Essence of France Paris, Provence & the French Riviera
Explorations
The wine, cuisine, art, and landscapes of France ignite the senses on a journey to romantic Paris, colorful Provence, and the sparkling French Riviera. Relax during extended stays in Paris, Aix-en-Provence, and Nice. Travel by high-speed train from Paris to Provence and visit a farm for a cheese tasting. Stroll the spectacular gardens of the Villa Rothschild with their stunning views of the Mediterranean. Cruise the River Seine, learn about perfume making and truffle hunting, and explore charming villages and gorgeous coastlines – this is the essence of France.
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ID: 8470872
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ID: 8470868
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ID: 8470873
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ID: 8470877
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ID: 8470875
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ID: 8470872
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ID: 8470868
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ID: 8470873
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ID: 8470877
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ID: 8470875
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Paris
This French capital is one of the world's greatest cities and certainly one of its most beautiful. The Eiffel Tower, Arch of Triumph, Louvre and Orsay Museums, the Champs Elysees, Montmartre and the Sacre Coeur, and many others are all iconic symbols of the "City of Light", renowned for fabulous dining, high fashion and the French savoir faire. One can keep returning to Paris over a lifetime and still not see everything it has to offer.
Le Marais Food Tour
Seine River Cruise
Separating Paris into the Left and Right Banks is the River Seine. One of the best ways to see Paris is by water. Floating along as the sun sets in a glass-roofed boat, you watch the city come to life. Guided narration and themed music allow you to soak in the atmosphere of Paris as you cruise past Notre Dame, the Musee D'Orsay and the Eiffel Tower.
High-Speed TGV Train
Aix-en-Provence
The abundant springs that supply the "City of a Thousand Fountains" have given this unofficial capital of the Provence its name. Aix-en-Provence is excellently located between the Mediterranean, the French Riviera, and the Languedoc-Rousillon region. It has been the seat of a University for 600 years and continues to be a center of learning for the study of Law. The city retains a certain distinction due to its cultural life and its handsome 12th and 18th century mansions as well as Roman ruins and its medieval cathedral. Thermal baths, a picturesque fresh produce market and the lively artisanal craft and wares market highlight the city's many attractions.
Truffle Demonstration
Cassis
Choice on Tour: Calanques Scenic Boat Tour or Hiking in Calanques National Park
During your visit in Cassis, you have the choice between two activities. Your first choice is to enjoy a scenic sailing to 3 coves located in the Calanques National Park. From the boat, you’ll take in the dramatic, steep-walled inlets topped by Mediterranean vegetation. Your second choice is to challenge yourself on a guided, moderately-strenuous hike* through the park’s shrub to view the rugged landscape from above.Calanques Scenic Boat TourActivity Level: 2To fully enjoy this option, travelers should be prepared to be on a motorboat for about 45 minutes. The motorboat can accommodate approximately 100 people. This experience is not exclusive to Collette guests. The motorboat will sail from Cassis to visit 3 coves in the Calanques National Park. Moderate movement from the sailing should be expected and travelers should be prepared to stand on the boat while moving, as seating cannot be guaranteed.Hiking in the Calanques National ParkActivity Level: 4This hike is ranked as “moderately strenuous” according to the U.S. National Park Service guidelines. Moderately strenuous hikes will generally be challenging for an unconditioned person. The terrain can involve a steady and often steep incline. The hike in the Calanques will have an approximate duration of 2 hours over rough, unpaved terrain, constantly up/down hills, visiting 1 or 2 calanaques (coves). In case of adverse weather conditions, the hike might be replaced with a walk along a paved, 1.1 mile scenic path.
Grasse
Grasse is an aristocratic town in the foothills surrounding the Mediterranean coast. Its 12th century Cathedral dominates the cobblestoned streets and intimate squares and courtyards. The town is recognized as the center of French perfumery. Several noble houses that pioneered the art of perfume-making welcome visitors to their laboratories, museums, and gift shops.
