French Riviera & Provence

June 12 to June 22, 2014
11 days / 10 nights
Land Cost CAD $3750, per person based on double occupancy
Single supplement CAD $1425

There’s something about Provence that goes straight to the heart – the fragrances of thyme and lavender, the flavours of olives and honey, the views of azure skies and sun-splashed vineyards. This ‘promenade’ is an exploration designed to savour the region in small bites with easy strolls in picturesque towns, hilltop villages and stunning countryside. Walk in the footsteps of Cezanne and Van Gogh and enjoy the essential Provence. Experience France from a woman’s point of view.

Join novelist Patricia Sands and visit the charming towns depicted in her newest novel  “The Promise of Provence”.   Patricia writes about Katherine’s experiences in Provence and her eagerness to feel renewed by her surroundings. Endless rows of lavender, fields of sunflowers flowing in golden waves among vineyards and olive groves overlooked by ancient hilltop villages. It’s the picture perfect postcard setting.

This tour is a must for any woman with a desire to visit France.

What’s Included:

• Deluxe accommodation, based on double occupancy
  4 nights in Nice – Hotel Beau Rivage
  5 nights in Avignon – Hotel Novotel Avignon Centre
• Transportation throughout by private coach
• All transfers if arriving and departing with the group
• Breakfast daily
• 8 dinners, including wine
• Wine tasting
• Olive oil mill visit and tasting
• Perfume making class
• Entrance fees to all sites visited with the group
• Full day excursion to Monaco and Eze-village
• Hop on Hop off  bus tour of Nice with stop at Chagall Museum
• Workshop of aromatherapy in Avignon
• Cooking class in Avignon
• Guided visit of Avignon
• Visit of  Aix en Provence
• Guided visits of Les Baux and  St. Remy
• Guided visits of the Luberon,  Roussillon, Bonnieux
• Guided visit of Arles
• Hotel taxes and service charges
• Entrance fees to all sites visited
• Services of an English-speaking guide
• Services of a WTN Tour Leader

June 12                                  Departure from Toronto
Departure on  an overnight flight from Toronto with onward connection to Nice.   (inflight meals)

June 13                                  Nice
Midday arrival at Nice airport and transfer to our hotel in central Nice.  Free time to check in, freshen up and explore the local surroundings.   This evening enjoy a welcome  dinner with the group.   (D)

June 14                           Eze/Monaco
Today’s full day excursion contrasts the medieval village of Eze and the glamour of the Monte Carlo.  Our day begins in Eze-Village located on a rocky peak overlooking the sea.  The village is guarded by two 14^th century towers leading into the charming narrow streets. Then onward to peek into the lives of the rich and famous!  Visit the Place du Casino in Monte Carlo and admire the store fronts of the luxury boutiques and the lobbies of the luxury hotels.  Return to our hotel in Nice.  Dinner together at a local restaurant.   (B, D)

June 15                                  Nice 
Today enjoy a full day at leisure to do as you please,  or visit Nice with Pat who has spent a great deal of time in Nice  and Provence over the past 15 years.  Join her for an informal tour of her favourite places  in Nice.  You’ll take the hop on hop off bus to get an overview of Nice and for those interested, stop at the Chagall Museum for a visit.  Evening at leisure.      (B)

June 16                                  St. Paul de Vence/Grasse  
Today we explore one of the most beautiful corners of the Cote d’Azur.  Follow the scenic route along the Mediterranean, and then up into the hills to the gorgeous village of St. Paul de Vence. Time at leisure to stroll in the village and enjoy the boutiques and art galleries.  This afternoon continue on to Grasse, the capital of French perfume making.  Here you will visit a fragrance studio and learn the techniques involved in creating a signature perfume.  The scent of the Riviera is yours to take home!
Return to Nice.  Dinner together at a local restaurant.       (B, D)

