Christmas Atmosphere In Provence

Welcome at Nice airport and transfer to your hotel.

Dinner at your own. We recommend the hotel’s restaurant. The restaurant at Hôtel Amour in Nice offers a chic and vibrant dining experience, perfectly reflecting the artistic and playful spirit of the hotel. Set in a charming and eclectic ambiance, the restaurant features a stylish interior with vintage decor, colorful artwork, and a lush outdoor terrace that provides a serene escape from the bustling city. The menu is a delightful mix of French and Mediterranean cuisine, emphasizing fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Guests can savor a variety of dishes, from classic French favorites to inventive, contemporary creations, all crafted with a touch of creativity. inviting atmosphere. We book for you.

AMOUR HOTEL 4****

The AMOUR hotel in Nice is a one-of-a-kind destination that beautifully blends artistic flair with the relaxed elegance of the French Riviera. Situated just a short stroll from the iconic Promenade des Anglais, this boutique hotel offers an experience that is both intimate and evocative, perfect for those who appreciate a blend of creativity and comfort.

Each room at the AMOUR hotel is individually designed, making every stay unique. The interiors are a curated mix of vintage charm, contemporary touches, and local influences, creating a space that feels both stylish and welcoming. From handpicked furniture to eclectic art pieces, every detail contributes to the hotel’s distinct character. The ambiance is reminiscent of a chic artist’s retreat, where modern design meets the timeless appeal of the Mediterranean.

The hotel’s hidden gem is its enchanting interior garden, a peaceful oasis where guests can unwind amidst lush greenery. The on-site restaurant is a culinary delight, offering inventive French cuisine that emphasizes fresh, local ingredients. Whether you’re enjoying a leisurely breakfast, a romantic dinner, or a casual lunch, the restaurant’s menu is designed to satisfy both the palate and the senses.

Breakfast.

Accompanied by your guide, start the day with a visit to the Cours Saleya market, a vibrant and colorful open-air market offering a wide variety of fresh produce, flowers, and local specialties. Stroll through the aisles and indulge in the scents and flavors of Provence.

Next, delve into the history of Old Nice by walking through its picturesque streets lined with pastel-colored buildings. Admire the charming architecture and soak in the lively atmosphere of this historic district. Tasting of the famous socca, a thin and crispy flatbread made from chickpea flour, water, olive oil, and salt. The dough is baked in a large wood-fired oven, usually on a copper or iron plate, until it is golden brown and slightly charred around the edges. Light lunch with tasting pan bagnat a traditional Niçoise sandwich made with a round loaf soaked in olive oil and filled with tuna, hard-boiled eggs, raw vegetables, olives, and anchovies.

For the hungry, we recommend the restaurant “La Merenda”.  La Merenda in Nice is a charming, no-frills restaurant known for its authentic Niçoise cuisine. Owned by renowned chef Dominique Le Stanc, who left a Michelin-starred career to focus on traditional, local dishes, La Merenda offers a truly intimate dining experience. The menu features classic specialties like “pissaladière,” “socca,” and “daube.” With its tiny space, no phone, and cash-only policy, it’s a hidden gem that embodies the culinary soul of Nice, attracting food lovers seeking genuine regional flavors.    

The Lascaris museum, located in Old Nice, is a gem of Baroque art. Housed in a magnificent 17th-century palace, it provides a fascinating glimpse into Niçoise aristocratic life. The museum features a rich collection of antique musical instruments, one of the finest in France, as well as frescoes, tapestries, and period furniture. Visitors can admire the palace’s sumptuous architecture, including its grand staircase, painted ceilings, and ornately decorated salons, reflecting the splendor of a bygone era.

Then, climb up to Castle Hill to enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of Nice and the Mediterranean Sea. Also explore the historic ruins of the old fortress overlooking the city.

Visit the Christmas market at Massena Square. 

For dinner we recommend the restaurant “Le Canon”. Le Canon is a celebrated bistro in Nice known for its dedication to organic and natural wines, as well as its focus on locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. The restaurant offers a warm, unpretentious atmosphere where the menu changes frequently to highlight the freshest produce available. With a commitment to sustainability, Le Canon serves up dishes that blend traditional French flavors with a modern twist, making it a favorite among both locals and visitors. The wine selection, heavily featuring biodynamic wines, complements the simple yet refined cuisine perfectly. We book for you.

Overnight at the hotel Amour.

Breakfast. 

Departure Grasse, the French capital of perfumery.

