Ultimate Southern France

Expedition

Relax and unwind on a guided tour that takes you from Monaco to France.

EXPERIENCE OVERVIEW

Relax and unwind on a guided tour that takes you from Monaco to France. Cruise to spectacular Saint-Tropez, marvelling at the coastal town’s ancient walls for unparalleled views of its medieval towers. Step inside the Aix-En-Provence Cathedral, a national treasure and religious landmark. Slide into the passenger’s seat of a vintage car and be chauffeured through the countryside to an acclaimed winery for a private tour. Experience Calanques National Park, journeying past towering limestone cliffs looming over turquoise waters. Indulge in a diverse range of spectacular dining experiences, from exquisite seafood dinners to Michelin hotel meals. Learn about Bordeaux's unique history from a Local Expert or take a guided bike ride to learn about the city’s sustainability efforts.

highlights

Dining Summary

5 Dinner (D)
11 Breakfast (B)
3 Lunch (L)

Choice Highlights

Choose between two carefully selected activities

Chateau La Coste: On this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience sample the estate’s organic wines and visit their one-of-a-kind contemporary wine cellar. In 2009, the wines of Château La Coste were labeled "Organic Agriculture", a label which recognizes respect for the land as well as the methods, in perfect harmony with nature.
Chateau La Coste: Join a Local Expert for a relaxed walk among olive groves and woods to discover the installations created by the best modern artists and architects.

Choose between two carefully selected activities

Bordeaux: Take a relaxing bike tour around the City of Bordeaux. Enjoy a beautiful loop of the Garonne river, pass through the Chartrons district and stop in the picturesque park Jardin Public. See the Palais Gallien and the grand shopping centrer, Glace des Grands Hommes.
Bordeaux: Join a Local Expert to discover the best sights in Bordeaux. See the beautiful Gothic cathedral, the famous Water Mirror, the stunning neoclassic theater and the modern architecture of the Cité du Vin.

Additional Included Highlights

You will be escorted by one of our fine Travel Concierges, handpicked to serve as your expert guide, consummate organiser, and friend overseas.
Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary, available on departures with 15 or more guests.
At every hotel, you'll be treated to seamless baggage handling, with prompt delivery inside your room.
Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
Complimentary airport transfers are included on start and end dates and when additional accommodation has been booked through Luxury Gold. Guests will be transferred with fellow Luxury Gold Travelers that arrive on the same flight. Complimentary, private train station transfers are included when train travel is included within the itinerary. Transfers to train stations or alternate hotels, in the same start or end city of the itinerary, may be requested but are not guaranteed.

Curated Experiences

Gemenos: This evening, experience a Private Concert during a decadent Michelin Meal set within your beautiful hotel.

Exceptional Dining

Cassis: Indulge in a divine seafood dinner in the charming fishing village of Cassis.
Cavaillon: Visit the acclaimed winery, Domaine de la Citadelle, for a tour of its grounds and a picnic lunch. Savor a selection of Provençal favorites paired with local wine.
Bordeaux: Conclude your journey with a superb dining experience at the historic Château du Ferrand, where you toast to your travels during your Celebration Dinner. Learn how the estate is working towards a more environmental future by using organic fertilizers, protecting local fauna and harvesting by hand.

Founder's Collection

Carcassonne: Guests on select Founders Collection departures have the opportunity to meet the esteemed Count/Countess of Lorgeril Family at their home Château de Pennautier. Guests will enjoy a tour of the Chateau followed by wine tasting with the Countess in her beautiful garden L'Orangerie.

Magnificent Stays

Bordeaux: The five-star Intercontinental Le Grand Hotel Bordeaux is set in an 18th century building with a neoclassical-inspired facade, located in the historic heart of the city. The chic guest rooms include 19th century furnishings with an elegant marble bathroom.

