Morning at Canal du Midi in Toulouse, France

Breathtaking South of France Tour

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Customizable Itinerary

This is a sample itinerary to inspire a personalized trip designed with your travel specialist

Countries Visited

France

Places Visited

Toulouse, Soréze, Carcassonne, Perpignan...

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Suggested Duration

12 Days

Follow in the footsteps of van Gogh, Dali, Cezanne, and Toulouse-Lautrec, and celebrate the splendor of the finest attractions of France on your 12-day South of France tour. Explore the banks of tranquil waterways, both natural and manmade. Immerse yourself in the scenery and indulge in the flavors of the different cities, each offering a new twist on the French culture you thought you knew. Experience how the wealth of history has shaped and enriched the South of France, from the rolling mountaintops...

Customizable Itinerary

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Trip Highlights

  • Traverse the royal waterway of the Canal du Midi on an enchanting river cruise along a portion of the Languedoc region
  • Visit the quiet historic hospital of Saint-Remy-de-Provence where Vincent van Gogh produced momentous works that are still celebrated today
  • Travel to the Spanish town of Figueres to visit the otherworldly Teatre-Museu Dali, home to many works of the famous surrealist painter Salvador Dali
  • Explore the enchanting medieval town of Albi to witness the exceptional Palace de la Berbie, home to the Musée Toulouse-Lautrec
  • Stroll along the seaside walkways in the storybook village of Collioure, where pastel-colored homes and vibrant Mediterranean waters inspire artists
  • Discover the storybook walls of Carcassonne, home to the longest city ramparts in Europe
  • See the exquisitely preserved Roman aqueduct of the Pont du Gard and the fabulous Roman ruins of Arles
  • Embark on the finest South of France tours, and relish the enchanting cobblestone streets in medieval villages across Provence

Detailed Description

The majesty of the South of France evokes the beauty of paintings. Roman monuments decorate the landscape and cross riverbanks. Villages shine red against the clear blue country sky. Cobblestone streets offer marvelous views of pastel colored houses and medieval palaces. The South of France has inspired artists for centuries, each trying to capture the natural beauty and ineffable charm. Your custom tailored South of France tour captures the essence of Languedoc, the Pyrenees, and Provence, allowing you to engage in ancient history, exceptional artistry, and immersive culture.

Your tour begins with your arrival in Toulouse, a city shimmering with pink stone. Your private transfer greets you at the airport upon your arrival and escorts you to the historic village of Soréze, situated at the base of an immaculate medieval abbey. The following morning, your guide leads you on a fabulous tour of Albi, home of Toulouse-Lautrec. Visit the Palais de la Berbie to see the collection of Lautrec’s most memorable works. Then, travel to Carcassonne and step into a storybook-like setting. The ramparts evoke a fantastical image set atop the rugged hillside. Visit the 11th-century Abbaye de Fonfroide en route to your hotel in Perpignan.

You cross the Pyrenees into Spain to see the border town of Figueres, birthplace of Salvador Dali. The Teatre-Museu Dali displays the marvelous works of the surrealist artist inside a structure evoking a similar surreal ambiance. Travel to Collioure to capture the image of a seaside town that inspired the likes of Matisse and Picasso. Next, cruise the Canal du Midi and enjoy the tranquil waterway surrounded by lush trees and stone cottages before settling in the Provencal town of Avignon. The next day, your guide takes you on a journey to Pont du Gard, a 1st-century Roman aqueduct.

Continue your tour in Nimes, a city with a preserved medieval center. You next discover the exceptional ruins of the Roman Gaul city of Arles. Travel to the gorgeous hilltop village of Les-Baux-de-Provence before exploring the picturesque village of St-Remy-de-Provence. The town is home to St. Paul de Mausole, the monastery where van Gogh once resided. The following day takes you to the fabulous hilltop villages of Roussillon and Gordes, both known for their remarkable colorful buildings and exceptional locations. Then, your guide leads you on a half-day tour of Aix-en-Provence where you can indulge in the enchanting atmosphere of the city. On your final day, your private transfer escorts you to the airport in Marseille for your flight home.

Starting Price

$5,400 per person (excluding international flights)

Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.

What's Included

  • Accommodations
  • In-country transportation
  • Some or all activities and tours
  • Expert trip planning
  • 24x7 support during your trip

Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.

Reviews of Zicasso's Referral Service

4.85 stars based on 1137 reviews.

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