SOUTH OF FRANCE TOUR ITINERARY

PARIS, FRANCE

DAY ONE

PARIS, FRANCE

DAY ONE
THURSDAY, MAY 30

Arrive in the breathtaking city of Paris, where your journey begins. Settle into your room at the five-star, storied Hotel Le Scribe Paris Opera, a Haussmann-era landmark. To kick off our trip, enjoy a celebratory welcome reception hosted by our Globe journalists, and meet your fellow guests.

PARIS, FRANCE

DAY TWO

PARIS, FRANCE

DAY TWO
FRIDAY, MAY 31

Today is your opportunity to explore Paris on one of four well-appointed excursions – for the history lovers tour the Louvres and Napoleon III Apartments, visit the spectacular Opera Garnier where you'll absorb the beauty of this magnificent building, located in the theatrical heart of Paris (around the corner from our hotel) or follow in the footsteps of Emily, from the hit Netflix show Emily in Paris or finally, see some of the most incredible landmarks in Paris on a Highlights of Paris tour. Tonight, have dinner on your own in Paris or join us for a Globe Dine Around* where you can have dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant hosted by one of your favourite journalists (*at an additional cost, details available in January 2024).

DAY THREE

PARIS TO LYON, FRANCE

PARIS TO LYON,
FRANCE

DAY THREE
SATURDAY, JUNE 1

We leave Paris first thing in the morning and travel in the comfort of a first-class, high speed train from Paris to Lyon, the gastronomic capital of France. Lyon sits at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers, the city was founded by the Romans in 43BC. Since the mid-1500s it has been a financial and industrial powerhouse and today is recognized as France’s culinary capital. In Lyon we embark on the Scenic Sapphire Space-Ship where the ship’s crew will properly welcome you aboard in comfort. Tonight, enjoy your first dinner onboard the ship or venture out on your own for dinner at one of Lyon’s many great restaurants.

LYON, FRANCE

DAY FOUR

LYON, FRANCE

DAY FOUR
SUNDAY, JUNE 2

This morning is our first daily Globe Insider Breakfast where Globe journalists review the day’s top news stories. After breakfast, choose from one of four different excursions; a city tour of Lyon, a visit to the medieval walled village of Perouges, learn the secret of French cuisine in a local cooking atelier or shop with our Cruise culinary host, Tara O'Brady, for a visit to the market and learn about its history and some of the produce on hand dubbed the best in the world.  This afternoon back onboard, enjoy a Globe Journalist Talk.  Tonight, have dinner onboard the ship before we sail off to the town of Macon.

MACON, FRANCE

DAY FIVE

MACON, FRANCE

DAY FIVE
MONDAY, JUNE 3

You’ll wake this morning in the town of Macon, which will be your base for exploring the surrounding south Burgundy region. Macon sits right on the edge of the river, with pretty pastel-hued buildings, ancient churches and picturesque quays. It is close to the Burgundy wine region, one of the most famous in France, producing exceptional chardonnay, pinot noir, gamay and sparkling.  After our morning Globe Insider Breakfast, head out in the town, where you have the opportunity to enjoy one of four tours; a visit to Cluny, and Romanesque abbey around which it was built followed by a visit to a local farm for a truffle hunt experience, or if cooking is your preference, attend a class at George Blanc, with a focus on regional specialties or choose between a tour and tasting at two different wineries – Chateau de la Chaize or Bret Brothers, hosted by Globe wine writer, Christopher Waters. This afternoon, relax on the top deck of the ship while taking in the gorgeous views of the region. 

TOURNON, FRANCE

DAY SIX

TOURNON, FRANCE

DAY SIX
TUESDAY, JUNE 4

This morning we’re in the town of Tournon, nestled along the scenic banks of the river. Tournon beckons travelers with its timeless allure, where medieval streets, a majestic castle, and terraced vineyards invite exploration, all while savoring the tranquility of this charming French town. After our daily Globe Insider Breakfast, choose from a selection of Scenic free choice excursions including; a cycling tour along the banks of the Rhone river, a hike through the sloping vineyards that overlook the Rhone River above Tournon, learn about the local wine production and taste some of the delicious drops of the region, enjoy a walking tour of the town of Tournon or for those with a love of wine, enjoy a wine tour and tasting at Maison Chapoutier.  This afternoon, enjoy a Globe Journalist Talk.  This evening, mingle with your fellow travelers and Globe journalists as we have an apéritif on the terrace of Tournon Castle, overlooking the town.

