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Perfumes
Flavours &
Colours of
France
15
nights – a relaxed journey through
Provence
–
Burgundy
–
Loire
Preliminary
Itinerary
6th
to 21st September 2012
Provence is a
tapestry of colour, texture, flavour and the perfume of lavender, thyme,
and mint. An inspiring landscape dotted with castles of the Old Kingdom
all the way from
Cňte d’Azur
to
Alpilles. In this land of
myth and magic where the Wars of Religion raged sorcerers and saints will
vie for your heart. Meander Provencŕl markets, sip splendid wine, explore
hundreds of cheeses and let melt in the mouth morsels seduce you.
Walk
the ramparts of medieval Beaune surrounded by fairytale castles and taste
Burgundy
’s splendid wines over a long lunch in the vineyards. The Ducal city of
Dijon hides architectural treasures, and travelling along the Valley of
the River Rhone we’ll visit the Abbey of Cluny which rose in the
1100’s, as well as the enchanting village of Včzelay, from where we’ll
reach the Valley of the River Loire where Kings and Queens of France
constructed immense Chŕteau and filled them with extravagances of the
Kingdom of the Sun.
Day
1. Arrival in Nice – Vence – Chapelle du Rosaire by Matisse
Thursday
6 September: Our journey begins when you arrive at Nice
International
Airport. Judith, and your host in
France, will be there to meet you.
This spectacular corner of
Provence
is blessed with a warm climate and a sunny image, expressed in a delicious
cuisine and refreshing wines. Our first 4 nights will be spent in charming
accommodation on the hills above
Cňte d’Azur
in the Alpes Maritimes, around 22 k from Nice. You can sip a glass of wine
overlooking the sea and rooftops of quaint villages of the hinterland.
This afternoon, once unpacked and relaxed into your surroundings, (subject
to the time of your arrival), we’ll visit the Chapelle du Rosaire
totally designed and decorated by Matisse – it is only open a couple of
times a week, so this is our only opportunity. Then we can stroll around
the
village
of
Vence
which hides peaceful streets behind its fortified walls with amazing views
of the bay and rocky massif mountains. It is an animated village with
lovely churches and squares, boutiques, and gorgeous pastry shops. You
will be able to walk into Vence whenever you wish. It takes about 10-12
minutes from our hotel.
Overnight
***Hotel Vence, Alpes Maritimes.
Provencŕl
Dinner with wines included.
Day
2. Nice - Cours Saleya Market -
St Paul de Vence
Friday
7 September: Even in winter, the café in Vieux Nice – the old town
market area - are filled with
people contemplating the Promenade des Anglais facing the
Bay
of
Angels
. Nice is a city of
Belle Epoch
architecture, famous for its grand 19th century hotels like the
Negresco. We cannot miss the fabulous market on Cours Saleya. The flower
market is amazing, and although you may not want to miss trying pissaladičres,
the famed onion, anchovy and olive tarts, it may be that the aroma and the
smile of the charismatic crepe maker – just as famous as the market
itself – with her colourful dress and head turban, will be too much to
resist. If you prefer, you can find your way to the Matisse Musče. Having
visited Nice, it is time to visit Vence’s sister village, Saint Paul de
Vence, filled with art galleries, sculpture workshops and boutiques, all
tucked between the boulangerie and patisserie, and set in the meandering
stone pathways between ancient houses. There are plenty of bistro and cafč
in
St Paul
, and you can walk to the top of the town and the follow the battlements
– if you can tear yourself away from an enchanting village.
Overnight
***Hotel Vence, Alpes Maritimes.
Day
3. Confiserie Florian - Domaine Centifoglia Grasse - Molinard
Perfumery – Mougins
Saturday
8 September: We have many spectacular visits to make today! Confiserie
Florian in the tiny village of Le Pont du Loup is where we’ll watch the
production and taste exquisite sweet morsels of Provence where gardens and
orchards result in glazed and sugared fruit confectionary. We’ll visit a
marvellous rose garden near
Grasse
, world capital of perfume. Rose petals are delicately picked and taken to
the distillery where the rose essence is transformed into the basis for
many of
France
’s optimum perfumes. The May rose called Centifoglia is a perfume flower
that has long been the symbol of
Grasse
. In
Grasse
township we will visit the Molinard Perfumery to see the distillation and
production of fabulous soaps, essences and creams made with the myriad of
flowers grown around
Grasse
. At Mougins, a handful of kilometres away, we’ll sit down to a Plat du
Jour. After lunch you’ll have free time to stroll around the
village
of
Mougins
, browsing the art studios, pottery and stunning fabrics. Mougins is
situated above the
Bay
of
Cannes
. Picasso lived here in 1936, along with Jean Cocteau and Man Ray. A
photographic museum immortalises Picasso. Time permitting, we’ll travel
to Juan les Pins for a look before going home.
