Tours to the southern provinces of France. A walk through the French provinces. West of France. Individual tours for families with children
“Southern Provinces” is fascinating and original excursion route, who will introduce you to southern part countries. The cities in the south of France, with their unique charm and ancient flavor, are not alike, and each one opens up some new facet on the path to understanding this amazing country.
Tours in the Southern Provinces of France
Tour date in 2020: on request
Paris, even being one of the most romantic cities the world - just a small fraction of what you need to see in France with your own eyes.
« Tours to the provinces of France"is a fascinating and unusual excursion route that will introduce you to the southern part of the country. The cities in the south of France, with their unique charm and ancient flavor, are not alike, and each one opens up some new facet on the path to understanding this amazing country.
The tour includes not only intense cultural program, but also tasting of famous varieties of French wines.
Tour route: Marseille - Toulouse - Montpellier - Nimes - Avignon - Marseille.
Tour duration: 8 days/7 nights.
Direct flight regular flight a/k "AirFrance" AF4317/AF4316, "Moscow - Marseille - Moscow".
Departures: Monday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday.
Tours in the Southern provinces of France - Marseille.
Tour program:
1st day
Arrival at Marseille airport. Transfer to the hotel in Marseille. Late check-in at the hotel.
2nd day
Breakfast in the hotel. Meeting with the guide in the hotel lobby. Transfer to the station. Transfer to Toulouse, 4 hours. Transfer to the hotel.
Afternoon: sightseeing tour Toulouse, 2 hours.
3rd day
Breakfast in the hotel. Free time. Afternoon: transfer to the station. Moving
in Montpellier, 2 hours. Transfer to the hotel.
4th day
Sightseeing tour of the central part of Montpellier, tour duration -
2 hours. Transfer to the station. Transfer to Nimes, 30 min. Afternoon: sightseeing tour of the historical center of Nimes, tour duration - 2 hours.
Tours in the provinces of France - Nimes.
5th day
Breakfast in the hotel.
Free time or an additional excursion to the ancient Roman Bridge of Gars, duration of the excursion is 4 hours (for an additional fee). Transfer to the station. Transfer to Avignon, 30 min. Afternoon: sightseeing tour of the historical center of Avignon, tour duration - 2 hours.
6th day
Breakfast in the hotel.
Visit to the Provençal market, tour duration - 2 hours. If you wish, you can continue the excursion with a wine tasting at the tasting center of the Papal Palace, additional payment for the guide and tasting is 40 euros + 6.50 euros / person. Afternoon: free time.
7th day
Breakfast in the hotel. Transfer to Marseille, 40 min. Transfer to the hotel. Sightseeing tour of the ancient part of the city, tour duration - 2 hours. Afternoon: free time, individual program.
8th day
Breakfast in the hotel. Free time, preparation for departure, vacating rooms, checking out of the hotel. Late transfer to the airport at 12:00. Departure.
Tours to the provinces of France - Marseille.
Tour cost per person in euros:
The tour price includes:
- accommodation in a hotel of the selected category;
- food - breakfasts;
- excursions according to the program;
- transfers "hotel - station - hotel" in Marseille, Montpellier, Nimes, Avignon, Toulouse;
- train tickets along the entire route;
- transfers “Marseille airport - hotel - Marseille airport”.
The provinces of France, like Paris, are also known for their attractions, ancient castles, fortresses, gardens and parks, for which you can go on a trip. There are 34 provinces in France:
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Wherever you go on a trip to the provinces of France, everywhere you will get acquainted with the unique creations of the best architects and artists. The most favorable provinces for tourists are the following:
French Alsace is of particular interest to travelers. It is located a few hours away by car from the borders of Austria, Germany, Belgium, Holland, Luxembourg and Switzerland. Moreover, almost all of these countries are united into a single visa area, which allows a guest of Alsace to visit other regions of Europe. Every turn of the winding roads of Alsace...
In the north-west of France is the peninsular province of Brittany, washed by Atlantic Ocean. The ocean has a positive effect on the climate of the region, due to which Brittany has fairly mild winters and moderate heat in summer. The coast is considered the “golden belt” of Brittany. River mouths, fjords, bays and coves have been formed over centuries. Here to Mont Bay...