Perfume Workshop
Grasse is the centre of French perfumery. Visit a laboratory in one of the city's venerable perfume houses and learn the history and art of perfume-making. Try your "nose" at discerning particular scents and blend your own special fragrance.
Nice
Nice is the second largest resort on the French Mediterranean Coast and the country's fifth largest city. It has the country's second busiest airport welcoming the world's rich and famous as well as millions of sun and fun-seeking tourists. Beachfront hotels along the famous Promenade des Anglais, pleasant parks and gardens, a picturesque historic quarter as well as a lively commercial center are some of its many attractions. The Chagall Museum of the Biblical Message and the Henri Matisse Museum are located here. An ancient Roman arena and a remarkable Franciscan Church are found in Cimiez, an exclusive residential district. Nice is the gateway to affluent and exclusive coastal communities as well as the Principality of Monaco.
Saint Paul de Vence
One of the most famous villages on the Nice hinterland, this heavily restored 16th-century village became a magnet for both aspiring and established artists during the 20th century. It was home to French actors Yves Montand and Simone Signoret and a favorite haunt for Hollywood celebrities. Today, galleries and studios dominate the village's narrow cobblestone streets and alleyways.
Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild
Take in the impressive splendor of Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, home to lush gardens, iconic rose-colored siding, and immaculate views of the Mediterranean. Enjoy lunch in the tea room, overlooking the Bay of Villefrance.
Courtyard Marriott Paris Gare de Lyon Hotel
209-211 Rue de Bercy, Paris, France
Grand Hotel Roi René
24 Blvd du Roi Rene, Aix-en-Provence, France
Hotel Massena
58 Rue Gioffredo, Nice, France
We consider everyone who travels with us to be our personal guest.
Every moment matters to us because we know it matters to you. This may be because at heart we are a family owned company that has been in business for over 100 years. It may be because our team are passionate about sharing their own love of travel and uncovering mysteries.
Choosing Collette comes with benefits that take your guided travel experience to another level. Our inclusive tours provide you more value for your money and more of what makes travel special.
The Benefits of Collette Guided Travel
- Value of Guided Travel
- Easy & Convenient Booking
- Expert Tour Managers
- Private Airport Transfers
- Carefully Selected Accommodations
- All the Iconic Must-Sees
- Immersive Cultural Experiences
- Authentic Culinary Experiences
Every Moment of Your Trip Matters
As travelers, we understand that your trip starts at your doorstep and every moment counts. That’s why we offer private chauffeur service to and from the airport. It’s why we developed an industry-leading travel protection plan. And it’s why we offer unrivaled 24-7 support to our travelers out on the road.
We know that the more peace of mind you have, the more you can relax and enjoy the journey. And that’s why we’re with you, every step of the way.
Travel Protection Plan
We get it. Life happens and plans change. With our unrivaled Travel Protection Plan, you can cancel you trip for any reason, right up until the day before your departure and get a full refund, less the cost of the plan. This is something we’ve done for decades, because the trust of our travelers matters the most. So go ahead and book that dream trip with confidence — no blackout windows or hidden restrictions.
Private Chauffeur Service
When you buy air with Collette, secure door-to-door chauffeur service to and from the airport, plus hotel transfers, and all internal transfers during your trip. This means a private sedan comes straight to your door, loads your bags, and whisks you off to the airport and back home again when you return. It’s the perfect stress-free way to start and end your trip.
Expert Tour Managers
Each Collette tour is guided by a regionally-based expert. This means that from the moment you touch down until the moment you leave, you’ll be in the hands of a trusted Tour Manager with insider knowledge about the culture, language, and history of your destination — so you can get the most in-depth experience without any of the stress.
Guaranteed to Go
We have thousands of guaranteed departure dates across our 170+ tours. Book your tour with peace of mind, knowing that it will leave as planned and your departure date won’t change.
