Paris & the South of France - 7 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Nice, Gateway to the Côte d'Azur

Welcome to Nice! Upon arrival at the airport or train station, a driver will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel in the city center. From here, you'll have the rest of the day to explore at your own pace. Nicknamed "Nissa La Bella" (Nice the Beautiful) for its artistic spirit, grand plazas, and crescent-shaped pebble beaches, this is inarguably the most famous city on the French Riviera (or the Côte d'Azur as it's more commonly known to locals).

After settling in at your hotel, spend the rest of your afternoon getting your bearings with a relaxed stroll. Start among the narrow cobblestone streets of Vieille Ville (Old Town), lined with pastel-colored buildings and shops selling everything from soap to wine. Make your way to the waterfront for Mediterranean views from the famous Promenade des Anglais, then pick a spot for dinner to sample Provençal classics like pissaladière (puff pastry studded with sweet onions, olives, and anchovies) and bouillabaisse (seafood stew).

Day 2: Scenic Riviera Tour: Èze, Monaco & Monte Carlo

No need to set your alarm—this morning is free for you to sleep in or take a leisurely stroll to a local café for a late breakfast. Later on, you'll set off to see more of the French Riviera with a guided drive up the coast, following the dizzying Grand Corniche (Upper Corniche), the highest of the region's three coastal roads. Stop first in the picturesque medieval village of Èze, and follow cobbled streets to reach its summit, where you'll find an exotic garden and castle ruins with dramatic views from 1,400 feet (427 m) above the coast.

You'll also have time to visit the famous Fragonard perfume factory before getting back on the road, pausing in La Turbie for panoramic views as you approach Monaco. Descend to the ritzy independent principality and admire its neo-Roman Cathedral, the circular Palais de Justice, and the Oceanographic Museum. You'll also explore neighboring Monte Carlo, home to the Formula One Grand Prix track and the lavish Casino de Monte Carlo. When you've had your fill of Monégasque excess, sit back and enjoy different views on the drive back to Nice via the Basse Corniche (Lower Corniche).

Day 3: Guided Tour of Cannes, Antibes & Saint-Paul-de-Vence

Meet your guide this morning and set off for more Côte d'Azur sightseeing, this time heading south down the coast. Start with a stop in Cannes, where you can channel your inner movie star as you climb the famous steps of the Palais des Festivals and stroll past grand hotels and crescent beaches on the Boulevard de la Croisette. Next, follow the seaside toward Antibes, known for its mazelike Old Town enclosed by 16th-century walls and the star-shaped Fort Carré. Here, rich history collides with luxurious yachts at the marina and grand villas that dot the peninsula. 

You'll also see the Cap d'Antibes peninsula between Antibes and Juan-les-Pins, and visit Saint-Paul-de-Vence, an 11th-century fortified village that attracted painters (like Chagall, Picasso, Matisse) and authors searching for inspiration. Browse the boutiques and art galleries that line its cobbled streets, then return to Nice in time for a late lunch. You'll have the rest of the afternoon free to spend as you please; if the weather's warm, you could head down to the beach, or stroll uphill to the Cimiez neighborhood to see the remains of a Roman amphitheater and the renowned Musée Matisse.

Day 4: Fly to Paris, Evening Cruise on the Seine

Trade Nice for Paris today, with a short flight north to the City of Light. France's beguiling capital needs no introduction. More than a city, it's an identity, one defined by romance, history, art, and some of the world's best cuisine. Upon arrival at the airport, your personal driver will be waiting to transfer you to your accommodation, after which you can drop off your luggage and relax after the flight.

The Seine River is the lifeblood of Paris, so when you're ready to start exploring, board a boat for a one-hour cruise starting from the Eiffel Tower. The vessel's all-glass windows and open-air observation deck ensure that you'll get front-row views of city highlights as you cruise, passing landmarks like the Champs-Elysées, the Musée d'Orsay, and the spires of Notre-Dame along the way.

Day 5: Visit the Palace & Park of Versailles, Evening at the Eiffel Tower

Step back to the times of kings and queens with a visit to the Palace and Park of Versailles. This former royal residence, once the hunting pavilion of Louis XIII, was transformed into an opulent and decadent testament to France's "Le Grand Siècle" (the Great Century) by Louis XIV. You'll have the opportunity to see some of the 2,300 rooms that make up the palace, as well as the surrounding gardens. 

Meet your guide in Paris for the drive to Versailles, then use your skip-the-line tickets and an informative audio guide to explore the opulent rooms of the king and queen, the Royal Chapel, the Hall of Mirrors, and more. End with a walk through the perfectly manicured gardens, designed by landscape architect André Le Nôtre and considered the best example of French-style formal gardens in the world. 

Following the tour, you'll return to Paris in the early afternoon with plenty of daylight to cross something else off your list—a trip up the grand "Iron Lady" herself, the Eiffel Tower. Conceived by Gustave Eiffel as a temporary exhibit for the 1889 World's Fair, this 1,050-foot (320 m) Art Nouveau masterpiece has stood the test of time and remains one of the world's great landmarks. A ticket gives you access to the first two floors and elevators to the observation deck. There, you can look out over Paris lit up at night. 

Day 6: Le Marais Chocolate & Pastry Tour, Free Afternoon

Start your day off in true Parisian fashion with a guided chocolate and pastry-tasting walk through Le Marais, one of the city's most vibrant neighborhoods. Follow your friendly foodie guide through the picturesque streets and historic squares as they share fascinating insights about the area's rich history and culinary scene. Along the way, you'll visit pâtisseries, boulangeries, and chocolateries cherished by locals, uncovering the secrets behind Paris' world-renowned sweet treats. Depending on the season, you might savor a scoop of artisanal ice cream or warm up with a mug of silky hot chocolate.

Throughout the walk, your guide will also share intriguing stories about Le Marais' history, including its days as the headquarters for the Knights Templar, its vibrant Jewish culture, and its significance in Paris' LGBTQ+ community. The remainder of the afternoon is free, perfect for you to fit in a few hours at one of the city's world-class museums. Beyond big hitters like the Musée du Louvre, consider the Musée d'Orsay's exceptional Impressionist collection and the Centre Pompidou's cache of modern and contemporary art.

Day 7: Depart Paris

It's time to say goodbye to France! At the designated time, you'll be picked up from your hotel by a private driver and transferred to the airport for your departure home or next destination. Au revoir! 

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