St Tropez, Nice & Monte Carlo

We journey from London to Lille by Eurostar and continue by TGV to St Raphaël, our base for the next seven nights.

Today is free for you to relax in our traditional Côte d’Azur resort. Situated between Cannes and St Tropez, St Raphaël has many highlights including the Basilica of Notre Dame de la Victoire, the picturesque old port and its bustling marina, pretty belle époque buildings which line the seafront, and a stunning coastline with sheltered bays and fine sandy beaches.

Our coach excursion today takes us to the village of St Paul de Vence. The winding streets exude beauty, with vine-covered stone walls and elegant fountains and statues. Due to its hilltop location, you can also catch breathtaking views of the mountains and sea. From here we travel to Nice, which is celebrated for its Promenade de Anglais – it’s the perfect place for a leisurely stroll, gazing out across the Mediterranean and enjoying a crepe from one of the stalls. The old town is filled with historical monuments including the Palace de Justice – a grand 19th-century mansion, and the domed cathedral of Sainte-Reparate.  We return to the hotel by coach for our evening meal.

Take the opportunity to venture into the surrounding hills and explore one of the quaint towns – Frejus is only a short walk away and is home to many Roman sites.

This morning we take the train from St Raphael Valescure Station to Monte Carlo, a playground for the rich and famous and home to the renowned grand prix circuit and exquisite harbour. Admire the casino, walk around the gardens, or for a small cost, you can take a circular bus tour.

Today is free for you to relax and explore at leisure. The local market in St Raphaël is worth a visit; here you’ll have the chance to pick up some local produce.

The destination for jet-setters all over the world, St Tropez has a glamorous reputation yet it still maintains the charm of a small fishing village. Our excursion takes us by boat, taking in the coastal scenery along the way. Spend some time around Vieux Port and admire the luxury yachts; explore La Ponche, the oldest and most attractive part of town; take a walk to the 16th-century citadel and enjoy fantastic views; watch games of pétanque beneath the plane trees in Place des Lices; stroll from beach to beach along the coastal path – there’s plenty to enjoy.

We depart on the late-morning train to Lille, where our Eurostar connection returns us to London.