Day 1   Nice
This morning we drive from Nice along the Corniche to Monaco. On the way we see the stunning Villa Ephrussi in St Jean Cap Ferrat. There will be time to explore the glamorous Monaco and the hilltop village of Eze before returning to Nice, the spectacular centre of the French Riviera. (D)

Day 2   St Paul de Vence
Our first visit today is to the ancient fortified village of St Paul de Vence, where we will explore the many boutiques and the artists’ galleries, surrounded all the while by the aroma of “herbes de Provence”. We will stop for lunch in the town of Vence, and unearth Matisse’s Rosaire chapel. Wander the town’s ancient cobbled streets, and visit the 11^th century cathedral of St Veran with its mosaic and chapel by Marc Chagall. (B)

Day 3   Cannes & Cap d’Antibes
Today we spend some time in Cannes, the star of the Riviera and famous for its film festival, glitzy hotels, beaches and old port. Enjoy a delicious lunch before our leisurely exploration of the scenic coast as we drive through the narrow and hilly roads towards the summit at Pic de l’Our. Tonight’s accommodation will be in the charming coastal region near Cap d’Antibes. (B)

Day 4   Aix-en-Provence
We commence our journey today with a drive along the rugged coastline, taking in the most spectacular scenery of the Cote d’Azur. This afternoon we arrive in the historical and cultural town of Aix-en-Provence and discover its evocative architecture as we walk through its streets to uncover its old part of the town, its cathedral and Mazarin Quarter.  (B,D)

Day 5   Aix-en-Provence
A walking tour of yellow-stoned town of Aix-en-Provence will take us in the footsteps of Cezanne, passing hot thermal springs, the Pavillon de Vendôme and the Musée des Tapisseries, finally reaching Paul Cezanne’s studio. This afternoon you may choose to visit one of Aix’s fascinating museums, or relax in the shade of the trees lining the Cours Mirabeau. (B)

Day 6   Menerbes & Avignon
We follow the Durance River to Avignon, meandering through the spectacular vineyards en route. We travel through Menerbes, the village immortalised by Peter Mayles in A Year in Provence. The highlight of the day is the 14th century walled city of Avignon, once home to the Catholic popes, the Palais des Papes dominating the historic centre. Another must see is, of course, the St Bénézet Bridge. (B,D)

Day 7   Pont-du-Gard & Orange
Whilst wandering through the vineyards of the Côtes-du-Rhône, we visit two of the most spectacularly preserved achievements of the Roman Empire and UNESCO World Heritage Sites – the aqueduct of the Pont-du-Gard, and the Roman theatre of Orange. Our classical day will end with a visit to one of the famous wine caves for a tasting before retiring in our traditional accommodation in Avignon. (B)

Day 8    The Camargue & Aigues-Mortes
Today we turn south to the Camargue, our first stop being the fortified village of Aigues-Mortes, created by St Louis, who set out for the Crusades from here. The Camargue is one of France’s most important areas of natural history, and we might see flamingos and, of course, the famous horses. Then on to Van Gogh’s Arles. (B,D)

Day 9   Arles
This morning enjoy the local sights we walk through the narrow streets of Arles, admiring those scenes painted by Van Gogh himself. The local market is not to be missed and the Roman Amphitheatre, once seating 21,000, is one of the largest and most complete ancient monuments of its kind, rivalling those of Rome. Afternoon at leisure. (B)

Day 10    Le Baux-de-Provence & St Remy de Provence
Heading into the “Little Alps”, our highlight of the day is the Huguenot stronghold of Les Baux-de-Provence. Situated on a precipice, the town rewards us with a view of “half of Provence”. The village itself is incredible, almost carved out of the very rock of the hilltop. Then we pass through St Remy de Provence on our way back to Arles. (B,D)

Day 11      Marseilles & Cote d'Azur
As we return to Nice, we pay a brief visit to Marseille and its old port, known as the gateway to the Orient and Africa. Then we follow the scenic coastal road along the Cote d’Azur, passing through the famous towns and traditional villages sitting beside the sea as we head back to Nice. Tour ends upon arrival in Nice. (B)