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11-Day Paris, Rhone Valley & Provence

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Overview

Begin this wonderful 11-day adventure in Paris, the French capital but also the capital of love, fashion, and history! You'll live like a real Parisian for a few days enjoying the best spots of the capital, meeting locals and discovering hidden places.

Heading south to Lyon, the gastronomic centre of France with a food scene that rivals Paris, you'll taste famous wines, relax in olive country and fall in love with the ancient cities and sweeping flower-filled fields that make this region famous.

You'll continue through the colourful French countryside of Provence, all the way up to the Mediterranean coast, finishing your journey in the historic port city of Marseille.

Driving yourself through Paris to Marseille will give you plenty of time to take in the surroundings, stopping whenever you wish to take photos and diverting off the path if inspired.
Sightseeing
Food & Drink
Outdoors & Nature
Cycling

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Paris

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Arrival in Paris

Get ready for a full, fun trip from Paris to Marseille! Your French adventure begins in the capital where you'll enjoy the spirit of this vibrant city once you've checked-in into your hotel and wandered around. In the evening, you'll dive into Parisian cuisine as you sample fine dishes at Restaurant Variations, a few steps from your hotel.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel Exquis3 star

  • restaurant icon
    Restaurants

    Restaurant Variations

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Paris

Day 2

Discover Paris with a Local

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Discover Paris with a Local

Go deeper into the 'City of Love' with a local guide as you learn everything about the Marais neighbourhood! During this private guided 2.5-hour walking tour, your guide will explain all the secrets and traditions of the most vibrant place in Paris! You'll go to the art galleries, the pop-up stores and all the little cafes and shops of this trendy neighbourhood. You'll then enjoy the afternoon on your own. Why not do some shopping in the city renowned for high fashion?

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel Exquis3 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Le Marais Private Tour

    ParisOptional Activity

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Paris

Day 3

From Paris to Lyon

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From Paris to Lyon

Today, you'll finish your visit to the wonderful city of Paris with a free morning during which you can discover the main sights. You can visit Ile de la Cite in the centre of the city, the famous Notre Dame Cathedral or the iconic Eiffel Tower. In the afternoon, you'll catch a train to Lyon to the great Rhône Valley to start your the southern part of the trip, different from the capital but just as exciting as it!

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel Exquis3 star

    Lyon Renaissance3 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Free Time in the Heart of Paris

    Ile de la CiteOptional Activity

    Notre-Dame de ParisOptional Activity

    Eiffel TowerOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Train from Paris to Lyon

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Paris

    Lyon

Day 4

Lyon, the Cultural and Culinary Centre of France

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Lyon, the Cultural and Culinary Centre of France

From the wine-braised chicken of coq au vin to the city's most famous sausage, Lyon is, without a doubt, France's most famous centre for gastronomical experiences. Lyon's reputation for culinary excellence is long and well-deserved. You'll discover this during your day tour of the city where you'll visit markets, sample goods, meet the merchants and finish the tour with a delicious lunchtime meal. In the evening, the culinary delights continue with dinner at Le Musee.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Lyon Renaissance3 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Lyon City Tour

  • restaurant icon
    Restaurants

    Le Musée

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Lyon

Day 5

Famous Wines of the Northern Rhone Valley

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Famous Wines of the Northern Rhone Valley

Today, you'll leave the culinary delights of Lyon behind for the day and head to the Northern Rhone Valley to sample the many beautiful wines produced here. Having first explored the stunning ancient city of Vienne and learnt about its history whilst wondering the narrow streets filled with ancient monuments, you'll head to the vineyards. Here, you'll taste your way through famous wines of Northern Rhone Valley that make up some delicious vintages.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Lyon Renaissance3 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Northern Rhone Valley Tour

  • restaurant icon
    Restaurants

    Boulangerie Du PalaisOptional Activity

    Glacier Terre AdéliceOptional Activity

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Lyon

    Vienne

Day 6

The Drôme Provençale

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The Drôme Provençale

This morning you'll collect your rental car, leave Lyon and head South to the 'Gates of Provence' known as Drome Provencale. After two hours of driving, you'll reach the Drome Provencale, which is considered the northern gateway to the Provence which is filled with stunning lavender fields, olive orchards and grape vineyards. Here you can admire the stunning Romanesque Provencal architecture as you explore the region before heading to your 17th-century farmhouse in Grignan, a short drive away.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Maison d'hôtes - Le Clos de la Tuilière3 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Drôme Provençale

