Span the centuries among the lush landscapes of Arles and in medieval Viviers; sample the “high life” on a two-night stay in Monte-Carlo
Monte-Carlo / Nice Spend two nights at the Fairmont Monte Carlo as your journey begins. It’s hard to imagine a more idyllic… or sophisticated… place than Monte-Carlo. Just its name brings to mind jet setters, magnificent yachts from around the world bobbing in the harbor, a glittering casino where the rich and famous seek Lady Luck, the Formula 1 Grand Prix and the fairy-tale legacy of Princess Grace, Prince Rainier and the Grimaldi family dynasty who have ruled Monaco for over 700 years. The museums, gardens, the pink Place de Palais and the Monaco cathedral… all are part of Monaco’s magic. Time spent in Nice is always nice – whether on a walking tour with Tauck’s local guide or while exploring on your own – on the Promenade des Anglais along the Bay of Angels… strolling the medieval winding streets of Old Town… and within the lively Rue de France Pedestrian Zone.
Arles / Camargue Ancient Arles was there long before the Romans found it... and a lot of what they left behind can still be seen today, including the Roman arena from the 1st century BC – still being used for bullfights and plays, nearly 2,000 years after it was first built! Look beyond the city’s medieval streets and city walls to see why the landscapes surrounding ancient Arles were such an inspiration to Vincent van Gogh… the quality of the light is amazing. Experience an in-depth look at the Camargue during a visit to a local farm; dine on traditional Provençal fare, attend a demonstration by the region’s cowboys, and see the famous Spanish black bulls they raise.
Wine Regions of France Whether you’re a dedicated “wine snob” or simply an aficionado, the wines produced by the vineyards along the Rhône and Saône rivers are some of the best in the world. This is an area of contrasts, with the local geography and climate as well as the minerals in the soil and water determining the grapes grown in each region and the wines produced. Red and white wines from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes are a hallmark of the Burgundy region where smooth and easy-drinking Beaujolais, Pouilly Fuisse, and Mercurey, along with hearty red and white Burgundies, are made along the Saône. The robust reds of the Hermitage region in the Rhône Valley… Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the wines of the Avignon region in the south, taking their name from a reference to “the Pope’s new castle,” and many more… all demand to be tasted and treasured.
You just can’t beat the views overlooking the Bay of Angels in Nice
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Avignon / Châteauneuf-du-Pape The lovely fortified city of Avignon might still be something of a backwater had it not been for the popes who moved the papacy there when things got “uncomfortable” in Rome during the 14th century. Although the popes only reigned here for about a century, the Palais des Papes – itself a fortress sporting massive walls – is still the centerpiece of this walled medieval city. As it happened, the popes of Avignon all shared a fondness for fine wines, and wine has been produced in this region for over 2,600 years. A taste of locally produced Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a must-have experience.
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