French Vogue
11 Days from $5,095 per person
Uncover the glamour and rich heritage of France, as you journey from iconic Paris to the heart of romantic Provence and on to the dazzling French Riviera.
Along the way, you'll travel in VIP comfort, stay in luxurious hotels and be introduced to passionate foodies and historians. Taste local specialties on a gourmet culinary walk in Paris, follow in the footsteps of Van Gogh in Arles and visit the timeless chateau of Vaux-Le-Vicomte and Villa Rothschild.
Overview
Uncover the glamour and rich heritage of France, as you journey from iconic Paris to the heart of romantic Provence and on to the dazzling French Riviera.
Along the way, you'll travel in VIP comfort, stay in luxurious hotels and be introduced to passionate foodies and historians. Taste local specialties on a gourmet culinary walk in Paris, follow in the footsteps of Van Gogh in Arles and visit the timeless chateau of Vaux-Le-Vicomte and Villa Rothschild.
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Day 1: USA - Paris
Board your overnight flight to Paris (not included).
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Day 2: Welcome to Paris
On arrival at the Charles de Gaulle Airport, you're welcomed by your Travelling Concierge and transferred to your five-star hotel situated in the heart of Paris. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure, perhaps indulging in a spa treatment or venturing out to explore the nearby Le Marais district with its aristocratic atmosphere and historic architecture. At 17:30, meet your Travelling Concierge and fellow travelers for a spectacular Welcome Dinner hosted at the iconic Le Petit Prince de Paris, a local restaurant that dates back to 1450. Raise a glass of French wine and toast to your adventure, as you savor traditional French cuisine prepared with the freshest ingredients.
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Day 3: Gourmet Foodie Walk and the Eiffel Tower
Enjoy a relaxed start to the day, before embarking on the most quintessential of French experiences: a small-group gourmet foodie walk through the streets of Paris. Join your Local Expert and food connoisseur and visit a variety of boutique shops, including pâtisseries, boulangeries, chocolatiers, baguette cafes and tiny cheese shops. Discover why Paris is so famous for its cuisine and meet passionate foodies along the way. In the afternoon, join your Travelling Concierge for a visit to the iconic Eiffel Tower. As a guest of Luxury Gold, enjoy special VIP entry, allowing you to skip the line. From the 115-meter-high second story, marvel at vistas of Paris in all its glory. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Your Travelling Concierge is on hand to assist you with booking tickets to museums and recommending the best local activities. Perhaps you'd like tickets arranged to see the Mona Lisa at the Louvre Museum?
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Day 4: VIP Visit to Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte.
Step into the 17th century during an exclusive VIP visit to the largest privately-owned chateau in France, Vaux-Le-Vicomte, with its magnificent formal gardens. Designed in 1653 by the King’s Principle Architect, Louis Le Vau, the chateau is the embodiment of revolutionary design and set the tone for the classical era of French architecture. The estate’s gardens are equally impressive, comprising of 40 hectares of treasures, including decorated fountains, patterned flower beds and timeless statues. You’re invited to join the estate’s lead gardener for a guided walk through the gardens. Alternatively, learn about the subtleties of high society during a dining etiquette class hosted by a professional butler. Return to Paris to enjoy a privately-hosted dinner at a local Parisian’s home and savor home-cooked French fare at its best. Your EatWith host will give you a real flavor of what local life is really like.
Chairman's Collection
If you are travelling on a Chairman's Collection departure, when you return to Paris you are invited to join Count Remy de Scitivaux for a dazzling dinner at Le Procope, the oldest Parisian restaurant in continuous operation. This will replace the dinner with an EatWith host.
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Day 5: The Heart of Provence - Avignon and Arles
Travel in first-class aboard the TGV train to Avignon, once the center of Catholicism. On arrival, join your Travelling Concierge for an orientation of the city, seeing its medieval fortified walls and immense Gothic Papal Palace. Enjoy lunch at your leisure in one of the city's lovely restaurants, before journeying on to the medieval village of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, a renowned wine growing region and the former summer residence of the Avignon popes. Take in 360-degree views of the Rhône Valley and enjoy a wine tasting at a renowned winery. Hosted by the estate's vintner, sample a selection of delicious blends and learn why some of the world's best-loved wines come from this region. Travel on to Pont du Gard, one of the world's best-preserved ancient Roman aqueducts and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and finish the day in Arles. Gather this evening for dinner served in the hotel's Lou Marqués gourmet restaurant for a feast of seasonal dishes and fine wines.
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Day 6: Van Gogh's Arles
Join your Local expert and follow in the footsteps of Vincent Van Gogh on a guided walk through Arles. Inspired by the wild beauty and sunbaked houses of Provence, Van Gogh painted over 200 masterpieces in and around the town. Stroll along the Rhône River, which cuts through the city, and visit the famous Arles Amphitheater, dating back to A.D. 90. During Roman occupation, this prominent structure drew crowds of up to 20 000 spectators who came to revel in the excitement of chariot races and bloody battles. Today the amphitheater hosts plays, concerts and bullfights. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure, perhaps admiring modern art inspired by Van Gogh’s legacy at the Vincent Van Gogh Foundation or visiting one of the city’s famed food markets if available. So captivating is the beauty of this historic city that you’ll feel as if you’re walking through a Van Gogh painting. Dine this evening at one of many lovely restaurants and perhaps seal the evening with a wander along the river. Your Travelling Concierge is there to assist you with restaurant reservations.