Sedan Service
Getting to and from the airport can be the most stressful and difficult part of any trip. Start and end your adventure in hassle-free luxury with our private sedan that comes straight to your door, loads your bags and whisks you off to the airport and back home again when you return. Now that’s how to start and end a trip the right way.
Social Responsibility: It's a way of life
It’s at the heart of everything we do and every decision we make. We believe that travel should be a force for good and by uniting with our employees, partners and travelers, we can make a positive impact in our local and global communities.
Our Mission
Social Responsibility at Collette means working together to take care of the places we live, work and travel. We focus on four key areas – Community, People, Travel and Planet – taking a holistic approach by striving to do good in every area of our business.
Community
Our nonprofit, the Collette Foundation, supports worldwide communities in need through hunger and education initiatives. Each year, employees volunteer more than 4,500 hours of their time to efforts in their own communities and across the world.
Travel
We strive to create an experience our guests not only enjoy, but also feel good about. We work to sustain and preserve communities, cultures, and traditions through tourism, and positively impact the places we come to know as travelers.
People
We couldn’t deliver the amazing travel experiences that we do without our incredible team. We offer our employees a variety of tools to be happy, healthy, and successful including learning and growth opportunities.
Planet
Our world is filled with awe-inspiring natural wonders. That’s why we are actively making responsible decisions to reduce our carbon footprint and care for our planet, the place we all call home.
Focus on family. We’ll handle the rest.
There are countless benefits to family travel. Experiencing new things together. Taking time to enjoy each other’s company without life’s typical distractions. Connecting with loved ones who don’t live near us.
No matter why you decide to travel together, or where you choose to go, spending quality time with family should be the only thing that matters. That’s why families book Collette tours – to let experts take care of all the details.
Why Book Your Multigenerational Family Trip with Collette?
Making Memories Together
Unique experiences are made richer with family by your side. And the journey lives on through memories retold. "Do you remember that game drive with Grandma? We came so close to the elephants!"
Don't Sweat the Small Stuff
Planning a trip is hard work. Organizing the Blarney Stone visit? Finding a ride to the river cruise in Costa Rica? That stuff takes away from your time to focus on each other. Let us handle the logistics.
Learning From Each Other
Traveling with family is the best game of trivia. From architectural features to history, the facts your family members have tucked away may surprise you. (And your Tour Manager can fill in any gaps!)
Exploring Your Ancestry
Cultural heritage forms our family traditions and beliefs. Tracing your family's roots is powerful. There's no better way to discover these countries than with your family. Go together, with an expert by your side.
Private Touring for Families
Whether you're booking a large family trip or the best family reunion ever, you can book a private tour with 10 or more travelers. Go on. Invite everyone and their mother.
Playing New Roles
We think of people in their day-to-day roles. Parent. Sibling. Child. When you travel on tour and responsibilities shift, you let loose and get to know each other as adventurers, too.
Collette Knows Family Travel
We have been family-owned and operated since we opened our doors in 1918. Our team loves traveling with family! We truly value the magic of exploring the world together.
Less is More on a Low-Season Tour
Explore popular destinations with more flexibility and fewer crowds. Whether you're searching for tranquility or a deeper connection with the locals, off season travel is one of the best ways to experience a destination.
6 Reasons to Love the Low Season
More Affordable
Off-season travel offers significant cost savings on flights, accommodations, and day-to-day activities.
Better Service
Smaller crowds mean more personalized service and shorter wait times at restaurants, museums, and attractions.
More Peace
Peak season can be crowded and overwhelming, while the low season offers opportunities for quieter, more serene travel experiences.
Authentic Experiences
Experience destinations like the locals do - with less hustle and more room to appreciate the beauty around you.
More Sustainable
Low season travel reduces the strain on a destination’s resources, meaning less waste and lower pollution levels.
Support Local Economies
Low season tourism brings vital income to local economies during quieter periods, helping to sustain businesses and livelihoods year-round.
