Ultimate French Road Trip: Paris to the French Riviera - 21 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Paris, Cheese & Wine Tasting, Seine River Cruise 

Welcome to Paris! Upon arrival, a driver will pick you up at the airport and take you to your hotel. Once settled in, get ready for cheese and wine tasting in central Paris with your passionate expert guides. Taste aged and well-ripened artisanal cheeses in a 17th-century cellar, a chalet near Place de la République, and the famous Canal Saint-Martin. During this workshop, you'll learn the art of matching gruyere or camembert with wine and discover the wonders of great pairings. Enjoy a great diversity of combinations that will wow your guests at your next dinner party.

Day 2: Montmartre & Sacré Coeur, Pastry & Chocolate Tour

As one of the authentic must-see neighborhoods of Paris, Montmartre offers a romantic glimpse into an era when raucous cabarets, bohemian soirees, and unbridled creativity were the norm. On this self-guided exploration, start in front of the Moulin Rouge and continue to the Sacré-Coeur Basilica. Explore this village within a city and discover great food locales, tiny trendy boutiques, and a bird's-eye view of Paris that you've got to see to believe. If you want, stop at Picasso's studio and admire Montmartre's old-world village charm that inspired the Impressionists.

Day 3: Hidden Paris Bicycle Tour, Free Afternoon in the Marais

Discover Paris' charming back streets, local neighborhoods, and untold stories on today's one-of-a-kind bike tour. Seek out secret gardens, Roman ruins, hidden passageways, and many more surprises as you traverse the city on two wheels. With your guide, start in the Marais district and follow a carefully planned route through quaint little streets and bike lanes. Along the way, see famous Paris graffiti, Paris' ancient city walls, the Place des Vosges, Jim Morrison's house, the Bastille, the Instagram-famous Jardin des Plantes, and the Grande Mosquée de Paris.

After your bike tour, you're free to explore the Marais at your own pace. Begin at the Hotel de Ville and the esplanade, the site of public executions back in the day. Visit the elegant Place des Vosges, the second oldest square in Paris and home to many historical characters, such as writer Victor Hugo, Colette, and dancer Isadora Duncan. No less than 36 private mansions were initially built around this royal square. Stroll through the historic Jewish quarter on the medieval Rue des Rosiers and enjoy this bustling and fashionable Marais artery.

Day 5: Cycle Lac d'Annecy, Cheese Fondue at La Ferme de la Charbonniere

Set out on a scenic bike ride following the shores of Annecy's turquoise-blue lake. Enjoy fantastic views stretching from one side to the other as you pass quaint villages and beautiful castles. With snow-capped peaks in the background, there are many exciting places to stop and admire the view or even have a coffee halfway through. In the summer, bring your bathing suit for a dip in the lake at the end of your ride and relax in the sun with warm croissants and coffee.

Day 6: Drive to Chamonix, Montenvers Train to Mer de Glace

Pick up your rental car this morning and head to higher altitudes as you make your way to Chamonix, where the mountains loom large almost everywhere you look. Chamonix has a long history as a winter sports hub, and its downtown hums with life, boasting streets lined with Michelin-starred restaurants, sports gear shops, and some of the French Alps' fanciest hotels.

Day 7: Aiguille de Midi Alpine Cable Car, Rafting in Chamonix Valley

Aiguille du Midi is one of the highest mountain peaks near Chamonix and is an unmissable destination. In just 20 minutes, a ride on the Aiguille du Midi cable car will take you from the center of town to the high mountains, reaching an altitude of 12,604 feet (3,842 m). On arrival, you'll access the viewing platforms offering a breathtaking view across the French, Swiss, and Italian Alps. A lift will then take you to the highest deck, where you can take in an uninterrupted panorama of Mont Blanc. Thrill seekers will love the glass viewing box as you look down over 3,200 feet (1,000 m) below. 

After spending the morning among the peaks, it's time to head to the valley floor and explore by rafting along the glacier waters of the Arve, a legendary playground of the Mont Blanc region. Get your adrenaline going as you weave down white-water rapids covering a length of over 4 miles (6 km). With your guide, you'll navigate through the turbulent mountain river waters along a fun route for the entire family at the foot of Mont Blanc.

Day 8: Relax at QC Thermes Chamonix Mont Blanc

After several days of cycling and exploring mountains and rivers, soothe those aching muscles at the Alpine wellness center of QC Terme Chamonix. This spa echoes the philosophy of ancient Imperial Rome, which placed water at the center of satisfying body and spirit. As in the ancient Baths of Caracalla, Diocletian, and Trajan, the aqueduct water is heated to 93°F to 96°F (34°C to 36°C), making the experience unforgettable. Enjoy using the hot baths, massage treatments, sauna, and steam rooms as you gear up for a change of scenery tomorrow.

