During this enticing one-week France tour travel from the fabled French Riviera and the romantic south of France to glittering Paris. The magically memorable colors of the south of France, from the turquoise shades of the Côte d'Azur to the pastel palette of Provence surround you with unforgettable beauty. Visit charming Monaco and explore the historic treasures of Avignon, Arles, and Aix-en-Provence, as well as the artistic inspirations of Vincent Van Gogh in St-Rémy-de-Provence. Tauck Discoveries include a visit to the Belle Èpoque estate of Baroness Ephrussi de Rothschild, a visit to Mas des Barres, an award-winning olive oil producer, for an olive oil tasting, and a three-night stay in Paris that's highlighted by a dinner cruise on the River Seine. If you have only one week to spend on a France tour, there is no better way to experience its many charms.

2008 Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrive Nice - and your France tour begins
Your France tour begins at 6:00 PM at Hôtel Negresco in Nice, France. Your transfer is included from Nice Côte d'Azur Airport to your 5-star luxury hotel, Hôtel Negresco. Welcome to Nice, the glamorous capital of the French Riviera. Walk with us on an introductory sightseeing tour prior to our welcome cocktail reception and dinner this evening at your historic hotel overlooking the Bay of Angels, within walking distance of the beach.
Meals: Dinner
Lodging: Hôtel Negresco, Nice, France

Day 2 – From Glittering Monaco to an absolutely fabulous palazzo
Tauck's southern France tour begins with a glimpse of how the rich, the famous, and the royal live and play in the Principality of Monaco on a tour of Monte-Carlo. Travel to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat to visit the lavish estate and gardens of Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, inspired by the 1905 Belle Époque era.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Lodging: Hôtel Negresco, Nice, France

Day 3 – Artistic inspirations in the landscapes of Provence
Imagine great artists like Paul Cézanne at work amidst the spectrum of colors found in and around the lovely town of Aix-en-Provence; following your visit, travel to Arles. Explore the historic Old Town, noted for its narrow streets, medieval stonework and lingering evidence of its ancient Roman residents. Spend two nights in Arles at a stately hotel, Hotel Jules César, once a 17th-century convent.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: Hotel Jules César, Arles, France

Day 4 – Medieval antiquities and ancient walls
A southern France tour isn't complete without traveling through the Provençal landscapes that created the inspiration for artist Vincent Van Gogh. Olive groves, fields of lavender, stately cypress trees and flowers the color of the rainbow greet the visitor. One of your first visits is Mas des Barres, an award-winning olive oil producer in Maussane les Alpilles. Their olive oil is a gourmet delight with many flavorful differences – you'll discover them today at an olive oil tasting. From there you'll travel to St-Rémy-de-Provence, where Vincent Van Gogh spent one year of his life. In 1889 he checked himself into Saint-Paul-de-Mausole, a monastery that served as an asylum; it was during his stay here that he experienced a period of creativity, producing 150 of his most beloved paintings including Starry Night, Wheat Field with Cypresses and Irises. See the hospital, then spend some free time exploring St-Rémy – one of the most inspirational excursions on your Southern France tour! See Pont du Gard, a three-level Roman stone aqueduct spanning the Gardon River, before returning to Arles for an evening at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Lodging: Hotel Jules César, Arles, France

Day 5 – The ancient walls of Avignon and a rail excursion to Paris
The ancient, walled city of Avignon, where Popes reigned from 1309 until 1376, is one of the most interesting places in France. A visit to the Palais des Papes reveals the Gothic glories with which the Popes of Avignon surrounded themselves. Board the TGV, one of Europe’s fastest trains, bound for Paris and an unforgettable three-night stay.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: Hotel du Louvre, Paris, France

Day 6 – Bonjour La Cité – the France tour continues
A morning Paris, France tour encompasses some of the city's best-known landmarks. See the Champs Élysées, the Arc de Triomphe, Place de la Concorde, the Eiffel Tower, and inspiring Notre Dame Cathedral. Spend the rest of the day as you wish – your stylish, elegant boutique luxury hotel is ideally located in the heart of the city looking out over four Parisian landmarks - Musée du Louvre, the Opera Garnier, the Comédie Français, and Place du Palais Royal.
Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: Hotel du Louvre, Paris, France

Day 7 - Musée du Louvre / Seine River Cruise
Once a royal residence, today the Musée du Louvre houses some of the world’s best-known artistic masterpieces in its extensive collections of paintings, sculpture, and antiquities. Join us this evening for a farewell dinner cruise on the River Seine, gliding slowly past the illuminated beauty of Paris. Such a memorable evening is certain to be a highlight of Tauck's France tour.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: Hotel du Louvre, Paris, France

Day 8 – Journey Home
Tauck's southern France tour ends in Paris. Your transfer is included from the Hôtel du Louvre to Charles de Gaulle International Airport. You should allow a minimum of 2 1/2 hours for flight check-in.
Meals: Breakfast

Because "A Week In... France" couldn’t be better spent – avoid disappointment and make your reservations for our France tour today!

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Departure Dates

Apr 6, 13, 27
May 9, 16
Jun 1, 8, 15, 29
Jul 27
Aug 3, 17, 31
Sep 7, 12, 14, 19, 21, 26
Oct 3, 5, 12, 19, 26

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Prices

8 Days from $2,990

2008 Price per Person	Double	Single	Triple
April	$2990	$3991	$2808
May, August 1 – 24	$3350	$4351	$3168
June, July and October	$3450	$4451	$3268
August 25 – September 30	$3590	$4591	$3408

Small Group Departures with no more than 26 Tauck guests are available on select dates; they are specially priced from $3840 per person double. 2008 dates include May 18, June 8, August 3, September 14, and October 5 – inquire at time of booking for additional dates and information.

Special 2008 departures where the single price is from $3340: April 6, July 20, August 31 and October 19; inquuire at time of booking.

13 meals included.

International Airfare is additional. Call Tauck for special rates on international air for travel originating in the U.S. (subject to availability).

Please ask at time of booking about additional hotel nights before your tour begins and about our comprehensive Guest Protection Plan.

Note – Dining experiences in France are known for their culinary delights, but tend to be lengthy. In order to best balance your valuable time, some à la carte menus on this tour have been slightly modified while still offering fine regional selections.

All prices are per person in U.S. dollars.