Provence & The Côte D’Azur

Itinerary

Provence & the Côte d’Azur

Relax and unwind in the ultimate playground for the rich and the famous on the French Riviera!

We make our base in Toulon, a port city oozing with glamour and laid-back luxury, making it an ideal base for exploring the glamorous towns and picturesque landscapes of the Côte d'Azur. Pop your best sunglasses on and get ready to be dazzled by some of the most spectacular destinations along the Med, from iconic St Tropez and beautiful Marseille to the birthplace of Post-Impressionist painter, Paul Cezanne in Aix-En-Provence. We even have the chance to walk in the footsteps of the celebratory elite at Cannes and explore the home of perfume in Grasse. Simplement parfait!

Provence & the Côte d’Azur

Itinerary

Day 1

Ferry to Calais and overnight stay in France on a bed and breakfast basis.

Day 2

We continue to our hotel in Toulon, stopping en-route in Avignon for lunch and to see the famous medieval bridge the Pont d’Avignon. 

Day 3 – Walking City Tour of Toulon

Today we enjoy a walking tour of Toulon, a vibrant city, known for its beautiful sandy beaches and lively cultural scene. The city's old town, Le Mourillon, is characterised by narrow streets and colourful markets. At the same time, the waterfront provides stunning views of the harbour and the shimmering blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea.

Day 4 – St Tropez

We visit St Tropez on the French Riviera coast, a gem of a town that resonates with glamour and laid-back luxury. Known for its stunning beaches, azure waters, and a harbour filled with sleek yachts, this coastal town is a haven for the jet-set and art enthusiasts alike. Its charming old town, with narrow cobblestone streets and pastel-coloured buildings, exudes a quintessential Mediterranean charm. The place where artists like Matisse and Signac were inspired, St Tropez continues to captivate holidaymakers from all over the world, seeking sun-drenched vistas and opulent surroundings.

Day 5 – Optional excursion to Grasse and Cannes (£26pp)

We start this exciting day of sightseeing in the morning in Grasse, the world’s perfume capital. Located in the hills of the French Riviera, Grasse's history is as rich and layered as the fragrances that waft through its streets. Explore this picturesque town at your leisure, with its vibrant fields of flowers, charming medieval streets, and stunning panoramic views.

In the afternoon, we head to one of the most well-known spots on the French Rivera, famed for its international film festival – Cannes. The name is synonymous with glamour, luxury, and the finest in cinematic artistry. Stroll along La Croisette, the city's iconic boulevard lined with palm trees, high-end boutiques, and grand hotels. Cannes is not only a playground for the elite but also a city rich in culture, with historic sites like the Le Suquet district, offering panoramic views and a glimpse into the old-world charm of the Côte d'Azur.

Day 6 – Marseille and Cassis

Our first stop of the day is the oldest city in France, a bustling port city on the southern coast. The city has a rich history that spans back to antiquity. From the bustling Vieux Port, where fishermen sell their catch along the boat-lined quay, to the historic Le Panier neighbourhood with its narrow, winding streets and colourful markets, Marseille is a breathtaking city, full of culture and tradition.

Remember to take in the stunning city views from Notre-Dame de la Garde, also known as La Bonne Mère. This grand basilica sits atop La Garde Hill, the highest point in the city, and is a truly iconic symbol of Marseille.

Next, we continue to Cassis, a vibrant fishing town, overlooked by a centuries-old château. We stop here for lunch and time at leisure to explore the harbour and stroll down the esplanade, with its pastel-coloured buildings, small cobblestone passageways, gorgeous boutiques, cafes and restaurants. Fans of seafood will be in their element, with the freshest catch of the Côte d'Azur available. This is the perfect opportunity to book a table at a harbour side brasserie, sit back, and enjoy the views with a chilled glass of local Chassis wine before re-boarding the coach.

Day 7 – Aix-En-Provence

We enjoy a walking tour of Aix-en-Provence, a city of art and light and the birthplace of Post-Impressionist painter, Paul Cezanne. Nestled in the heart of Provence, this historic city is famed for its thermal hot springs and picturesque old town. We enjoy lunch and have time for shopping. Stroll through the bustling markets, admire the elegant fountains and charming cafes, and immerse yourself in the quintessential Provençal way of life. Afterwards, we return to our hotel for our last night and share a farewell dinner.

Day 8

Travel to our overnight hotel in France.

Day 9

Continue to Calais for our return ferry home.

Provence & the Côte d’Azur

• Return coach travel & ferry crossings
• First & last night on a bed & breakfast basis in France
• 6 nights at the Ibis Styles Toulon Centre in Toulon, France (JG3+ rating) with breakfast plus 3 dinners
• Excursions to St Tropez, Marseille, Cassis & Aix-En-Provence
• Guided walking tour of Toulon & Aix-En-Provence
• En-route visit to Avignon
• Services of a tour manager

Provence & the Côte d’Azur

• Excursions to St Tropez, Marseille, Cassis & Aix-En-Provence
• Guided walking tour of Toulon & Aix-En-Provence
• En-route visit to Avignon

JG3+

JG3+ hotels typically enjoy higher levels of satisfaction on both online hotel rating sites and our own customer satisfaction surveys and may enjoy superior locations close to resort attractions or surrounded by spectacular scenery.

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Accommodation

Ibis Styles Centre, Toulon

JG3+ rating

The Ibis Styles Toulon Centre is perfectly situated for our stay in the French Riviera. The hotel's proximity to the port makes it an ideal choice for those wishing to explore the naval history of Toulon or embark on a scenic cruise along the Côte d'Azur. The hotel offers a unique blend of comfort and convenience with a modern flair. All rooms are en-suite with flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi. The hotel features a restaurant with terrace seating and a bar.