This is an amazing nine-day France Peregrine Escorted Tour starting in Paris, and down through the centre of France, finishing up in Nice. It is generally available from May to October, which is the best time to visit Paris, in summer and early autumn.
When you arrive on the first day, you will meet your tour director and travelling companions at a welcoming meeting. Later in the evening, there will be a welcome dinner at a Parisian restaurant. If you arrive in the city early, it is a great idea to unpack your bags and then get out and explore as much as you can. There are dozens of tiny little cafes, art galleries, and boutiques in the cobbled streets of Montmartre which overlook the world famous Eiffel Tower.
Naturally, you will want to go to the top of the Eiffel Tower if you have never been there before. The view over the city is absolutely stunning. There is so much to do in Paris that you will probably instantly want to come back there for a week or perhaps two.
However, even in a couple of days you can see all the major sights and points of interest such as the Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre, the Musee d’Orsay, and more. You can stroll through the pretty little lanes of the Latin Quarter, or if you fancy shopping, you can go to St Germain. Why not relax in the Luxembourg Gardens, with a baguette and cheese?
On day three, you will leave Paris by train and travel to Dijon, the city where they create one of the most famous mustards in the world. From Dijon, you will discover the beautiful region of Burgundy which is not only one of the wealthiest private provinces in France, but is also home to some of its most splendid wines. The city itself is full of narrow winding streets and mediaeval and Renaissance architecture.
You will visit one of the area’s most famous vineyards in Beaune, following which you lunch at the Michelin starred Caveau des Arches restaurant, hidden in the vaults beneath a 16th century fortified bridge. You will also have free time to wander about the city and explore to your hearts content.
On the following day, you travel to a beautiful French château where you can relax and enjoy the stunning countryside, taking in some of the wonderful local cuisine, and obviously, the wines. Why else come to Burgundy?
On the following day you travel by train to Avignon, which is a wonderful walled city containing a grand papal palace, once home to French Popes. You can also see the Pont du Benezet, which was immortalised in a French folk song as the Bridge of Avignon.
Have lunch in a local bistro, sampling the Provencal cuisine together with more wine, obviously. You have an extra day in Avignon to explore as you wish. Many people hop on a train to Arles, which is full of arts and crafts shops, and has many Roman monuments.
Finally, continue southwards by train to the Cote D’Azur and Nice, which has beautiful beaches and wonderful shopping. One of the things that you must see is the evening flower market in Place Saleya.
Of course, if you want to extend your trip you can go to Monaco, St Tropez, or explore the perfume manufacturers in Grasse.
As ever, this sort of trip is best undertaken in the summertime, although the Mediterranean coast will be quite comfortable in winter also.
