All tours on this holiday have now departed. Future departure dates will be confirmed in due course.
Villa Ephrussi
Menton
St Paul de Vence
Villa Kerylos
Villa Hanbury
Villa Hanbury
Serre de la Madone
Serre de la Madone
Nice
St Paul de Vence
Villa Val Rahmeh
Eileen Gray’s spectacular Villa E1027
Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild and Villa Kerylos
Villa Hanbury Gardens and the Villa Val Rahmeh
St Paul de Vence, Fondation Maeght and Renoir’s Maison les Collettes
Join Nicholas Merchant, Former Chairman of the Art Fund West Yorkshire Fundraising Committee, to explore the extraordinary array of rich estates on France's Cote d'Azur. Gain an insight into the world of the rich and glamorous in this playground of the jet-set for more than a century, with Nicholas using his expertise to help you delve deeper into the treasure trove of antiques that these sumptuous villas house. The group size on this tour is limited to 25 passengers to ensure that smaller sites can be visited and that you get a high level of attention.
For 2024 we have two departures which will be by air from London Heathrow to Nice to shorten the journey time. If you would prefer to do this tour by air, please click here to see the flying itinerary and tour dates. Alternatively, you can also do these tour dates but on a land-only basis, meaning that transport and transfers are not included, and the tour will start at the hotel. Travel can then be arranged independently. If you would like to do this tour land-only, please call us.
Day 1: Travel by Eurostar from St Pancras to Paris and onwards to Nice by TGV. On arrival transfer to hotel for check-in for seven-night stay on bed and breakfast basis. On arrival at the hotel there will be a small snack served in the restaurant.
Day 2: Serre de la Madone and Maria Serena Gardens.
This morning we enjoy our first talk ‘The Creation of the Cote d’Azur’ by Nicholas Merchant, Former Chairman of the Art Fund West Yorkshire Fundraising Committee who has lectured extensively on the decorative arts both for branches of The Arts Society and independently in America, South Africa and Europe. Situated in the hills behind Menton, this 9-hectare terraced garden was the creation of Lawrence Johnston, better known for his creation of Hidcote in the Cotswolds. Plants from Burma, China and South Africa thrive in this gently and sunny climate. It has now been restored after a period of decline. This afternoon we will have a guided tour of the Maria Serena Gardens. Right on the sea front, and the last house before the Italian border, the Maria Serena Villa and Gardens, was constructed around 1880 for the family of Ferdinand de Lesseps. Today it is a guest villa for the city of Menton. The villa is surrounded by a hectare and a half of gardens, where tropical and sub-tropical plants thrive, including a large collection of palm trees and cycad trees. They command a splendid view overlooking the sea and the old city of Menton.
Day 3: Villa E-1027 and free afternoon in Menton.
This morning we will have another talk from Nicholas ‘Eileen Grey and the Villa E-1027’ before departing for a visit of the Villa E-1027. A veritable icon of modernist architecture overlooking the sea, Villa E-1027 was architect and designer, Eileen Gray’s first architectural creation and testifies to the thought and attention that she put into every detail of the design. It is tantamount to a manifesto both for its architecture and for the fixed and free-standing furniture, lamps and decorations that are inseparable from it. Eileen spent three whole years designing the furniture and working with her partner Jean Badovici on the plans. Le Corbusier was a visitor after Eileen Gray had left and painted murals on some of the walls, some of which remain in situ. After a long and checkered history, the villa has been carefully restored since 1999 and is now accepting visitors and offers a fascinating insight into its architect and the era. In the afternoon you will have some free time to spend in the town of Menton. A favourite resort for the English in the 19th century, including Queen Victoria, this town enjoys one of the most beneficent climates along this coast. Highlights include the Musee Cocteau, the Salle des Mariages in the Town Hall and the Basilica of St Michel is a magnificent example of baroque architecture.
Day 4: Full day Nice.
