South of France Explorer

9 Days

South of France Explorer

Gems of Provence and the French Riviera

The South of France oozes elegance and simplicity. On this 8-night vacation, experience the bucolic beauty of Provence and the glamour of the French Riviera with stays in Avignon, Aix-en-Provence and Nice.

Unique Explorations

  • Explore the nicest parts of Nice with the freedom a rental car offers.
  • Get to know the French Riviera on a tour from Menton to Saint-Raphaël, and from the Mediterranean coast to the peaks of Mercantour.
  • Take a step past Nice on a tour that offers amazing opportunities through glamorous Monaco, high-energy Monte Carlo, and medieval Eze.
  • Take a wine-tasting tour that teaches you about wine and brings you through distilleries.
  • Indulge in shopping, beach-front lounging, and decadent wines.

Pick up your car rental at the airport and start your vacation with exciting opportunities provided at every turn. Spend 8 nights in France, taking tours that show you the best that a stunning, influential, and historic city like Nice has to offer.

Explore through the Mediterranean coast to the height of Mercantour, all the way to Menton and Saint-Raphael. Then travel around glamorous Monaco, high-energy Monte Carlo, and culturally historic Eze with grace and ease.

To wind down, enjoy a half-day wine tour complete with wine tasting and a few distillery visits. Shop in the busy city centers or peruse the early morning fruit and flower markets that are a world their own.

PRICES FROM: $3066*PER PERSON

*Vacation is round-trip, per person, based on 2 travelers departing from
Atlanta. Includes air, airport taxes, hotel, transfers, daily breakfast and more. Additional baggage charges may apply. Rates are available for 1 to 9 travelers. Sceptre

Rates are not guaranteed until booked.

Terms and Conditions apply.

Dig into your vacation in Nice! Explore everything the French Riviera has to offer, from Menton to Saint-Raphael, via Monaco, and from the Mediterranean coast to the peaks of Mercantour.

You’ll be in one of these hotels, depending on availability

Hotel West End Nice

NICE, FRANCE 4 out of 5 stars

Built in 1842, the Hotel West End Nice is a jewel of the Belle Epoque and is ideally located on the famous Promenade des Anglais, 5 minutes from the old town and 10 minutes from the Palais des Congres and the airport. The 4-star hotel provides guests with … read more

Hotel Aston La Scala Nice

NICE, FRANCE 4 out of 5 stars

Located in the heart of Nice only 5 minutes from the beach, the 4-star Hotel Aston La Scala Nice overlooks the Promenade du Paillon, Old Town and Fountain.

Hotel Suisse Nice

NICE, FRANCE 4 out of 5 stars

Enjoy looking out over the sea and taking leisurely strolls down the Promenade des Anglais from the stylish Hotel Suisse Nice.

Hotel La Perouse

NICE, FRANCE 4 out of 5 stars

Indulge your senses at the oasis that is the Hotel la Perouse. Built on a promontory next to the sea and overlooking the city, the elegant Perouse offers refined accommodations while enjoying the warmth and vibrance that France has to offer. Enjoy a blend of contemporary and Mediterranean style in the comfort of high quality amenities.

You can lounge by the heated outdoor pool, sunbathe on the terrace, dine in the shade of lemon trees, and beguile your senses in the fully stocked spa. With the restaurant serving up local cuisine, you can enjoy the best of Nice when you’re out exploring just as much as when you’re indulging in some down time.

Day 02 :
Nice

Today, enjoy your tour through Monaco, Monte Carlo, and Eze

Enjoy a panoramic view over Nice after you get picked up from your hotel to experience glamorous Monaco, wonder at the picturesque medieval village of Eze, and ride along the road used in the Grand Prix in Monte Carlo.

Monaco, Monte Carlo & Eze Tour

You’ll be picked up from your hotel to enjoy a full-day tour, experiencing the glamorous principality of Monaco and the picturesque medieval village of Eze for yourself! Go through the village of La Turbie, also called the “Monaco Terrace” because of the panoaramic view of the Principality of Monaco.

Visit a French perfumery in Eze, a charming, authentic medieval village perched above the sea, boasting breathtaking views. Then, travel to the Old Town of Monaco, where you’ll have the opportunity to visit the Palace (open June through October), the famous Cathedral, the Cousteau Oceanographic Museum, and the Changing of the Palace Guards. (Admissions not included.)

Finally, you move on to Monte Carlo as you travel the road used for the Grand Prix circuit. Treat yourself to luxurious shopping, stroll through stunning gardens, and view mega-yachts and chic casinos in Casino Square. Returning to your hotel in Nice at the end of the day.

Day 03 :
Nice

Continue exploring or take a day to relax. Nice has some pretty amazing beaches if you wanted to lounge for a bit, or you could meander along the Promenade des Anglais, commonly called Promenade or La Prom for short. It’s a walk along the pebbly shore of Nice’s beach and it’s a lovely place to stroll with friends or loved ones.

