Compare Walks & Gardens of the French Riviera by Exodus Travels vs Dordogne Biking Private by Butterfield & Robinson
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 8 days | 6 days |
| Price From | $ 2,235 | $ 6,995 |
| Price Per Day | $ 279 | $ 1,166 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Private guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Luxury |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions | N/A | N/A |
| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
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| Meals Included | Seven breakfasts are included. There is a nearby supermarket and boulangerie to buy packed lunches and Menton is brimming with restaurant choices for your evening meal. There is plenty of choice for all budgets and tastes, including traditional French cuisine, fresh seafood and excellent Italian restaurants (influenced by the town's proximity to the Italian border). | N/A |
| Description |
On the Franco-Italian border, by the warm Mediterranean sea, Menton is a delight for any visitor. It is easy to see how the city earned its nickname 'the Pearl of France', combining gardens, seaport, beach resort and a hiker’s paradise into one. With the Alpine chain dropping into the sea at the France-Italy border, it is also an ideal location for a guided walking holiday. Many of the trails start directly from the town and gain altitude in a short distance, offering some of the finest views of the French Riviera.Enjoy coastal walking on the Cote d’Azur |
Exploring 20,000 Years of Culture It is the France that many imagine but that few truly experience. B&R has crafted a trip that goes to the very heart of French life, where culture and history mingle with exceptional food and outstanding local vintages, and the entire experience is set against a backdrop of breathtaking beauty. We follow the Dordogne upstream, taking in the medieval castles, vineyards and prehistoric sculptures along the way. The gentle landscape reveals its share of stunning vistas and the sheer, simple beauty of everyday life as it ambles along in this most remarkable of regions. |
Day 1 Start Menton
Our start point is a comfortable three-star hotel in Menton. Situated just a short stroll from the railway station, beach and shops, it is ideally located for a week of walking. In the evening, our guide will hold a welcome meeting to discuss the week ahead, give advice on the local area and answer any questions.
Day 2 Walk to and around Cap Martin Peninsula, through Menton and Carnolès
Starting from the hotel, we stop at the market where we discover local food ingredients, then take the train or public bus to Carnolès. In the grounds of the Palais Carnolès and Musée des Beaux-Arts, we find a renowned collection of citrus trees. After time exploring the gardens, we start our walk around the beautiful Cap Martin Peninsula where we stop for a picnic lunch. After lunch, we visit the Cap Martin olive groves then walk or take the bus back to Menton.
Day 3 Discover Eze; visit the Exotic Garden. Walk down the Nietzche path to join Eze Plage
We begin our day with a 20-minute train journey to Eze Plage, and carry on by bus to Eze, a medieval village established in the 14th century with magnificent coastal views. From here, we can walk up to the Mont Bastide castle ruins to admire amazing views before we visit the Exotic Garden, which is built 1,407ft (429m) above sea level on the site of an ancient fortress in Eze village. It overlooks the Provençal hill village providing home for cacti, succulents, xerophytes and various Mediterranean species. After free time in the village, we walk down the Nietzsche path to join Eze Plage, before taking the train back to Menton.
Day 4 Train or bus to Carnolès; walk to Roquebrune. Take the ferry shuttle to cross Monaco harbour; discover Monaco old town
Today we take a train or bus to Carnolès, followed by a walk to Roquebrune where we enjoy stunning views over Monaco. Then we walk down to Monaco where we take the ferry shuttle to cross Monaco harbour. We discover the old town with tiny streets and beautiful buildings and the casino, before returning by train to Menton.
Day 5 Free day to explore Menton old town, take a trip to the chic principality of Monaco or visit one of the many exotic gardens in the area
On your free day, you could choose to explore Menton old town. During the 19th century, the British and Russian aristocracy met here in fabulous palaces and villas. The architecture is stunning with the unique baroque style of the Saint-Michel and Conception squares plus the Saint-Michel Basilica façade. Alternatively, you could visit one or more of the eight gardens in Menton or head further afield to Nice by train or bus and visit its renowned market and the Promenade des Anglais. Monaco also has much to offer despite its diminutive size, and is renowned for the luxurious lifestyle afforded to its residents.
Day 6 Train to Villefranche bay; walk to Cap Ferrat and to Saint Hospice peninsula
This morning, we take the train to Villefranche from where we walk to the Gavinette point to admire the spectacular view of Villefranche bay. We continue our walk to Cap Ferrat where we can marvel at the beauty of Villa de Rothschild and its gardens.
Day 7 Visit to Serre de la Madone garden showcasing rare subtropical plants, followed by a visit to Sainte Agnes
In the morning we take the public bus to the Serre de la Madone garden for a visit. Created by Sir Lawrence Johnston, it was turned from terraces of vines and olives into a garden bright with drifts of agapanthus and strelitzia. After our visit, a private bus will collect and take us to the village of Sainte Agnès. High above Menton town, it is registered as “one of the most beautiful French villages”. It hides picturesque streets and artist studios and, at 2,625ft (800m) above sea level, offers a breath-taking view over the blue Mediterranean Sea. We then take the bus or walk back to the hotel.
Day 8 End Menton
After a relaxed breakfast, we say our goodbyes and begin our return journey home. If you’d like to explore a little more, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.
Day 1
Ride through beautiful farmland offering magnificent views of the surrounding region. Enjoy lunch in the tranquility of a riverside mill and stop at a local foie gras production farm for a visit and tasting.
Day 2
Visit Sarlat, the most untouched town of Dordogne. Explore the town with B&R long-time friend Alistair before riding home through oak forests
Day 3
Head deep into the Périgord Noir en route to Rouffignac where you'll visit a prehistoric cave covered in stone carvings and drawings. Enjoy a fresh farmhouse lunch and ride home through small villages along the Vézère River. Tonight, enjoy a Michelin-starred meal in the elegant dining room of the Vieux Logis.
Day 4
Today we travel from prehistoric times to the Hundred Years’ War as we delve into the valley of the Five Châteaux. Trace the Dordogne to the perched town of La Roque Gagéac. After a delicious lunch, begin en route to the town of Souillac, entering the Lot region, known for its wild, arid landscape.
Day 5
Visit a stunning and important Christian pilgrimage site built on the side of a limestone cliff in the 12th century.This afternoon relax by the pool, sip an apéritif in the expansive French garden or embark on a gently canoe trip down the river towards our hotel.
Day 6
After an early breakfast you’ll drive to either Souillac train station or the Brive – Souillac airport in time for all departures. Bon voyage!