Overnight
***Hotel Vence, Alpes Maritimes. Plat du Jour Lunch with wines included.
Day
4. Principality of
Monaco
-
Monte Carlo
- Eze
Sunday
9 September: Our excursion today takes us down to the splendid
Cňte d’Azur
where we’ll travel parallel with the sea. We’ll visit Eze, perched on
a cliff like an eagle’s nest, passing as we enter the Fragonard perfume
outlet. Eze is a warren of oddly angled streets and stairways decked with
cacti and flowers. A Jardin Exotique in the grounds of a ruined castle at
the top of the town overlooks the splendid blue sea where marvellous
succulents and cacti thrive. You’ll also find brilliant glass blowers,
scented products and artisans of exceptional international quality. Later
in the day we’ll go to the Principality of Monaco to visit
Monte Carlo
when it is quieter. The recent Royal Wedding at
Monaco
caused quite a sensation! But aside from royalty, this is a tax haven for
the world’s richest people who come to live in the sensationally
beautiful waterside apartments. You’ll see the
Royal
Palace
in a magnificent setting overlooking the azure sea, and the Cathedral
where Princess Grace and her Prince are entombed.
Overnight
***Hotel Vence, Alpes Maritimes.
Day
5. Saint Remy de Provence
Monday
10 September: We leave the
Cňte d’Azur
and the Alpes Maritimes this morning and begin our journey to the heart of
Provence
and the gorgeous
village
of
St Remy
de
Provence
situated in the Alpilles, its ancient streets lined with beautifully
restored houses. The beauty of the countryside inspired artists, writers
and painters; the most famous was Vincent Van Gogh who produced more than
150 paintings here. We will stay 4 nights at a Mas Farmhouse within a few
minutes comfortable walking distance of St Remy. Once we arrive, and you
unpack and settle into your room, we’ll discover Saint Remy, acquainting
ourselves with this enchanting village filled with enticing boutiques, art
workshops and studios. You will quickly be seduced by Saint Remy’s charm
as you come across fountains, shady caffč and elegant boutiques. Maybe
you’ll just stand in one of Van Gogh’s yellow sunsets!
Overnight
***Mas Farmhouse St Remy de Provence. Dinner with wine included.
Day
6.
Avignon
–Palais des Papes
Tuesday
11 September: This morning we’ll travel to the city of
Avignon
, which is about 25 k from Saint Remy.
Avignon
is a sophisticated city, filled with boutiques, lively restaurants, clubs
and street performers, but it is the monumental Palace of the Popes which
takes centre stage, which we’ll visit this morning with a guide to take
us through the labyrinth like chambers to see the frescoes, tapestries and
banquet rooms. This is a glimpse of life in the 1300’s at the very time
the plague devastated
Avignon
– thought to be a curse on the schismatic Papacy. We’ll walk the
ramparts and see the remains of the bridge over the river to the still
standing Tower of Philippe the Fair and you’ll have free time before we
return to St. Rémy.
Overnight
***Mas Farmhouse St Remy de Provence
Day
7. St
Remy de Provence – Les Baux
Wednesday
12 September: Market day in Saint Remy! The morning is yours to meander
around St Remy, to see and smell the vitality of herbs, spices, fish,
olives and cheese as well as gaily coloured fabrics of
Provence
. You can visit the tantalising boutiques and art shops and enjoy lunch in
the heart of one of
Provence
’s most memorable villages. After lunch we’ll visit Les Baux, a
rock-top fortress and a magnificent site of feudal ruins, a huge castle
and graceful Renaissance homes; it was razed by a vindictive Louis XIII in
1632. After Les Baux, we’ll travel to
Arles
to the Roman Amphitheatre, one of the many well preserved Roman monuments
in
Arles
, and a walk through town with the locals.