The province of Normandy is located in the north-west of the country, near the English Channel. The province owes its name to the Normans, Viking sailors. Here, on the banks of the English Channel, are the prestigious resort towns of France: Deauville, Trouville, etc. The small town of Deauville is considered by many to be an additional district of the capital. The cozy resort is located very close to...
Champagne Province
The Champagne region is primarily a wine-growing region and one of the most beautiful areas in northern France. Champagne has been producing wine for over 2000 years. This is the birthplace of real champagne. The cities and suburbs of Champagne produce the most famous varieties of champagne wines, including Veuve Clicquot, Pommery,...
Province of Provence
Provence is, first of all, the famous region of France, the Cote d'Azur (Riviera), with such world-famous famous resort cities, like Nice, the famous Cannes, as well as Saint-Tropez and Marseille. The names of these cities are strongly associated with luxurious life. Nice is the capital Cote d'Azur, magnificent resort, located in the Bay of Angels, surrounded by seaside...
Province of Languedoc
The province of Languedoc is located in the south of France, on the edge of the Mediterranean Sea, it consists of two regions - the Lower (flat) and the Upper (mountainous). Languedoc has the largest number of cities that are famous for their monuments from the Gallo-Roman era. Among them is the city of Montpellier, where you can visit wonderful museums, the oldest Botanical Museum in the whole country...
Burgundy is considered the richest province of the country, a picturesque area among forest valleys and waterfalls. In the east of the region rise the Jura Mountains. The province is filled with architectural and religious monuments. The land of Burgundy was inhabited by Celts in ancient times. Then came the Romans, who were replaced in the 6th century by the Germanic Burgundians, who gave the country its name. She attracts...
Province of Aquitaine
The province of Aquitaine lies in southwestern France. The region is famous for its vineyards, seaside resorts and ports. The history of the province is rich in eras: Aquitaine was under the rule of the Romans, Visigoths and the English Empire. In the center of Aquitaine is the Bordeaux region with the capital of the same name. Thanks to Bordeaux, Aquitaine secured the title of the largest wine producing...
This northern region, like other historical provinces, existed until the French Revolution of 1790, and after it all provinces were dissolved. French territory was divided into departments. The main goal This change became necessary to replace the loyalty of the population to the feudal regions with loyalty to the central one located in Paris...
The Limousin province is located in central France and includes three departments: Corrèze, Creuse and Haute-Vienne. The main glory and attractiveness of this region and, above all, its main city of Limoges, is the fine production of porcelain, as well as ceramics and enamel. The development of porcelain is associated with Madame Darnay, who discovered such a substance as kaolin in the 18th century. She...
The province of Anjou is located in the northwestern part of the state, it is located in the lower part of the Loire River valley and entirely includes the Maine-Loire department, as well as some parts of the territories of such departments as Indres, Loire, Maine. Population is about 400 thousand people. The province was named so as part of the ancient Gallic tribe, which was renamed...
Angoumois is a historical area in western France; after the abolition of the provinces, it became part of the Charente department. Population 350 thousand people. Angoumois existed as a county since the 10th century and was annexed to the possessions of the French crown only in 1308. Then, from 1515, Angoumois became a duchy and in 1790 became part of the departments of Charente and...
Flanders is a historical territory that is located on the territory of three modern states, not only France, but also Belgium, as well as the Netherlands. Today, only part of the territory of Flanders is part of France, being part of the Nord department. This department is one of the first departments in France that were created after the Great French...
Berry is a historical province located in the center of France, once the Duchy of Berry, today its territory coincides with two departments - Cher and Indre. Population over 560 thousand people. The province of Berry is the main granary of France for the cultivation of grain, as well as the production of meat, milk and dairy products, and above all cheeses from...
Guienne and Gascony is a historical province located directly in the southwestern part of the country in the Garonne river basin. This province, like all the others, ceased to exist after the principle changed during the revolution administrative division countries. Guienne and Gascony includes 7 departments completely and 6 partially. The population of the province is...
Dauphine is a historical province of France, the territory of which corresponds to the current departments of Isère, Drôme, and Hautes-Alpes. The province is located in the southeast of France, most of it is in the Alps and the Rhone River valley. The province has a population of two million people. Dauphin - from the 12th century the title of the owners of the counties of Auvergne and Vienois (later...
Corsica is the fourth largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, located 170 km in the southeastern part of the Cote d'Azur of France. Central City- Ajaccio with a population of more than 260 thousand people, the main people living on the island are Corsicans. At one time the island was under the rule of the Moors, but later it came under the control of the Genoese...