This morning there will be a talk ‘Queen Victoria in the South of France’, by Nicholas before we then depart for our full day visit to Nice. France's fifth largest city, Nice has been a popular destination of the rich and famous including Queen Victoria for some 150 years. It is a wonderful city to explore with several distinctive districts, a wealth of galleries and museums, lovely port and famed Promenade des Anglais. Nice was Italian until 1860, reflected in the pastel facades and balconies of the old town which have a distinctly Italiante feel. Nice is overflowing with things to see and do - highlights include several museums including the Chagall, Matisse, Modern Art and Beaux-Arts, characterful flower market area, 17th century Palais Lascaris, Russian Church and much more.
Day 5: Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild at Cap Ferrat and Villa Kerylos.
Built in 1895 for the enormously wealthy Beatrice de Rothschild, this pink, treasure-filled palace sits atop the promontory surrounded by its own lush gardens. Lunch is included in the villa's elegant restaurant overlooking the bay. After lunch we visit Villa Kerylos, one of the most extraordinary villas on the coast. Designed as a recreation of an ancient Greek Villa, this houses teeters on the water's edge, its rooms filled with furniture and artefacts taken from images on ancient Greek Vases.
Day 6: St Paul de Vence, Foundation Maeght and Maison les Collettes.
One of the great galleries of France, this privately funded establishment dating from 1964 has an enormous range of paintings, ceramics, stained glass and sculpture by Giacometti, Miro, Chagall, Calder and Braque to name but a few. Built by the Catalan architect Jose-Luis Sert, the building is itself an astonishing sight. Following some free time in St Paul de Vence, one of the most famous of the hill-villages of the region has proved a magnet for artists, and now contains not only galleries but also offers from its ramparts breath-taking views of the surrounding countryside and the sea. Return to Menton via Cagnes sur Mer where the Maison les Collettes contains ten of the paintings of Auguste Renoir who lived here up to this death in 1919.
Day 7: Villa Hanbury Gardens and the Villa Val Rahmeh.
This morning we have our final talk by Nicholas, ‘English Gardeners in the South of France’ before we set off for our day of visits. An excursion just over the border into Italy takes us to the 100-acre Villa Hanbury gardens laid out by Sir Thomas Hanbury in the mid-19th century. A dramatic site on a promontory the garden is planted with a wide range of specimens ranging from succulents to rose and plants indigenous to the site. Afternoon return via Villa Val Rahmeh (above Menton) a garden created by an Englishman, Sir Percy Radcliffe, former Governor of Malta. A private domain, now an outstation of the Jardin des Plantes in Paris. This evening we will have a farewell dinner all together at the hotel.
Day 8: Transfer to Nice station for return TGV to Paris and onwards by Eurostar to St Pancras.
NB: Exact order of excursions and timings of lectures may vary according to local conditions and tour managers' discretion
Please note the maximum group size on this tour is 25 passengers.
INCLUDED
NOT INCLUDED
PLEASE NOTE: as with most trains, passengers are responsible for carrying baggage onto and off the train. Baggage can be stored on overhead shelves or at the entrance to the carriages. Trollies are available at St Pancras, but bags do need to be carried onto the platform.
For 2024 we have two departures which will be by air from London Heathrow to Nice to shorten the journey time. If you would prefer to do this tour by air, please click here to see the flying itinerary and tour dates. Alternatively, you can also do these tour dates but on a land-only basis, meaning that transport and transfers are not included, and the tour will start at the hotel. Travel can then be arranged independently. If you would like to do this tour land-only, please call us.
Travel Editions recommends a luggage delivery service called thebaggageman, where your suitcase can be picked up from your home before departure and delivered straight to your hotel; therefore removing the worry about carrying your cases onto and off the trains. Please click here for more information and we have arranged a 10% discount exclusive to Travel Editions clients off the thebaggageman service. Tel: 01844 264890.
