Spotlight on the French Riviera featuring Nice's Carnival and Menton Lemon Festival
Spotlight on the French Riviera featuring Nice's Carnival and Menton Lemon Festival
9 Days Starting and ending in Nice, France
Visiting: Nice, Menton, Monaco
Tour operator:
Tour code:
17004
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
5-99
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the French Riviera, spotlighting the vibrant Nice Carnival and the enchanting Menton Lemon Festival. Begin your adventure in the luxurious city of Nice, where you'll explore its colorful flower market and savor Mediterranean cuisine in Vieux Nice. Discover the secrets of perfume making in Éze and marvel at the citrus sculptures in Menton. Experience the opulence of Monaco, with options to tour the Prince's Palace or enjoy a scenic train ride. Wander through the medieval streets of St. Paul de Vence, a haven for artists. With opportunities to indulge in local delicacies and partake in lively parades, this tour offers a perfect blend of culture, cuisine, and celebration along the sun-kissed Côte d'Azur.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Overnight Flight
Location: Nice
Accommodation Name: Hotel Radisson Blu
It’s time to live the good life and embark on a getaway to the fabulous French Riviera, or Côte d'Azur. Its elegant coastal resorts, superb eateries, chic boutiques, and captivating museums make it the ultimate sunny retreat for the elite. Unpack your bags just once and stay at a single hotel for your entire adventure, which begins with an overnight flight to France.
Day 2 : Nice (French Riviera), France
Location: Nice
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Your tour commences in the stunning city of Nice, a coastal pearl of the Mediterranean known for its legendary opulence and balmy beaches. As arrival times will vary, there is no scheduled sightseeing today. Spend the day as you wish, exploring the city independently. With an average of 300 sunny days per year, Nice is a seaside paradise. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner in Vieux Nice featuring Mediterranean-inspired French cuisine.
Day 3 : Nice
Location: Nice
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Get around like a local by navigating the tram this morning. Get familiar with the tramway routes to use to your advantage in your free time later. With a local expert, discover Nice by meandering through the city’s famed and colorful flower market. Then, delve into the Old Town, sampling local delicacies while on a tasting tour. This afternoon, experience French Carnival traditions by attending the Flower Parade.* While the carnival’s theme changes every year, this event regularly features over 100,000 flowers, 80% of which are locally grown.
Day 4 : Nice - Menton - Nice
Location: Menton
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Journey to Menton, the warmest and most Italianate town on the French Riviera. Famous for the colorful Menton Lemon Festival, you’ll marvel at the impressive citrus sculptures and colorful parades.* Take in the festivities before returning to Nice later this afternoon.
Day 5 : Nice - Monaco - Nice
Location: Monaco
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Travel along the spectacular Corniche coastal road to the principality of Monaco. On a walking tour, view the changing of the guards and visit the Cathedral of Monaco, the permanent resting place of Prince Rainier III and Princess Grace. Then it’s your choice! Visit the Prince’s Palace of Monaco to tour this grand residence -OR- hop on a “little train” tour,** taking in Monaco’s history and sights, including views of Monte Carlo Casino.
Day 6 : Nice - Éze - Nice
Location: Nice
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Today, learn the secrets of perfume making during a hands-on workshop and tour of the Fragonard perfumery, where fragrant formulations have been prepared since 1782. Spend time soaking up the atmosphere of a Provençal hill town: the medieval village of Éze. Explore the village’s timeless charm and the Exotic Garden of Éze before returning to Nice. This evening attend one of the world's oldest and most famous carnivals. Dating back to the Middle Ages, the Nice Carnival is a party not to be missed. Mingle with locals and travelers alike as you take in the many sights and sounds of the Parade of Lights.
Day 7 : Nice - Optional Excursion To Italy
Location: Nice
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Lunch
The day is yours! Enjoy your free time relaxing and taking in the laid-back atmosphere along the Riviera. Perhaps you’ll join an optional excursion that takes you to discover Dolceacqua, a gem of the Italian Riviera nestled in the mountains, before savoring the local cuisine during an included lunch.
Day 8 : Nice - St. Paul De Vence - Nice
Location: Nice
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
This morning, venture to historic St. Paul de Vence, situated atop a hill overlooking the beautiful countryside of Provence. Explore this walled medieval village, soaking in its distinctive light said to have inspired Matisse, Braque, Chagall, and other artists. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner celebrating the end of an unforgettable trip.
Day 9 : Nice - Tour Ends
Location: Nice
Depart for home with many wonderful memories of your journey through the Cote d'Azur.