Passport Moments

Monaco City: Join your Travel Concierge for guided sightseeing of glamourous Monaco. See the Grand Prix circuit – famous for hosting the annual Formula One Monaco Grand Prix – explore the old town, and admire the Royal Palace where the Grimaldi family lives. Wander along the yacht-filled harbor and see the cathedral, which houses the tombs of the late Prince Rainier and Princess Grace.
Nice: Join a Local Expert to take a walk through the charming streets of Old Nice and see the Opera, the antique market, and the St. Reparate Cathedral.
French Riviera: Join a Local Expert to visit the opulent Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild and its gardens. Built by the passionate art collector Madame Ephrussi, she gathered the best from each era including delicate pieces of furniture once belonging to Marie Antoinette.
Saint-Tropez: Take in the best of Saint-Tropez as a Local Expert guides you through the remains of the ancient landmark Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption and its colorful bell tower. Afterward, taste the local Saint-Tropez tart pastry in the bakery where it was first created in the 1950s.
Cassis: Board your private cruise through the Calanques National Park to admire the towering limestone cliffs and the long, narrow and deep fjord-like inlets.
Lourmarin: Visit the tree lined avenues of Lourmarin and explore the lively market featuring crafts, clothing and local delicacies.
Provence: Take a seat in your chauffeured Citroen 2CV and embark on a drive through the hilly countryside passing fields of lavender.
Carcassonne: Carcassonne represents one of the biggest and best-preserved fortified cities in Europe, with 53 watchtowers and 1.5 miles of ramparts open to the public. Explore this real-life Magic Kingdom with a Local Expert and uncover its rich history, dating back to the pre-Roman period.
Cite de Carcassone: Admire flora and fauna, rural vistas and lush vineyards on this gentle 1.5-hour cruise. Built in the late 17th century as a shipping short cut between the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, the Canal du Midi is one of Europe’s oldest canals still in operation.

Personalise your day

Chateau La Coste: On this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience sample the estate’s organic wines and visit their one-of-a-kind contemporary wine cellar. In 2009, the wines of Château La Coste were labeled "Organic Agriculture", a label which recognizes respect for the land as well as the methods, in perfect harmony with nature.
Chateau La Coste: Join a Local Expert for a relaxed walk among olive groves and woods to discover the installations created by the best modern artists and architects.
Bordeaux: Take a relaxing bike tour around the City of Bordeaux. Enjoy a beautiful loop of the Garonne river, pass through the Chartrons district and stop in the picturesque park Jardin Public. See the Palais Gallien and the grand shopping centrer, Glace des Grands Hommes.
Bordeaux: Join a Local Expert to discover the best sights in Bordeaux. See the beautiful Gothic cathedral, the famous Water Mirror, the stunning neoclassic theater and the modern architecture of the Cité du Vin.

Well-being

Our customised luxury coaches are sanitised before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customised luxury coaches.
Experience enhanced hygiene protocols to align with the latest guidance following COVID-19. All Travel Concierges, Well-Being Directors and Drivers have completed training in enhanced well-being and hygiene protocols.
We only work with establishments we are confident will consistently adhere to our high well-being standards, which include hotels, restaurants and sight-seeing venues.
Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.

Highlights

Dining Summary

5 Dinner (D)
11 Breakfast (B)
3 Lunch (L)

Choice Highlights

Choose between two carefully selected activities

Chateau La Coste: On this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience sample the estate’s organic wines and visit their one-of-a-kind contemporary wine cellar. In 2009, the wines of Château La Coste were labeled "Organic Agriculture", a label which recognizes respect for the land as well as the methods, in perfect harmony with nature.
Chateau La Coste: Join a Local Expert for a relaxed walk among olive groves and woods to discover the installations created by the best modern artists and architects.

Choose between two carefully selected activities

Bordeaux: Take a relaxing bike tour around the City of Bordeaux. Enjoy a beautiful loop of the Garonne river, pass through the Chartrons district and stop in the picturesque park Jardin Public. See the Palais Gallien and the grand shopping centrer, Glace des Grands Hommes.
Bordeaux: Join a Local Expert to discover the best sights in Bordeaux. See the beautiful Gothic cathedral, the famous Water Mirror, the stunning neoclassic theater and the modern architecture of the Cité du Vin.

Additional Included Highlights

You will be escorted by one of our fine Travel Concierges, handpicked to serve as your expert guide, consummate organiser, and friend overseas.
Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary, available on departures with 15 or more guests.
At every hotel, you'll be treated to seamless baggage handling, with prompt delivery inside your room.
Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
Complimentary airport transfers are included on start and end dates and when additional accommodation has been booked through Luxury Gold. Guests will be transferred with fellow Luxury Gold Travelers that arrive on the same flight. Complimentary, private train station transfers are included when train travel is included within the itinerary. Transfers to train stations or alternate hotels, in the same start or end city of the itinerary, may be requested but are not guaranteed.

Curated Experiences

Gemenos: This evening, experience a Private Concert during a decadent Michelin Meal set within your beautiful hotel.

