Southern Provence and the Cote dAzur Tour

This wonderful tour by rail, based in the charming seaside village of La Ciotat, the birthplace of cinema and petanque, follows in the footsteps of artists, writers and royalty through the dramatic hill towns, chic cities, glamorous resorts and fantastic scenery of Southern Provence. As well as rustic charm, the area enjoys a rich artistic heritage, a sophisticated regional capital, atmospheric ports, superb local cuisine with an emphasis on seafood and excellent wines such as Bandol, often served cold.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Travel by Eurostar from St Pancras to Marseille via Lille. 
On arrival, transfer by coach (approx. 45 minutes) to La Ciotat and the Best Western Premier Vieux Port la Ciotat. This evening we will join together for a welcome drink. 

Day 2: Full day tour to Cassis and the Calanques.
Cassis has managed to retain its small fishing village charms and has remained largely unaltered since it attracted painters such as Signac and Derain in the early 20th century. Along the coastline between Marseille and Cassis, the turquoise sea has pummelled the limestone cliffs into a series of deep, dramatic inlets – the Calanques. The best way to view this beautiful area is from the sea and there are plenty of boat trip options if you would like to.

Day 3: Full day tour to Hyères and Toulon.
The oldest resort on the French Riviera, the town of Hyères is gathered around the Castle of Saint Bernard which sits on a hilltop four kilometres from the sea. The palm-tree-and-Belle-Époque-building-lined streets once hosted luminaires such as Robert Louis Stevenson, Edith Wharton and Queen Victoria. The Place Massena, Mediterranean gardens of Castel Sainte-Claire and the gardens of the modernist Villa Noailles are must visits. Toulon is France’s second-largest naval port thanks to its fine natural harbour. The daily produce market on Cours Lafayette is lovely for a browse and the Quai Cronstadt is a great place to watch the world go by.

Day 4: Full day to relax and explore La Ciotat.
Sometimes overshadowed by other towns and villages along the coast, La Ciotat is a delightful gem and also the birthplace of cinema and petanque - two of France's pride and joys. The village also boasts a legacy of shipbuilding and has an attractive harbour and old town. The 17th century Church of Notre-Dame dominates the west side of the harbour and features large frescoes painted by Gilbert Ganteaume. The village also has some impressive houses spanning the last 400 years, shady open squares to discover and several small chapels and churches. 

Day 5: Full day to explore Marseille.
The cosmopolitan city of Marseille has gone through a renaissance in recent years to the point that it was European City of Culture in 2013. The best way to enjoy the city is to wander along streets of terracotta roofed houses and enjoy the vibrant fusion of cultures. Sights here include the renowned fish market, the old harbour, Chateau d’If, setting for Dumas’ The Count of Monte Cristo, 11th century Abbey of St Victor, Cathédrale de la Major and several excellent museums including the Musée des Beaux Arts and Archaeology Museum. And don’t skimp on lunch, Marseille is famous for bouillabaisse, originally a stew made by Marseille fishermen, using the fish which they were unable to sell to restaurants or markets, but now made in many of the city’s refined restaurants.

Day 6: Full day tour to Aix-en-Provence.
The elegant city of Aix-en-Provence is immediately attractive with its medieval centre a knot of grand architecture and atmospheric lanes, peppered with fountained squares. Home to artist Paul Cézanne, you will find his studio preserved exactly as he left it on his death in 1906. There are many lovely cafes to sit in and watch the world go by along the Cours Mirabeau. 

Day 7: Full day tour to Sanary-sur-Mer and Bandol. 
A charming little seaside town, rather than a tourist resort, Sanary has a lovely coastline of small beaches and a bustling colourful harbour replete with medieval tower. It is the perfect place to stroll, enjoy the many harbourside cafes, bars and restaurants or simply relax. This afternoon we visit the cheerful Mediterranean resort of Bandol, best known for its excellent red wine which has been produced here since 600BC. Unusually, it is often served cold.

Day 8: Transfer to Marseille station for the return TGV to Lille. At Lille, board the return Eurostar to St Pancras. 

NB: Exact order may vary according to local conditions and tour manager's discretion. 

Please note this tour has been classed as Demanding due to the amount of walking on cobbled streets etc at the sites visited, although can be taken at your own pace. You have the chance to explore large towns so if you want to discover a lot on your visit a lot of walking will be involved. Please note that Hyeres also has a steep climb to visit. 

Please note the maximum group size on this tour is 34 passengers.

INCLUDED 

• Return Eurostar and TGV from St Pancras to Marseille via Lille
• Seven nights' accommodation on bed and breakfast basis at the four-star Best Western Premier Vieux Port La Ciotat, based on shared occupancy of a twin room
• Welcome drink 
• Transfers and full coach touring programme as detailed in the itinerary conducted by tour manager
• Tour manager throughout

NOT INCLUDED

• Double for sole use supplement
• Upgrades to seaview and balcony rooms
• Holiday insurance
• Meals other than those stated
• Items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls.
• Porterage and gratuities.

HOTELS

Best Western Premier Vieux Port La Ciotat
Located in the middle of the old picturesque fishing port of La Ciotat the four-star Best Western Premier Vieux Port La Ciotat offers a panoramic seaside terrace, cocktail lounge, outdoor heated pool, hot tub, fitness room and steam room. Bedrooms are modern and comfortable with en-suite bathroom, TV, telephone, wifi, minibar, hairdryer and tea/coffee making facilities. Upgraded rooms with a seaview and balcony are available at a supplement. 

Best Western Premier Vieux Port La Ciotat

Pre-tour accommodation is available at the Travel Inn, London King's Cross St Pancras, about 5 minutes walk from St Pancras International, at an approximate rate of £120 per room. Bookings can be made direct with the hotel on 087528672 or visit their website.

MORE INFO - Please click here for more information on this tour