Day 9: Drive to Lyon

Today you'll drive west to Lyon, France's third most populous city. A bustling university town renowned for its gastronomy, its compact center is easily explored on foot. An excellent place to start is the UNESCO-listed Old Town and the Presqu'île, a piece of land surrounded by the Saône and Rhône Rivers. Here you can wander the narrow cobblestoned streets in search of the famous traboules (hidden passageways). Get a view of it all by walking up to the Fourviere Basilica for a panorama of the whole city.

Day 10: Cultural & Culinary Walking Tour, Hot Air Balloon Over Beaujolais

Start your day with a walking tour of Old Lyon. You'll learn about its history and heritage as your guide takes you through the famous medieval-covered passageways. You can't visit the city without talking about food, so the tour will be punctuated with several tastings of local specialties. It's the perfect occasion to learn about Lyonnaise gastronomy and discover its traditional recipes and gourmet secrets. Visit Les Halles de Lyon to browse high-quality ingredients and locally-made products, then sit down at one of the many bouchons (traditional restaurants) for an authentic lunch.

Day 11: Lyon Food Tour, Drive to Saint-Rémy-de-Provence

Today, delve into Lyon's gastronomy one more time with a food tour through the covered market and city center. Hear the stories of regional dishes, local restaurants, and famed Lyonnais chefs while you eat. After a copious lunch, drive three hours south to Provence. Between Avignon and Arles, within the majestic setting of the Alpilles, lies your base for the next three nights in Saint-Rémy-en-Provence. Once you've checked in at your hotel, explore winding streets, shaded boulevards, and squares adorned with old fountains, cafés, and restaurants—all invitations to slow down and enjoy the Provençal way of life.

If you're up for it, visit the archaeological site of Glanum and its ancient monuments, such as the Triumphal Arch and the Jules Mausoleum, both exceptional legacies of Late Antiquity. The town, which witnessed the birth of Nostradamus, was and still is a source of inspiration for many artists. Seduced by the setting and atmosphere, many have chosen to live here, and numerous studios and art galleries thrive in the town center.

Day 12: Explore the Alpilles by E-Bike, Châteauneuf-du-Pape Wine Tour

Explore the steep, narrow roads of the Alpilles with ease today by electric bike. Choose one of many scenic routes to wind through amazing landscapes of ancient olive trees and precariously-perched villages to reach the immersive exhibition of Le Carrières de Lumières (Quarries of Lights), which hosts an extraordinary multimedia show. On the ruins of an old stone quarry, images of masterpieces are projected onto open-air walls, the ground, and the pillars of the quarry, allowing you to enjoy the works of the greatest names in art history.

For a slower-paced excursion, spend your afternoon wine tasting at Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Starting in Avignon, your local guide will lead you on a scenic drive through Rhône Valley vineyards to learn about grape varieties and terroir before sampling some of the finest wines from the region at two different estates. You'll also explore the small village of Châteauneuf-du-Pape and climb to the ruins of Castel Gandolfo, once the summer residence of the Popes of Avignon and now a prime spot for panoramic views over the surrounding countryside.

Day 13: Luberon Markets & Villages

Embark on a full-day guided tour east of Saint-Rémy to the beautiful Luberon region, a massif in central Provence comprised of three mountain ranges dotted with medieval hill towns. Spend some time in the stone-built town of Gordes, in the heart of the Vaucluse mountains, and wander through its bustling Provençal market and along the charming rocky cliffs. This village dominates the landscape, so admire the breathtaking views.

Next, discover the village of Roussillon and its colorful houses. Get a taste of authentic Provençal life by strolling through one of Luberon's most beautiful markets, Lourmarin, also famous for its Renaissance castle. Then it's off to L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, where you'll walk along the various canals and discover some of the over 300 antique shops. Keep your eyes peeled, and you might find the perfect treasure to take home with you. Drive to Fontaine de Vaucluse, walk up to the cave where the River Sorgue emerges, and soak in the beautiful panoramic views before returning to Saint-Remy for the evening.