Exceptional Dining

Cassis: Indulge in a divine seafood dinner in the charming fishing village of Cassis.
Cavaillon: Visit the acclaimed winery, Domaine de la Citadelle, for a tour of its grounds and a picnic lunch. Savor a selection of Provençal favorites paired with local wine.
Bordeaux: Conclude your journey with a superb dining experience at the historic Château du Ferrand, where you toast to your travels during your Celebration Dinner. Learn how the estate is working towards a more environmental future by using organic fertilizers, protecting local fauna and harvesting by hand.

Founder's Collection

Carcassonne: Guests on select Founders Collection departures have the opportunity to meet the esteemed Count/Countess of Lorgeril Family at their home Château de Pennautier. Guests will enjoy a tour of the Chateau followed by wine tasting with the Countess in her beautiful garden L'Orangerie.

Magnificent Stays

Bordeaux: The five-star Intercontinental Le Grand Hotel Bordeaux is set in an 18th century building with a neoclassical-inspired facade, located in the historic heart of the city. The chic guest rooms include 19th century furnishings with an elegant marble bathroom.

Passport Moments

Monaco City: Join your Travel Concierge for guided sightseeing of glamourous Monaco. See the Grand Prix circuit – famous for hosting the annual Formula One Monaco Grand Prix – explore the old town, and admire the Royal Palace where the Grimaldi family lives. Wander along the yacht-filled harbor and see the cathedral, which houses the tombs of the late Prince Rainier and Princess Grace.
Nice: Join a Local Expert to take a walk through the charming streets of Old Nice and see the Opera, the antique market, and the St. Reparate Cathedral.
French Riviera: Join a Local Expert to visit the opulent Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild and its gardens. Built by the passionate art collector Madame Ephrussi, she gathered the best from each era including delicate pieces of furniture once belonging to Marie Antoinette.
Saint-Tropez: Take in the best of Saint-Tropez as a Local Expert guides you through the remains of the ancient landmark Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption and its colorful bell tower. Afterward, taste the local Saint-Tropez tart pastry in the bakery where it was first created in the 1950s.
Cassis: Board your private cruise through the Calanques National Park to admire the towering limestone cliffs and the long, narrow and deep fjord-like inlets.
Lourmarin: Visit the tree lined avenues of Lourmarin and explore the lively market featuring crafts, clothing and local delicacies.
Provence: Take a seat in your chauffeured Citroen 2CV and embark on a drive through the hilly countryside passing fields of lavender.
Carcassonne: Carcassonne represents one of the biggest and best-preserved fortified cities in Europe, with 53 watchtowers and 1.5 miles of ramparts open to the public. Explore this real-life Magic Kingdom with a Local Expert and uncover its rich history, dating back to the pre-Roman period.
Cite de Carcassone: Admire flora and fauna, rural vistas and lush vineyards on this gentle 1.5-hour cruise. Built in the late 17th century as a shipping short cut between the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, the Canal du Midi is one of Europe’s oldest canals still in operation.

Personalise your day

Chateau La Coste: On this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience sample the estate’s organic wines and visit their one-of-a-kind contemporary wine cellar. In 2009, the wines of Château La Coste were labeled "Organic Agriculture", a label which recognizes respect for the land as well as the methods, in perfect harmony with nature.
Chateau La Coste: Join a Local Expert for a relaxed walk among olive groves and woods to discover the installations created by the best modern artists and architects.
Bordeaux: Take a relaxing bike tour around the City of Bordeaux. Enjoy a beautiful loop of the Garonne river, pass through the Chartrons district and stop in the picturesque park Jardin Public. See the Palais Gallien and the grand shopping centrer, Glace des Grands Hommes.
Bordeaux: Join a Local Expert to discover the best sights in Bordeaux. See the beautiful Gothic cathedral, the famous Water Mirror, the stunning neoclassic theater and the modern architecture of the Cité du Vin.

Well-being

Our customised luxury coaches are sanitised before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customised luxury coaches.
Experience enhanced hygiene protocols to align with the latest guidance following COVID-19. All Travel Concierges, Well-Being Directors and Drivers have completed training in enhanced well-being and hygiene protocols.
We only work with establishments we are confident will consistently adhere to our high well-being standards, which include hotels, restaurants and sight-seeing venues.
Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.