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Day 7: Olive Oil Tasting in Provence and Michelin-star Lunch
Set atop a rocky outcrop in the Alpilles Mountains and crowed with a ruined castle, Les-Baux-de-Provence has a reputation as one of the most picturesque villages in France. Start the day with an exploration of the village's winding streets and take in panoramic views, before continuing to Maison de Bournissac, a small family-owned olive mill situated on the plains below. Meet the owner, see the fruit and mechanized press, and learn about the production process, a fine tradition passed down through the generations. Gather in the shade of a nearby fig tree for a sample of the award-winning olive oil. Then onto the beautiful old Mas, a traditional farmhouse of Provence, and prepare yourself for a spectacular feast at a Michelin-star restaurant. Enjoy the finest flavors of Provence, as each Michelin-star restaurant around the world is meticulously selected based on outstanding food quality. There is time in the afternoon to shop or explore in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, the wonderful old home-town of Nostradamus, before returning to Arles to spend the evening at your leisure.
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Day 8: Provencal Highlights and on to Monaco
Journey to Aix-en-Provence, known as 'the most beautiful town in France after Paris', and see the elegant mansions and bustling cafes of the Cours Mirabeau. Then continue to the hilltop village of St-Paul-de-Vence, where contemporary painters celebrate art as a living tradition. Walk through its winding streets and marvel at elegant fountains, vine-covered stone walls, and views of mountains and sea. Today's travels end in the Principality of Monaco, ruled by the Grimaldi family since the 13th century and famous for being the seaside playground of the rich and famous. Settle into your centrally-located hotel and enjoy dinner at your leisure.
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Day 9: The Glitz and Glamor of Monaco
Join your Travelling Concierge for sightseeing of glamorous Monaco. See the Grand Prix circuit - famous for hosting the annual Formula One Monaco Grand Prix - explore the old town and admire the Royal Palace where the Grimaldi family lives. Wander along the yacht-filled harbor and visit the cathedral, which houses the tombs of the late Prince Rainier and Princess Grace. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure, exploring this fashionable resort town or perhaps venturing further afield to seaside Nice.
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Day 10: Corniche Roads and Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild
Embark on a dazzling drive along the Corniche Roads of the Riviera and take in breathtaking views along Europe's most beautiful coast. Travel the 'Moyenne Corniche', clinging to rocks between sea and sky, for spectacular views. Stop en route to appreciate sweeping panoramas of the sparkling Mediterranean and lavish villas. Join a Local Expert for a visit to the luxurious Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, one of the finest listed buildings on the French Riviera. The Baroness Ephrussi de Rothschild collected art works from all over the world, transforming the Villa at Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat into an art lover’s paradise. Explore its nine wonderful gardens, complete with musical fountains, and enjoy stunning views over the Riviera. In the evening, raise a glass to new adventures and friendships at your Celebration Dinner with champagne, hosted at a local restaurant.
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Day 11: Farewell Monaco
After breakfast, bid farewell to your travel companions and enjoy a private transfer to Nice airport for your onward journey.
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
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Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
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Definite Departure
| Depart Date | Return Date | Price | Discount | Availability | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28 Sep 18 | 8 Oct 18 | $5,095pp | Request Quote Book Now |
Price is per person and is based on two people sharing a twin bedded room. Single rooms are available at a supplement.
Single Room Supplement: from $1,680 p.p.
Gratuities: Option to pre-pay gratuities for Travel Director and Driver $120 per person.
AARP Members are entitled to an exclusive Member Benefit Discount on all Grand European Travel vacations. Plus receive a free travel gift! Call Toll Free: 1-866-847-3858 for details.
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Cultural Enrichment
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Expertly Selected Hotels
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Hotel Tips
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Michelin Dining
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Most Meals
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Personal Flight Options
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Professional Travel Director
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Sightseeing with Local Experts
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VIP Access
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WIFI on Coach and in Hotels
Included Dining
9 Buffet Breakfasts (BB), 1 Lunch with Wine (LW) and 4 Dinners with Wine (DW) all with tea or coffee.
Signature Experiences
Paris
- As a guest of Luxury Gold, skip the line and gain fast-tracked, VIP access to the Eiffel Tower, the classic icon of France. Ascend to its
second story and take in spectacular views of Paris. - A typically French bistro, the iconic Le Petit Prince de Paris has been a haven of warm hospitality since 1450 when it served as a
lively tavern. Today it's an atmospheric French restaurant famous for its old-world charm and farm-to-table fare.
Avignon
- Join your Travelling Concierge for an exploration of the City of Popes, Avignon. See the medieval fortified city walls and the
immense Gothic Papal Palace. - Appreciate the engineering genius of the Ancient Romans, during a visit to Pont du Gard, the world's best-preserved aqueduct and
a listed World Heritage Site.