Overnight
***Mas Farmhouse St Remy de Provence. Dinner with wine included.
Day
8. Fontaine de Vaucluse – Gordes – Abbey of Senanque
Thursday
13 September: An excursion takes us to the valley of the Luberon to
Fontaine de Vaucluse, the name given to the mysterious abyss that plunges
down to unknown depths harbouring the frigid waters of the Sorge. From
here it is a short ride to the glorious
village
of
Gordes
, one of the most beautiful in
Provence
with its monumental castle and famous white stones. After visiting Gordes,
we’ll make our way to the splendid Abbey of Senanque which is famous for
row upon row of lavender – a symbol of
Provence
. Full flowering will be over by the time of our visit, but it is
nevertheless a wonderful experience to see the Abbey in a stunning setting
and listen to the bells peal over the countryside. The Abbey is not a
“tourist” site, it is a religious home for a community of Cistercian
monks.
Overnight
***Mas Farmhouse St Remy de Provence.
Day
9. Central Rhone - Tain L’ Hermitage – Valrohna Chocolates-
Vienne
Friday
14 September: We’ll set off to central
Rhone
this morning. At Tain L’Hermitage and Tournon sur Rhňne the Valley at
its most medieval – remains of fortresses and towers line both banks of
the river, legacies of more violent times. Crossing the river on the
suspension foot bridge you’ll have a marvellous view of the hill of
Hermitage – a name that causes wine lovers to adopt a reverential air. A
powerful landscape, the hill of Hermitage is a huge, grey, largely granite
rock thrusting up from the countryside, even forcing the mighty Rhňne to
change its course. We’ll visit the famed Valrhona chocolate maker in
Tain – where it seems chocolate emanates from every nook and cranny. In
the afternoon we’ll travel on to the town of
Vienne
. When Julius Caesar conquered Gaul the land which belonged to the Celtic
Allobroges was subjugated and
Vienne
became the capital. Under the Emperor Caligula Vienne became a prosperous
centre of art and culture. We will spend 1 night at Vienne, taking
advantage of this interesting town to pause on our route to
Burgundy
. We will take into the hotel only our overnight bags to facilitate an
easy 1 night stay.
Overnight
***Hotel Vienne.
Day
10. Morning walk in Vienne – Abbey of Cluny - Beaune
Saturday
15 September: A morning to explore
Vienne
. We’ll see the Roman Temple dedicated to Augustus and Livia in 25 BC.
But after the fall of
Rome
, Christianity flourished in Vienne and soon Vienne became known as Vienne
the Holy with the construction of the cathedral of
Saint Maurice
in the 12th century. Late
morning we’ll depart Vienne and begin our journey parallel to
Beaujolais
countryside. This is a long sequence of granite hills, the spurs of a
chain of wooded mountains. No visit to
Burgundy
is complete without a tour of the Abbey of Cluny, built in the 10th
century. This influential Benedictine Abbey was Europe’s largest
building until St Peter’s Basilica in
Rome
was built. At the height of its power it controlled over 1,000 monasteries
and 10,000 monks in an ecclesiastical empire that stretched into
Asia
. During the Revolution Cluny was looted and used as a quarry, but even in
its semi-demolished state it oozes the impression of power and wealth.
Travelling through Cňte de Beaune we’ll reach Beaune the beautiful,
where we will stay 4 nights.
Overnight
***Hotel Beaune. Light Bistro dinner with wines included.
Day
11. Gevry Chambertin – Chŕteau Clos de Vougeot - Vineyard walk –
Pommard
Sunday
16 September: Today you are on the Route des Grand Crus with no fewer than
two dozen picturesque villages along the way. We’ll begin our meander
through the glorious vineyards at Gevrey-Chambertin. The history of Chŕteau
de Vougeot goes back 700 years – it was built by the monks of Cěteaux.
At Clos de Vougeot we approach hallowed terroir – is this
Burgundy
’s most brilliant wine? There are no less than six Grand Crus on this
small parcel of terroir of inestimable value! We’ll visit Clos de
Vougeot and those who wish can accompany their host on an easy walk of
around
1.5 kilometres
through the hallowed vineyards of Eschezeaux and Romanče-Conti down to the
village
of
Vosne-Romanče
, where we’ll meet up with the coach once more. We’ll drive to Nuits
St George for a stroll and coffee break, and then to Chateau de Pommard in
the
village
of
Pommard
for lunch accompanied by the wines of the
Cote
d’Or. We’ll return to Beaune in the afternoon so that you will have
time to meander around Beaune, savouring the atmosphere of a gorgeous town.
