This leisurely tour of southeast France is ideal for travellers who love both culture and nature. After starting in beautiful Paris you will take the fast train south, heading for the incredible landscapes of fragrant Provence and sunny Côte d'Azur.
This trip will be customized according to your wishes.
Paris is more than just a city – the name itself is legend. From the late Middle Ages to the nineteenth century the focus of the entire country was on Paris, the center of western culture and a major influence on western history.
The city's layout and buildings reflect its cultural and political significance: the Champ-Elysées and the Eiffel Tower, Sacre Coeur, Place de la Concorde and Notre Dame. Paris is also considered by many to be the most beautiful city in the world. The museums of the French capital are unparalleled. From the Louvre to the Orsay, from the Centre Pompidou to the Rodin to the Cité des Sciences, each museum offers a unique aesthetic experience. Moreover, names like Faubourg, Saint Honoré and the Avenue Montaigne are reminders that Paris is famous for fashion. A shopping excursion with a stop for pastries at a picturesque street café is a must in Paris. Whether you prefer the opera, a ballet, classical music, jazz, a night club or a dance revue, the word Paris is synonymous with night-life. In the surrounding localities you can experiences aristocratic Paris: Versailles, Fontainebleau, Saint-Germain and Vaux-le-Vicomte. Here travelers are invited to escape to the glitter of the Louis XIV era.
This enchanting little hotel is situated in the heart of Paris, in the shadow of the Louvre. It is so close to St. Germain l'Auxerrois that you can hear the hymns from the former “King's Church” and see the Gothic windows from your bedroom.
In the cellar there is an old printing press that was used to print illegal leaflets during the French Revolution. It is said that the reception area was once the Café Momus (a debating club of the revolutionaries) and it was here that Puccini allowed parts of his opera “La Boheme” to be played. Breakfast, true to Parisian custom, is served in your suite. The hotel is air conditioned. Sophie Aulnette has managed the hotel for the past 10 years and personally attends to her guests' comfort. Tickets to local museums and other attractions can be purchased at a shop near the hotel.
Your train tickets will not be booked by Umfulana. Please book online on www.sncf.com/fr.
Alternatively you can book on www.raileurope.com, where prices will be displayed in most currencies, but tend to be more expensive than on the the local provider's website. Another option is to purchase your ticket on arrival at the station.
The city on the Gulf of Lion is the oldest and 2nd largest city in France. The original settlement was founded by Greek traders in the 7th century BC, and quickly grew into a colony along the mouth of the Rhone River.
The port lost its significance, however, after the collapse of the Roman Empire, only to return to strategic importance 500 years later during the crusades. Marseilles grew into a true multicultural metropolis during France's colonization of northern Africa. Worth seeing is the Old Port (Vieux Port), which includes most of the original Greek settlement and is now an exclusive marina.
The small 4-star hotel on the Quai du Port is a bit quaint – with furniture in the style of the 1950's. However standing on the balcony in one of the upper floors, you will be overwhelmed by the magnificent view of one of Europe's oldest ports.
Almost everything in the historic town can be reached on foot. Although the hotel is located in the middle of the hustle and bustle, the rooms are quiet – thanks to good windows and quiet air conditioning. The staff is friendly.
Broker: Sunny Cars GmbH
Company: Enterprise
Vehicle: Peugeot 308 or similar (CDAR)
Location: Marseille (Railway Station)
The center of the former Roman “Provincia Fallia Narboniensis” forms the Bas Provence around the city of Avignon. It is one of the oldest cultural landscapes of Europe and has written world history more than once.
During the schism of the medieval church, alongside the Pope in Rome there was another one, residing in Avignon and shaping the city and region. Ancient towns nestle in the mountain wilderness, deserted villages are being reclaimed by nature. In addition to cities such as Arles, Nimes or Aix visitors can find almost untouched landscapes: Mont Ventoux, the highest massif of the Provence or the endless oak forests of the Luberon. Considering the pleasant Mediterranean climate, it is understandable that this land has always attracted travelers, painters and artists.
The large, friendly estate is situated among fruit trees and vineyards between Arles and Nimes where the regions of Provence and Camargue meet.
The bedrooms on the top floor are simple yet elegant with white washed walls, cast iron beds and period furniture. The overhanging roof provides welcome shade on hot summer days. A swimming pool is available.
The River Verdon is a tributary of the River Durance. Along its 175 kilometer route it has dug a huge canyon into the Alps which is the deepest valley in Europe and one of its most impressive natural wonders.
The canyon is 21 km long, 700 m high and only 6 m wide in some places. It represents a constant challenge for climbers, white water rafters and well-equipped hikers. There is a road around the edge of the gorge which leads to splendid viewpoints.
In the hills of Haute Provence, where lavender fields reach down to the steep bank of the Verdon, lies the former oil mill of the castle of St-Laurent-du-Verdon.
Edith and Nicolas, a couple from Switzerland, have transformed the venerable 17th century building into a Mediterranean paradise with ten rooms. The idyllic surroundings, peace and quiet and a strong organic cuisine characterize the house, which belongs to the Slow Food network and can be counted among the “Hôtels au Naturel” because of its constant commitment to sustainable tourism.
Bicycles are provided; hiking trails lead directly past the property. Just as well, one can enjoy the peace and quiet in the shade of the olive trees and read or play boules or billiards.
Named after an early Christian martyr, the harbor town on the Cote d'Azur was a simple fishing village until the 20th century.
The boom began in the 1950s when “St Trop” became a meeting place for the rich and famous. Wealthy vacationers from all over the world spend their summers in the famous beach clubs: Tahiti Plage, Club 55 or similar. Saint Tropez is known for its exclusive marina and the Baie de Pamplonne, the longest sand beach on the Cote d'Azur. The numerous shops and gourmet restaurants are priced for their special clientele.
Those who want to sleep quietly in the proximity of Saint-Tropez and seek relaxation without many frills, are in good hands in the former monastery in La Croix Valmer.
The pastel-colored building from 1900 has lost none of its charm. All 33 rooms have wing windows, four meter high ceilings and a great view across the large park to the bay. Breakfast is decent, the pool refreshing and the peace total.
Location: Nice Airport (Desk at Airport)
Ph.: +49 (0)2268 92298-23
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