TOURNON TO AVIGNON

DAY SEVEN

TOURNON TO AVIGNON, FRANCE

DAY SEVEN
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5

First thing this morning, you will arrive in Viviers, often described as an open-air museum for its rich medieval heritage and architecture. The town was founded in the 5th century and as you walk down the narrow, zig-zagging lanes, you will feel like little has changed in the past 1,600 years. At its peak in the Middle Ages, Viviers was home to 30,000 people; today less than 4,000 people live here, happily secluded in their own world.  After we host our morning Globe Insider Breakfast, venture out on your choice of daily excursion including; a tour of a lavender farm, a walking tour of the town of Viviers, a visit to the provincial village of Grignan where you'll explore this beautiful town, see the mighty castle that dominates the town as well as the Collegiate Church of the Holy Saviour or explore the Ardèche National Park and immerse yourself in the Caverne du Pont-d’Arc Museum.  This afternoon, enjoy a Globe Journalist Talk.  This evening we have dinner onboard the ship.

AVIGNON, FRANCE

DAY EIGHT

AVIGNON,
FRANCE

DAY EIGHT
THURSDAY, JUNE 6

Step into history's embrace in Avignon, where papal palaces, ancient bridges, and a vibrant arts scene create an unforgettable journey.  After our morning Globe Insider Breakfast, select your daily excursion; step out the ship in the City of Avignon, walk through to the ancient city walls to the Pope's Palace, home to the Papacy and seat of Western Christianity in the 14th century, visit the ancient Roman aqueduct on a guided tour, here you can admire one of France’s most popular attractions, Pont du Gard, visit the hilltop village of Gordes, a village of white and gray stone buildings that spiral around the rock where the village is set or finally you can shop with the Chef, with a guided visit to a local food market where you will have an opportunity to shop for and taste the best ingredients this region has to offer.  This evening, enjoy a private unforgettable classical concert at the prestigious Pope’s Palace of Avignon. When the doors are closed to the general public, you’ll have one of the most visited sites in France to yourself.

ARLES, FRANCE

DAY NINE

ARLES, FRANCE

DAY NINE
FRIDAY, JUNE 7

Leaving Avignon early this morning, your Scenic Space-Ship will depart for Arles. Julius Caesar, founded a Roman colony here around 56 BC and this coastal city remains rich in Roman history. Arles is thought to have the largest number of Roman ruins after The Eternal City itself, with the ruins ancient monuments, theatres, baths and administrative buildings strewn along the left bank. It was also home to Vincent Van Gogh in 1888, who drew inspiration from the landscape for many of his paintings and drawings. This morning we host our final Globe Insider Breakfast before you venture out on your daily excursion choosing from; a journey to the stunning medieval village of Les Baux and visit a former quarry that is now the site of Carrières de Lumières, visit to a local Olive Farm where you will learn the techniques of olive oil production, experience the vibrant colours and striking quality of light on your tour of Arles, a city that has inspired many artists, visit a local farm that produces a variety of lavender-based products and join your local guide for a cosmetic workshop or visit Saint-Paul-de-Mausole monastery, where Vincent Van Gogh stayed and painted some of his most famous works, such as "Starry Night".  This evening we gather for our Farewell reception and dinner onboard the ship.

ARLES TO NICE, FRANCE

DAY TEN

ARLES TO NICE, FRANCE

DAY TEN
SATURDAY, JUNE 8

Your time aboard The Globe and Mail South of France River Cruise comes to an end in Arles. Bid adieu to your fellow travelers this morning before disembarking and transferring to the Nice airport for your departure home.

Or extend your stay for an additional two days in the glamorous French Riviera and the opulent city of Monte Carlo. Click here for details.

*Optional 2-Day French Riviera and
Monte Carlo Add-On at additional cost
 

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