Paris
This French capital is one of the world's greatest cities and certainly one of its most beautiful. The Eiffel Tower, Arch of Triumph, Louvre and Orsay Museums, the Champs Elysees, Montmartre and the Sacre Coeur, and many others are all iconic symbols of the "City of Light", renowned for fabulous dining, high fashion and the French savoir faire. One can keep returning to Paris over a lifetime and still not see everything it has to offer.
Le Marais Food Tour
Seine River Cruise
Separating Paris into the Left and Right Banks is the River Seine. One of the best ways to see Paris is by water. Floating along as the sun sets in a glass-roofed boat, you watch the city come to life. Guided narration and themed music allow you to soak in the atmosphere of Paris as you cruise past Notre Dame, the Musee D'Orsay and the Eiffel Tower.
High-Speed TGV Train
Aix-en-Provence
The abundant springs that supply the "City of a Thousand Fountains" have given this unofficial capital of the Provence its name. Aix-en-Provence is excellently located between the Mediterranean, the French Riviera, and the Languedoc-Rousillon region. It has been the seat of a University for 600 years and continues to be a center of learning for the study of Law. The city retains a certain distinction due to its cultural life and its handsome 12th and 18th century mansions as well as Roman ruins and its medieval cathedral. Thermal baths, a picturesque fresh produce market and the lively artisanal craft and wares market highlight the city's many attractions.
Truffle Demonstration
Cassis
Choice on Tour: Calanques Scenic Boat Tour or Hiking in Calanques National Park
During your visit in Cassis, you have the choice between two activities. Your first choice is to enjoy a scenic sailing to 3 coves located in the Calanques National Park. From the boat, you’ll take in the dramatic, steep-walled inlets topped by Mediterranean vegetation. Your second choice is to challenge yourself on a guided, moderately-strenuous hike* through the park’s shrub to view the rugged landscape from above.Calanques Scenic Boat TourActivity Level: 2To fully enjoy this option, travelers should be prepared to be on a motorboat for about 45 minutes. The motorboat can accommodate approximately 100 people. This experience is not exclusive to Collette guests. The motorboat will sail from Cassis to visit 3 coves in the Calanques National Park. Moderate movement from the sailing should be expected and travelers should be prepared to stand on the boat while moving, as seating cannot be guaranteed.Hiking in the Calanques National ParkActivity Level: 4This hike is ranked as “moderately strenuous” according to the U.S. National Park Service guidelines. Moderately strenuous hikes will generally be challenging for an unconditioned person. The terrain can involve a steady and often steep incline. The hike in the Calanques will have an approximate duration of 2 hours over rough, unpaved terrain, constantly up/down hills, visiting 1 or 2 calanaques (coves). In case of adverse weather conditions, the hike might be replaced with a walk along a paved, 1.1 mile scenic path.
Grasse
Grasse is an aristocratic town in the foothills surrounding the Mediterranean coast. Its 12th century Cathedral dominates the cobblestoned streets and intimate squares and courtyards. The town is recognized as the center of French perfumery. Several noble houses that pioneered the art of perfume-making welcome visitors to their laboratories, museums, and gift shops.
Perfume Workshop
Grasse is the centre of French perfumery. Visit a laboratory in one of the city's venerable perfume houses and learn the history and art of perfume-making. Try your "nose" at discerning particular scents and blend your own special fragrance.
Nice
Nice is the second largest resort on the French Mediterranean Coast and the country's fifth largest city. It has the country's second busiest airport welcoming the world's rich and famous as well as millions of sun and fun-seeking tourists. Beachfront hotels along the famous Promenade des Anglais, pleasant parks and gardens, a picturesque historic quarter as well as a lively commercial center are some of its many attractions. The Chagall Museum of the Biblical Message and the Henri Matisse Museum are located here. An ancient Roman arena and a remarkable Franciscan Church are found in Cimiez, an exclusive residential district. Nice is the gateway to affluent and exclusive coastal communities as well as the Principality of Monaco.
