Mediterranean coast of France

Embark on a journey in the footsteps of great artists and writers of Europe to the Côte d’Azur and Provence. It was the light that made the difference: the endless blue has attracted the artistic avant-garde of Europe to the Côte d’Azur since the late 19th century. Once someone has captured the explosion of Mediterranean colors on canvas, they keep coming back.

Day 1 | Arrival (approx. 760 km)

Departure in the morning and your journey takes you towards southern France. Passing Metz, Nancy, Dijon, and Lyon, you will reach Portes-lès-Valence. Check-in and dinner at the hotel.

Day 2 | Avignon – Marseille (approx. 230 km)

Before reaching Marseille, you will make a stop in the historic city of Avignon, which became world-famous in the Middle Ages as the seat of the popes. During a guided tour, you will discover the impressive Palais des Papes, one of the largest and most significant Gothic buildings in Europe. The powerful walls and splendid halls impressively convey Avignon's former significance as a religious center of Christianity. Afterwards, you will visit the famous Saint-Bénézet Bridge, which gained worldwide fame through the well-known French song "Sur le pont d’Avignon." From here, you can also enjoy beautiful views of the Rhône and the surrounding landscape. After an individual lunch break, you will have some time to explore the city of Avignon on your own before continuing your journey to Marseille. You will stay centrally in Marseille near the Old Port (Vieux Port) for the next two nights. Dinner at the hotel.

Day 3 | Marseille – Art from Different Eras

On this day, you will encounter various eras of art. In the morning, you will take a leisurely walk to the Musée Cantini, which showcases modern art by Dufy, Max Ernst, and Picabia. In a calm atmosphere, you will have the opportunity to discover selected works from the 20th century and gain a first cultural impression of the city. Afterwards, you will take a stroll through the surrounding neighborhood, which invites you to linger with its charming streets, small squares, and typical southern French flair. In the early afternoon, you will visit the MUCEM (Musée des Civilisations de l’Europe et de la Méditerranée), one of the most architecturally and culturally impressive museums in the city. Here, you will focus on the wealth and diversity of civilizations in the Mediterranean region, both in the past and today. In addition to exciting exhibitions, the building also offers spectacular views of the sea and the harbor. After the museum visit, you will have free time at the Old Port (Vieux-Port) before you are expected for dinner at the hotel.

Day 4 | In the Footsteps of Exiles and World-Famous Artists (approx. 230 km)

In the harbor town of Sanary, Thomas Mann, Arnold Zweig, and Bertolt Brecht lived in the 1930s. In the morning, you will take the tour "In the Footsteps of Exiles." In Bormes-les-Mimosas, you will enjoy your individual lunch break. In the afternoon, you will view world-famous works by Matisse, Braque, and other artists at the Musée de l’Annonciade in Saint-Tropez. After a stroll through Saint-Tropez, you will continue to Cannes, where you will spend the next four nights. Dinner at the hotel in Cannes.

Day 5 | Picasso and Léger (approx. 40 km)

In Antibes and Vallauris, Pablo Picasso left impressive artistic traces that continue to shape the cultural life of the region today. In the morning, you will visit the Picasso Museum in Château Grimaldi in Antibes, which is beautifully situated above the sea. Picasso himself worked in these historic walls for a time – the atmosphere is correspondingly authentic. The collection includes numerous paintings, drawings, and ceramics and offers an exciting insight into a particularly creative phase of his work. Afterwards, you will have time for an individual lunch break in the charming old town of Antibes. Stroll through the narrow streets, enjoy the Mediterranean flair, and indulge yourself in one of the many restaurants or cafés. Then you will travel to the glassblowing village of Biot, where Fernand Léger spent some crucial years during Picasso's creative period in Vallauris, as the grand museum in his honor shows. You will visit his museum and a glassblowing workshop. Back in Cannes, you will have dinner in a restaurant.

Day 6 | Modern Art, Rosary Chapel, and Fragonard Museum (approx. 70 km)

Marc Chagall is buried in the cemetery of Saint-Paul-de-Vence. Not far from there is the Mecca for modern art, the Fondation Maeght. After the visit, you will spend your individual lunch break in Saint-Paul-de-Vence. In Vence, you will finally visit the most important work of Henri Matisse - the Rosary Chapel. You will drive through the hinterland to Grasse and visit the Fragonard Museum, which is located in a 13th-century building. Back in Cannes, you will take a walk along the Croisette and in the old town district of Le Suquet. Dinner in a restaurant in Cannes.