Picardy is a historical province in northern France, it includes departments such as Aisne, Oise and Somme. The capital of Picardy is the city of two million - Amiens. It is Picardy that is considered the birthplace of Gothic architecture; here you can see six famous cathedrals. The largest of them is located in Amiens. The region began to be called Picardy in...
Roussillon is a historical province located in the southern part of France, midway between the Pyrenees and Mediterranean Sea(now the department of Eastern Pyrenees). The main city is Perpignan. It was here that the County of Roussillon was located in the Middle Ages, and then this area became the Catalan comarque of Roussillon. During the Roman era it was part of a province called...
Orléans is a very famous historical province of France until 1790; today, on its territory there are, for example, departments such as Loiret, Loire and Cher, as well as some territory of the departments of Eure and Loire and part of Yonne. In the past, this territory was owned by the Dukes of the Orleans family. The famous Loire River flows through the province. Loire Valley...
Maine is a former province that is located in the current departments of Mayenne and Sarthe. Its main city is Le Mans. During the time of the Romans, Cenomani lived on this land. This explains the name of the province. At one time it belonged to England - Saint Louis gave it to his brother Charles. Then, after the cessation of descendants of this family in the 15th century, she...
Franche-Comté is a historical province located in the east of the country. It occupies three percent of the entire territory of the country. It includes four departments - Doubs, Haute-Saône, Jura and Belfort Territory. This is the smallest and most environmentally friendly province of France. Translated, Franche-Comté means "Free County". This name was first...
Foix is a historical province of France until 1790, currently forming the Ariège department. This territory was annexed to France in 1607 by Henry IV. The main city has the same name: Foix. City of Foix The administrative center of the Ariège department is the city of Foix, the smallest French provincial capital. It is picturesquely located...
general description Ile-de-France is one of the 26 administrative regions of France, mainly coinciding with the territory of Paris. Its name literally means "Island of France", possibly derived from the ancient Frankish expression "little France". At first, in 1961, the province received the name "District of the Paris Region", but later it was...
General description of Comtat-Venaissin, historical region in the southeast of France, the lands around the city of Avignon, a significant part of the Vaucluse department (administrative region of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur). From 1274 - part of the Papal States, in 1791 annexed by France. The county is also famous for the fact that between 1501 and 1791 it was...
General description Montbéliard is a historical province of France. The main city is Montbéliard. In fact, the city is sometimes called Sochaux-Montbéliard, since the eastern suburbs have long merged with the city, and in some way eclipsed it. Montbéliard - ancient medieval city, in 1397-1793 it was the center of the German principality of Württemberg as part of the Holy...
Province of Nice (Fief of Sardinia)
General description Nice is the fifth largest city in France, the second in the number of museums and also the “capital” of the Cote d'Azur. The city center is Place Massena, to the east are the old quarters of the city, to the west are the new ones. Well, the heart of Nice is the central embankment...
Attractions Mulhouse (German: Mülhausen) is the second largest city in Alsace. Mulhouse got its name from the construction of a mill. There is an airport unique in Europe here, from the building of which you can get to three different countries: Germany, France and Switzerland. IN summer time Planes also fly here from Russia. Since then the mill wheel...
General description of Auvergne - the region main city which Clermont-Ferrand. The area of picturesque scenery is famous among tourists tired of the beaten path. You can get to Auvergne from different provinces of France by train, plane, or car. Health tourism is popular among vacationers. Thermal springs And healing mud- the basis of health...
The genre of “Great Walks” arose in the late 60s of the 20th century and today has become one of the most popular types holidays in France and Europe.
Active tours in the provinces of France lasting from 5 to 8 days consist of "Great Walks" lightly between villages, castles, landmarks, among rural landscapes or in the lap of wild nature.
On foot or by bike, 2-3 hours before lunch and the same amount after, with overnight stays in rural hotels, guest houses, and camp sites. A real journey - after all, every night in a new place!
A separate, more sporty genre is a trip by sea kayak along the coast of Corsica or by canoe along the rivers of the nature reserves of France.
"ProjectFrance"– an information bureau in Russia designed to popularize active tours in the provinces of France from the French tour operators of the group
On your own or with a guide
On your own, with a tour guide and GPS
A guide is not always necessary if there is a quality guidebook and GPS track. The navigator will not let you get lost. The guide will describe the attractions. And the assistance service will help in case of difficulties.
Not having a guide will save your budget and give your trip around the province an unforgettable taste of adventure.
Small and cozy rural hotels with half board, located in old, often historical buildings, are booked. Luggage transfers between hotels are reserved.
You can go starting with a group of 2 people and on any dates.
The flexible formula and the well-developed tourist infrastructure in the provinces of France since the 70s have provided the “Great Walks” travel genre with extraordinary popularity, without destroying the wild nature and provincial atmosphere of towns, villages and hamlets.
With a guide
If you don’t want to worry about where to turn on a rural path, leave it to your guide.
Guided tours of the province are designed to be scenic rural areas full of historical attractions and for those interested in the wildlife of France. There are combinations of the first and second.
The duration is the same - from 6 to 8 days.
A private guided tour requires a minimum 4-6 people in a group and up to 12 people maximum (limited by the concept itself, as well as the small capacity of rural hotels).
If you speak French, you can join a French group for fixed dates.
By default, the guide is French and Anglophone. Since the genre of active tours around the provinces of France is just coming to the Russian market today, there are no Russian-speaking guides in this tourist package, with rare exceptions.
Optionally, you can order support from a Russian-speaking translator.
SPA tours “Relaxation and form”
It could be like independent walks with a guidebook and GPS, and guided walks.
For all 7 days tour You are staying at a SPA resort in the mountains or on the seashore.
First half of the day You dedicate yourself to invigorating, refreshing walks along scenic routes that combine local attractions.
In the second Relaxation awaits you: SPA treatments, thermal baths, balneotherapy, thalassotherapy.
The combination of balanced physical activity, fresh air and relaxing procedures has an effective restorative effect on the body, weakened by an urban lifestyle.
How tiring are Big Walks?
To each active tour Provinces are assigned 1 to 3 stars.
"One star": 2 hours of leisurely walks before and after lunch on flat terrain, for example, on the sea coast.
"Three Stars": 3 hours of walking before and after lunch along paths in the mountains. Such walks can already be called light trekking.
The undoubted advantage of “Big Walks” is its accessibility to everyone.
If you haven’t had enough activity since your last vacation, then fresh air and even exercise from walking for 7 days will put you in good shape.
- Learn more about physical activity while traveling
Total travel duration
Regardless of which individual tours to the provinces of France you choose, the total is a classic two weeks of vacation.
It takes 1-2 days to get to town “A”, where the travel route around the province begins.
The same amount - from town “B”, where the tour ends, to Paris, for example, from where you fly home from France. Round up to 4.
Total, we get 7+4 = 11 days.
You'll probably want to spend a couple more days in Paris or the regional capital (Marseille, Toulouse, Bordeaux, Lyon), go see nearby classic attractions (Carcassonne, Pont du Gard, etc.) or lie on the beach.
This is another 3-5 days.
Total, 11+5 = 16 classic vacation days.
Optional booking of hotels and train tickets in France
Everything that is located before the aforementioned town “A” and after town “B” is not included in the price of the catalog tour of the province.
You have the right to purchase either only the catalog package, or add options to it:
- Railway tickets,
- hotels in regional capitals and small towns,
- necessary transfers, meetings.
Example of a trip to France
in 14-16 days
Let's say you fly to Paris.
You can transfer immediately to domestic flight to the regional capital of France (Lyon, Toulouse, ...), or you can book a night in Paris and on one of the following days a train network to the regional capital. By high-speed TGV (from 2 to 6 hours) or on an overnight sleeper train.
You fly directly to the regional capital
Usually, having previously made a transfer in Europe. You immediately fly to Lyon, Toulouse, Bordeaux, Marseille, Perpignan, etc.
In the French countryside
You book a night in a regional capital and explore.
One of the following days you take a regional train and get to a certain town. It could be like the aforementioned town “A”, where your program begins long walks throughout the provinces of France, and you may also have to use a regular regional bus or a chartered transfer.
In Town "A" you may also want to reserve a day to explore the sights. Grasse is a great example!
Return trip
The return journey, at the end of the catalog tour route around the province, follows the same logic.
In details
Baggage
The walks unfold easily. Luggage is transported by car between hotels.
In addition to your large suitcase, when traveling around France, take with you a lightweight city bag. backpack 30-40 liters for personal items, such as, for example: a windbreaker from the rain, a jumper if it gets cool or windy, sunscreen, a personal first aid kit, a bottle mineral water, sometimes a picnic.
