Easy Pace France

Easy Pace France

This unique escorted tour combines signature business class travel, expert Tour Directors and hand picked hotels in the best locations, and showcases the very best sights and scenery of France.

As far as location goes, France occupies the box seat of Europe. Neither protruding like Italy or cut off like Britain, it is central but not surrounded, protected by natural borders like the Pyrenees and the Alps. Perhaps that‘s why it’s been the force majeure of European history for centuries. Throw in the French penchant for art, architecture and gastronomy and you have one of the world’s top destinations.

In Paris marvel at the world-famous treasures of the Louvre and ascend to the viewing platforms of the Eiffel Tower to enjoy the glorious views.

Journey to historic Avignon, which became the Papal residence when the Popes where driven from Rome by conflict. Walk through the medieval battlements to reach the town centre, dominated by the fortified Papal Palace.

Sample the famous Châteauneuf-du-Pape and learn what to look for in a robust red! Apparently the colour, fragrance and how it clings to the glass is as important as the taste. Join a wine expert for an introduction to the wonderful wines of this region.

Rub shoulders with the jet-set on the glamorous Côte d'Azur during a three-night stay in Monaco. Visit the hilltop town of St Paul de Vence and unlock the secrets of the French perfume industry. Back in Monte Carlo enjoy a celebration meal of typical French cuisine with wine at a Monegasque restaurant before trying your luck at the world famous casinos.

What's Included:

• Return flights.
• 9 nights in hotels (accommodation as specified or similar).
• Mixed meal plan basis.
• All excursions, transfers and listed activities.
• Services of an experienced tour leader.
• Headsets for all guided visits and walking tours
• Luxury air-conditioned, 40-guest coaches with extra legroom and onboard restroom
• Complimentary bottled water on board your luxury touring coach.
• Baggage handling throughout the tour.
• Hotel and restaurant tips.
• Airport arrival and departure transfers on Day 1 and Day 10.
• Door to door transfers.

Day 1: Arrive in Paris

On arrival at Charles de Gaulle Airport, Insight's Airport Transfer Service departs for your hotel at 08:30, 11:00 & 13:30. The afternoon is yours to relax and settle in. Later, join your Tour Director for a warm and friendly Welcome Reception and the opportunity to mingle and get to know each other over a pleasant evening of dinner and wine.
Overnight - Pullman Paris Bercy Meals - Dinner

Day 2: Paris, Romantic Capital on the Seine

In the mid 19th century, Baron Haussmann transformed much of medieval Paris into something more modern; admire his work on a morning city tour with a local expert. See all the main sights; Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre, Place de la Concorde, Champs Elysées, the Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower. Ascend to the viewing platforms of the Eiffel Tower for spectacular views of the city.
Overnight - Pullman Paris Bercy Meals - Breakfast

Day 3: Free Time in Paris

There is certainly no shortage of things to do and see in this great capital city! You could cruise on the Seine or ascend the hill of Montmartre by mini-train, for superb panoramic views? Why not enjoy a pleasant hour or two watching the passers-by from a Parisian café. Perhaps meet the enigmatic Mona Lisa in the Louvre, or visit the impressionist paintings of the Musée d'Orsay? After admiring Monet's famous water lillies, you could join an optional trip to the country house and garden which inspired him to paint them?
Overnight - Pullman Paris Bercy Meals - Breakfast

Day 4: TGV train through Provence to Nimes

Board your comfortable TGV train for a journey through fertile vineyards and agricultural lands to Provence. See the greatest of the Roman remains, the incredible three-tiered Pont du Gard, before arriving at the old Roman city of Nîmes. During your orientation, gaze up at the Roman Arena - you'll see it's more complete and better preserved than even Rome's Colosseum. You'll also see the 2,000 year old Maison Carrée, one of Europe's finest Roman temples. Relax over dinner at your hotel tonight.
Overnight - Hotel Imperator Nimes Meals - Breakfast & Dinner

Day 5: Avignon and the Wines of Châteauneuf-du-Pape

In the morning, journey to historic Avignon, which became the Papal residence when the Popes where driven from Rome by conflict. Here the rapidly flowing river passes under the few remaining arches of the 12th century Pont Saint-Benezet, the Pont d'Avignon of the famous song. Walk through the medieval battlements to reach the town centre, dominated by the fortified Papal Palace. Now follow the Rhone to the village of Châteauneuf-du-Pape for an introduction to the wonderful wines of this region. A votre santé! Return to Nîmes this afternoon where you are at leisure. Perhaps spend time in the bustling market, admiring the fantastic local produce.
Overnight - Hotel Imperator Nimes Meals - Breakfast

Day 6: Arles and the Camargue

The next day, drive to the beautiful town of Arles, ancient capital of Gaul and follow in the footsteps of Vincent Van Gogh during an orientation trip. The Camargue begins at the gates of Arles, so return to Nîmes through part of this unique landscape. Soak up the atmosphere at an outdoor café, visit the modern Carré d'Art or cool off amid the canals and shady walks of the Jardin de la Fontaine. As night falls, perhaps join the locals for a glass of the local wine or ‘pastis' in the bars and restaurants. Or even take an optional experience to Aigues Mortes, completely encircled by ramparts? For your dining pleasure, you are offered a fine selection of local restaurants to choose from on your Dine-Around Evening. Bon appetit!
Overnight - Hotel Imperator Nimes Meals - Breakfast & Dinner

Day 7: Aix-en-Provence, St. Paul de Vence to Monaco

Join the highway to Aix-En-Provence, “the most beautiful town in France after Paris”. See the elegant mansions and bustling cafés of the Cours Mirabeau, then continue to the hilltop village of St. Paul de Vence, where contemporary painters perpetuate art as a living tradition. A walk through its winding streets reveals elegant fountains, vine-covered stone walls and views of mountains and sea. Drive on to the Principality of Monaco, ruled by the Grimaldi family since the 13th century.
Overnight - Fairmont Monte Carlo Meals - Breakfast

Day 8: Monaco and the Côte d’Azur

Wake up ready for two full days to rub shoulders with the jet-set on the glamorous Côte d'Azur! Unlock the secrets of the French perfume industry with a visit to a perfumery, where fragrance experts waft exclusive scents from stoppered bottles. Back in Monaco, drive along part of the Grand Prix circuit. Then walk with your Tour Director through the old town to see the Royal Palace, where the Grimaldi family lives, the yacht-filled harbour and the cathedral, housing the tombs of the late Prince Rainier and Princess Grace. The rest of the day is completely free to explore this fashionable resort, or venture further afield.
Overnight - Fairmont Monte Carlo Meals - Breakfast

Day 9: Free Time in Monaco

Easy Pace means more time at leisure. Maybe have a late breakfast or take an optional trip to the magnificent villa of the Baroness Rothschild, situated on Cap Ferrat? In the afternoon, perhaps spot the celebrities or do some last minute shopping in the exclusive boutiques. This evening, join your new found friends for a Celebration Dinner with local wine before your last chance to try your luck in one of the casinos of Monte Carlo. A perfect finalé to your journey through France.
Overnight - Fairmont Monte Carlo Meals - Breakfast & Dinner

Day 10: Au revoir Nice

Bid au revoir to the sunny French Riviera this morning. Insight's airport transfers arrive at Nice Airport at 06:15 & 09:00.
Meals - Breakfast