You’ll be in one of these hotels, depending on availability

Grand Hotel Roi Rene

AIX-EN-PROVENCE, FRANCE 4 out of 5 stars

Enjoy the rich and unique climate and culture of Aix-en-Province while staying at the Grand Hotel Roi Rene. Just a short walk away from the Cours Mirabeau, this hotel sits in the Aix-en-Province city center and is just over 1,000 feet from the train station.

Hotel le Pigonnet

AIX-EN-PROVENCE, FRANCE 5 out of 5 stars

Just a short walk from the bustling city center of Aix, with its historic buildings, cafés, outdoor markets, high-end shops and prestigious cultural events is an oasis of luxury and peace: Hotel le Pigonnet. Catch the raw beauty bulls and wild horses of the Camargue region, wander among the stunning creeks Calanques of Cassis, and capture the vibrant metropolis of Marseille through a lens.

Le Pigonnet combines tradition and modernity by blending charming 18th century Provencal style while offering guests relaxing moments in a luxurious and timeless atmosphere. The hotel exudes extreme elegance in all 44 rooms, illustrated by their furniture, fine fabrics and subtle lighting. The new bistronomic restaurant, La Table du Pigonnet, is sleek, chic and refined. The restaurant opens out onto a terrace and spreads out to the edges of the garden, offering open air while dining and shade under magnificent chestnut trees.

Find refuge in the hotel’s serene and modern spa, complete with experienced staff for the ultimate sensory experience. Guests can also enjoy a well-equipped fitness center, seasonal outdoor swimming pool, four acres of winding gardens, cozy up with a drink at the indoor bar, or enjoy the beautiful grounds at the unique outdoor bar.

Watch people walk by a 16th century clock tower in the town square hall in the opulent Aix-en-Provence. With a touch of Renaissance to the Archbishop’s place and cloisters decorating St. Sauveur Cathedral, this city has a wealth of attractions.

Fans of Cezanne can explore the last studio he used, perfectly preserved so that it almost feels like he just stepped out. You can also visit Musee Granet where you can find masterpieces in everything from sculpture to paintings to archaeological artifacts.

Settle into your next hotel and grab your camera to walk the legendary Saint Benezet Bridge. With the lovely Place de l’Horloge nearby and decadent outdoor cafes to choose from, this beautiful place brings peace to anyone in it.

You’ll be in one of these hotels, depending on availability

Le Cloitre Saint Louis

AVIGNON, FRANCE 4 out of 5 stars

Le Cloitre Saint Louis is housed in a 16th-century structure which started its life as a Jesuit Seminary. Lovingly restored, this Avignon hotel is a balance of history and modern convenience.

Avignon Grand Hotel

AVIGNON, FRANCE 4 out of 5 stars

Located in the heart of Avignon’s historical town center, the Avignon Grand Hotel is the ideal base to explore this ancient town and the rest of Provence.

Hotel de l’Horloge

AVIGNON, FRANCE 4 out of 5 stars

A beautiful 19th century stone building, the Hotel de l’Horloge doors open directly onto the Place de l’Horloge in Avignon. The hotel is in an excellent location: the base of the city’s historic center. While enjoying the gentle elegance of the rooms on your down time, you can spend the rest of your vacation visiting busy squares, magnificent town houses, art galleries, and antique shops.

Also suitable for business trips, the hotel offers a light yet well-equipped meeting room, air-conditioning and heating for comfort in any weather, and a calming, collected atmosphere for relaxation for any style of guest.

Day 07 :
Avignon

Marvel through your chateaux and domaines tours today as you wander through old castles. Then, enjoy a trip through distilleries as you get to taste wines made locally.

Chateaux & Domaines Tour

The sultry half-day tour through the wines of Rhone Valley will include a wine tasting at Châteauneuf du Pape, where you will learn about the history of French wine. Your tour will also visit the Roman Theatre of Orange.

It’s an excellent tour for beginners, and make sure you get a bottle or two to take home with you!

Day 08 :
Avignon

Treat yourself to a tour of the largest Gothic palace in the world: the 14th century Palais des Papes. Wander through the halls and beneath frescos, tip toe through chapels, and take in the beauty of this amazing UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Make sure to snap a few photos in Place du Palais, the surrounding square of Palais des Papes. Then move on to walk the Rocher des Doms and enjoy the stunning views of Avignon from this soothing public garden.

Make that last minute stop you’ve been saving, drop off your car, and board your plane home.

Fly home!

What's Included

  • Round-trip economy class airfare into Nice (NCE) and out of Marseille (MRS)
  • Manual car rental for 8 nights – upgrade to automatic available
  • 3 nights in Nice at Hotel La Perouse or similar
  • Monaco, Monte Carlo & Eze Tour
  • 2 nights in Aix-en-Provence at Hotel Le Pigonnet or Grand Hotel Roi Rene Aix-en-Provence
  • 3 nights in Avignon at the Hotel d l’Horloge or similar
  • Chateaux & Domaines Tour
  • Breakfast daily

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

South of France Explorer