- Recommendations for a personal first aid kit on the Health page
There are a number of trails around the province with a pack burro! In this case, your luggage travels, or rather, walks next to you during your walk. This happens either in the case of hiking routes along wildlife, where you spend the night in a tent, or the owners of rural hotels take care of the donkeys themselves (included in the price).
Nutrition
Lunches during walks are organized in village cafes or in the form of a picnic, and then taken with you. Breakfast and dinner - with the owners or in a restaurant near the place of residence.
- Self-guided tours offer half board by default.
- Individual tour with guide - full board.
You can choose options for every day. For example, in a large village or town where there are restaurants and cafes, you don’t have to book dinner and breakfast at the hotel or guest house. But in small villages and farmsteads, on the contrary, there may simply be no alternative.
Moving
Active tours in the provinces of France are full of attractions, natural and/or cultural, which makes it possible to realize the concept of the “Great Walk” in itself.
Where attraction density drops, travel by chartered car or local bus is usually scheduled, depending on the program.
Get there yourself / estimate the total budget
If you decide to book train tickets in France on your own, book hotels on the way to and from the tour location, or simply want to estimate the overall travel budget, below the link we provide a list of some reliable companies with a convenient Internet booking system with which you can confidently start.
- Get there on your own
Included in the price of the catalog package
The cost of an individual tour around the province is calculated using the formula "From Town A to Town B".
Not included in list price
- Dossier fee 15 euros (for self-guided tours);
- Your journey to town “A” and after town “B”;
- Flights;
- Insurance and visa;
Individual tours, what are they?
Independent travel
Do you know English or French, this is not your first time traveling around Europe/France, you want to look beyond the classic tours, or you have already looked more than once. The French province and its hinterland intrigue you.
You love an active lifestyle and welcome the opportunity to get out into the fresh air; you prefer freedom of decision to following a guide.
Then independent travel is your choice. To help you:
- a detailed guide designed for each individual tour,
- in advance booked hotels on the route with or without half board, at your discretion,
- luggage transportation between hotels,
- transfers when necessary.
The cost of an independent individual tour of France does not depend on the number of people in your company, but only on whether it is even or odd (determined by the accommodation formula and the availability of custom transfers).
- To learn more
- View catalog
Active premium tours
Combine the refined comfort of quaint French guest houses, castles and historic residences with an active holiday - refreshing walks or bike rides through the French countryside between historic towns, villages and landmarks. On your own, with detailed guide and GPS navigator, or with a guide.
Travel as a couple, with your family, with friends or colleagues - we will provide memorable overnight stays, gourmet cuisine, transportation of your luggage and necessary transfers.
An individual premium tour is designed for a group of 2 to 8 people.
- To learn more
- View catalog
Individual tours for families with children
You will enjoy walks in the fresh air, on foot or by bike, which combine the historical sights of the provinces of France, meetings with local residents, for example, with artisans, farmers, shepherds and foresters of the Natural Parks, a game plot, the basics of sports activities (cycling, canyoning, acrobranching, etc.) and acquaintance with nature.
The Big Adventure style program is organized by professional children's guides.
A private family tour is usually designed for a group of 6 to 12 people, including children.
An active and educational holiday that will keep the whole family in good shape!
- To learn more
- View catalog
Private Guided Tours
Walks in the French countryside - among picturesque countryside or wild nature, along mountain paths or rolling plains among vineyards, on the Atlantic or Mediterranean coast, between colorful ancient towns and villages.
A professional guide, a native of the region, speaking English and French, will take you among the natural beauties and attractions.
Individual tours in the provinces of France with a guide are designed for a group of 4 to 12 people.
- To learn more
- View catalog
Individual travel to order
If you have own idea, or you would like to transform a catalog tour to suit your requirements, you can do this either directly with the French tour operator (negotiations in English or French), or by submitting your request through us.
- To learn more
Find your custom tour
by province of France
You can select an individual tour from the catalog:
- by region
- by duration
- according to the preferred season for this trip
- according to comfort level
- by activity (walking, cycling, canoeing, sea kayak...)
- by topic (for example, wine tours, castles, thermal springs…)
- by relief (for example, seashore, mountains...)
