Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
The French Riviera ,Provence
100% customisable for you
Your French Riviera road trip itinerary begins today as you drive to Folkestone for the Eurotunnel Le Shuttle service to take your car under the Channel to Calais in just 35 minutes. We recommend upgrading to FlexiPlus tickets to benefit from a dedicated check-in, access to the exclusive lounge serving complimentary non-alcoholic drinks and snacks, and priority boarding on the next available shuttle so you don't have to worry about catching a specific train. You can always use this French road trip as one part of an epic road trip itinerary that starts in the UK. Once in France it would be a mammoth drive of around 10 hours from start to finish to reach the French Riviera so we recommend spending a night in Troyes, which is around four hours from Calais, to break up your trip.
This morning on your French Riviera road trip, your day begins in the city's Old Port - the vibrant heart of the city. You'll be heading out with an expert guide to visit the local markets, starting with the traditional fish market. Here you'll choose from the catch of the day - depending on the menu you have chosen for lunch (and of course what's been caught). Continue your stroll through the city, wandering through the markets, choosing fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as fragrant spices, dates and Turkish delight. With all of your ingredients gathered it's time to cook! Under the watchful eye of your expert teacher, spend the next few hours cooking up a storm in this small cookery class. You'll be rewarded for your efforts by lunch, of your own making, which will be served on the sunny terrace. Full up on delicious food, you'll probably want to take it easy this afternoon, but be sure to wander down to the sea, to watch the sun sink in the sky, painting the horizon as it falls.
This evening you will be taking to the waves for an evening at sea. Your skipper will handle the boat, so you can sit back and enjoy a local aperitif, accompanied by some local Provencal produce, for a magical end to the day.
After a leisurely breakfast, it's time to jump in your car and head south west, for a 40-minute drive through the gorgeous Calanques National Park to reach the charming little village of Cassis. Tucked away at the bottom of Anse de la Grande Mer, just between Pointe des Lombards and Cap Cable, Cassis oozes easy charm. Its sun-drenched streets are a world away from the buzz of Marseille, making it the perfect base for the next two days of your French Riviera road trip.
You'll be staying in a stylish mansion with Art Deco elements and an inviting swimming pool. Framed by the sea to one side and pine forest to the other, enjoy stunning views of the Cap Canaille - which is one of Europe's tallest cliffs. It's the perfect place to relax and unwind, so you can enjoy the peace and quiet of the area. You'll have plenty of opportunities for relaxing today, as you have the rest of the day to yourself.
After a delicious breakfast, it's time to pack up your bags and hop in the car, heading east to Ramatuelle. The drive takes just under two hours and will take you along the beautiful coastline of the Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur region. Overlooking the chic streets of Saint-Tropez and Pampelonne Bay, the medieval village of Ramatuelle has managed to preserve its authentic charm, creating a welcome alternative to the glitz of its well-known neighbour, Saint-Tropez.
Framed by hills and vineyards, this walled village will be your home for the next two days. You'll be staying on Pampelonne beach for a quiet slice of the French Riviera's chic Mediterranean way of life. After settling into your hotel, enjoy a slow afternoon by the pool or play a game of tennis, before a relaxing evening appreciating the sunset.
Today on your French Riviera road trip, you have the day to yourself, to enjoy and explore Ramatuelle and its surroundings. You'll want to make sure you have room for some delicious food because today you have a reservation at Club 55. This legendary restaurant on Pampelonne beach is a short walk from your hotel, so you can enjoy the delights of this bohemian, family-owned restaurant, without having to travel. Enjoy a long, lazy lunch of grilled artichokes, fresh fish and chilled rose, with a healthy dash of people watching. Alternatively, spend today on the island of Porquerolles, discovering the Fondation Carmignac. Home to an impressive collection of contemporary art, the garden is dotted with sculptures, and you can enjoy the temporary exhibitions on display.
Today it's time to bid farewell to Ramatuelle and travel east along the coast, towards Saint-Raphael. It's takes around an hour to reach this charming seaside village, which is close to the town of Frejus. You'll be staying here for two nights, in a hotel that overlooks the Bay of Ile d'Or. Staying slightly outside of the town means you can enjoy the peaceful beauty of the area, as well as the slopes of the Massif de l'Esterel and the hotel's private beach. You have two days to spend as you wish, exploring the winding streets of Saint-Raphael and it's numerous beaches, as well as travelling further afield, exploring the stunning coastline of the French Riviera.
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
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Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges
