South of France: Culture, Cuisine and the Riviera

Uncover the secrets of this sunny coastal town on the French Riviera in this self-guided tour. Begin your exploration with a trip to the vibrant Cours Saleya which hosts four different markets. Browse through the staggering displays of fresh flowers, exotic produce, local snacks, and even antiques on some days. Afterward, you could soak up the sun on one of the spectacular beaches along the long coastline and indulge in water activities ranging from kayaking to swimming. Or, you could stroll down the narrow alleyways to marvel at the eclectic mix of architectural styles that can be seen around the city. Keep your camera ready to click great pictures of the Mediterranean rooftops with their distinctive orange color, the stately buildings in Place Garibaldi, and ornate churches. Having worked up an appetite, tingle your taste buds with local specialties such as socca or chickpea pancakes, ratatouille the popular vegetable stew, and pissaladière or caramelized onion tarts at one of the cozy bistros in town. Top it off with an ice cream or a sweet treat and excellent wine before you make your way back to the hotel. (Half Day; Self-guided Activity & Transfers; Fitness Level: Easy. It is recommended that you wear comfortable shoes as there may be a fair bit of walking involved.)

Taste the fine wines and culinary delights of the French Riviera on this walking tour. Set off with your knowledgeable local guide and explore a wonderful array of local specialities. You will gain insights into the history and culture of the region. Retrace the footsteps of artists and intellectuals who walked this path, over the centuries, as you sip on Côtes de Provence wines. Discover interesting facts about French wine and master the nuances of spotting a good one. Pop into local hotspots to sample a range of regional delicacies. Take in the sights and sounds of the bustling streets and mingle with the locals. Step into a family restaurant to have your fill of freshly cooked Niçoise specialties. Enjoy more than 22 tastings and plenty of wine before it’s time to wrap up the tour with a generous helping of artisanal gelato. (Duration: half day; Time: 0945 hrs; Shared activity; Group size: max 12 ppl; No transfers; Meals included: wine and food tastings; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance)

Experience the beauty and architecture of the French Riviera on this guided tour. Begin with a scenic drive along the Mediterranean coastline to Monaco, a bastion of glitz and glamor. Traverse the narrow alleyways of Le Rocher in Old Town and arrive at the Monaco Cathedral. See the Prince’s Palace, which houses a classic car museum and zoological gardens. View the Changing of the Guard Ceremony on Palace Square and cruise along the bay to the 18th-century Fort Antoine. Head out to Place du Casino and wrap up your visit with a ride on the Circuit de Monaco. Next, proceed to the medieval village of Eze, perched in the craggy cliffs high above the sea. Follow your guide through its winding alleyways, passing by well-preserved stone buildings and chapels. After, visit the renowned Fragonard Perfumery that produces cosmetics, perfumes and soaps. See how these luxurious products are made, packaged and stored before wrapping up for the day. (Duration: full day; Seasonal: April-Dec; Time: 0830 hrs; Shared activity; Group size: max 8 ppl; No transfers; Starting point: Maison des Alpes Maritimes, 6 Avenue Max Gallo, Nice; Meals included: no; Fitness level: easy; Not available on May 1, Dec 25 & Jan 1)

Discover the history and heritage of Avignon on this walking tour, while accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide. Begin with a stroll along the 12th-century Pont d’Avignon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Amble through the cobblestone alleys of the historic center and pass Roure Palace and the Church of Saint Peter, with its Provencal Gothic façade. Next, visit the Pope’s Palace that was home to nine popes during the 14th-century. Hear the mysterious tales associated with this palace including stories of suicides, poisonings and superstitions. Appreciate the decorative ceramics, stained glass, sculptures and paintings of masters like Simone Martini and Matteo Giovannetti. Stop at the Avignon Cathedral nearby, a Romanesque edifice and the seat of the Archbishop of Avignon. Then, navigate toward the Place de l’Horloge that is occupied by the town hall and opera house. End your tour with a sampling of a Cotes du Rhone wine. (Duration: 3 hrs; Seasonal: Apr-Oct (only available on Mon, Wed & Fri); Time: 0930 hrs; Shared activity; No transfers; Starting point: 4 Rue Republique, 84000 Avignon; Entry fee to Pope’s Palace and a glass of wine included; Fitness level: easy; Operates subject to min 4 ppl booked; Please wear comfortable walking shoes as this tour involves walking on cobblestone streets and climbing flights of stairs)

Spend an enjoyable day in the picturesque Provence region known for its mountainous scenery and fragrant lavender fields. Drive past the scenic countryside to the hamlet of Roussillon that sits perched atop ochre cliffs with its colorful houses making for a striking contrast. On Thursdays, you could mingle with the locals at the weekly market while browsing through fresh produce and exquisite handicrafts. Stop to take stunning images of the hilltop village of Gordes that is home to houses and buildings made of different varieties of natural stone. Travel on to the picturesque town of Fontaine de Vaucluse for a peek at the cave where the River Sorgues originates. Head on to Pont du Gard, a well-preserved ancient Roman aqueduct bridge and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Afterward, journey to the breathtakingly beautiful Les Baux de Provence to explore its medieval fortress and charming cobblestone streets. You can make a short stop at Antiques in Saint Remy de Provence to photograph the two ancient Roman monuments that occupy pride of place. On Sundays, you can stop by the weekly market in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue before returning to the city by nightfall. (Full Day; Time: 0830 hrs; Group Size: Max 8 guests; Shared Activity; Fitness Level: Easy.)

Set off on this leisurely tour of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Saint Emilion that sits tucked amid verdant vineyards. Drive past the scenic countryside for less than an hour to reach this ancient hilltop village. Saunter around the narrow streets of the medieval hamlet as you soak in the historic ambiance of its Romanesque churches and ruins. Make your way to one of the numerous wineries in the region for a closer look at the vinification techniques. Stroll around the vineyards that grow the grapes used to produce some of the finest wines in the world! Settle in and sample the exquisite in-house wine before heading back to the city. (Half Day; Wine Tastings and Bottled Water Included; Shared Activity; Group Size: 2-19 guests; Fitness Level: Easy.)

Discover the secrets of the French capital of gastronomy on a delightful food tour of Lyon Old Town. Walk along the traboules or narrow, medieval streets, past Renaissance-era buildings with hidden courtyards and terracotta tiled roofs, and access places that only locals know. Listen to your passionate guide as he unravels the gastronomic history of the place and introduces you to its emblematic products. Stop at six “bouchon lyonnais” (typical restaurants) to sample authentic French specialties. Meet several craftsmen and sample their artisanal produce including the best brioche, praline and wines. (Half Day; Time: 1000 hrs; Shared Activity; Group size: Max 12 guests; Fitness Level: Easy; Six tasting breaks with more than 10 products and a bottle of water included. Transfer not Included; Meeting Point: in front of the statue of Monseigneur Lavarenne, 2 Place Benoit Crépu 69005 Lyon).