The “Comfort” label, for example, means accommodation in rural hotels or guest houses with shower and toilet in the room for the entire duration of the tour, probably with the exception of one or two nights, which is specified in the program description.
Additionally, in the “tag cloud” at the bottom of the page there is a selection of popular and interesting topics, such as, for example:
- Holidays on the French coast
- Historical tours
- Traveling by bike…
Let's summarize
The concept of individual tours
- Active lifestyle, travel on the move, in the fresh air;
- Big walks in the provinces of France: on foot, by bicycle, by sea kayak, canoe - in mini-groups of up to 12 people;
- Always carry light– transportation of luggage from overnight stay to overnight stay;
- A real journey– overnight stays in a new place each time. Or permanent accommodation in a hotel/chalet with outings;
- Comfort– from simplicity to sophistication. Wherever possible - in old houses, interesting from the point of view of history and cultural heritage: small original hotels in the city, cozy village hotels or in private houses in the countryside, and in the wild - at camp sites, mountain shelters or even in tents;
- Discoveries– a live acquaintance with the people and nature of the French province beyond the classical routes. Meetings with residents who are remarkable in their lives, professions, and creativity;
- Safety and thoughtfulness routes. Both in the countryside and in the wild;
- Escort professional guide (spoken English and French) or independent travel with a detailed guide and GPS navigator;
- For families with children– active and educational adventure travel;
- "Relaxation and Form." A separate direction of tours aimed at relaxation and peace: a combination of walks in the mountain or sea air with thermal baths, spa treatments, balneo- or thalassotherapy.
Do not confuse active recreation with hiking
All offered in the catalog individual travel refer to active recreation. However, they should not be confused with sports or hiking tourism.
Photos of sights of France
France is more than we imagine. The provinces are all different from each other: nature, architecture, mentality... You picture in your imagination: castles, lavender fields, vineyards on the hills, Paris, Cote d'Azur, skiing in the Alps, something else... But you can’t immediately imagine how much more there is of this!
You can be inspired by new ideas to independently develop your own tours of the provinces of France by looking at a selection of Google Panoramio photographs taken along the routes of individual tours on the “Photos of France” page.
Or just open Google " Planet Earth"! A file is attached to the page of each individual tour kmz(Google Earth format). Click on the file, and the program will take you to the scene of the trip with scatterings of photographs!
Day 1 Moscow - Nice: Arrival V Nice.Detailed information on recommended flights from Russian cities and transfers is presented in the “Recommended Flights” section under the tour description. Transfer and hotel accommodation. We also organize transfers from Genoa. Free time.
After noon walking tour of Nice , founded by the ancient Greeks, which turned into a popular seaside resort European aristocracy. Many artists have linked their fate with Nice. IN Matisse Museum there is one of the largest collections of paintings by the master. IN Marc Chagall Museum presents works by the famous artist on biblical themes. Free time.
Day 2 Nice - Verdon Gorge - Moustiers Saint Marie - Roussillon - Marseille: Departure for a journey through the south of France along picturesque national roads. Visit on the way Verdon Gorgewith a stop at Lake of the Holy Cross. Then You will stop at a mountain village Moustier Saint Marie(~ 140 km), then you will have a stop at Roussillon(~100 km), which is a member of the Association of the "most beautiful villages France", with a short excursion and his famous natural park with ocher hills. Free time for lunch.
Then you will go to Marseille (~ 95 km). Accommodation at a hotel in Marseille. Free time. While in Marseille you should definitely tryBouillabaisse - Provencal fish soup, which is usually prepared for 2 - 3 people and which will cost about €50 - €60. You can try Marseille Bouillabaisse, for example in a restaurant Les Miramar at Quai du Port 12.Alternatively, you can also have a nice dinner in a restaurant Toinou at Cours Saint-Louis, 3 , located near the Old Port. Here you can try almost everything that local fishermen catch: oysters, shrimp, crabs, mussels, scallops, snails, which are delivered here 6 times a day!
Day 3 Marseille - Avignon: Sightseeing tour of Marseille, a port city in the south of France, founded by Greek traders in the 7th century. BC. At the top of the city is the Romano-Byzantine-style Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde, which offers magnificent views of Marseille and is included in a city tour. The most famous modern buildings are the Radiant City complex, designed by Le Corbusier, and the CMA CGM Tower skyscraper by architect Zaha Hadid.