Overnight
***Hotel Beaune. Lunch with wines included.
Day
12. Dukes of
Burgundy
:
Dijon
– Fromage - Pain d’espices: Spice Bread
Monday
17 September: Setting off early this morning we travel the short
35 kilometres
to spend the day exploring the capital of Burgundy, the city of Dijon,
which is famed for more than its tangy mustard and spicy gingerbread. We’ll
stop at a fromagerie for a visit to see the stages of production of the
local cheeses, followed by a cheese tasting. We’ll take a walk through
Dijon
, see the Palace of the Dukes of Valois and the splendid architecture. Rue
Verrerie is a cobbled street in the old merchant’s quarter lined with
half timbered houses and here you find a marvellous Boulangerie. We’ll
taste the Pain d’espices, spice bread, a tradition going back to when
Dijon
was on the ancient spice route. The French variety of Macaroons are
lighter than air, crunchy outside and tender in the middle with the most
divine filling – you’ll find them as well as amazing Croissants aus
Amandes at the same Boulangerie! Your visit in Dijon will explain
Dijon’s greatest days of prosperity under the Dukes of Valois, one of
whom was Philip the Bold who turned the city into one of the most
important centres in Europe. Those who wish may like to remain in
Dijon
and dine at one of the excellent restaurants. It is just a 20 minute train
journey back to Beaune.
Overnight
***Hotel Beaune.
Day
13. Beaune – L’Hotel Dieu & Rogier Van der Weyden – Moutarderie
Edmond Fallot
Tuesday
18 September: The town of
Beaune
has an irresistibly Gallic spirit and charm. Beaune’s streets are a
labyrinth which run in circles and the only way to get to know Beaune is
to walk. Until the 14th century Beaune was the official
residence of the Dukes of Burgundy. As you wander the cobblestone streets
of the enchanting vielle ville
you will wonder how the nobles managed to tear themselves away and move to
Dijon
. Today we’ll take a guided tour of the amazing L’Hňtel Dieu, built
in 1443 by Nicolas Rolin, chancellor to the Duke. It is a fascinating
visit which includes the Polytych of the Last Judgement by Rogier van der
Weyden, a masterpiece of Flemish art. This building alone justifies your
visit to Beaune! Today we’ll visit the Moutarderie of Edmond Fallot,
following the process of changing tiny seeds into pungent mustard which
has been made here for 100 years, and for which the region of
Dijon
is famous. You will have plenty of free time today to shop, browse and
taste the wine.
Overnight
***Hotel Beaune.
Day
14. Včzelay – Valley of the
Loire
Wednesday
19 September: We depart early this morning and journey towards the
Loire
Valley
. Along our way is Včzelay which arches up a hillside, watching over
fertile pastures and dense forests. The houses, covered with red tile
roofs and wild roses, seem lost in time. Včzelay lives up to its
reputation, but not only its beauty attracts; Včzelay shelters the relics
of Mary Magdalene. As it goes with millennia-old bones, the authenticity
of the relics was thrown into doubt – but the relics at Včzelay have
been sanctified by the Catholic Church. While here we will see Images
of Včzelay, a wonderful introduction to the Basilica, full of
symbolism from an era when paganism and Christianity were intertwined.
After lunch, a delicious omelette of potato and bacon for which Včzelay
is famous, we’ll continue our journey to the Loire Valley, gateway to
the famed Chŕteau of the Loire, where we’ll stay for 2 nights.
Overnight
Hotel in the Valley of the
Loire. Omelette Lunch in Včzelay included.
Day
15. Chŕteau Chambord - Chŕteau Chenonceau – Kings and Queens of
France
.
