2010 Paris & the South of France

Itinerary

Last Updated: April 1, 2010 Click here for print version
Tuesday 06 April Fly from USA. Dale, Patsy & Mickie arrive early. To transfer, a taxi is the easiest but most expensive way to get to the hotel. Alternative is to take the airport shuttle (BUS N°98) which goes from the airport to the Nice city center. Print this map and then show the driver and ask where to get off, either at Albert 1er or Gare Routiere.
Wednesday, 07 April: Nice
The rest of the group arrives in Nice. I will arrange for two transfers to the Grand Hôtel Aston, +33(0)92 17 53 06, 12 Avenue Felix Faure. The first transfer will leave the airport after the first group arrives, approximately 1:00. The second transfer will be at around 3:00. I will be there to meet both groups. If your flight is late and you miss the first transfer, wait for the second. If you miss the second transfer, then follow the directions above in order to get to the hotel. Rest of the day is dedicated to recovery–shower, nap, change clothes, take a walk in the park. Meet in hotel lobby at 7:00. Depart hotel at 7:15 to walk to Old Town for 7:30 dinner at La Choucas, (fondue) 0493621344. Overnight in Nice.
Thursday, 08 April: Nice
Morning walking tour of old Nice – with the Promenade des Anglais, the market on Cours Salaya (maybe a taste of the speciality the “socca”?), Palais Lascaris, Place Rossetti and the Cathedral, then take elevator to the top of the hill (colline du château) with the nice view of Nice and the Baie des Anges. Lunch at 12:30 in the old town at Le Safari, 0493801844. In the afternoon visit the Cimiez hill with private coach, ruins of the Roman arena, Archeological Museum, Gallo-roman baths, and the Chagall museum (4:00 pm). Late afternoon return to hotel. Evening free, overnight in Nice.
Friday, 09 April: Nice
Coach excursion to visit the charming village of St Paul de Vence. We will then proceed to the village of Tourettes-sur-Loup, and lunch in Auberge de Tourrettes. After lunch we move to Antibes to visit the Picasso museum at 4:00 pm. After viewing the harbor we will return to Nice in the late afternoon. Evening free, overnight in Nice.
Saturday, 10 April: Nice
Morning at the famed Saturday Market in Nice. Coach excursion to Villefrance-sur-mer for lunch at “La Grignotière,” rue Poilu. In the afternoon visit to the villa Rothschild at St Jean Cap Ferrat. Evening free, overnight in Nice.
Sunday, 11 April: St. Rémy-de-Provence
8:30 departure from hotel, travel by coach to Aix-en Provence, with views of the mountain Ste Victoire, visit of the city and the Cezanne Workshop at 11:30. Lunch (independent) in Aix-en-Provence. We will then continue towards St Rémy through the Luberon area with stops in the village of Roussillon, by the Cistercian monastery Sénanque (not inside), and photostop at the village of Gordes . Arrival in St Rémy late afternoon and check into the  Hôtel les Ateliers de L’Image, +33(0)490920362. Dinner at the hotel restaurant. Overnight in St. Rémy.
Monday, 12 April: St. Rémy-de-Provence
Today we will visit Vincent Van Gogh’s asylum, St Paul de Mausole, the hills of Les Alpilles, the village Les Baux de Provence and lunch there at Restaurant Reine Jeanne. After lunch, visit Mas St. Jean Oil Mill with a tasting and explanations. Early afternoon return to St. Rémy. Then at 6:00 p.m., Organ Concert featuring our own Madolyn Fallis at St. Martin Church, St. Rémy. Dinner (optional) afterwards, overnight in St Rémy.
Tuesday, 13 April: St. Rémy-de-Provence
Excursion today to Avignon with Popes’ Palace, the famous bridge, the cathedral.. lunch (independent) here, and then continue to Orange for the gate and Roman Theater, finishing in the afternoon with a winetasting in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Return to St Rémy, dinner at  Bistrot des Alpilles, 0490923449, overnight in St. Rémy.
Wednesday, 14 April: St. Rémy-de-Provence
We will leave a little later in the morning so we will have time for the market in St Rémy. Then off to Arles to see some of the places where Van Gogh painted, the Roman Arena and Theater, the medieval church St Trophime, and the Roman baths. Of special interest is the Museum of Antique Arles (MAPA) where there will be an exhibition of the area from October 2009 about findings in the Rhone river, including for example, a very rare bust representing Julius Cesar. Lunch at Lou Marques, Arles. Still to be decided–whether to stay in Arles the whole day, or take a drive to the Mediterranean, through the Rhone delta (the Camargue area) with pink flamingos, white horses, and black bulls, stop at the seaside in the village Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer. This may be a “game day” decision depending on weather and/or timing. Evening free, dinner on your own, overnight in St. Rémy.
Thursday, 15 April: Nîmes
Check out of hotel for transfer to Nîmes, first stopping in  Uzès, then lunch at Frédérique Esperandieu’s house: She’s a great chef and famous cookbook writer, living in an incredible house. We continue to Pont du Gard (one of the wonders of the ancient world), with a visit to the museum about the construction of the aqueduct, the importance of water etc. Arrival in Nîmes and check into the  Atria Novotel, +33(0)466765601. Since lunch was included, dinner is independent. I will lead you to a cluster of nearby restaurants where you will have a choice of pizza, fast food, Chinese, Italian, traditional French.
Friday, 16 April: Nîmes
Visit of Nîmes – Arena, Roman temple, Castellum, the gardens. and the Archeological Museum. Dinner at L’Exaequo, 0466217196. Overnight in Nîmes.
Saturday, 17 April: Paris
Coach transfer to train station in time to Depart Nîmes on TGV #6206 at 9:50, arriving Paris Gare de Lyon at 12:41. Upon arrival, we will be picked up by coach and taken to the Giverny Gardens (Monet) for a visit. After visit, return to Paris and the  Hotel Novotel Paris Les Halles, (+33)1/42213131. We are in the same area that a number of us know, just a different hotel. Meet in hotel lobby at 7:15 to walk to dinner at Au Pied du Cochon. Overnight in Paris.
Sunday, 18 April: Paris
I’ll provide you with a 2-Day Museum Pass and a Carnet of Metro passes. Free day in Paris. For dinner, Meet in hotel lobby at 7:15 to walk to dinner Au Chien qui Fume. Overnight in Paris.
Monday, 19 April: Paris Continue to use your Museum Pass and a Carnet of Metro passes. Again, for dinner, I’ll choose from our many favorite restaurants in the area. Overnight in Paris.
20 April: Return flight to USA or stay on in Paris at own expense.