Free time. We recommend visiting Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations- a building in the form of a huge black cube near the Old Port. Opening from the roof of the museum beautiful views to the Mediterranean Sea and the old port, and the building itself is connected by a pedestrian bridge to the 17th-century Fort St. Jean. On the roof of the museum good restaurant with signature cuisine Le Môle Passédat- address Quai du Port, 201. Lunch according to the “formula” will cost ~€20 here. Moving Avignon(~105 km). Hotel accommodation.
Day 4 Avignon - Pont du Gard - Nimes:Avignon walking tour - medieval city, famous for the Papal Palace of the 14th century. Papal Palace- historical and architectural monument, object World Heritage UNESCO and one of the largest palaces in Europe. Avignon hosts an annual Theater Festival. Free time in Avignon. We recommend visiting Papal Palace, where you can walk with an audio guide in Russian. If you climb to the very top, you will be able to see a beautiful panorama of Avignon overlooking the famous Avignon Bridge and the Rhone River. Free time for lunch.
In the afternoon, a trip to the monument of the Roman era - the aqueduct bridge Pont du Gard(~25 km). The Pont du Gard is the highest surviving ancient Roman aqueduct with a length of 275 meters and a height of 47 meters. UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Then excursion to Nimes(~ 30 km) with a tour of the ancient Roman Arena for 23,000 spectators, built under Caesar, and the Maison Care Temple, erected under Emperor Augustus. We recommend visiting the Arena inside - it is still used for concerts - the acoustics are amazing. Free time. Return to the hotel in Avignon (~ 44 km)
Day 5 Avignon - Orange - Beau de Provence: Excursion trip to Provence. First you will go to the city Orange(~30 km). Orange, which was one of the most prosperous centers of Roman Provence under Emperor Augustus, is famous today mainly due to Ancient Roman theater, which hosts music festivals during the summer months. This horseshoe-shaped theater has no equal in terms of its state of preservation: the back wall is more than 100 meters long, and in the central niche stands a 3.5-meter high statue of Emperor Augustus. Next to the theater there is a wonderful museum dedicated to the history of Ancient Rome.
Transfer to a picturesque village Beau de Provence , which is included in the Association of “the most beautiful villages in France”, leads serpentine roads (~ 60 km). We recommend climbing to the very top of Beau de Provence, visiting the fortress and looking at the magnificent landscapes of Provence from above. The excursion day will end Wine tasting in Chateauneuf du Pape*. Return to Avignon.
Day 6 Avignon - Gordes - Senanque - Aix-en-Provence: Moving to a medieval village Proud(~50 km). A short stop. Preserved here medieval buildings, starting from the 12th century. Many people remember Gord from the movie " Good year". A short stop at Abbeys of Senanque(~ 5 km), located against the backdrop of lavender fields.
Moving to Aix-en-Provence(~75 km) is a university town in Provence, where the famous post-impressionist artist Paul Cézanne was born. The city is also known forEuropean Academy of Music and many art festivals. Excursion around Aix-en-Provence. Free time. Accommodation at a hotel in Aix-en-Provence.
Day 7 Aix-en-Provence - Arles - Camargue - Carcassonne: Moving to Arles(~80 km). Hiking around the city of Arles, one of the historical cities in the south of the country associated with history ancient Rome. Moving to Camargue(~12 km) regional natural Park South of France. Moving to Carcassonne(~228 km). Accommodation at a hotel in Carcassonne.
Day 8 Carcassonne - Bordeaux:Walking tour of the fortified city of Carcassonne, one of the most beautiful fortified cities medieval Europe: double ring of fortress walls, 52 towers with a length of fortifications of 3 km. It was here that Kevin Costner filmed the film “Robin Hood”, the setting for which was the walls of this famous fortress. Free time for lunch. Moving from Carcassonne to Bordeaux(~340 km). Accommodation at a hotel in Bordeaux.
Day 9 Bordeaux - Cognac - Angouleme: Walking tour of Bordeaux. A trip through the picturesque surroundings of Bordeaux with a visit to the city Cognac(~125 km). You will learn all the secrets of Cognac production technology and will be able to take part in a small tasting. You will learn what "Angel's Share" is. Then the city awaits you Angouleme(~47 km) with its famous cathedral. In the evening return to the hotel l in Bordeaux.
Day 10 Bordeaux - Saint-Emilion - Rocamadour - Narbonne: Moving to Saint-Emilion (~ 50 km) - delightful medieval town on a hilltop above a valley of vineyards on the right bank of the Dordogne river.