Day 14: Drive to Marseille, Cruise in the Calanques 

Get ready for a change of scenery as you leave the calm of the mountains and head south toward the vibrant city of Marseille. Once you're squared away at your hotel, spend the morning exploring this historic Mediterranean hub. Start with the colorful district of Le Panier. This is the "old Marseille" where the city was founded. It's a working-class enclave near the central port and is the picture of Mediterranean beauty, with old plazas, ancient churches, and brightly colored facades on tenement buildings. You'll also find street art on the walls as colorful frescoes.

In the afternoon, head to the Vieux Port (Old Port) to take a catamaran cruise of the Calanques. Sail along the Calanques National Park coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with white cliffs that jut out of the turquoise waters. You'll pass La Madrague, Les Goudes, and Callelongue before reaching the fishing village of Cassis. Admire the rocky coastline that stretches along the Mediterranean as you swim and sunbathe. When you return, have an authentic dinner of bouillabaisse (fish stew) at the Vieux Port.

Day 15: Drive to Le Lavandou

Day 16: Day Cruise to Port-Cros & Île de Porquerolles

Day 17: Drive to Nice via Saint-Tropez

Visit Saint-Tropez on today's drive east up the coast to Nice. Brigitte Bardot came to this peaceful fishing village in the 1950s to film "Et Dieu Créa la Femme" (And God Created Woman) and transformed it overnight into a sizzling jet-set favorite. Despite the sexy image of oversized yachts with bling-bling visitors, this village has a quiet side. Leave the Old Port behind, meander the cobbled lanes in the old fishing quarter of La Ponche, sip pastis at a Place des Lices café, and watch older men play pétanque beneath plantain trees. Or, walk in solitary splendor from beach to beach along the coastal pathways.

Day 18: Day Trip to Monaco & Eze

Visit Monaco today but first, make a stop to discover the medieval village of Eze, one of the most picturesque sites on the French Riviera. Follow cobbled streets to reach the village's summit, where you'll find an exotic garden and castle ruins with dramatic views from 1,400 feet (427 m) above the coast. Visit the famous Fragonard perfume factory down in the village, then continue to the town of La Turbie, also called the "Monaco terrace" because of its panoramic view of the principality. Once you reach Monaco, spend the afternoon in the Old Town on "Le Rocher" (the Rock) overlooking the sea and harbor.

Day 19: Market Tour & Cooking Class, Cannes, Antibes & Saint-Paul-de-Vence 

Learn to shop and cook like a true Niçois! Your day begins at 9.30 am at the Cours Saleya Market. The narrow maze of centuries-old Vieux Nice streets opens onto this splendid space, lined with bars, cafés, and fish restaurants on either side and market stalls down the center. You'll build a meal with the chef using the best of the season's produce, fish, poultry, or meat. Afterward, head to the cooking studio not far from the market where the cooking class will take place. Finally, sit down to an authentic Niçois meal and toast your efforts with a glass of local rosé.

You'll also have the option to visit nearby Cannes, Antibes, and Saint-Paul-de-Vence. Walk on the famous steps of the Palais des Festivals in Cannes, then follow the seaside toward Antibes and discover the Old Town surrounded by ramparts. Antibes has become a contemporary art focus thanks to Picasso, who spent a part of his life there. See the Cap d'Antibes peninsula between Antibes and the seaside resort of Juan-les-Pins, and visit Saint-Paul-de-Vence, a magnificent fortified village dating from the 11th century that attracted painters (like Chagall, Picasso, Matisse) and authors searching for inspiration. 

Day 20: Boat Ride to Île Sainte-Marguerite, Cap Dramont & Île d'Or

It's a short boat ride from Cannes to Sainte-Marguerite, an exceptional island where nature and relaxation are never too far away. As soon as you arrive, you will be captivated by the fragrance of pine and eucalyptus in the air. Follow marked trails on a botanical and historical site tour, strolling by the Batéguier pond with its numerous species of migratory birds and on to the Pointe de la Convention to find unique plants. Continue to the Fort Royal, where the Man in the Iron Mask was imprisoned in the 17th century. The Maritime Museum, sheltered within a fortified enclosure, offers a fascinating insight into the area's history.

For a more relaxed afternoon, you could also take a half-day catamaran cruise starting from the Old Port of Saint-Raphaël. Sail past Cap Dramont before anchoring near Île d'Or (Golden Island), where you can swim, snorkel, or paddle board. Enjoy the sea and the sun alongside snacks and drinks as you spend the final day of your French odyssey in style. 

Day 21: Depart Nice

After a final morning of Riviera sunshine, it's time to say au revoir and drive to the Nice International Airport to drop off your vehicle. From there, you'll catch a flight home or on to your next destination. Bon voyage!

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