you will spend 3-4 hours sampling bread, croissants, cheese, cured sausages and hams, wine, coffee, chocolate, macarons, French pastries, Croque Monsieur or French Pie plus some iconic French liqueurs like Cognac and Armagnac or “Old Plum” brandy!

Day 20
Check out of your hotel this morning and your “Creme de la France” Quest comes to an end. “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.” Dr Seuss.

Not ready to go home yet?

You can continue travelling by adding free time, extending your journey or enjoying another Quest.
We will help fit Quests and extra travel together to ensure you take advantage of your already included airfares and the add-on component pricing.

Here are some fun ideas:

Champagne buffs may like to head to Reims, the champagne capital of France prior to their final stop in Paris. We can arrange a fabulous tour through iconic champagne houses like Ruinart, Mumm, Veuve and more!