Best Western Mediterranee, Menton
This comfortable three-star hotel is ideally located in the centre of Menton. The hotel's panoramic terrace offers wonderful views of the gardens, hills and the sea as a backdrop, and the terrace bar provides a relaxing area opened daily - a great place to relax with a cocktail enjoying the view after a long day sightseeing. Bedrooms have private bathroom facilities, air conditioning, telephone, TV, minibar, hairdryer, safe, free wi-fi and tea/coffee making facilities. Alternatively you can upgrade to a Privilege Room (subject to availability) which has proved popular with our clients, as rooms are much more spacious and brighter, all have a balcony and the use of bath robes and slippers, as well as the above facilities included in standard rooms.
Best Western Mediterranee Hotel Website
We are delighted to have received this feedback from Ms Pamela Richardson who has taken over 30 of our tours...
...''It took precisely one day back in a cold, damp, dark London in late October to realise why wealthy Britons and Queen Victoria headed for the Cote d’ azur for the winter. Nicholas Merchant, our eminent lecturer, regaled us most mornings with stories of beautiful gardens, extraordinary villas and their often illustrious owners. I was most looking forward to Lawrence Johnston’s Serre de la Madone in the hills above Menton and the pink tinted Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild at Cap Ferrat. They didn’t disappoint. I’d done the Tour before, in the spring of 2015, so knew the direct route to the loggia of the villa Ephrussi where I sat, sheltered from the sun, to read A Life by Maupassant and to wait for the fountains to erupt and dance to the strains of Verdi, Mozart, Offenbach and Strauss. As the fountains cascaded up and down and from side to side to the music I was reminded of the poem Absence by Elizabeth Jennings, ‘Nothing was changed, the gardens were well-tended, The fountains sprayed their usual steady jet’. It was and they did, just as beautiful in the last days of autumn as it had been in the spring. Menton is an ideal base for the daily excursions and the hotel was good. Serge Bertini, our knowledgeable and endlessly patient Tour manager guided us daily from villas to gardens with a visit to Fondation Maeght to see the modern art collection. This is a delightful Tour. Would I do it a third time? You bet I would!''......
Lectures were not up to the standard I would have expected, but the Tour Manager was excellent
Review by Anonymous who travelled 25-April-2023
Review by Anonymous who travelled 25-April-2023
Serge is brilliant! Nicholas knew a lot about villas, rather les about gardens! But a pleasant tutor.
Review by Mills who travelled 21-March-2023
Overall this was an excellent and well-planned tour. We visited a wide variety of houses and gardens with expert guides, and would not have been able to put together such an interesting itinerary travelling independently. One of the delights of the trip was a visit to the Matisse chapel in Vence, which was a substitute for another property which was temporarily closed for refurbishment - an excellent choice! The only difficulty came with the return train journey via Paris, which took place on a day of industrial action in France. In the event the journey went largely as planned, but with a rush across Paris that was stressful for everyone.
Review by McKenna who travelled 21-March-2023
A great trip Wonderful to be in the French Riviera in Spring Sunshine. Villas and Gardens were amazing. Tour Manager especially good. Hotel could have been slightly better. One lift not working for 4 days but pleasant enough and comfortable. Overall very good.
Review by Edwards who travelled 21-March-2023
Party very well led. Although advice given about restaurants etc we found it difficult and time consuming to find appropriate places. French food seems to be more mundane than in the past.
Review by Anonymous who travelled 21-March-2023
Review by Anonymous who travelled 21-March-2023
Serge Bertini proved to be an excellent tour guide. Nicholas Merchant was a most interesting and authoritative lecturer placing the whole subject into perspective.
Review by Trenouth who travelled 21-March-2023
Serge was really helpful and informative. Trains were tedious but I understand future tours will fly. Highlight was E1027. Bathroom good bedroom a bit basic but balcony was a bonus.
Review by Anonymous who travelled 21-March-2023
Thoroughly enjoyed the trip with likeminded people
Review by Brewis who travelled 24-October-2022
Nicholas and Serge make an excellent team. They were cheerful , solicitous and amusing throughout and made every effort to make our trip the success it was . Many thanks.
Review by Gates who travelled 24-October-2022
Good lectures, interesting mix of visits, all at about the right pace. Serge was outstanding in his organisation and care of us all as well as all his local knowledge. A great trip!