Day 7 | Renoir and Chagall (approx. 70 km)

In the morning, you will drive to Cagnes-sur-Mer, where you will visit the idyllic Musée Renoir. Nestled in an olive grove is the former home of the famous Impressionist Pierre-Auguste Renoir, who spent his last years here. The light-filled rooms, original furniture, and numerous paintings and sculptures provide a very personal impression of the life and work of the artist. Afterwards, you will continue to Nice, where you will discover the works of significant avant-garde artists of the city at the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MAMAC). Names like Yves Klein, Ben, and Arman exemplify the innovative art scene of the Côte d’Azur in the 20th century. The museum itself impresses with its modern, futuristic architecture. From the rooftop terrace, you will enjoy a magnificent panoramic view over the rooftops of Nice, the surrounding hills, and the azure Mediterranean Sea. The cultural conclusion of the day will be a visit to the Chagall Museum. The impressive collection is primarily dedicated to the color-intensive works inspired by biblical themes of Marc Chagall and is considered one of the most significant of its kind worldwide. Back in Cannes, you will have dinner at the hotel.

Day 8 | Au revoir Côte d’Azur (approx. 600 km)

With beautiful impressions, you will leave the Côte d’Azur and head back home. Along the way, you will have an overnight stay in Beaune. Check-in and dinner at the hotel.

Day 9 | Beaune – Return Journey (approx. 500 km)

After getting to know the city better during a guided tour, you will begin your journey home at noon. Goodbye in France!

• Travel by modern coach with 5-star comfort and leg rests
• 1x overnight stay including half board at the 3-star Le Nouvel Hôtel in
  Portes-lès-Valence (local category)
• 2x overnight stays including half board at the 4-star Hôtel Mercure Marseille Centre Vieux Port in Marseille (local category)
• 4x overnight stays including half board at the 4-star Hôtel Eden Cannes in Cannes (local category)
• 1x overnight stay including half board at the 4-star Hôtel Mercure Beaune Centre in Beaune (local category)
• Half-day guided tour on the excursion
  "Avignon"
• Full-day guided tour on the excursion
  "Marseille – Art from Different
  Epochs"
• Full-day guided tour on the excursion
  "In the Footsteps of Exiles and
  World-renowned Artists"
• Full-day guided tour on the excursion
  "Picasso and Léger"
• Full-day guided tour on the excursion
  "Modern Art, Rosary Chapel and Fragonard Museum"
• Full-day guided tour on the excursion
  "Renoir and Chagall"
• City tour in Beaune
• Local tax
• 1 complimentary drink per travel day (excluding day 3)
• Audio devices for the entire duration of the trip
• Continuous BOHR travel accompaniment

• Admission to the Papal Palace (with Histopad) and the St. Bénezet Bridge (with Audioguide)
• Cantini Museum in Marseille – Permanent Exhibition
• MuCEM in Marseille (Permanent and
  Special Exhibitions)
• Musée de l'Annonciade (approx. 1 hour)
• Picasso Museum in Antibes (Permanent and
  Special Exhibition)
• Fernand Léger Museum in Biot - outside of special exhibitions
• Free visit to the glassblowing workshop in Biot
• Fondation Maeght in Saint-Paul-de-Vence
• Rosary Chapel in Vence
• Fragonard Museum in Grasse
• Renoir Museum in Cagnes-sur-Mer
• Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Nice
• Chagall Museum (Permanent Exhibition) in
  Nice

April 24 – April 25, 2027: Portes-lès-Valence

3-Star Le Nouvel Hôtel

https://www.nouvelhotel.fr/

April 25 – April 27, 2027: Marseille

4-Star Hôtel Mercure Marseille Centre

Vieux Port

https://all.accor.com

April 27 – May 1, 2027: Cannes

4-Star Hôtel Eden Cannes

https://eden-hotel-cannes.com/

May 1 – May 2, 2027: Beaune

4-Star Hôtel Mercure Beaune Centre

https://all.accor.com