June 17                                  Avignon
This morning our private coach will take us to Avignon.  En route we will stop in Aix en Provence for a visit of this lovely town.  Lunch at leisure.  Afternoon arrival in Avignon.  Check into our hotel and settle in.  Before our dinner together we will enjoy a demonstration on Aromatherapy.
Dinner together at a local restaurant.          (B,D)

June 18                      Avignon  / Cooking Class
The morning will be dedicated to Avignon.  Visit The ‘Palais des Papes ’ an architectural ‘tour de force’ where an opulent palace overlaps a sober fortress.  Dance on the Pont St. Benezet!  During your visit you will also enjoy a wine tasting. Explore the great covered market, a feast for the senses and pick up a selection of cheeses and charcuterie for an impromptu picnic.  Explore this vibrant, sophisticated, very French town. This afternoon in the kitchen! Prepare a full Provencal menu in the company of our chef Jean-Marc Larrue. Afterward you will enjoy the dinner that you just learned to prepare. (B,D)

June 19                      Les Baux / St. Remy  
Early start this morning as our private coach will through the windswept world of limestone peaks, roads lined with pine and cypress trees, olive orchards and vineyards of the Alpilles.   Climb the narrow cobblestone footpaths and investigate the castle ruins at the medieval village of Les Baux perched high on a rocky plateau above the mysterious Val d’Enfer.   Refresh yourself in the bustling artist’s town of St-Rémy and join a local historian on a visit through van Gogh’s Provence. Visit a local oil mill to learn about the many types of olive oil and enjoy a tasting of their products.   Return to our hotel.  Dinner together this evening at a local restaurant.         (B,D)

June 20                      Arles
Today we focus with our guide on the evocative town of Arles.  Stand in the middle of one of the best-preserved Roman monuments in France – the amphitheatre “Les Arenes” where bullfights carry on the ancient tradition.   Admire the fine sculpture at the Romanesque church and cloisters of St. Trophime.  See the Place du Forum where Vincent Van Gogh painted his Starry Nights.  Gather for a glass of pastis at the Café de la Nuit, made famous by Van Gogh.  Return to Avignon.  Farewell dinner this evening together at a local restaurant.    (B, D)

June 21                      The Luberon/Rousillon/Bonnieux
A full day immersed in the Provencal lifestyle!  Taste the Provencal olive oil at the Moulin des Bouillons.  Admire the rows of lavender at the 12^th century Abbey of Senanque, one of the purest examples of primitive Cistercian architecture, still functioning as a monastic community.  Marvel at the vibrant scenery of the village or Roussillon, adored by artists for its striking palette of colours.  Relax in the charming streets of Bonnieux and search for handicrafts at the outdoor Provencal market.  Return to Avignon.    (B)

June 22                       Return to Canada           

Transfer to Marseilles airport for the return flight, or choose to extend your stay in Paris.   (B)

Itinerary subject to change to take advantage of local events

Meals:   B – Breakfast   L – Lunch   D – Dinner

Check out photos from past trips to France.  Click here

Check out Testimonials from our travellers.  Click here

Check out our Travel Blog. Click here

Not Included:

• Round trip airfare (approximate cost from Toronto $1600)
• Meals other than those mentioned above
• Beverages other than those mentioned in the itinerary
• Gratuities
• Cancellation and medical insurance
• Any item not mentioned above

Reservations and Deposit Information:

• A deposit of C$500.00 per person is required to confirm the booking.
• For information please check our Travel Policies and Cancellation Terms and Conditions.
• Trip cancellation insurance is strongly recommended. A quotation will be given based on each individuals needs.
• Final payment is due 75 days prior to departure, March 28, 2014.

Important!

Airfare is based on current rates at time of publishing, rates are subject to change. Price is based current exchange rates and are subject to change

Note: Tour is based on a minimum of 12 up to a maximum  of 16 participants.

To confirm your spot on the “French Riviera & Provence” trip contact:

Womens Travel Network
via Phone: 905-771-8338 or toll free at 1-888-419-0118
Email: info@womenstravelnetwork.ca