Saint Paul de Vence
One of the most famous villages on the Nice hinterland, this heavily restored 16th-century village became a magnet for both aspiring and established artists during the 20th century. It was home to French actors Yves Montand and Simone Signoret and a favorite haunt for Hollywood celebrities. Today, galleries and studios dominate the village's narrow cobblestone streets and alleyways.
Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild
Take in the impressive splendor of Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, home to lush gardens, iconic rose-colored siding, and immaculate views of the Mediterranean. Enjoy lunch in the tea room, overlooking the Bay of Villefrance.
Courtyard Marriott Paris Gare de Lyon Hotel
209-211 Rue de Bercy, Paris, France
Grand Hotel Roi René
24 Blvd du Roi Rene, Aix-en-Provence, France
Hotel Massena
58 Rue Gioffredo, Nice, France
We consider everyone who travels with us to be our personal guest.
Every moment matters to us because we know it matters to you. This may be because at heart we are a family owned company that has been in business for over 100 years. It may be because our team are passionate about sharing their own love of travel and uncovering mysteries.
Choosing Collette comes with benefits that take your guided travel experience to another level. Our inclusive tours provide you more value for your money and more of what makes travel special.
The Benefits of Collette Guided Travel
- Value of Guided Travel
- Easy & Convenient Booking
- Expert Tour Managers
- Private Airport Transfers
- Carefully Selected Accommodations
- All the Iconic Must-Sees
- Immersive Cultural Experiences
- Authentic Culinary Experiences
Every Moment of Your Trip Matters
As travelers, we understand that your trip starts at your doorstep and every moment counts. That’s why we offer private chauffeur service to and from the airport. It’s why we developed an industry-leading travel protection plan. And it’s why we offer unrivaled 24-7 support to our travelers out on the road.
We know that the more peace of mind you have, the more you can relax and enjoy the journey. And that’s why we’re with you, every step of the way.
Travel Protection Plan
We get it. Life happens and plans change. With our unrivaled Travel Protection Plan, you can cancel you trip for any reason, right up until the day before your departure and get a full refund, less the cost of the plan. This is something we’ve done for decades, because the trust of our travelers matters the most. So go ahead and book that dream trip with confidence — no blackout windows or hidden restrictions.
Private Chauffeur Service
When you buy air with Collette, secure door-to-door chauffeur service to and from the airport, plus hotel transfers, and all internal transfers during your trip. This means a private sedan comes straight to your door, loads your bags, and whisks you off to the airport and back home again when you return. It’s the perfect stress-free way to start and end your trip.
Expert Tour Managers
Each Collette tour is guided by a regionally-based expert. This means that from the moment you touch down until the moment you leave, you’ll be in the hands of a trusted Tour Manager with insider knowledge about the culture, language, and history of your destination — so you can get the most in-depth experience without any of the stress.
Guaranteed to Go
We have thousands of guaranteed departure dates across our 170+ tours. Book your tour with peace of mind, knowing that it will leave as planned and your departure date won’t change.
Sedan Service
Getting to and from the airport can be the most stressful and difficult part of any trip. Start and end your adventure in hassle-free luxury with our private sedan that comes straight to your door, loads your bags and whisks you off to the airport and back home again when you return. Now that’s how to start and end a trip the right way.
Social Responsibility: It's a way of life
It’s at the heart of everything we do and every decision we make. We believe that travel should be a force for good and by uniting with our employees, partners and travelers, we can make a positive impact in our local and global communities.
Our Mission
Social Responsibility at Collette means working together to take care of the places we live, work and travel. We focus on four key areas – Community, People, Travel and Planet – taking a holistic approach by striving to do good in every area of our business.
Community
Our nonprofit, the Collette Foundation, supports worldwide communities in need through hunger and education initiatives. Each year, employees volunteer more than 4,500 hours of their time to efforts in their own communities and across the world.
Travel
We strive to create an experience our guests not only enjoy, but also feel good about. We work to sustain and preserve communities, cultures, and traditions through tourism, and positively impact the places we come to know as travelers.
