France

7 Days / 6 Nights — Provence and Cote d’Azur

In one grand sweep, you'll experience all the glamour and color of the South of France; including ancient, medieval villages clustered on rocky hilltops.

DAY 1 — Nice, Avignon

Start early so you won't miss one moment of this fascinating, dramatic coastline. Wind your way west to glamorous Cannes, the colorful old port of Antibes, and the dramatic coastline of the Esterel. Turn inland to the Rhone Delta, the heart of Provence, toward Van Gogh country around Arles. Here, in the middle of this celebrated and renowned region, the Auberge de Noves sits quietly and sedately in a fragrant world of flowers and trees. Lodging: Auberge de Noves

Hostellerie de Crillon le Brave

DAY 2 — Avignon

A leisurely day of exploration waits, including the incredible Pont du Gard aqueduct built by the Romans 2,000 years ago, and which still stands majestically intact. Continue to Les Baux strikingly situated on a great crag and surrounded by mysterious, shadowy rock formations. Lodging: Auberge de Noves

DAY 3 — Vaucluse

First enjoy the rural landscape of the Vaucluse district of Provence, with its hills, mountains, lavender fields, gorges and cliffs. It also has an abundance of markets and charming villages. Next, journey via the Fontaine-de-Vaucluse to see the impressive spring that flows out of a 230 meter-high cliff, one of the natural wonders of France. With Mont Ventoux as a stunning background, continue deeper into the countryside and to your destination, Crillon le Brave. The hotel, a collection of old village houses, is a charming country inn perched at the top of a tiny hill overlooking a panorama worthy of an artist's canvas. Lodging: Hostellerie de Crillon le Brave

Vaucluse

DAY 4 — Vaucluse

Take a leisurely day to explore the ancient villages and towns deep in the heart of old Provence. Vaison-la-Romaine has been settled since the Bronze Age, and spent five centuries as a prosperous Roman outpost. The route of the "Dentelles de Montmirail" presents a fascinating look at village life in this unique and less-traveled corner of the Vaucluse. Lodging: Hostellerie de Crillon le Brave

DAY 5 — Aix-en-Provence

Bid a reluctant farewell to the Crillon le Brave and travel south to l'Isle sur la Sorgue, ringed by canals, home to the largest concentration of antique shops in Provence. Continue east to the Luberon Villages made famous through the books of Peter Mayle including "A Year in Provence." Cross the Luberon plain to Aix, the former capital of Provence, and the luxurious and charming Villa Gallici. Lodging: Villa Gallici

DAY 6 — Aix-en-Provence

A full day to explore Aix, a UNESCO World Heritage site, whose nickname "City of Fountains" is amply justified by the water that cascades in the old squares. Don't forget to stroll along the tree- shaded central avenue - the Cours Mirabeau. Aix was the home of Paul Cézanne. Visit his old studio, "Atelier Paul Cézanne," and the Musee Granet with an entire gallery devoted to his works. Lodging: Villa Gallici

DAY 7 — Nice

Linger over breakfast in your elegant surroundings before returning to the Cote d'Azur. Travel via Grasse and take time to discover the charm of this rose-scented town clinging precariously to a limestone plateau. In St. Paul, stay long enough to experience this colorful artistic oasis, before heading back to the Riviera where your "Provencal Circle" is complete.

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