What's Included
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Tour of Nice
Tour Nice, the sunny playground of the rich and famous.
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Visit to St. Paul de Vence
Discover the hilltop town of St. Paul de Vence with beautiful vistas.
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Monaco Exploration
Explore Monaco and see its iconic sites.
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Carnival Experience
Explore one of the world's oldest and most famous carnivals.
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Perfume Workshop
Learn the secrets of perfume making during a hands-on workshop.
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Interactive Food Tour
Discover Nice with a local foodie on an interactive city tour.
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Menton Lemon Festival
Marvel at the impressive citrus sculptures and colorful parades at the Menton Lemon Festival.
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Visit to Eze
Explore the medieval village of Eze and the Exotic Garden of Eze.
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Monaco Walking Tour
View the changing of the guards and visit the Cathedral of Monaco.
What's Not Included
Optional Excursion to ItalyThe optional excursion to Dolceacqua, Italy, is not included in the main tour package.
Experiences
- Explore one of the world's oldest and most famous carnivals.
- Learn the secrets of perfume making during a hands-on workshop.
Options
Nice: A Picture of Italy Immerse yourself in the enchanting village of Dolceacqua, a gem of the Italian Riviera nestled in the mountains. This day trip just across the border into Italy combines fascinating history and culinary delights. Dolceacqua is famous for its medieval architecture and the iconic stone bridge famously painted by Claude Monet, the Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge). Explore the ruins of Doria Castle, which dates to the 11th century, as a local guide shares stories of its intriguing history and significance to the region. The village is also renowned for Rossese di Dolceacqua wine production. Enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and vineyards on the way to savoring a delightful light lunch. Duration approximately 7 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 12 passenger(s) is required to operate this option.
Culinaries
- Savor the Riviera’s Mediterranean cuisine during dinner in Vieux Nice.
- Discover Nice with a local foodie on an interactive city tour.
Must See
- Tour Nice, the sunny playground of the rich and famous.
- Discover the hilltop town of St. Paul de Vence with beautiful vistas.
- Explore Monaco and see its iconic sites.
Choice Highlights
Nice Flower Market In the heart of Vieux Nice (Old Town), amongst old-world boutiques and petite cafés, you will find the vibrant Nice Flower Market. This bustling market is located on Cours Saleya, the famous promenade in the old city. This favorite daily (except on Monday) stopover for locals and tourists alike features much more than flowers. Vendors tout an array of produce, flowers, and various other delicacies. It is a feast for the senses. Take in the fragrant aroma of fresh-cut flowers, sample seasonal fruits and fresh-baked breads, be dazzled by the bountiful colorful displays, sip and savor a hot cappuccino, take a moment to pause and chat with the locals, or simply listen to the romantic sounds of the French language being spoken all around you.
Food Tour & Tasting
Menton Lemon Festival
Monaco At 370 acres or three-quarters of a square mile, the Principality of Monaco is the world's second smallest sovereign state. It sits in a scenic cliff-side location on the Mediterranean completely surrounded by French territory. This fairy tale of a country is headed by the Prince Sovereign, currently, Albert II, son of Rainier III and American actress Grace Kelly. Highlights of a visit include the Oceanographic Museum and the Prince's Palace as well as the Cathedral, the final resting place of the Principality's monarchs.
Eze Venture into the hilltop village of Eze, situated in the Alpes-Maritimes. Take in the medieval cobblestone streets and admire the stunning view, which overlooks the bright blue waters of the French Riviera down below.
Fragonard Perfumerie Workshop Learn the secrets of perfume making and hone your skills with a hands-on workshop and tour of the Fragonard Perfumerie. Since 1782, this perfumery has been preparing noteworthy creations that capture your senses.
Nice Carnival Parades
Saint Paul de Vence One of the most famous villages on the Nice hinterland, this heavily restored 16th-century village became a magnet for both aspiring and established artists during the 20th century. It was home to French actors Yves Montand and Simone Signoret and a favorite haunt for Hollywood celebrities. Today, galleries and studios dominate the village's narrow cobblestone streets and alleyways.
Mode of Transport
Navigate the French Riviera with ease, utilizing local trams in Nice and traveling along the scenic Corniche coastal road to Monaco. Optional excursions include transportation to the Italian Riviera.
Accommodation
Stay at the Hotel Radisson Blu in Nice, where you can unpack your bags just once and enjoy the comfort of a single hotel for your entire adventure on the French Riviera.
Check out our Q&As
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What can I expect during the Nice Carnival?
