Enjoy a France vacation as it comes alive during this nine day rail program of sophisticated Paris, pastoral Provence, and the luxurious French Riviera. With three nights in Paris, two nights in Avignon, and three nights in Nice – plus plenty of exciting sites to see, included hotels and first class rail between cities – all of the key arrangements are made for you, but you set the pace to delve into each city on your own. Begin in Paris, "The City of Light", where the Arc de Triomphe, the Opera House, Champs-Elysees, and Notre Dame Cathedral reveal Paris exquisite artistry. Your trip to France features three days in Paris where you can take your time to fully absorb French culture; if you want opt to venture beyond the city limits with an optional day excursion to the ...
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Day 1
Paris
Arrival in Paris. After check-in at your hotel, the balance of the day is at leisure to explore Paris, the magnificent capital of France. Packed with monuments, museums, art, nightlife, eateries and shops, Paris remains - in spite of all the cliches - one of the most inspiring cities in the world.
Day 2
Paris
Your included morning city tour features the Arc de Triomphe, Opera House, Champs-Elysees, Notre Dame Cathedral and much more. There is so much to see and do in Paris, a city so aptly called the City of Lights, where exciting evening outings are a must. Tonight, while cruising along the Seine River, enjoy spectacular views of its monuments illuminated with millions of lights. (B)
Day 3
Paris
Full day at leisure to enjoy the warmth and charm of a traditional French bistro or to take an optional excursion to Versailles. (B)
Day 4
Paris | Avignon
Today travel by rail from Paris to Avignon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The afternoon is at leisure. Wander the narrow streets to discover this interesting town full of history, life and art. (B)
Day 5
Avignon
After breakfast, enjoy a visit of the Popes' Palace, the largest Gothic palace in the world. In the afternoon enjoy a one hour cruise on the Rhone River, before ending the day with a nice dinner in a popular restaurant. (B,D)
Day 6
Avignon | Nice
This morning, board your train to Nice. Located in the heart of one of the world's most highly prized regions, it offers a rich history and a wonderfully mild sunny climate. Check-in at your hotel. (B)
Day 7
Nice
Today enjoy a full day excursion along the Cote d'Azur. A world of romantic hill towns with cobblestone streets leading to modest hamlets and ancient chateaux waiting for you. (B)
Day 8
Nice
Full day at leisure to visit, on your own, the many outdoor markets, parks and beautiful museums this lovely city has to offer. (B)
Day 9
Nice to USA (or extend your stay)
Say ''au revoir'' to France or extend your stay. (B)
INCLUDES
Hotel accommodation for 8 nights
Daily buffet breakfast
Half day city tour of Paris
One-hour Seine River cruise
Full day Provence excursion
Full day Monaco, Monte Carlo and Eze excursion
Transportation Paris to Avignon by First class rail
Transportation Avignon to Nice by First class rail
10% discount coupon at Galeries Lafayette
E-voucher for special gift with in-store purchase at Galeries Lafayette
Hotel taxes and service charges
EXCLUDES
Airfare, Airport taxes & Fuel Surcharges
Visa upon arrival (and upon re-entry) if required
Tips and Personal items
Travel Insurance
Optional Tours
Hotels
VILLA PANTHEON
Perfectly nestled in Central Paris, the elegant Villa Panthéon, a boutique hotel of the Machefert Group brings the best of cosy British charm to the Latin Quarter. Just a few steps away from the Pantheon and Notre-Dame you will never feel so at home while still being in the heart of France’s capital. The Panthéon’s majestic silhouette and dome is located at the top of the Sainte-Geneviève Mountain, the historic hill of the Latin Quarter. After the French Revolution, this former church, dedicated to the Paris Patron Saint, has housed in its crypt a necropolis with well-known French figures like Victor Hugo, Marie Curie or Alexandre Dumas.
MERCURE AVIGNON CENTRE PALAIS DES PAPES HOTEL ★★★★
Enjoy the location of the Mercure Avignon Centre Palais des Papes located by the Clock'square in the city center. Best situation to discover the Popes'Palace, to dance on the Pont d'Avignon and to enjoy shows all year through at the Avignon Theater (opposite the hotel). Stroll arround the city and enter 1 of the numerous theaters during the Festival d'Avignon in July. You are in the heart of Provence. Easy access to Avignon with 2 stations:Avignon TGV and Avignon Centre, and highways A7 and A9.
The Mercure Cité des Papes hotel is located on the Place de l'Horloge, the animated centre of the old city, with its theatres and numerous cafes. In the heart of Provence, this address is ideally situated to make the most of the Theatre Festival of Avignon
daily breakfast included, hotel city tax not included and to be paid locally
Ellington Nice is an enticing fusion of jazz-inspired aesthetics and French elegance, nestled in the heart of Nice. Known as the perfect sanctuary from which to explore the city's bustling city centre, delicate flower market, myriad restaurants and vibrant bars, the Apollinaire boasts colourful cement floor tiles, Art Deco wall lights, and parquet flooring that evoke a rich sense of heritage.
Transportation to Ellington Nice is a breeze with Nice Cote d'Azur just 10km away and Nice-ville train station reachable within a 15 minutes' walk. The property is planted just a leisurely five-minute stroll from the busy shopping street of Avenue Jean Médecin. The outdoor patio, with its statue of Mercury and large potted plants, is an ideal setting for relaxation before setting off on your urban exploration.