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Self-Driving from Lyon to Grignan

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Lyon

    Grignan

Day 7

Relaxing Bike Ride through the Country of Olives

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Relaxing Bike Ride through the Country of Olives

Today, you'll wake up in Grignan, have breakfast at your farmhouse overlooking the pool and get ready for an E-bike adventure tour with your local guide to discover the landscapes of the Drôme Provençale. You'll pass through beautiful olive orchards, lavender fields and vineyards and at the end of the day, you'll be able to take your time in one of the terraces of the many shaded cafés, under a lime tree, with a glass of rosé to reflect on the day.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Maison d'hôtes - Le Clos de la Tuilière3 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Biking Drôme Provençale

  • restaurant icon
    Restaurants

    Maison d'hôtes - Le Clos de la Tuilière

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Self Driving from Grignan to Nyons

    Self Driving from Grignan to Grignan

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Grignan

    Vaison-la-Romaine

Day 8

Famous Wineries of Châteauneuf-du-Pape & Avignon

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Famous Wineries of Châteauneuf-du-Pape & Avignon

Let yourself be captivated by the famous vineyards of Chateauneuf-du-Pape as you and a wine expert enjoy a tasting experience right in heart of the 12th-century estate and its castle. Continuing your journey, you'll travel to the fascinating medieval city of Avignon to where, for several decades in the 14th century, Pope Clemente V, moved his court. Here, you'll visit Avignon’s Papal Palace, the largest palace in Europe which is the equivalent of four Gothic cathedral's put together.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Les Jardins de Baracane3 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Chateauneuf-du-Pape

    Avignon City Tour

    Avignon’s Papal Palace

  • restaurant icon
    Restaurants

    Maison d'hôtes - Le Clos de la Tuilière

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Self Driving from Châteauneuf-du-Pape to Avignon

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Grignan

    Châteauneuf-du-Pape

    Avignon

Day 9

Roman Treasures of Arles

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Roman Treasures of Arles

Today, after breakfast at the hotel you'll drive yourself to the city of Arles. You'll discover this ancient Roman city, a fortified town listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site home to stunning Romanesque architecture including the Arles Amphitheatre. In the afternoon, you'll explore the Camargue Natural Park area, which is a large UNESCO designated biosphere reserve sandwiched between the Rhone River mouth and the Mediterranean Sea.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Les Jardins de Baracane3 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Arles

    Arles Amphitheatre

    Camargue Natural Park

  • restaurant icon
    Restaurants

    Les Jardins de Baracane

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Self-Driving from Avignon to Arles

    Self Driving from Arles to Camargue

    Self-Driving from Camargue to Avignon

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Avignon

    Arles

Day 10

Exploring Aix-en-Provence & Marseille

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Exploring Aix-en-Provence & Marseille

For the last step of your trip along the Rhone River, you'll drive down to Aix-en-Provence, the capital of the region and a vibrant university city known for being the home and inspiration of post-impressionist painter Paul Cezanne. In the afternoon, you'll head over to Marseille and the Mediterranean coast. Marseille, the oldest city in France, was important during both the Greek and Roman era as a vital trading port; an important role which still remains true today.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hôtel Maison Montgrand Vieux-Port3 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Aix-en-Provence

    Marseille

  • restaurant icon
    Restaurants

    Les Jardins de Baracane

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Self-Driving from Avignon to Aix-en-Provence

    Self Driving from Aix-en-Provence to Marseille

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Avignon

    Aix-en-Provence

    Marseille

Day 11

Au Revoir!

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Au Revoir!

You have made the journey all the way from Paris to Marseille and like all good things, your trip must come to an end. This morning, you'll enjoy your last few hours of the trip with a leisurely breakfast at the hotel and perhaps a short walk in the old port of Marseille to soak up the vibrant atmosphere. Then you'll drive to Marseille airport where you'll return your rental car and continue with your onward journey. A bientôt en Provence!

  • restaurant icon
    Restaurants

    Hôtel Maison Montgrand Vieux-Port

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Self Driving from Marseille to Marseille Provence Airport

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Marseille

Included in Price

  • 10 nights accommodation
  • 13 activities
  • 7 breakfasts and 2 dinners
  • Entrance fees
  • Licensed English speaking guides

Not Included in Price

  • Airport transfer
  • Alcohol beverages
  • Domestic flights
  • Entry visas / airport departure tax
  • Gratuities
  • Ground transportation
  • International flights
  • Laundry
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Trekking permits
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