Unforgettable France: An 11-Day Perfect Vacation for Families with City Elegance

FRANCE IS WAITING FOR YOU ! As soon as you land in Paris you will depart for Avignon on the high speed train. Avignon was the capital of the old region of Provence and is a historic city situated on the Rhône River. You will use this town as a base for the first part of your holiday in Provence. A nice train ride across the French countryside will allow you to see the outlines of the villages, the castles and the country fields of this part of France. Once in Avignon you will be able to check in yourself in your accommodation and then spend the rest of the day as you like. Avignon is a beautiful medieval city with also a modern Provençal touch. Stroll around the town center, have a coffee in a nice café, discover the quiet way of life in the south of France. This is a good way to prepare yourself for the discoveries that await you in this beautiful region.

Today’s schedule starts with a guided walking tour through Avignon. In this cultural melting pot in southern France you will get an in-depth understanding of the history and local culture. The monumental Palais des Papes is one of the highlights of this tour. It is the largest Gothic palace in Europe and has been the residence of the Pope in Avignon. After the walking tour we will walk to Place de l’Horloge, the main square of Avignon. This beautiful square is filled with open-air terraces. There is a lot of life in this square and the rhythm of the people who sit and dine there is wonderful. The stately civic buildings in this square are a perfect example of the French love for public squares.

Visit the highland region of Provence called Luberon, known for its beautiful landscape of rolling hills and villages made of honey colored stone. Luberon is famous for its warm and friendly people and on this guided day trip you will get to explore the heart of southern France and see all the wonderful communities. A must see are the scenic villages of Gordes and Roussillon. Gordes is a mediaeval village perched at the top of a hill and made entirely of stone with the stunning ochre cliffs in the background. It really is a real Provençal postcard and has stunning views of the valleys below. The buildings of Roussillon are also made of stone, and the town is famous for its vibrant red colored hills. Also visit the ancient ruins of Bonnieux which are set high up on a hill overlooking the village and the beautiful countryside below. Your guide will explain the history of the places you visit and will also share with you lots of local knowledge and tips to make your day as great as it can be and to leave you satisfied.

After several days exploring on foot, today brings a change of pace with a self-guided bicycle excursion through the landscapes of Provence. The route leads you into the Alpilles, a dramatic area of limestone ridges, olive groves, farming hamlets and fields that shift beautifully with the seasons. This is a day designed for freedom. Follow quiet roads, stop when a village catches your eye and let the landscape guide the rhythm of your ride. Lavender fields, rural chapels, local farms and small communities create the kind of discovery that makes a tailor-made Provence itinerary feel personal.

Food is one of the best ways to discover France. Therefore, today you share a gourmet cooking course! You will explore the flavors of the local Provençal cuisine and the attention the French pay to cooking every single meal. Using the freshest seasonal produce and local specialties combined with a variety of fresh herbs and other ingredients, we will make some of the most classic French dishes such as ratatouille, asparagus, truffles and more. By the end of this gastronomic experience you will have a greater appreciation of the local culinary traditions and be able to make delicious French dishes in your own kitchen.

This afternoon you depart Avignon for Paris! Take the train from the main Avignon rail station. As the train travels through the countryside you will see the landscapes of rural Provence disappear to be replaced by the French capital’s vibrant city and energy. You will go with your private transfer to your hotel in Paris and the afternoon and evening are yours to take a break, go for a walk in the local area or wherever you choose. In the evening we recommend dinner at a local restaurant near the hotel in a vibrant part of Paris. The choice is yours.

On your first full day in Paris you can start the day with a River Seine cruise. A River Seine cruise is a fantastic way to see the sights of the city from a different perspective. You will pass many bridges, monuments and riverside buildings, such as the old warehouses. In the afternoon, you visit the Eiffel Tower, one of the most recognized landmarks in the world and from the top there is a fantastic view over the capital. From the top of the Eiffel Tower you can see the rooftops of the Paris buildings, the wide boulevards and historic Paris districts. The rest of your day is then up to you to do as you wish.

Paris has long drawn artists, writers, dreamers and intellectuals and few neighborhoods capture that spirit more vividly than Montmartre. After a relaxed morning, meet your guide for a walking tour through this storied hilltop district. Explore streets once frequented by creative figures such as Picasso and other bohemian residents of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Continue toward the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, pausing along the way to take in rustic cafés, small boutiques, lively squares and some of the city’s most atmospheric viewpoints.

This morning, you will have time to make your way through the streets of Paris and to visit a museum of your choice. In the afternoon, you will go on an expertly guided tour of the Louvre, one of the world’s greatest museums of greatest artistic and historical value. The tour of the Louvre will allow you to go beyond the dimensions of the building and to access the many stories and masterpieces which the museum contains. Your guide will in fact show you not only the most famous works of art in the collections of the Louvre, but will also draw your attention to the many other parts of and works in the museum. You will be able  to see many of the fascinating details that are usually not even noticed. Your expertly guided tour of the Louvre will bring the many works of art to life and it will make your visit to the museum more meaningful, accessible and enjoyable than a visit without a guide.

The last walking tour of Paris will take place on your last full day and will be a walk through the Marais district. The Marais is one of the most stylish areas of the city, it is very hip and has a lot of character. You will walk through many of the old medieval streets, through large elegant squares, big beautiful gardens and through lots of boutiques and other interesting shops and places. You will see a more intimate side of Paris than the usual big tourist attractions. After the tour your guide will be able to recommend some restaurants for your last night in Paris and can adapt the choices to your preferences and interests.

Reflect on your trip to France and the many contrasts that it holds over your last breakfast in Paris before you depart for home. You experienced from the serenity of Provence and its cuisine to the diversity of Paris. The transfer to the airport for your flight will leave on time. Bon voyage and we look forward to being able to organize your next tailor-made trip to France.