After a guided walk through the old town with its Italian and Provençal atmosphere, we will head to the Fragonard perfumery for a 1.5-hour workshop where everyone will create their own perfume with the guidance of a master perfumer. At the end of this workshop, you will leave with your creation in a personalized 100ml elegant bottle.

This service includes a guided tour of the “La Fabrique des Fleurs” factory. The tour invites you to discover the key stages of perfume making, supported by the most modern production tools. The visit to the packaging workshops allows you to witness the transformation of fragrant products from the factory into refined products ready to be marketed to enthusiasts. In addition to the production lines, it houses the laboratory where raw materials are mixed after analysis to obtain the concentrates of future perfumes.

Lunch on your own.

Departure for the last French villages before Italy, Menton, nicknamed the “Pearl of France.” Explore Old Menton, with its colorful buildings and lush gardens. On the way back to Nice, stop at the village of Eze. Perched on a hill overlooking the Mediterranean, the village of Éze is a true gem of the Côte d’Azur. With its narrow, cobbled streets, stone houses, and spectacular views, Éze embodies Mediterranean charm.

Dinner on your own. We recommend “Loka Bar”. Loka Bar, located in the heart of Nice, is the perfect place to relax and socialize. With a warm ambiance, it offers creative cocktails, fine wines, and Mediterranean tapas. Its modern and welcoming decor makes it an ideal spot for a pleasant evening with friends. We book for you. 

Overnight at the hotel Amour.

Breakfast. 

Departure to visit Aix-en-Provence, founded in 122 BC by the Romans as “Aquae Sextiae” (water of Sextius), is a city rich in history and culture. Known for its picturesque streets, elegant 17th and 18th-century mansions, and thermal springs, it offers a blend of historical charm and modern wellness.

We explore the Cours Mirabeau, Saint-Sauveur Cathedral, and the legacy of painter Paul Cézanne through his studio and the Granet Museum. The city’s vibrant cultural life includes the annual International Festival of Lyric Art and numerous year-round festivals, exhibitions, and markets.

Aix-en-Provence provides an unforgettable experience with its museums, art galleries, stylish boutiques, and Provençal markets. Enjoy local delicacies like calissons and explore the beautiful surrounding countryside, all while soaking in the city’s unique blend of history and culture.

Lunch on your own (option to reserve a table before the trip). We recommend the restaurant “Licandro – le Bistro”. A small family-run business led by Felipe Licandro, a chef who has worked in prestigious establishments across France, accompanied by his wife Julie in the dining room. At lunchtime, they offer well-executed market cuisine, while in the evening, guests can enjoy a more extensive selection, maintaining a bistro-style and traditional spirit. We book for you.

Visit the Christmas market on the beautiful Cours Mirabeau (main boulevard of the city).

Departure by coach to the heart of Provence to your hotel at Le Puy-Sainte-Reparade. 

Overnight at Chateau Fonscolombe 5*****.  In the heart of Provence, the Château de Fonscolombe in Puy-Sainte-Réparade offers a luxurious winter retreat. This 18th-century estate, transformed into a stunning hotel, becomes even more enchanting as the cooler months set in. The château’s historic charm is complemented by cozy interiors, with elegantly decorated rooms and suites that provide a warm and inviting sanctuary. Guests can savor gourmet cuisine at the hotel’s restaurant, which features seasonal ingredients, or enjoy a peaceful walk through the estate’s tranquil, frost-kissed gardens. Whether you’re curling up by the fire or exploring the serene Provençal landscape, the Château de Fonscolombe is a perfect destination for a luxurious and peaceful winter escape.

Tasting of the estate’s wines in the château’s cellars. 

Dinner at the hotel.

Breakfast.

Departure for the discovery of the Luberon region which is often compared with Tuscany. This region attracts many film stars or famous writers as it is beautiful and pleasant all year round.

Passing through the village of Cucuron and its pretty basin, continue to Discover an olive growing estate where you will learn all about the production of olive oil. Tasting of the different oils of the estate.

Departure for a meeting with a truffle farmer who will explain how to cultivate and harvest truffles. Tasting in the company of the harvester.

We continue to the village of Ansouis, one of the most beautiful villages in France for lunch in a starred restaurant that sublimates Provençal cuisine. This Closerie is a former post office where one can savor a true ode to Provence in the elegant and modern dining room or on the small panoramic terrace. After touring his producers, Marseille-born chef Olivier Alemany (trained notably by chef Jacques Chibois) enchants with traditional cuisine elevated by the superb products of Provence, bursting with sunshine and unparalleled freshness. In the dining room, his wife Delphine provides meticulous and attentive service.