People
We couldn’t deliver the amazing travel experiences that we do without our incredible team. We offer our employees a variety of tools to be happy, healthy, and successful including learning and growth opportunities.
Planet
Our world is filled with awe-inspiring natural wonders. That’s why we are actively making responsible decisions to reduce our carbon footprint and care for our planet, the place we all call home.
Focus on family. We’ll handle the rest.
There are countless benefits to family travel. Experiencing new things together. Taking time to enjoy each other’s company without life’s typical distractions. Connecting with loved ones who don’t live near us.
No matter why you decide to travel together, or where you choose to go, spending quality time with family should be the only thing that matters. That’s why families book Collette tours – to let experts take care of all the details.
Why Book Your Multigenerational Family Trip with Collette?
Making Memories Together
Unique experiences are made richer with family by your side. And the journey lives on through memories retold. "Do you remember that game drive with Grandma? We came so close to the elephants!"
Don't Sweat the Small Stuff
Planning a trip is hard work. Organizing the Blarney Stone visit? Finding a ride to the river cruise in Costa Rica? That stuff takes away from your time to focus on each other. Let us handle the logistics.
Learning From Each Other
Traveling with family is the best game of trivia. From architectural features to history, the facts your family members have tucked away may surprise you. (And your Tour Manager can fill in any gaps!)
Exploring Your Ancestry
Cultural heritage forms our family traditions and beliefs. Tracing your family's roots is powerful. There's no better way to discover these countries than with your family. Go together, with an expert by your side.
Private Touring for Families
Whether you're booking a large family trip or the best family reunion ever, you can book a private tour with 10 or more travelers. Go on. Invite everyone and their mother.
Playing New Roles
We think of people in their day-to-day roles. Parent. Sibling. Child. When you travel on tour and responsibilities shift, you let loose and get to know each other as adventurers, too.
Collette Knows Family Travel
We have been family-owned and operated since we opened our doors in 1918. Our team loves traveling with family! We truly value the magic of exploring the world together.
Less is More on a Low-Season Tour
Explore popular destinations with more flexibility and fewer crowds. Whether you're searching for tranquility or a deeper connection with the locals, off season travel is one of the best ways to experience a destination.
6 Reasons to Love the Low Season
More Affordable
Off-season travel offers significant cost savings on flights, accommodations, and day-to-day activities.
Better Service
Smaller crowds mean more personalized service and shorter wait times at restaurants, museums, and attractions.
More Peace
Peak season can be crowded and overwhelming, while the low season offers opportunities for quieter, more serene travel experiences.
Authentic Experiences
Experience destinations like the locals do - with less hustle and more room to appreciate the beauty around you.
More Sustainable
Low season travel reduces the strain on a destination’s resources, meaning less waste and lower pollution levels.
Support Local Economies
Low season tourism brings vital income to local economies during quieter periods, helping to sustain businesses and livelihoods year-round.
About Collette
With Collette, the World is Within Your Reach
True adventures go beyond incredible destinations or inclusive packages. Collette delivers a sense of possibility across all seven continents.
Since 1918, we have been sharing our love of travel. Today our worldwide travel collection features comprehensive land tours, river cruises, rail journeys, small group tours, family trips, garden holidays and more. With Collette, wake each morning on tour with a new experience in front of you, and when your head hits the pillow, you will know it has been an amazing day. Best of all - we seamlessly handle the details. All you have to do is enjoy the adventure.
About Collette
With Collette, the World is Within Your Reach
True adventures go beyond incredible destinations or inclusive packages. Collette delivers a sense of possibility across all seven continents.
Since 1918, we have been sharing our love of travel. Today our worldwide travel collection features comprehensive land tours, river cruises, rail journeys, small group tours, family trips, garden holidays and more. With Collette, wake each morning on tour with a new experience in front of you, and when your head hits the pillow, you will know it has been an amazing day. Best of all - we seamlessly handle the details. All you have to do is enjoy the adventure.