Review by Barham who travelled 24-October-2022
Review by Anonymous who travelled 24-October-2022
Most annoying was the Hotel's wifi.... it cut out after 90 minutes.... so if you're a night radio listener like me.... you had to keep rejoining. But otherwise, hotel was fine and a good range of tours... much food for thought! (and how grateful we should be for National Trust/ English Heritage etc as we looked at the state of some of the more famous gardens)
Review by McCaskie who travelled 24-October-2022
We really enjoyed the trip to the Cote d'Azur. Just enough people to be comfortable with and both Helene and Nicholas were excellent. If we have one suggestion, it would be that the first morning after such a long day travelling, could start at 10am rather than 9 o'clock. Also, we think that one garden on that first day would have been enough. Everyone was really tired by the afternoon! Otherwise, another very enjoyable trip with Travel Editions.
Review by Anonymous who travelled 25-April-2022
We found Helene to be absolutely wonderful - so helpful all the time, well over and above her duty! How she kept patient with the more difficult of the fellow tour customers heaven only knows. [No rating for travel as we arranged our own.]
Review by Instone who travelled 25-April-2022
I value the opportunity given to visit such interesting sites,from gardens to buildings and exhibitions. These were really good and very stimulating. The tour held together well and for me, the only disappointment was in the travel arrangements and my own inability to manage them comfortably. I would happily embark on a similar tour again, but this time, by air travel for the major journeys.
Review by Anonymous who travelled 25-April-2022
Review by Baker who travelled 25-April-2022
THE introuductory tlaks to Vullas and Gardens by Nicholas were very informative and at the same time inclusive. he also charmed us with anecdotes and also during each visit made a point of asking us how we felt about each visit. My only grumble would be on the return at Gare d;Nord -which was total confusion in queues for the Eurostar- not our guides fault as such as a trian ha dbeen delayed but resolved by us pushing through the gathering crowds.
Review by Kendall who travelled 25-April-2022
My first organised tour and on my own, exceeded my expectations. The lectures set the scene for our visits and were also very entertaining. Our tour manager was charming and helpful. Places visited were well chosen and I am thinking of going back at another season. The only drawback was the very long journey by rail. I was very tired by the time we arrived at our destination and was not in a frame of mind to take up the food and wine offered. The return journey on a bank holiday was really an invitation for delays. The Gare du Nord was a zoo. We were an hour late leaving ,which by Eurostar standards probably wasn't bad, but added to a very long day. I would definitely use Travel Editions again but maybe on a "land only" basis if long rail journeys were involved.
Review by Crabtree who travelled 25-April-2022
This was a wonderfully organised tour. Hélène and Nicolas were first class as leaders of the group, and we enjoyed every minute.
Review by Taul who travelled 25-April-2022
excellent lecturer and tour guide
Review by Anonymous who travelled 25-April-2022
Review by lewis who travelled 25-April-2022
With so many places to visit, and only a week in which to do it, I realize that it may not be possible to fit in a free day or half-day midway through the week - but by the end of the week my energies were definitely flagging! Also, if possible please try to avoid the return journey taking place on a bank holiday weekend. The Gare du Nord was the worst shambles I have ever known it! In all other respects it was a wonderful holiday: memorable gardens and houses, instructive and amusing lectures, and perfect weather (though that was of course outside your control!).
Review by Keen who travelled 25-April-2022
I thouroughly enjoyed this toour in spite of the, sometimes, very steep gardens. I would have liked a little more free time in Menton, and perhaps the time spent at some of the destinations was a little too long for me, but other people did not find that so just my impression. The tour manager and lecturer were excellent, and, for me, the only problem was a Eurostar glitch on the return journey - a broken down train - well beyond your ability to fix!
Review by Anonymous who travelled 25-April-2022
The four lectures given by Nicholas Merchant before our visits provided context to help us enjoy them fully. We would have preferred to have spent more time at Fondation Maeght and less time in St Paul de Vence which we found very "touristy". Otherwise, a very successful trip.