Digestive walk in this beautiful village and its 12th century church and castle.

Continuation in Lourmarin, considered one of the most beautiful villages in France, this pretty Provençal village was the last residence of Albert Camus where he rests in his cemetery. Stroll through the charming alleys where pretty shops or art galleries are dotted around.

Return to your hotel.

Dinner and overnight at Château Fonscolombe.

Breakfast.

Departure Avignon for visit. Avignon, is renowned for its medieval architecture, including the impressive Palais des Papes and the famous ‘Avignon bridge. The city’s charming streets are lined with a variety of boutiques, cafés, and artisan shops, offering visitors a delightful shopping experience. Avignon’s vibrant markets and local specialties add to its appeal, making it a perfect destination for those who appreciate history and culture while enjoying a touch of Provençal charm.

Lunch on your own (option to reserve a table before the trip). We recommend the restaurant “la Mirande*”. The work of the sun, the shimmering colors, the generosity: Florent Pietravalle’s fine and flavorful dishes exude the South, its products, and its traditions. Here, everything is expertly executed: from the striking and memorable flavors to the professional, distinguished, and friendly service. The surprise menu is crafted from remarkable regional and seasonal products, impeccably sourced. The chef’s recipes, both technically masterful and spontaneous, reveal the influence of his experiences with Jean-Luc Rabanel and especially Pierre Gagnaire. The setting is also delightful: a superb 18th-century dining room or a charming garden, within the historic walls of La Mirande, the mansion adjacent to the Palais des Papes. Taste and elegance combined in one place. We book for you.

Continue to discover Saint Rémy de Provence, known for having hosted Vincent Van Gogh, who was greatly inspired by the local landscapes. It is a charming, typically Provençal town with beautiful houses and private mansions. The town is filled with lovely boutiques and art galleries.

Before coming back to your hotel, we visit little “Santons” museum. The Santons de Provence are traditional hand-painted clay figurines from Provence, used in nativity scenes. They depict the Holy Family along with characters from village life, such as shepherds and bakers. These figurines are a beloved part of Provençal Christmas traditions, showcasing the region’s culture and craftsmanship. 

Dinner and overnight at the hotel Château Fonscolombe.

Breakfast. 

Departure to Marseille, founded by Greek sailors in 600 BC as Massalia, is one of the oldest cities in France and a vibrant melting pot of cultures. Situated on the Mediterranean coast, it boasts a rich maritime heritage and a dynamic urban atmosphere.

We explore “le Panier” and the “Vieux-Port”, the historic heart of the city, where you can watch fishermen unload their catch and stroll along the bustling quays. Visit the iconic Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde, offering panoramic views of the city and sea.

For lunch you will discover a traditional dish of the city the “Bouillabaisse” which is a traditional Provençal fish stew from Marseille, made with a variety of fresh fish, shellfish, and aromatic herbs. Originally a fisherman’s dish, it’s now a symbol of Mediterranean cuisine. The rich broth is typically served with toasted bread and rouille, a garlicky saffron sauce.

Transfer to your hotel in Nice Amour hotel 4****

For dinner, we recommend the restaurant “Racines*”. Chef Bruno Cirino and his trusted right-hand man, José Vidal, serve a unique, great-value menu in this small restaurant, featuring only organic or sustainably grown fruits and vegetables from the region. Their garden-to-table cuisine uses produce harvested at optimal ripeness, cooked with skill to highlight the unique flavors of the Côte d’Azur, especially garlic, olive oil, and basil. Delight in dishes like a coal fish soup with red spring onions and basil, violet artichoke with cheese emulsion and grilled Ligurian spiny artichoke, a root vegetable terrine inspired by “César Baldaccini,” and oven-baked apple with burnt barley ice cream. All this is complemented by fine wines at attractive prices, served with a smile.

Overnight at the Amour hotel.

Breakfast.

Free time in Nice depending on your flight schedule, transfer to the airport.

Day 1 : Nice

Day 2 : Nice

Day 3 : Nice – Grasse – Menton – Eze – Nice

Day 4 : Nice – Aix en Provence – Le Puy Sainte Reparade

Day 5 : Le Puy Sainte Reparade – Région du Luberon – Le Puy Sainte Reparade

Day 6: Le Puy Sainte Reparade – Avignon – Saint Remy de Provence – Le Puy Sainte Reparade

Day 7 : Le Puy Sainte Reparade – Marseille – Nice

Day 8 : Nice

Mercedes Sprinter