Each bend in the road unveils a stunning photo opportunity: breathtaking coastal highways, serene mountain paths, vibrant lavender fields, and glamorous yacht harbors. Embark on this exclusive journey to experience the French Riviera and Provence at their most captivating, with minimal traffic and an abundance of cultural gems. Don’t miss out on the ultimate blend of scenic beauty and cultural richness!
We warmly welcome you at Marseille’s airport in the morning and whisk you away for an in-depth city tour from the comfort of our executive coach: Discover the historic old port, wander through the charming old town, and marvel at the majestic Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde. In the late afternoon, we transport you to the heart of Provence to your romantic hideaway, the Moulin de Vernegues. This beautifully converted mill, surrounded by majestic plane trees, is the perfect sanctuary for relaxation and comfort. Get to know your fellow travelers and guides at a welcome dinner for this evening.
Today, you’ll experience the essence of Provence from behind the wheel of a spectacular Mercedes-Benz SL classic car. Our picturesque route winds through the idyllic Alpilles, past the Abbey of Saint-Michel de Frigolet, and along the Rhône to Avignon. Explore the “City of the Popes” on a guided tour before we continue to the High Provence, where you can admire blooming lavender fields and the charming village of Gordes. The day concludes with an exclusive tour and wine tasting at the Château La Coste winery, followed by a delightful dinner amidst the scenic vineyards.
For the second day at the helm of your Mercedes-Benz SL classic, you’ll traverse the captivating marshlands of the Camargue, home to flamingos, wild horses, and bulls. Our journey begins in Arles, where you’ll have time to explore the old town and its impressive amphitheater. The Camargue nature reserve, nestled between the two arms of the Rhône, provides a striking contrast to the Provençal landscapes you’ve seen so far.
The highlight of the last day’s driving are the extensive lavender fields southwest of Gordes. After time to really smell the flowers, you will cross the river Durance, once known and feared as one of the three hostages of Provence (the other two were the Mistral and the parliament in Aix-en-Provence) and follow the Castle Road of the Luberon Lourmarin.At lunchtime we will stop at Auberge de Vieux Village, where you can enjoy the best aged beef fillets in Provence.
After checking out, we transport you to Grasse; the perfume capital of the world. Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of fragrances with a visit to one of the leading perfume manufacturers. Learn about the intricate art of perfume making and refine your own sense of smell. In the evening, we arrive in Nice, the vibrant capital of the Côte d’Azur. Stroll through the picturesque old town alleys and savor a traditional fish soup, soaking in the charm of this lively city. You’ll look back at the Mercedes-Benz driving days over a group dinner at your hotel, in preparations for your time in Monaco to come.
Today, the glamorous Monaco awaits. Visit the opulent Monte Carlo Casino, a symbol of wealth and elegance, and witness the changing of the guard at the Prince’s Palace. Another highlight is the Oceanographic Museum, which will captivate you with its impressive collection of marine life. On our return, we detour to the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, a stunning holiday villa with sprawling gardens, offering a glimpse into the luxurious lifestyle of the Rothschild family. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Mediterranean before we head back to Nice.
After an unforgettable week in Provence, we will take you to the airport for your journey home. We hope to welcome you back soon!
Arles
In 46 BC, Gaius Julius Caesar established a Roman military colony along the Rhône, replacing an ancient Celtic settlement. Arles grew into a thriving trade hub, rivaling the nearby Massilia (Marseille). The city was strategically positioned at the intersection of the Via Aurelia, connecting Rome to Gaul, and the Via Agrippa, which extended north to Lyon and Trier. By 402 AD, the Western Roman Empire’s main administration had relocated from Trier to Arles, solidifying its importance. Today, visitors can explore numerous Roman relics, including the iconic amphitheater still used for bullfighting, the granite obelisk at Place de la République, the necropolis of Les Alyscamps, remnants of the Roman forum, and an ancient theater dating back to Emperor Augustus.
Avignon
Famed as the “City of Popes,” Avignon is a jewel of Provence. The city boasts the impressive Gothic Papal Palace, a bishop’s complex, a fully intact city wall with defensive towers, and grand houses in the old town. Birthplace of the famous chanson singer Mireille Mathieu, Avignon also hosts an annual festival since 1947, drawing international visitors.
Camargue
The Camargue is a vast, agriculturally rich wetland, about half the size of Saarland, situated between the Rhône’s two arms. Protected as a natural reserve, this area is renowned for its white Camargue horses, among the last wild horse breeds. These horses are uniquely adapted to graze underwater by holding their breath briefly, a skill suited to the marshy landscape. The region’s cowboy-like atmosphere is enhanced by the “guardians” who ride these horses to manage the local cattle.
Côte d’Azur
The Côte d’Azur, France’s most beloved coastal region, is famous for attracting the rich and famous. Beyond the glamorous cities of Monaco, Nice, and Cannes, the area is dotted with medieval villages, scenic coastal roads, and tranquil inland areas. Its Mediterranean cuisine is a highlight, featuring fresh seafood and local produce.
Monaco
Monaco, at just 1.97 square kilometers, is the world’s second smallest country after Vatican City. Known for its status as a tax haven, Monaco is home to around 30,000 wealthy residents and top athletes. The city-state is renowned for the Monte Carlo Casino, the annual Formula 1 Grand Prix, and its royal family. Monaco’s economy was once reliant on casino revenues, but today tourism and conferences are key. Grace Kelly, the American actress dubbed “the most beautiful woman in the world,” met Prince Rainier III at the Cannes Film Festival in 1955 and married him in 1956 in what was called “the wedding of the century.” Her tragic death in 1982 marked a poignant moment in Monaco’s history.
Nice
Nice, with nearly 400,000 inhabitants, is the largest city in the region. Founded by the Greeks in 500 BC and later settled by the Romans, it features remnants such as a Roman amphitheater. Nice officially became part of France in 1860 and has since developed into a major tourist and economic hub in Southern Europe. The city retains an old port and a bustling old town with narrow, lively streets.
Grasse
Grasse, the world’s perfume capital, is about 20 km inland from the Côte d’Azur and hosts around 30 perfume factories. The city gained fame from the film adaptation of Patrick Süskind’s novel “Perfume.” Perfume production in Grasse dates back to the Middle Ages, and by the 17th century, perfumers specialized in extracting essences from flowers, especially orange blossoms and jasmine. Although most flowers are now imported, Grasse still exudes historical charm. The iconic “Chanel No. 5,” created in the 1920s in Grasse, remains a symbol of the city’s enduring legacy.
The Mediterranean cuisine
In Grasse, the air is filled with delightful scents, not just from perfumes. Local delicacies like “Le Fougassette,” a delicious orange-flavored yeast cake, are a must-try. Provençal cuisine is simple yet flavorful, emphasizing regional ingredients such as aromatic herbs, tomatoes, bell peppers, eggplants, garlic, and olive oil. Signature dishes include Bouillabaisse with spicy garlic mayonnaise, Fish Soup, Daube Provençale (a beef stew), and Aioli. For those with a sweet tooth, treats like white nougat from Montélimar, candied fruits from Apt, and Calisson d’Aix, a confection made from almonds, candied melon, and oranges, are highly recommended.
Discover what our guests say about this tour. Real experiences from drivers and travelers who have explored Europe’s most beautiful roads with us.
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