Review by Murton who travelled 28-October-2019
Review by Anonymous who travelled 28-October-2019
Both Serge and Nicholas were brilliant and the Riviera was a revelation re scenery, flora, climate. Couple of suggestions - some prior discussion on options for the trip to Nice would have been good (least good day). Also, some more daylight time in Menton would have been lovely as it is such a charming place.
Review by RIDLER-WALL who travelled 28-October-2019
A perfect week on the Cote d'Azur. The sun shone everyday, the sea as blue as promised, the hotel was comfortable and so central with restaurants, shops and sea close by. Nicholas Merchant's morning talks in the roof top bar were educational and set us up for the days visits. Serge our courier was as excellent as usual in looking after everyone in his calm and friendly way.
Review by Anonymous who travelled 25-March-2019
The print out was necessary with the brochure We found it difficult managing the luggage especially having to use escalators Train travel from Paris to Marseille was delightful. Enjoyed the hotel
Review by Fowler who travelled 25-March-2019
We were very lucky with the weather, we had glorious sunshine all week. Serge, the tour manager, was outstanding. He was informative on the sites and gardens, efficient in his administration and extremely kind and patient with the guests who had difficulty walking. Nicholas, the lecturer, was an amusing raconteur and he and Serge were an entertaining double act. The holiday was truly excellent.
Review by Parkinson who travelled 25-March-2019
The regular talks by Nicholas Merchant were extremely informative and completely filled holes that I didn't know existed! The tour manager, Serge, was absolutely superb in every respect. There was a minor problem with our room at the hotel which I pointed out to reception (as I speak French). but nothing had been corrected by the time we left. On the whole, it was a thoroughly enjoyable and worthwhile trip.
Review by Anonymous who travelled 25-March-2019
Overall a very good holiday. The tour managers were excellent, itinerary was everything we expected and more and gave adequate time for free time. The administration was poor this time as the documentation we had been sent led to believe that we were travelling out on Eurostar via Paris which was incorrect. This was only highlighted when we phoned with a general enquiry and we were told we were travelling on a different train via Lille. Also we had paid an additional amount for a Privilege room at the hotel which was meant to have a larger size room with a balcony and view. The room was small and only had a view against the side of an adjacent building which we did not feel warranted the extra amount we had paid. Luckily we managed to resolve this with hotel without involving the Tour Managers or Travel Editions, but we feel that this should be noted to ensure in future that customers who pay this premium get what they ask for. Other than that the hotel was very good and the staff were friendly and very helpful.
Review by Cousins who travelled 22-October-2018
Travel Editions feedback:
We are very sorry you had these two issues with your booking and we did inform everyone about the change from Paris to Lille before departure. We were pleased to learn that teh hotel could resolve your room issue whilst staying which is always the best solution and glad you enjoyed the holiday overall.
It took precisely one day back in a cold, damp , dark London in late October to realise why wealthy Britons and Queen Victoria headed for the Cote d’Azure for the winter. Nicholas Merchant, our eminent lecturer regaled us most mornings with stories of beautiful gardens, extraordinary villas and their often illustrious owners. I was most looking forward to Lawrence Johnston’s Serre de la Madone in the hills above Menton and the pink tinted Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild at Cap Ferrat. They didn’t disappoint. I’d done the Tour before, in the spring of 2015, so I knew the direct route to the loggia of the Villa Ephrussi where I sat, sheltered from the sun, to read A Life by Maupassant and to wait for the fountains to erupt and dance to the strains of Verdi, Mozart, Offenbach and Strauss. As the fountains cascaded up and down and from side to side to the music I was reminded of the poem Absence by Elizabeth Jennings ‘Nothing was changed, The gardens were well-tended, The fountains sprayed their usual heavy jet’ . It was and they did, just as beautiful in the last days of autumn as it had been in the spring. Menton is a good base for the daily excursions and the hotel was good. Serge Bertini, our knowledgeable and endlessly patient Tout Manager guided us daily from villas to gardens with a visit to Fondation Maeght to see the modern art collection. This is a delightful Tour. Would I do it a third time? You bet I would!
