3-CENTRE TOUR
Active pace with longer touring days. Expect intermittent walking at a moderate pace for 2–3 hours over a variety of terrain, including cobblestones, hills and uneven pavements. Must be able to negotiate stairs of varying heights, sometimes without handrails. Can tolerate periods of standing during guided tours and be able to climb in/out of various modes of transportation. Some days may include 5–7 km of walking over the course of the day.
We depart for Paris.
Arrive in Paris and enjoy a short tour of the charming quarter near our hotel, with leisure time for lunch. The rest of the day is free before this evening’s Welcome Dinner at a charming brasserie.
Today’s panoramic tour showcases the best of Paris. Admire iconic landmarks including the Arc de Triomphe, elegant Champs-Élysées, Place de la Concorde, historic Opéra, and magnificent Notre-Dame Cathedral. Discover charming Montmartre, long celebrated as the heart of Paris’ artistic community, and visit Sacré-Cœur Basilica for breathtaking panoramic views across the city. Enjoy free time at lively Place du Tertre to stroll among local artists and browse their work.
We leave the city for the splendour of Versailles. Created by the Sun King, Louis XIV, the palace was the envy of all European rulers. We will have a guided tour and a chance to stroll through the meticulous, statuelined gardens, before returning to Paris. Afternoon at leisure to explore Paris at your own pace.
Enjoy a leisurely morning to discover one of Paris’s famous museums. This afternoon, visit the Eiffel Tower, a masterpiece of engineering and artistry that continues to captivate visitors worldwide. Later, cruise along the Seine, gliding past many of Paris’ celebrated landmarks. As the city sparkles, admire the illuminated City of Light from the river—a magical way to end your day.
We travel aboard the high-speed TGV train, the fastest scheduled rail journey in the world! Upon arrival in Avignon, we enjoy a walking tour and visit the Pont d’Avignon and the Palace of the Popes—an imposing Gothic structure and city landmark.
This full-day tour through Provence begins in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, with its Roman vestiges, before continuing to Les Baux-de-Provence, set amid dramatic rock formations. Enjoy an immersive audio-visual show before proceeding to Arles, a city of art and culture. Explore its charming old town on foot, including Van Gogh’s famous “Café de la Nuit,” Roman coliseum, and theatre. Enjoy free time before returning to Avignon.
Enjoy a leisurely day in Avignon at your own pace. Explore its charming streets, museums and boutiques, relax at a café terrace, cruise the Rhône, or visit nearby Villeneuve-lès-Avignon.
Explore the Luberon, famed for its breathtaking landscapes and beautiful villages. Discover enchanting Roussillon, set against vibrant ochre cliffs and colourful landscapes shaped by nature. Continue to Gordes, a spectacular medieval hilltop village with panoramic views over the surrounding countryside. Conclude in Coustellet with a visit to the Lavender Museum, learning about Provence’s iconic flower and the aromas and traditions that have made the region world-famous.
This morning we discover the famous Pont du Gard. Built by the Romans, a technical and artistic masterpiece ahead of its time. Then we travel through the countryside and vineyards to Châteauneuf-du-Pape for a tasting of the legendary wine. We return to Avignon for an afternoon at leisure.
Today we travel to the French Riviera with a stop in quaint St-Tropez en route. This one time fishing village has become a fashionable resort frequented by writers, artists and celebrities. After a walking tour, and some time on our own to stroll the charming old town and lively harbour, we continue our journey along the Côte d’Azur to the elegant city of Nice.
Our city tour takes in the Promenade des Anglais, Cimiez Quarter and the Garden of the Cimiez Monastery. We will also see Nice’s old town with its flower market, City Hall and pedestrian streets lined with shops and cafés. Afternoon at leisure.
We drive along the rugged and scenic Mediterranean coast to the medieval town of Èze, which offers one of the most beautiful panoramas of the French Riviera. Then we continue on to Monaco where we visit the historic core (known as The Rock), see the Changing of the Guards and the Prince’s Palace. After some free time here we visit Monte Carlo with its lush gardens and famous casino.
At leisure to enjoy Nice’s pedestrian streets or lively waterfront, or perhaps visit nearby Cannes or Menton, other picturesque resort towns on the Riviera. This evening, we’ll gather for our Farewell Dinner and a final celebration of our journey together.
We say “au revoir” to France and fly home from Nice, via Paris.
You may cancel your tour up to 60 days prior to departure (120 days prior for tours requiring a visa, cruises or rail journeys) for any reason, and receive a full refund of your deposit / payment (less the $75 administration fee).
Cancellation & trip interruption insurance included!
Included in the cost of your tour is our Cancellation Insurance Policy, which provides coverage in case of emergency injury or illness (including Covid), right up to your date of departure (terms and conditions apply).
Our Manulife Out-of-Country Health Insurance Plan covers expenses related to Trip Interruption in case of emergency injury or illness. For tours within Canada, Senior Discovery Tours will cover such expenses (terms and conditions apply to all policies).