Thursday
20 September: Charming villages, astonishing chŕteau, Renaissance gardens
and fairytale turrets are strung like jewels along the River Loire. From
1519 to 1545 Young King Francois I at 25 years of age fulfilled his most
egotistical fantasies by ordering construction of Chŕteau Chambord as a
cosy hunting retreat, in which, by the time he died, he had spent just 72
days! It is the largest and most extravagant Chŕteau of the Loire,
rumoured to have been designed by Leonardo da Vinci. Despite its vast
dimensions the chŕteau is delightfully graceful. It is our last day
together, we’ll travel around the Loire Valley Chŕteau and enjoy a
light-hearted lunch in the L’Orangerie Tea Room when we find ourselves
at the most amazing Chŕteau of all, Chenonceau, built on the River Cher
in the 16th century. Called the Ladies Chŕteau, this is where
you’ll find Diane de Poitiers’ bedroom, mistress to the King, the Five
Queens bedroom, named in memory of all the
Queens
who have slept here, Catherine de Medici’s bedroom, and two exquisite
gardens, one designed for Diane de Poitier, and the other for Catherine de
Medici.
Overnight
Hotel in the Valley of the
Loire
. Lunch with wines included.
Day
17. Departure
Friday
21 September: After breakfast this morning our journey through
France
is at an end. Our driver will first take guests to
Orly
Airport
. Anticipated arrival time at
Orly
airport is 12.30pm. The coach will then continue to Charles du Gaul
airport for international connections. Estimated arrival time at Charles
du Gaul airport is 14.30 pm. Estimations are subject to traffic and
weather conditions over which your tour operators have no control and for
which they cannot take responsibility for any reason. Please check with
your booking agent and ensure you do not book on a flight without leaving
a large margin to reach your airport for pre flight check in. It is
essential to advise your tour hosts of your departure plans. Guests
planning to stay on in
Paris
after the tour will be take to take a shuttle bus from either airport into
the city of
Paris
.
INCLUSIONS
– Perfumes Flavours and Colours of
France
15 night tour
-
15
Nights
Twin share accommodation including breakfast each morning.
Single supplements are available. Hotels have yet to be confirmed and
a hotel schedule will be provided. 4 nights ***Provence Alpes
Maritimes, 4 nights ***St Remy de Provence, 1 night ***Vienne, 4
nights ***Beaune, 2 nights ***Valley of the
Loire
.
-
8
Meals
– Each meal includes
local wines. There is no reimbursement for wines not consumed.
Meals not listed on the itinerary are at your expense.
-
Entry
fees and visits
for all events specified on the itinerary. Chapelle du Rosaire by
Matisse. Grasse Rose Garden, Perfumerie Molinard, Confiserie Florian,
Palace of the Popes at Avignon, Arles Amphitheatre, Senanque Abbey,
Valrohna Chocolates, Abbey of Cluny, Chŕteau Clos de Vougeot,
Cheese tasting Dijon, Spice Bread
tasting Dijon, Guided tour Hňtel Dieu Beaune and Rogier van der
Weyden masterpiece, Visit to Moutarderie Fallot. Images of Včzelay
and Basilica, Royal Chŕteau Chambord and Royal Chateau Chenonceau (or
similar). No refund if you choose not to attend any event.
-
Arrival
– Tour arrival point is Nice international airport,
Provence
,
France
. Please co ordinate your arrival with your host.
-
Departure
is from our hotel in the Valley of the Loire from where we will travel
to
Orly
Airport
and then Charles du Gaul airport. Please see Day 17 of itinerary for
details and consult your booking agent.
-
Gratuity
– to Ronan, your coach driver, is included.
-
Porterage:
Porters are unavailable at 3 star hotels - a service to your room and
vice versa cannot be expected. Please ensure you are able to manage
your own baggage and that your baggage is on wheels and boldly
labelled. You will be responsible for your own hand baggage and
personal belongings at all times.
EXCLUSIONS
Travel
Insurance – please note personal travel insurance is mandatory on all
our tours and it is essential for you to insure your travel and tour
holiday in case of cancellation due to sickness or any other cause. It is
your responsibility to ensure you have adequate insurance and your
attendance on tour will only be confirmed once you have signed and
returned the Tour Operators Booking Form and Terms & Conditions
to your booking agent, or directly to your tour operator.
Visas and passports, meals other than those specifically noted on
itinerary, personal expenses, excess baggage, telephone, laundry,
frigo-bar etc. are all at your expense.
IMPORTANT
NOTICE:
Your Tour Price has been established well in advance and at the
time of preparing this itinerary. The
quoted tour price may vary due to supplier increases however Project
Travel International will make every endeavour to honour the price quoted.
Project Travel retains the right to make practical itinerary
alterations deemed necessary. Any alterations are generally of a minor
nature and you are assured of an equal quality tour in value and content.
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