Trip details

Trip Type: Group Tour

Comfort: Deluxe

Travel Styles: Family, 55+, Luxury

Starts: Nice, France

Finishes: Bordeaux, France

Duration: 12 days

ITINERARY

1Day 1: Welcome to the French Riviera

Your France luxury tour begins with a private chauffeur to your hotel in Monte Carlo. Dine waterside at Fontvieille marina before winding along the legendary Formula 1 Grand Prix circuit to the Grimaldi Palace.

Accommodation: Fairmont Monte Carlo.
Meals: Dinner

2Day 2: Nice Sightseeing

Explore the opulent Villa and gardens of Ephrussi de Rothschild, home to over 5,000 art objects. Join a Local Expert and uncover the stories of Old Nice.

Accommodation: Fairmont Monte Carlo.
Meals: Breakfast

3Day 3: Star-studded St. Tropez

Step into the glamour of St. Tropez, discover the ancient walls, medieval towers and taste Tarte Tropézienne at the bakery where it was created. Arrive at your hotel, the 18th-century La Magdeleine – Mathias Dandine. Dine at a Michelin Star restaurant this evening accompanied by a private concert.

Accommodation: La Magdeleine - Mathias Dandine
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

4Day 4: Aix-en-Provence Relaxed Start

Follow the footsteps of Paul Cézanne along the Old Town and tree-lined boulevard of Cours Mirabeau. Join a professional chef learning to make a classical French dessert then sample Château La Coste’s organic wines and visit their wine cellar or walk among the winery’s art installations.

Accommodation: La Magdeleine - Mathias Dandine
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

5Day 5: Calanques National Park Relaxed Start

Indulge in a morning of relaxation at your boutique hotel. In the afternoon, venture to the small town of Cassis for a private cruise of the Calanques National Park before enjoying a seafood dinner.

Accommodation: La Magdeleine - Mathias Dandine
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

6Day 6: French Icons Relaxed Start

Browse Lourmarin’s market before enjoying a chauffeured drive in a vintage Citroen 2CV through the Provençal countryside. Arriving at the acclaimed Domaine de la Citadelle winery, explore the grounds and linger over a gourmet picnic and wine before arriving in Nimes.

Accommodation: Maison Albar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

7Day 7: Les Baux and Arles

Begin the day with a visit of the Pont du Gard, an exceptionally well-preserved Roman aqueduct. As you stand before this technical and artistic masterpiece, observe how this three-level, 900-foot-long bridge was built out of soft yellow limestone blocks from a nearby quarry along the river. Discover Arles’ first century Roman Amphitheater before concluding your day in Avignon with dinner at your hotel.

Accommodation: Maison Albar
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

8Day 8: Carcassonne Sightseeing Relaxed Start

Personalise your free time in Arles for lunch. Your journey continues to Carcassonne, one of the largest surviving medieval walled cities in Europe.

Accommodation: Hôtel de la Cité Carcassonne - MGallery, Carcassonne.
Meals: Breakfast

9Day 9: Carcassonne and the Languedoc Region Relaxed Start

Cruise along the Canal du Midi. Meander beneath a cathedral of trees through ancient villages, the vineyards of the Languedoc wine region and Roman fortifications. In the afternoon, enjoy a traditional French cooking class with Michelin Starred Chef, followed by an evening at leisure having eaten your own cooked delicacies!

Accommodation: Hôtel de la Cité Carcassonne - MGallery, Carcassonne.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

10Day 10: Bordeaux Sightseeing

Journey to the enchanting region of Bordeaux and awaken your senses at the Bassins des Lumières Museum. Personalise your time with your choice of curated experiences. Learn about the 18th-century architecture of Vieux Bordeaux. Or, set off on a leisurely bike ride around the Garonne River passing the Chartrons district before ending at the picturesque Jardin Public.

Accommodation: Le Grand Hotel, Bordeaux.
Meals: Breakfast

11Day 11: Bordeaux and St. Émilion Relaxed Start

Enjoy a stroll through Bordeaux before exploring St. Émilion, the oldest active wine-producing appellation in Bordeaux. Dinner at the historic Château du Ferrand marks a spectacular end to your Monte Carlo to Bordeaux luxury tour.

Accommodation: Le Grand Hotel, Bordeaux.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

12Day 12: Depart Bordeaux

After breakfast you are transferred to Bordeaux Airport as your Luxury Gold journey comes to an end.

Meals: Breakfast

WHAT’S INCLUDED

Partner Details

Luxury Gold

In Business Since 1978

A world of immersive journeys awaits you, each with VIP experiences, exceptional dining, magnificent hotels and a Travelling Concierge who’s there to tailor everything to your desires.