Arles
- Follow in the footsteps of Van Gogh on an Expert-led walk through the city that inspired many of the artist's paintings. Along the
way, visit the famous Arles Amphitheater and a collection of structures dating back to when the city was a capital during Roman rule.
Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte
- Enjoy an exclusive VIP visit to Vaux-le-Vicomte, France's largest privately-owned chateau, and its
magnificent formal gardens. Choose to walk through the gardens, guided by the estate's lead gardener, or learn about the subtleties of high
society during a dining etiquette class hosted by the owner's professional butler
Provence
- Set within a traditional farmhouse, the Michelin-starred La Maison Domaine de Bournissac is a celebration of Provençal culinary
specialties and delights. Chef and owner, Christian Peyre, uses local produce that he frequently sources from his own garden.
St-Paul-de-Vence
- St-Paul-de-Vence is a hilltop village where contemporary painters celebrate art as a living tradition. Walk through
winding streets and marvel at elegant fountains, vine covered stone walls, and views of mountains and sea.
Monaco
- Join your Travelling Concierge for guided sightseeing of glamourous Monaco. See the Grand Prix circuit – famous for hosting the
annual Formula One Monaco Grand Prix – explore the old town, and admire the Royal Palace where the Grimaldi family lives. Wander along the yacht-filled harbor and visit the cathedral, which houses the tombs of the late Prince Rainier and Princess Grace.
French Riviera
- Join a Local Expert for a visit to the luxurious Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild along the French Riviera and marvel at its
extensive art collection, wonderful gardens and panoramic vistas.
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
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Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
Reviews
Request a Quote
-
30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
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Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
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Passports & Visas
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Currency
The currency in France is the Euro (€). While it’s a good idea to bring some euros for when you first arrive in France, you’ll usually find a better exchange rate when you arrive in your destination. The most convenient way to obtain cash is to use your ATM card at local banks in France. We recommend you also bring a valid credit card for purchases while you are traveling. It is important that you inform your financial institutions of your travel plans before you leave home so they don’t flag your purchases as potentially fraudulent charges.
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Cuisine
The French have an ongoing love affair with food and wine. Meals are lovingly prepared and consumed leisurely through a bevy of appetizers and main courses, usually accompanied by a number of wines. Boeuf bourgignon (beef stew with wine, herbs and vegetables), coq au vin (chicken cooked with bacon in a white wine and herb sauce) and bouillabaisse (fish stew) are featured on many menus. Cheese lovers will not be disappointed with hundreds of varieties to choose from. And no visit would be complete without a visit to a pâtisserie, with its delicate pastries you will definitely be tempted.
Wine is the most popular drink in France and is consumed at both lunch and dinner. Coffee is generally served black, unless a café au lait or café crème (with milk) is requested. For a simple and inexpensive lunch or snack, stop by a local bakery or food cart for a baguette au jambon (ham sandwich), crêpes, or a buckwheat galette filled with melted gruyère cheese and mushrooms. Many restaurants also offer a simple three course menu at a reasonable price.
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Packing
We suggest bringing a variety of lightweight clothing items that can be layered to save space in your suitcase and give you more options for how to dress. Keep in mind that your shoulders and knees should be covered while visiting religious sites. For more helpful information please refer to our Packing Tips & Packing List.
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Tipping
In France, a 15% service compris is included by law in the price of food and drink. Tipping in addition to this service charge is never expected, but always appreciated. If you’d like to leave something extra, keep in mind that even in the fanciest restaurants, people rarely tip more than 5-10%. A good rule of thumb is to leave an extra €1 for every €20 spent. Rather than adding gratuity to your credit card slip, leave coins in the tray where the check was presented to ensure that your waiter receives it.
At the end of your guided vacation, it’s customary to offer your motor coach driver and Travel Director a gratuity. We recommend €3.00 per person/per day for your driver and €5.00 per person/per day for your Travel Director. Recommended gratuity for a Local Host and Local Specialist is 1-2 euros per person, paid at the conclusion of each guided visit. A convenient option is to prepay your tips before your departure.
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Baggage
Baggage on our trips is restricted to one large suitcase per person with dimensions not exceeding 30x19x10 inches and a maximum weight of 50 pounds. You are also permitted one piece of hand luggage, which should be small enough to fit under your coach seat or on the small overhead shelf compartment. Please note that luggage with an adjustable handle and wheels will not fit in the overhead compartment of the coach. Hotel porterage is included in your vacation.
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Health & Fitness
You will need to be comfortable on your feet, walking and standing for up to three hours in various weather conditions. All of our vacations involve walking, often on cobblestone and uneven surfaces in historic city centers. In order to get the most out of your vacation you need to be able to comfortably walk 1-3 miles unassisted in one day, be in good condition and be able to keep pace with the group.
If you need any medications, it is important that you bring enough to last you the whole trip and keep them in your carry-on bag while you travel.
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Insurance
We highly recommend our optional Travel Protection Plan, which allows you to cancel for any reason up to 24 hours before departure. The plan also includes trip interruption, baggage loss or delay, and medical and emergency assistance. Click here for a summary of coverage details, terms and conditions.
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
-
Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