Review by Richardson who travelled 22-October-2018
Review by Anonymous who travelled 22-October-2018
Loved the trip. Simply EXCELLENT tour manager and Lectures..
Review by Anonymous who travelled 22-October-2018
Very enjoyable holiday with decent accommodation in the attractive town of Menton, excellent excursions and a mine of information from the expert lecturer and the tour manager, who together made a great team. Serge was outstanding: full of advice and information, first-rate organisation, but also very considerate and caring and aware of people's needs and potential problems.
Review by Roe who travelled 22-October-2018
Excellent holiday overall. Tour manager Serge, very knowlegeable, helpful and very nice to deal with. The use of a smaller coach on some of the visits was a masterstroke! The coach driver for the holiday was very, very good as as many roads are narrow and tricky. The efforts made to cover the area by using different routes out and in gave us a real insight into the Core d'Azur when coupled with Serge's commentaries. Wonderful to see E1027 and the Wedding Hall in Menton. Whilst I appreciate you have to manage costs I believe a 4 star hotel would have been an improvement, similar to the Mercure for example used on other Travel Edition holidays we have been on.
Review by Tosh who travelled 22-October-2018
Nicholas Merchant is an excellent lecturer who, in addition to his marvellous set-piece talks in the hotel, brought to life much of what we saw during our various sightseeing tours.
Review by Rodger who travelled 23-April-2018
Review by who travelled 23-April-2018
An extremely interesting tour visiting some beautiful locations. Serge our guide was patient and attentive, particularly with the less able travellers. Nicholas, our lecturer, was both informative and entertaining.
Review by Farrell who travelled 23-April-2018
We were expecting to dine in local restaurants on two evenings but we only ate in the hotel, other than non organised dinners.
Review by Logie who travelled 09-April-2018
Review by who travelled 09-April-2018
Very informative and enjoyable tour. Because of poor weather, Nicholas amended the schedule, added an extra lecture, and made our week most enjoyable. He was assisted by Helene as a very able tour manager.
Review by Smedley who travelled 09-April-2018
Very unusual rainy first 3 days; Nicholas Merchant & Helene rearranged things a little to good advantage so we were not out in the poring rain too much. Both were excellent guides,
Review by Button who travelled 09-April-2018
Review by Lansdowne who travelled 23-October-2017
Review by who travelled 23-October-2017
Lovely way to spend my birthday week. We were a good group of tourists just the right size and mix and supportive of each other. All credit to the tour manager for setting the right tone and taking good care of us.
Review by who travelled 23-October-2017
Thankyou my 60th birthday fabulous
Review by Mr Timothy Dowd who travelled 17-April-2017
We flew down and were glad that we did. I would suggest that you provide this as an option
Review by Mrs Ann Partington who travelled 03-April-2017
A very enjoyable tour with an excellent lecturer and manager. Coach driver very calm especially in very narrow roads(!) and helpful too.
Review by Mrs Gillian Scales who travelled 17-April-2017
Review by who travelled 03-April-2017
An enjoyable week.
Review by Mrs Margaret Ritman who travelled 24-October-2016
I give administration 'poor' because, despite writing and phoning, I received a total of 11 sets (10 pages EACH) of final info!. And I have to mark accommodation as only 'satisfactory' as I found the bathroom lighting and fittings hopeless for an elderly person. The Tour Manager was excellent and so was the lecturer. They couldn't have been bettered.
Review by Mrs Jill Bristow who travelled 24-October-2016
Review by Mrs Ruth Harrison who travelled 24-October-2016
Review by Mrs Jill Hurdman who travelled 24-October-2016
I cannot give you marks for administration since you sent me a total of ELEVEN 10-page-copies of final instructions despite writing and phoning (twice) to stop them coming!! And I did not use either flight/ferry or train. Both the courier and the lecturer were SO caring, kind and informative.. They couldn't have been bettered. You don't ask, but the hotel could have been ...............
Review by Mrs Jill Bristow who travelled 24-October-2016
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