Moving to Rocamadour(~ 180 km) - a medieval city on the top of a cliff overlooking the Dordogne Valley, with an amazingly beautiful scattering of medieval houses, churches and terraces, a place of pilgrimage for believers and tourists, one of the three most visited attractions in France. Excursion to Rocamadour. Free time for lunch. Moving to Narbonne(~320 km). Hotel accommodation.
Day 11 Narbonne - Sigean - Nice: Walking tour of Narbonne. Moving to the safari park Sizhan(~22 km). Safari Park Sigean is considered a unique African wildlife sanctuary in France. Sizhan is interesting because here you cannot see the usual enclosures in which their inhabitants huddle closely. All collected animals are in conditions close to their usual habitat and roam freely around its territory. Entry tickets 35 euros to be paid on the spot. Transfer to Marseille (~ 280 km). Free time for lunch. Transfer to Nice (~ 200 km) - the capital of the Cote d'Azur of France. Hotel accommodation.
Day 12 Nice:
"EXTRA PACKAGE NICE"
Day 12 Nice: Free time in the morning. After noonExcursion to Monaco On the way, stop at the medieval the village of Eze, rising at an altitude of 427 meters above the peninsula of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, from where beautiful views to the Cote d'Azur, with a visit Perfume factory and perfume museum. During your free time in Monaco, we recommend visiting the magnificent aquariums at the Oceanographic Museum and the Garden of Exotic Plants. Fans of vintage cars will be interested in the Prince of Monaco Automotive Museum. Return to Nice.
Day 13 Nice: Excursion trip Cannes - Grasse with a visit to the perfume museum. Cannes- the venue of the famous Cannes Film Festival and the city Grass- the capital of French perfumery, located 20 km from the seashore, has retained its provincial charm. You will see a picturesque Old city, on the streets of which ancient perfume shops still operate.
Day 14 Nice: Free time. Transfer to Nice airport.
Regions of France - provincial magic of perfection
Well, when the word “province” evokes only delight and a storm of emotions, your eyes run wide from tempting prospects, and your head is spinning with tempting possibilities! If you are experiencing something similar, you are probably planning a trip to France.
Planning to visit a European pearl, as if matured in mother-of-pearl doors neighboring countries, the first thing you need to decide is which of the 27 regions of France to go to, what type of vacation to choose for an unforgettable trip.
Would you like to spend a week in Paris, ride along the Golden Ring of France, listen to the Legends of Provence, go to railway tour to Cannes or visit Prague, Paris and Nice in one trip, "DVM" will help you decide on the direction and route.
Thanks to the diversity and richness tourism infrastructure, the diversity of climatic zones and landscapes, regardless of the time of year, a holiday in France will be excellent at any time of the year, whatever the purpose of your trip.
Sunbathe on the luxurious beaches of the Cote d'Azur or explore undersea world off the coast of rocky Brittany, try your luck at the Monte Carlo casino or get acquainted with the collections of the Louvre, Versailles and the Mahe Foundation. Arrange yourself a sightseeing tour of the castles of the Loire, the center of Paris or the famous Russian cemetery of Sainte-Genevieve des Bois? Or maybe a healing tour to Evian with a world-famous mineral water or a trip to the waters in Vichy? But what about the Alpine “Three Valleys” with the ski resorts of Courchevel, Meribel, Saint-Martin?! And finally, we need to take the children to Disneyland and arrange a shopping tour of French boutiques...
Or stop racking your brains and create an individual tour to France visiting everyone interesting places, cities and provinces?
So that your visit to France brought maximum joy, impressions and benefits, "DVM" offers you informational reviews on French cities and provinces, thanks to which you can understand in which part of France you would be comfortable spending your vacation, vacation, business trip, family holiday or improve your health.
Regions or provinces of unitary France- these are its administrative-territorial units, subordinate to a single state system law, supreme authorities and the constitution. All 27 provinces (22 on the mainland and 5 overseas territories) receive a share of taxes and have their own budget, which is distributed among departments. So every province is almost small state with its capital, departments subordinate to it, rich cultural and political-economic life. At the same time, in any part of France there is uniform legislation, norms and standards that apply to the entire country. So in the country you can safely move from province to province, paying attention only to climatic features region and choosing types of recreation that are relevant during the season of your trip to France.
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