During the Nice Carnival, you can expect to experience one of the world's oldest and most famous carnivals. The event features a Flower Parade with over 100,000 flowers, 80% of which are locally grown. The carnival's theme changes every year, and it includes the Parade of Lights, where you can mingle with locals and travelers alike.
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What activities are included in the visit to Monaco?
In Monaco, you will travel along the Corniche coastal road and participate in a walking tour to view the changing of the guards and visit the Cathedral of Monaco, the resting place of Prince Rainier III and Princess Grace. You have the option to visit the Prince's Palace of Monaco or take a 'little train' tour to see Monaco's history and sights, including views of the Monte Carlo Casino.
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What is special about the Menton Lemon Festival?
The Menton Lemon Festival is famous for its impressive citrus sculptures and colorful parades. It takes place in Menton, the warmest and most Italianate town on the French Riviera.
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What will I learn at the Fragonard perfumery workshop?
At the Fragonard perfumery workshop, you will learn the secrets of perfume making during a hands-on workshop and tour. The perfumery has been preparing fragrant formulations since 1782.
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What can I do during the optional excursion to Italy?
During the optional excursion to Italy, you can discover Dolceacqua, a gem of the Italian Riviera. The excursion includes exploring medieval architecture, the iconic stone bridge painted by Claude Monet, and the ruins of Doria Castle. You will also enjoy a delightful light lunch and learn about the local wine production.
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Can I pre-purchase optional excursions/activities?
Yes, the majority of optional excursions and activities are available for advance purchase for applicable tours provided that you make your options purchase prior to 15 days of the tour departure. Collette makes it convenient to reserve presold options by visiting our website for a full listing of activities and excursions or when your reservation is made with our reservations staff. In addition, there are benefits to prepurchasing options including a price guarantee once your tour is paid in full. So, while the cost of an optional activity may change from the time you book your tour, once payment is received in full, your preselected options are guaranteed by Collette at their original price. Although you can still purchase options while on tour, reserving them ahead of time ensures you a spot in the event that the activity sells out. Collette will provide a refund if you cancel a presold option prior to tour departure. Any presold options canceled while on tour are nonrefundable.
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Can my children travel on tour?
Children over the age of 5 may travel on a Collette tour accompanied by an adult. Child land rates are valid for ages 5-12, sharing a room with two full-paying adults. Participation in any products that include Safari or Game Drive components, is limited to travelers aged 13 and up. This will include tours to Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa and India.
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What is the difference between a twin room and double room?
In certain countries, hotel rooms tend to be smaller than U.S. standard accommodations. A double room is designed to accommodate two people, but may not have two separate beds. A twin-bedded room has two separate beds of any size, and is the type most commonly utilized.
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Do you provide VISA processing for all applicable destinations?
Collette does not process VISAs. Every nation has its own specific requirements. Check the embassy or consulate website for the country you are visiting to find the forms and information you need. The process of getting a VISA can take two weeks to two months.
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Do I need a passport?
Government-issued ID is required for all air travel. A valid passport is required for all trips outside the USA. All passengers should check with the appropriate foreign consulate for entry and validity requirements. We recommend that your passport has six months validity, and at least 3 blank pages. Passports and visas are the responsibility of each client. International Borders. Any child under age 16 (traveling without a parent or legal guardian to Canada) must have written permission from a parent or legal guardian. Please be advised that if you have been convicted of an offense, or have committed a criminal act that is an offense under the laws where it occurred and would be an offense in Canada, you may be inadmissible into Canada. You will need to apply for a Minister's Permit of Approval of Rehabilitation at a Canadian Consulate. All other travelers should contact the appropriate consulate for entry requirements in other international destinations. In South Africa, children are required to have a passport as well as additional documentation to travel with you into and out of the country. Please consult the South African Embassy for the current specific requirements related to your travel dates. If travelling internationally with a child under the age of 18, please check directly with the airline for the legal documentation that is required. It is the sole responsibility of the guest to procure the proper documentation to travel and many requirements vary by airline and destination. Collette will not be responsible for costs incurred for missed flights or canceled tours where a guest fails to secure proper documentation.
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Is there a lot of walking on tour?
We pride ourselves on bringing travelers the very best experiences a destination offers. Our itineraries include many activities and may consist of walking on uneven terrain or significant walking at times. Some of the most unique sightseeing can mean accessing locations that restrict motorcoaches, especially in historic areas. Some hotels/lodges in remote locations may not have elevators. For your comfort, we recommend bringing walking shoes.
1 Select your preferred date
Thursday - Friday
Feb 18, 2027 - Feb 26, 2027Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Collette requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of collette charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 40% of booking price.
At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.